Coils – IUS and IUD
A coil protects against pregnancy for at least 5 years.
How do coils work?
- A coil is a small T-shaped device that stops you getting pregnant.
- A doctor or nurse puts the coil into your uterus through your vagina. It stays there for 5 to 10 years, depending on the brand.
- There are 2 types: a hormonal coil (intrauterine system – IUS) and a non-hormonal copper coil (intrauterine device – IUD).
Hormonal coil (IUS)
- This coil releases the hormone progestogen. That usually prevents ovulation. It also thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg. And it prevents a fertilised egg from implanting itself in the uterus.
- An IUS protects against pregnancy for 5 to 8 years, depending on the brand.
- An IUS is very reliable. It’s even more reliable than the pill, as you don’t have to think about it every day.
Non-hormonal copper coil (IUD)
- The copper in the non-hormonal coil makes sperm infertile. So the egg can’t be fertilised. The copper also prevents a fertilised egg from implanting itself in the uterus.
- There are no hormones in a copper coil.
- An IUD protects against pregnancy for 5 to 10 years, depending on the brand.
- An IUD is very reliable. It’s even more reliable than the pill, as you don’t have to think about it every day.
How do you go about it?
- First decide which type of coil you would like: an IUS with hormones or an IUD with copper.
- Make an appointment with a doctor or nurse to have the coil put in.
- Ask beforehand what painkiller you can take.
- Make a note of when your coil needs to be replaced.
- Don’t worry if you can feel the threads – that’s normal. If they bother you, perhaps during penis-in-vagina sex, ask your doctor to shorten them.
Do you use a menstrual cup?
- When you use a cup, make sure you release the suction before you take it out of your vagina. Do that by putting your finger between the cup and your cervix. Or squeeze the cup’s stem. That stops the coil coming out at the same time.
- While you’re cleaning the cup after use, check that the coil hasn’t got stuck to it.
Where can you get a coil?
You can have a coil fitted by your own doctor, or by a gynaecologist, nurse, doctor at an abortion service, or doctor at a Sense clinic.
Your period
Hormonal coil (IUS)
If you have a hormonal coil, your period will change. You may bleed less, or not have a period at all. You may have some bleeding when you’re not expecting it. That’s perfectly normal and there’s nothing wrong. The IUS usually prevents ovulation. So no mucus builds up in your uterus which needs to be broken down again.
Non-hormonal copper coil (IUD)
If you have a non-hormonal coil, you’ll have your period every month. You may bleed more than usual, especially the first few months. Your period may be more painful too.
Which coil should you choose?
Take a look at the following list of advantages and disadvantages. There are different types of hormonal and copper coils. Talk to your doctor or to Sense about what’s best for you.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
IUS and IUD
- Both are very reliable.
- You don’t need to remember to do something every day, like you do with the pill.
- A coil lasts for a long time: 5 to 10 years.
- A coil is even reliable if you vomit or have diarrhoea.
- No one can see that you’re using contraception.
Hormonal coil (IUS)
- You have bleeds less often. Or you don’t have periods at all.
- Bleeds are shorter and less painful.
Non-hormonal copper coil (IUD)
- If you don’t want to take hormones, a copper coil is a good option.
- You have your period every month.
Disadvantages:
IUS and IUD
- A doctor has to put the coil in.
- Some women find insertion painful, but others don’t.
- You can’t plan or postpone your bleeds.
- A coil does not protect against STIs.
Hormonal coil (IUS)
- You may have irregular bleeding or spotting.
- Some women have side effects.
Non-hormonal copper coil (IUD)
- Your period might be a bit more painful.
- You may have slightly more bleeding than before.
Are there any side effects?
Hormonal coil (IUS)
After you have an IUS put in, you might have side effects like:
- irregular blood loss
- headaches
- acne
- hair loss
- painful breasts
- low moods
- weight gain
Usually, the side effects disappear after a couple of months. If a side effect becomes very unpleasant, go to your doctor or a Sense clinic.
Non-hormonal copper coil (IUD)
With an IUD, your period might be a bit more painful. You may also bleed more than before.
Is your coil still in place?
- The coil’s threads should hang out of your cervix, the entrance to your uterus. You can feel these with your finger, behind your vagina.
- If you don’t have any abdominal pain, then you can presume that your coil is in place.
- If you suddenly have a lot of bleeding, go to your doctor or a gynaecologist.
- Occasionally, a coil gets displaced and comes out of the uterus. If that happens, go to your doctor or a gynaecologist.
You’re not sure whether the coil is in place?
Make an appointment with your doctor, gynaecologist or a Sense doctor. They’ll check whether the coil is still in place.
When do you run the risk of pregnancy?
If your coil is not in place, or it has been there for too long, you could get pregnant.