Coil Fitting & Removal
What is a coil, and why have one fitted?
An intrauterine device (IUD) — commonly known as the coil — is a small, T-shaped device placed inside the womb to prevent pregnancy. It’s a long-acting, reversible form of contraception that can last for several years, making it an excellent option for women seeking reliable, low-maintenance protection.
The hormonal coil (often referred to by one of the most common brand names, Mirena) can also be used during perimenopause and menopause to provide the progesterone element of HRT. It is also highly effective at reducing or even stopping heavy or painful periods. It delivers progesterone directly to the uterus, which can help to minimise potential side effects.
Whether you choose a copper or hormonal coil, both offer effective, long-term contraception without the need for daily pills or regular prescriptions.
See Dr Katie Armstrong & Contraceptive Specialist Harriet Jacobs dispelling some coil myths in this video
Coil fitting at Clinic51
Our experienced contraception specialist, Harriet Jacobs, is able to offer coil fitting to women of all ages at Clinic51. Our clinic is a calm, serene environment where women can feel relaxed and cared for.
Appointments last for 45 minutes, which gives us plenty of time to talk before the procedure, and answer any questions you may have - leaving you relaxed and ready. Harriet is extremely experienced and will talk you through each step as you are having the procedure. She is always assisted by a female health care assistant, who is also there to support you. You will have plenty of time to recover afterwards with a cup of tea in our peaceful waiting area.
If you need a coil removed and a new one fitted, this can be carried out during the same appointment. Scroll down or click to jump to appointment prices and some frequently asked questions.
We have a weekly clinic here at Black Barn on Tuesday mornings. You can book directly with our reception by phone or over email, and our team will be happy to give you any other information you need.
Harriet Jacobs: Contraception Specialist
Harriet has been a midwife since 2008, including 12 years at Guys & St Thomas’. 10 years ago Harriet completed her Diploma in Contraception and Sexual Health and has worked as a Clinical Nurse Specialist for Brook Young People, delivering outreach services to Young People in London. More recently Harriet has been working as a Contraception Specialist within NHS Primary Care, supporting all people, all ages and all stages of women’s health.
Harriet has always been passionate about individualised care, increasing the availability of choice, and education - using evidence to support her practise. She has also enjoyed working overseas within women’s health delivery and conferences, which further sparked her passion for promotion of access to quality health care services.
At Black Barn Harriet provides contraception consultations and provides all methods of contraception, including Implant & Coil fittings and removals.
‘I always want to make anyone who attends my consultations feel heard, resolve any worries they may have and leave feeling cared for, with their needs addressed. I feel supporting health choices throughout all the stages of a woman’s life, is truly special and one I am most passionate about.’
Outside of women’s health care, Harriet lives locally in West Sussex with her husband and two children. She enjoys sailing as a family, photography & interior design.
Coil fitting & removal appointment prices
Coil fitting with our experienced contraceptive specialist, in the relaxed environment of our women’s health clinic.
Appointments allow time for a full discussion of the procedure, risks and benefits, and any possible side effects. A healthcare assistant will be there to support in the procedure.
Coil removal included with a fit, if required.
£250 (plus the cost of the coil - see below)
Coil removal only £150
Coil types & prices
Coil prices are as follows:
Non hormonal copper coil - 5 or 10 year contraception £25
Hormonal coil (Mirena) - 8 year contraception / 5 years HRT £125
Hormonal coil (Kyleena) - 5 year contraception only £110
Hormonal coil (Jaydess) - 3 year contraception only £100
If you don’t know what type of coil you want to be fitted, please book a separate contraception consultation appointment, prior to the coil fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The procedure is carried out in our dedicated treatment room which is private, calm and relaxing.
Harriet, our contraceptive specialist, will be assisted by a female assistant for all coil insertions and you can request a chaperone for coil removals.
On booking, you will be sent by email a link to our coil fitting questionnaire which needs to be completed at least 5 working days prior to the fitting.
On receipt of the questionnaire, Harriet will assess your suitability and if you are deemed not suitable, we will contact you and the appointment will be cancelled and refunded.
During the coil fit, you will be fully counselled about the procedure including the possible risks and side effects and post procedure expectations and management. You will be offered a pregnancy test if there is a risk of pregnancy and a screen for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.
Please read our Coil Fitting Patient Information for more information.
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If you don’t know what type of coil you want fitted, please book a separate contraception consultation before we book you in for a coil fit. This is a 45 minute appointment and costs £150. Appointments will be used to gather information, talk through the options available to you, and either prescribe medication or book you in for your coil fit.
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Coil insertion may not be suitable in the following scenarios:
If you might be pregnant or pregnancy cannot be reliably excluded ie you have had unprotected sexual intercourse* within 3 weeks
If your coil is being replaced and you have had unprotected sexual intercourse* within 7 days prior to coil fit
* Unprotected sex means sex with no condom and no other method of contraception used
If you have a history of significant fibroids (we will need a recent pelvic ultrasound scan)
If you have a known womb malformation
If you have had a previous endometrial ablation
If you currently have Pelvic inflammatory Disease (PID), symptomatic chlamydia or known gonorrhoea infection, or offensive vaginal discharge
If it is less than 4 weeks since you have had a baby
If you have significant cardiac disease (arrhythmia, Eisenmenger physiology, single ventricle circulation, long QT syndrome, impaired ventricular function, PoTS with history of postural syncope)
If you have had a previous significant vasovagal reaction to coil fitting or equivalent procedure (these should be done in a hospital setting)
Please contact us by phone or email if you’re not sure.
Even if you meet all of the above eligibility criteria, the coil fit procedure may not be successful. If this happens, we will talk to you about next steps. You will still be charged for the appointment.
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Coil fitting can feel uncomfortable but should not be painful.
We advise you to take a simple painkiller about 30mins before your appointment.
Being relaxed helps a lot - so tell us how we can help you relax. We can play music (or bring your headphones) and can help you with breathwork and mindfulness during the procedure. Harriet will use a local anaesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable but you can ask her to stop at any time.
Removing a coil is normally quick and no more uncomfortable than having a speculum examination.
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We suggest you allow yourself 30 mins to recover after the procedure - but as long as you are not feeling faint or in distracting pain you are fine to drive.
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Yes but you may have some light cramping so be kind to yourself.
We wouldn't advise that you do any strenuous exercise in the few hours after a coil fit - but gentle exercise or a warm bath are fine.
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Most women experience some mild period-like cramping or discomfort. This discomfort can feel like waves of pain that come and go for 24-48hrs as the uterus cramps and settles post the coil fit. These cramps can last up to 48hrs and then settle.
If you experience severe pain, continuous lower abdominal pain or your pain recurs after initially settling you should seek urgent medical advice.
There may be some bleeding or spotting for a few days. If a coil is fitted during your period, the period may be heavier and last slightly longer than usual.
Post procedure it is common to experience some bleeding and this again should settle. It is advised to use sanitary pads after the procedure but menstrual care, such as tampons and moon cups, can be used for subsequent periods of bleeding (avoid for the first 7 days after fitting).
If needed, simple painkillers such as paracetamol and/or ibuprofen (as long as you are not allergic to these products) can be used. A hot water bottle can also help with cramping, period-like pains.
Our team is here to support you and answer any questions.
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It can take up to 3-6 months for your coil to fully ‘settle in’ and having some sporadic mild cramps and aches during this period is common.
There is no need to be seen routinely after your coil fit however, if you would like a coil check to check the coil threads and discuss symptoms or side effects we are happy to offer you a review appointment.
Harriet will take the time to talk everything through with you. She can also remove your coil if you decide you no longer want it. The charge for this appointment is £75
