Coil fitting (IUD/IUS) (Intrauterine contraception fitting (IUD or IUS))

A short procedure to place a small contraceptive device (a copper coil or a hormonal coil) inside the womb to prevent pregnancy for several years.

✓ Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant · last reviewed September 2026 · next review September 2027 · how we review

In short

A coil is a small device fitted in the womb that prevents pregnancy for several years and is over 99% effective.
There are two types: the copper coil (no hormones) and the hormonal coil such as Mirena (also used for heavy periods).
Fitting is a short, awake procedure that many find uncomfortable and some find painful; you should be offered pain relief and can ask to stop at any time.
It can be removed whenever you choose, with a quick return of fertility; the main risks are pain or fainting at fitting, the coil coming out, and rarely a hole in the womb.

A plain-English summary. The detail — including risks and recovery — is below.

At a glance

TypeMinor procedure (fitting a device in the womb)

AnaestheticUsually none; local anaesthetic is sometimes offered

How long it takesThe fitting itself usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes

Hospital stayOutpatient; you go home the same day

Time off workUsually none, though some people prefer to rest for a few hours

When you'll see resultsContraception starts immediately or within a few days, depending on type and timing

On the NHS?Free on the NHS at GPs and sexual health clinics; also offered privately

A general guide. Your specialist will give you advice for your situation.

Best fit

Very reliable contraception, over 99% effective, that you do not have to think about day to day.

Pause if

If there is any chance you are already pregnant.

Main recovery point

You may feel strong period-type cramps and occasionally faint or sick. Tell the clinician how you feel; they can pause or stop, and let you rest before...

Good aftercare

Clear advice on normal cramping and bleeding, and the warning signs of infection, expulsion or pregnancy.

At fitting

You may feel strong period-type cramps and occasionally faint or sick. Tell the clinician how you feel; they can...

First few hours

Cramping and light bleeding are normal. Many people return to normal activities; some prefer to rest, particularly...

First days to weeks

Spotting or irregular bleeding is common as your body settles, especially with the hormonal coil. Simple...

First few months

Bleeding patterns settle for most people. With the hormonal coil periods often become lighter; with the copper...

Medical line illustration of contraception coil implant for Coil fitting (IUD/IUS). — Illustration only - not a diagnosis, medical advice or a promise of result. Your anatomy and treatment plan may differ. Vuemedics does not publish before-and-after photos.

What is having a coil fitted?

A coil is a small device placed inside the womb to prevent pregnancy. There are two main types: the copper coil (IUD), which has no hormones, and the hormonal coil (IUS), such as Mirena, which slowly releases a small amount of progestogen.

Both are among the most reliable forms of contraception, are over 99% effective, and last several years. The hormonal coil is also used to treat heavy periods. The copper coil can be used as emergency contraception if fitted soon after unprotected sex.

Having a coil fitted is a short procedure, usually done while you are awake by a trained doctor or nurse. It is not surgery and does not need a general anaesthetic, but it can be uncomfortable and, for some people, painful.

A coil should be fitted by someone with the right training. You can have it removed at any time if you change your mind, and your fertility returns quickly afterwards.

Types, options & approaches

There may be different ways to do this. The right approach depends on the clinical question and your circumstances.

Copper coil (IUD)

A small plastic-and-copper device with no hormones. It works for 5 to 10 years depending on the type and can make periods heavier or more painful, especially at first.

Hormonal coil (IUS), e.g. Mirena, Levosert

Releases a small amount of progestogen. Often makes periods much lighter or stops them, and is also used to treat heavy periods. Lasts up to several years depending on the brand and use.

Lower-dose hormonal coils, e.g. Kyleena, Jaydess

Smaller hormonal coils that may suit people who have not had children. They last a slightly shorter time than the standard hormonal coil.

Copper coil as emergency contraception

A copper coil fitted within a set time after unprotected sex is the most effective form of emergency contraception, and then continues as ongoing contraception.

Copper coil vs hormonal coil

	Copper (IUD)	Hormonal (IUS)
Hormones	None	Low-dose progestogen
Effect on periods	Can be heavier	Often lighter or stop
Lasts	5 to 10 years	Several years
Emergency use	Yes	No
Treats heavy periods	No	Yes

Which suits you depends on whether you want to avoid hormones, what you want your periods to do, and your medical history. A clinician can help you choose.

Preparing for your procedure

Discuss with your clinician which type of coil suits you and your periods.
Tell them if there is any chance you are pregnant, and about any infection symptoms or recent unprotected sex.
You may be offered or advised to have a check for infection beforehand.
Ask about pain relief; you can take ibuprofen or paracetamol about an hour beforehand if you can take them.
You can usually eat and drink normally and drive yourself, but some people prefer to arrange a lift in case they feel faint.
Plan to use other contraception, such as condoms, until the coil is working if needed.
Bring a sanitary pad, as light bleeding afterwards is common.
Let the clinician know about any previous difficult smears, fainting, or problems with the cervix.

What happens

The fitting is usually done while you are awake, by a trained doctor or nurse. You lie back with your legs supported, similar to a smear test. The clinician examines you, then gently passes a speculum to see the cervix, which may be cleaned.

The coil is passed through the cervix into the womb using a thin applicator, and the threads are trimmed so a short length sits in the top of the vagina. The fitting itself usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes, though the whole appointment is longer.

You may feel cramping, like strong period pain, during and just after fitting, and some people feel faint or sick. You can ask the clinician to stop at any time. Local anaesthetic is sometimes offered to numb the cervix.

Afterwards you rest for a short time, and the clinician checks you feel well enough to go home. You will be shown how to feel for the threads and told when to check that the coil is in place.

Is this procedure right for me?

A good consultation should explore whether it's the right choice for you now — including reasons to wait or consider something else.

May not be suitable if…

If there is any chance you are already pregnant.
If you have a current untreated pelvic or sexually transmitted infection, until it is treated.
If you have unexplained vaginal bleeding that has not yet been investigated.
If you have certain womb shapes or conditions that make safe fitting difficult, which a clinician will assess.
For the copper coil, if you have a copper allergy or Wilson's disease.

Delay or rearrange if…

You might be pregnant or have recently had unprotected sex (unless a copper coil is wanted for emergency contraception).
You have symptoms of a pelvic or sexually transmitted infection.
You are bleeding heavily and the cause has not been checked.
You have recently given birth or are breastfeeding, when timing affects the small perforation risk and should be discussed.
You feel unwell or have not had time to discuss pain relief and your options.

Alternatives to discuss

Other long-acting methods such as the contraceptive implant or injection.
The combined pill, progestogen-only pill, patch or vaginal ring.
Barrier methods such as condoms, which also protect against infections.
Permanent options such as sterilisation or vasectomy for those who have completed their family.
For heavy periods, medical treatments or other procedures instead of a hormonal coil.

Before you decide

Use this as a shared-decision checklist. The aim is not just “can this be done?”, but whether it is right for you, now, with the risks and alternatives clearly understood.

What matters most to me?

Think about symptoms, daily life, work, caring responsibilities, sport, fertility, travel, appearance and anxiety — the right choice depends on your priorities, not just the medical facts.

What are all my options?

Ask about waiting, monitoring, medicines, rehabilitation, a smaller or larger procedure, a different test, NHS referral, or a second opinion where that would help.

What would make me pause?

Active infection, pregnancy, unstable medical problems, smoking, medicines that increase bleeding, poor support at home, or feeling pressured are all reasons to slow down and get tailored advice.

What happens if I do nothing today?

For some problems, waiting is safe; for others, delay can make treatment harder. A good consultation should explain the trade-off in plain English.

Comfort, sedation or contrast choices

If local anaesthetic, sedation, contrast or pain relief is used, ask what is planned, why, and what it means afterwards.

No anaesthetic

Most coils are fitted with simple painkillers taken beforehand and no injection.

Local anaesthetic

Some clinics offer an injection or gel to numb the cervix, which can help if the cervix is sensitive or hard to open.

Benefits

Very reliable contraception, over 99% effective, that you do not have to think about day to day.
Lasts several years but can be removed whenever you want, with a quick return of fertility.
The hormonal coil often makes periods much lighter and can treat heavy periods.
The copper coil contains no hormones, which suits people who want to avoid them.
The copper coil can also be used as the most effective form of emergency contraception.

Risks & complications

More common

Cramping and period-type pain during and for a day or two after fitting
Feeling faint, dizzy or sick at the time of fitting (a vasovagal reaction)
Light bleeding or spotting for some days to weeks after fitting
Irregular bleeding in the first few months as your body settles, especially with the hormonal coil
Heavier or more painful periods, especially with the copper coil

Less common

The coil coming out on its own (expulsion), most often in the first few months
Pelvic infection, with the small extra risk concentrated in the first few weeks after fitting
Not being able to feel the threads, which needs checking by a clinician

Rare but serious

A small hole made in the wall of the womb (perforation) during fitting
If the coil ever fails and pregnancy occurs, a higher chance that it is ectopic (outside the womb)

The most common problems are pain and feeling faint at the time of fitting, and these usually pass quickly. The coil can sometimes come out on its own, most often in the first few months, which is why checking your threads matters. A hole in the womb is rare, and slightly more likely if you are breastfeeding or have recently given birth. If the coil ever fails (which is very uncommon), there is a higher chance any pregnancy is ectopic, so seek help for severe one-sided pain.

Published figures to discuss

Fitting a coil is generally low-risk, but discomfort and feeling faint are common, and rare problems such as perforation matter. The figures below come from UK guidance and studies and are indicative; your own risk depends on your history and whether you have recently given birth or are breastfeeding.

Figure	Reported range	How to interpret it	Source / confidence
Uterine perforation at fitting	Around 1 to 2 in 1,000 fittings overall	Higher in people who are breastfeeding or have recently given birth; lower with an experienced fitter.	NHS — IUD (copper coil)nhs.ukSource-linked context
Expulsion (the coil coming out)	Roughly 1 in 20 over the first year, most often in the first few months	More likely soon after fitting; checking the threads helps detect it.	NHS — IUD (copper coil)nhs.ukPublished figure
Pelvic infection	Small overall, with the extra risk concentrated in about the first 3 weeks after fitting	Lower if any infection is treated before fitting; report fever, pain or discharge.	NHS — IUD (copper coil)nhs.ukSource-linked context
Failure (pregnancy with a coil in place)	Less than 1 in 100 women a year (over 99% effective)	Very uncommon, but if it happens there is a higher chance the pregnancy is ectopic.	NHS — IUD (copper coil)nhs.ukPublished figure

These are literature figures, not a personalised prediction. Your own risks and likely benefits depend on your circumstances, your health, and how your care is carried out and followed up.

What happens afterwards

Most people recover from a coil fitting within a day. Cramping and light bleeding are normal at first, and many go straight back to their usual activities, though some prefer to rest for a few hours, especially if they felt faint.

At fitting

You may feel strong period-type cramps and occasionally faint or sick. Tell the clinician how you feel; they can pause or stop, and let you rest before you leave.

First few hours

Cramping and light bleeding are normal. Many people return to normal activities; some prefer to rest, particularly if they felt lightheaded.

First days to weeks

Spotting or irregular bleeding is common as your body settles, especially with the hormonal coil. Simple painkillers help any cramps.

First few months

Bleeding patterns settle for most people. With the hormonal coil periods often become lighter; with the copper coil they may be heavier at first.

Thread check

Learn to feel for the threads high in the vagina. Many clinics suggest a check a few weeks after fitting and then from time to time.

What's normal — and not a worry

Period-type cramping for a day or two
Light bleeding or spotting that can come and go for some weeks
Feeling a little shaky or lightheaded straight after fitting
Irregular bleeding in the first few months, especially with the hormonal coil

Aftercare

Use simple pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for cramps if you can take them.
Use sanitary pads rather than tampons for any bleeding in the first day or so.
Rest for a short while if you felt faint, and get up slowly before leaving.
Use extra contraception, such as condoms, until your clinician confirms the coil is working.
Learn how to feel for the threads and check them as advised.
Avoid sex until you feel comfortable, and seek advice if sex is painful or your partner can feel the coil.
Know the warning signs of infection, expulsion or a possible pregnancy.
Note when your coil is due to be changed or removed.

Before your procedure

Sanitary pad packed
Simple painkillers at home
Back-up contraception (e.g. condoms) if needed until the coil works
A note of how to feel for the threads
Clinic contact number for problems saved
The coil type and its replacement date recorded

⚠ Get urgent help if…

Severe or worsening tummy or pelvic pain that painkillers do not ease
A high temperature, shivering or feeling generally very unwell
Smelly or unusual vaginal discharge (a possible sign of infection)
Heavy vaginal bleeding, or bleeding that soaks pads quickly
Not being able to feel the threads, or feeling the hard plastic of the coil itself
Pain or bleeding during sex, or your partner feeling the coil
A missed period with tummy pain, or severe one-sided pain and faintness (possible pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy)

Who to contact: your clinician, clinic or test provider first (keep their number to hand). For urgent advice when you can't reach them, call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.

General guidance — it doesn't replace the specific advice your specialist gives you.

Results & realistic expectations

A coil that is fitted correctly gives very reliable, long-acting contraception that you do not need to think about day to day. The hormonal coil usually makes periods lighter; the copper coil starts working straight away.

The coil does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so condoms are still needed for that. Checking your threads from time to time gives reassurance that the coil is still in place. If you cannot feel the threads, or feel unwell, see a clinician and use other contraception until it is checked.

How long it lasts

A copper coil lasts about 5 to 10 years and a hormonal coil for several years, depending on the type; your clinician will tell you the exact replacement date. The coil can be removed earlier at any time if you wish, for example to try for a baby, and fertility returns quickly. When one coil is removed, another can often be fitted at the same visit.

Related tests, treatments or support

Fitting a coil is sometimes combined with an infection check beforehand, and the copper coil can be fitted as emergency contraception and then kept for ongoing use. A coil with missing threads may need an ultrasound, or occasionally a hysteroscopy, to locate it.

Follow-up & long-term care

Many clinics suggest a check a few weeks after fitting to make sure the coil is in place and you feel well, and to review any bleeding. After that, you mainly check your own threads and return when the coil is due for replacement, or sooner if you have any concerns.

Check for the threads from time to time, as advised, especially after a period.
Note the date your coil needs replacing and book in good time.
See a clinician if you cannot feel the threads, develop pain or unusual discharge, or think you might be pregnant.
Continue to use condoms if you need protection from sexually transmitted infections.

Repeat, follow-on and what comes next

If the coil comes out or moves, it may need to be refitted, sometimes at a later visit.
If the threads cannot be seen, an ultrasound or occasionally a hysteroscopy may be needed to find or remove the coil.
A fitting that cannot be completed awake may be tried again, sometimes with local anaesthetic.
Coils are routinely replaced at the end of their lifespan.

Ask what happens if the result is unclear or needs repeating, and what is included if further tests or follow-up are needed.

What good aftercare looks like

Clear advice on normal cramping and bleeding, and the warning signs of infection, expulsion or pregnancy.
Being shown how to feel for the threads and when to check.
A named contact and route for problems, and the option of a follow-up check.
A clear record of the coil type and the date it needs replacing.

What affects the cost

Costs vary a great deal between people and providers, and we don't publish prices. What matters is understanding what drives the cost and making sure your quote is complete. The main things that affect it:

Whether you choose a copper or hormonal coil, as the device costs differ.
The clinician's fee for the fitting appointment.
Whether an infection check or scan is done beforehand.
Whether local anaesthetic or extra pain relief is provided.
Whether an old coil is being removed at the same time.
Any follow-up check appointment after fitting.

Make sure your written quote includes

The cost of the coil device itself as well as the fitting.
Any charge for an infection check or scan beforehand.
Whether removal of an old coil is included.
Whether a follow-up check is included.
What happens to the cost if the fitting cannot be completed and has to be tried again.
The cancellation policy and any charge if a complication needs further care.

On the NHS? Coils are available free on the NHS at GP surgeries and sexual health clinics; private fitting is mainly used for convenience, choice of clinician or a quicker appointment.

You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including reports, follow-up and what happens if the result is inconclusive — before you decide.

Choosing a specialist safely

Check the specialist is on the GMC Specialist Register for this area.
Make sure they work at a CQC-registered service, and look for membership of the relevant Royal College or professional body.
You're entitled to time to consider and to have your questions answered before you agree — the specialist who looks after you should explain it, not a salesperson.
Be wary of pressure: time-limited offers or deposits taken before you've had time to think are red flags, not bargains.
You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including any follow-up — before you decide.

How Vuemedics verifies every consultant →

Questions to ask your medical professional

Take this to your consultation. A good specialist will welcome every one of these.

Which coil do you recommend for me, and why?
What pain relief can I have, and what happens if I find fitting too painful?
How will you check the coil is in the right place after fitting?
When will the coil start working, and do I need extra contraception first?
How will I know if it has come out or moved, and what should I do?
When will this coil need replacing, and how do I arrange that?
Are you on the GMC Specialist Register for this area, and which Royal College or professional body are you a member of?
Will you be the specialist who carries out my procedure, and who looks after me afterwards?
What are the risks for someone like me, and how often do your own patients have a problem or need it repeated or redone?
What does a realistic result look like — and what can this procedure not achieve?
What are my options, including waiting, doing nothing for now, or choosing a different approach?
Can I have written information, results and aftercare instructions in a format I can use, including any accessibility or communication support I need?
What is the total cost in writing, including any follow-ups, and how much time do I have to decide?

Frequently asked questions

Does having a coil fitted hurt?

It varies. Many people feel strong period-type cramps during fitting, and some find it painful, while others find it brief and manageable. You should be offered pain relief and can ask the clinician to stop at any time.

Can I get a coil free on the NHS?

Yes. Coils are available free on the NHS at many GP surgeries and sexual health or contraception clinics. Some people choose to pay privately for convenience or a quicker appointment.

What is the difference between the copper and hormonal coil?

The copper coil has no hormones and can make periods heavier; the hormonal coil releases a small amount of progestogen and often makes periods lighter or stop, and can treat heavy periods.

How soon does it work?

The copper coil works straight away. The hormonal coil works immediately if fitted in the first few days of your period, otherwise use extra contraception for about a week; your clinician will advise.

Can I feel it, or can my partner?

You should not feel the coil itself, only the soft threads if you check for them. If you or your partner can feel the hard coil, or sex is painful, see a clinician to have it checked.

Will it affect my fertility?

No. A coil does not affect your long-term fertility. Once it is removed, your fertility returns quickly.

Find a verified specialist for coil fitting (iud/ius)

Every consultant is GMC-checked and independently reviewed. Search by postcode and distance, or switch to a map. Ordered by rating, relevance and recency — never by who pays.

No verified consultants list this procedure yet — browse the full directory.

See all specialists for coil fitting (iud/ius) →

How we made this page

Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant. Written in plain English, checked against NHS, NICE, GMC and relevant Royal College / specialist-society guidance, and kept under review. No clinic paid to appear on this page, and we publish no pricing. This is general information to help you prepare — it is not a substitute for advice from your own clinician. How we review our guides →

Source hierarchy: UK regulator and NHS/NICE guidance first, then relevant Royal College or specialist-society guidance, then peer-reviewed evidence for procedure-specific figures where available.

Sources & standards: NHS — IUD (copper coil) NHS — IUS (hormonal coil) NICE CKS — Contraception: IUS/IUD

Reviews reflect patients' experience of care, not clinical outcomes. For procedure volumes and outcome data see PHIN.

Last medically reviewed 2026-09-21. Spotted something wrong or out of date? Report an error in this guide.