Private Coil fitting Harley Street

What is a coil fitting?

A coil fitting is a short procedure where a small T-shaped contraceptive device is placed inside the womb (uterus) to prevent pregnancy. Two types of coil are available: the copper coil (IUD), which uses copper to stop sperm reaching an egg, and the hormonal coil (IUS), which releases a low dose of progestogen to thin the womb lining. Both are over 99% effective and last between 3 and 10 years depending on the type.

At our clinic, every coil fitting is carried out by Mr Hikmat Naoum, a Consultant Gynaecologist (MRCOG), rather than a GP or practice nurse. This matters if you have had a difficult fitting before, if your cervix is narrow or tilted, or if you are anxious about the procedure. We use purpose-built gynaecological couches designed for patients with anatomical variations, which means fewer failed fittings and less discomfort.

If this is your first coil, you are in good company. The majority of fittings we carry out are for women having a coil for the first time.

Types of coil we fit

We fit three coils at the clinic. The right one depends on your medical history, whether you want lighter periods, and how long you want protection to last.

Copper coil (IUD)

The copper coil is hormone-free. A plastic frame wound with copper wire sits inside the womb and creates an environment that prevents fertilisation. It starts working the moment it is fitted. The copper coil lasts between 5 and 10 years depending on the device, and it is the only coil that doubles as emergency contraception if fitted within 5 days of unprotected sex.

Periods may become heavier and slightly longer in the first 3 to 6 months. For most women this settles.

Mirena coil (hormonal IUS)

The Mirena is the most widely used hormonal coil in the UK. It releases levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of progestogen, directly into the womb. This thins the womb lining and thickens cervical mucus, which blocks sperm. It lasts up to 5 years.

Many women find their periods become much lighter. Around 1 in 5 women stop having periods altogether after 12 months with the Mirena, which is why it is also prescribed for heavy periods and as part of HRT.

Kyleena coil (hormonal IUS)

The Kyleena works the same way as the Mirena but releases a lower dose of hormone. It is slightly smaller, which can make fitting easier for women who have not been pregnant. It lasts up to 5 years. Periods may become lighter, though the effect is less pronounced than with the Mirena.

Copper vs Mirena vs Kyleena: which coil is right for you?

All prices include the consultation, the device, and the fitting itself. No hidden fees.

What happens during the fitting

The appointment is straightforward.

Your Consultant will review your medical history, check your blood pressure, and discuss which coil suits you. If you have not had a recent smear test, one may be recommended before or alongside the fitting.

You will lie on the examination couch with your legs in supports. A speculum is inserted, similar to a smear test. The Consultant then measures the length of your womb using a thin probe (a "sound"), and passes the coil through the cervix into position. The insertion itself takes around 5 minutes.

Most women feel cramping during the sounding and insertion, similar to strong period pain. The sensation passes quickly. If you are nervous about pain, let the team know when you book; local anaesthetic can be applied to the cervix, and taking ibuprofen 30-60 minutes before your appointment can also help.

After fitting, the Consultant will trim the coil threads so they hang just inside the top of the vagina. You will be shown how to check them yourself.

If the Consultant is unable to complete the fitting for any reason, you will not be charged the full fitting price.

After your coil is fitted

You can go back to normal activities the same day. Some women prefer to take the rest of the afternoon off, particularly if they experience cramping. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are both fine to take.

Spotting or light bleeding is common for the first few weeks. With the copper coil, your next 2-3 periods may be heavier than usual. With the Mirena or Kyleena, irregular spotting often occurs in the first 3-6 months before periods lighten.

We recommend returning for an ultrasound scan at 6-8 weeks to confirm the coil is correctly positioned. This is optional but gives peace of mind, particularly if it is your first coil (from £350).

Check the coil threads yourself once a month, and at each cervical smear appointment.

How long does the coil last?

The copper coil lasts 5 to 10 years, depending on which device is used. Some copper coils (such as the T-Safe CU380A) are licensed for 10 years. The Mirena and Kyleena both last up to 5 years.

When the coil reaches the end of its lifespan, it needs to be removed and replaced. We can do both in a single appointment: removal of the old coil followed by immediate fitting of a new one. The combined price is £600 for copper or £700 for hormonal.

If you decide you want to become pregnant, the coil can be removed at any point. Fertility typically returns within the first cycle after removal. For women planning a pregnancy, a pre-pregnancy check at the time of removal can help you prepare.

Who can have a coil fitted?

Most women can use either type of coil, including women who have never been pregnant. The Kyleena's smaller size can make it a good option if you have not had children.

The hormonal coil (Mirena or Kyleena) may not be suitable if you have had breast cancer in the past 5 years, have untreated cervical or uterine cancer, have active liver disease, or have unexplained bleeding between periods or after sex.

The copper coil may not be suitable if you have Wilson's disease, have a copper allergy, or already experience very heavy periods.

Women who have had an ectopic pregnancy or who have an artificial heart valve should discuss coil use with their own GP before booking.

If you are unsure, the Consultant will assess your suitability at the start of the appointment.

Emergency contraception: the copper coil

The copper coil is the most effective form of emergency contraception available. It can be fitted up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, and prevents pregnancy in over 99% of cases.

Unlike the morning-after pill, the copper coil continues to protect against pregnancy for years once fitted. If you need emergency contraception, call the clinic to discuss the soonest available appointment.

Frequently asked questions