What to Expect During and After Coil Fitting for Effective Contraception

A coil is a type of contraceptive device which is very effective for long-term birth control and hence popular. A coil is also known as an intrauterine device (IUD) or intrauterine system (IUS) insertion. Coils have a pregnancy control rate of over 99%, making them extremely effective.

An IUD is required to be medically fitted inside the womb by a doctor. Naturally, as a young woman, you might feel nervous about this. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of coil fittings, the procedure, and the medical assistance you need for this. After reading this blog, you will be better informed about the coil fitting procedure and your body to make an informed decision.

A] Why Select Coil Fitting?

One of the most important factors behind choosing coil fittings is that it is a long-term birth control. A single IUD can last up to 5 years. This reduced human errors such as forgetting to use other forms of birth control. Coils can avoid up to 99.4% of pregnancies. 

Certain coils also contain the hormone progesterone, which further decreases the chances of pregnancy. Hormonal IUDs are capable of preventing 99.8% of pregnancies. They are also very easy to reverse. If you ever feel like you do want children, the contraceptive coil can be easily removed by the doctor and you will be able to get pregnant. This
flexibility is one of the primary reasons why doctors recommend coils for long-term birth control.

B] Understanding The Coil Fitting Process

First and foremost, when you schedule an IUD appointment with a doctor they will ask you about your medical history. This will give them a basic idea of what your health requirements are and which type of IUD will suit you the best. There are 5 different types of IUDs to choose from, which are divided into hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs.

Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla are hormonal IUDs which release a compound called progestin levonorgestrel which can be effective for up to 5 years. ParaGuard is a non-hormonal copper-based IUD (Coil) which can be effective for up to 10 years.

Step-By-Step IUD Insertion Process

• Pregnancy Test: If you are at the early stage of pregnancy, the IUD can cause miscarriages. Thus, a pregnancy test before the coil fitting procedure becomes necessary. But if you are menstruating, this will not be necessary.
• Pelvic Exam: This exam is to figure out the positions of your uterus, infections, size, and any other issues. 
• Disinfection: Next, the healthcare provider will use a speculum to help open the cervix canal. This helps the doctor to better see your cervix. The doctor will then clean the vagina with an antiseptic solution to avoid infections.
• Preparation: The doctor needs to measure the length of your cervical canal and uterus to ensure the IUD isn’t placed too deep or at the wrong angle. Incorrectly inserted IUD coil may not work as desired or may even be harmful.
• Insertion: The IUD used should always be freshly removed from its sterilised packaging. A Tube or a slider may be used to safely insert the IUD. The arms of the coil need to be bent before inserting it, which makes it look like the letter ‘T’.
• Placement Check: The doctor needs to check if the IUD is placed properly and securely after the procedure. They may conduct a transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound to check it’s positioning.

C] Side Effects Of Coil Fitting

The side effects after iud insertion are few and uncommon among most patients; however, there are a few that you should know about. You may experience heavy period flows after IUD insertion, which may also be longer and more painful. This problem only lasts for the first few months and will eventually go away. 

Other side effects might include vaginal bleeding and pain once you stop using IUD. However, it should be noted that these side effects are extremely uncommon and may not affect the majority of the patients. Unsanitised IUDs or unhygienic practices may cause pelvic infections; hence, additional care is necessary.

D] Before the Insertion: Tips Before Getting IUD

• Some patients may feel discomfort and pain during the procedure. Hence, it is advisable to take painkillers and/or paracetamol an hour before, after consulting your doctor.
• Feeling dizzy after IUD insertion is natural. It is advisable to have someone with you who can safely get you home.
• You should also get tested for STIs and STDs before the procedure. Getting the tests done a week before can be helpful to avoid further infections and complications.
• Make sure that you are wearing something loose and comfortable when you go to the clinic for the procedure.
• Remember to ask your doctor about all the things to know before getting an IUD.

E] During the Insertion: Tips To Make The Procedure Comfortable

• First and foremost, getting the procedure done by an experienced and reputed private gynaecologist in London will make the experience 10 times better.
• The procedure can be discomforting for those who are opting for it for the first time. It is best to have distractions, such as headphones and music. This will make the procedure more comfortable for you as well as your gynaecologist.
• The procedure is quick and painless, so if everything goes naturally, it will be over before you know it.

F] Recovering After the Insertion: What To Expect After An IUD

• You may experience cramps, pain, and bleeding after the procedure. Keep the heating pad ready in case you need it for cramps.
• You need to wait for at least 24 hours before having intercourse to let the IUD settle.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects, including in the gym for 6 weeks after the procedure.
• The coil can help you avoid pregnancy but not STIs and STDs. So you would be required to use additional contraception, such as condoms to avoid them.

G] When to Seek Medical Attention

• IUD strings hang out from your cervix after the procedure. If you can’t find the strings, the coil has most likely shifted inside and needs to be readjusted by the doctor as soon as possible.
• If the threads are too expelled into the vagina.
• If you feel unusual pain and discomfort or believe you have caught an infection.
• If you missed a period or test positive for pregnancy.
• When you need to remove the coil.

Conclusion

A Copper IUD or contraceptive coil is one of the most effective and popular methods of birth control. It is medically administered and can be removed anytime by a doctor with little or no side effects. It is natural for a woman to be nervous and have several questions before their first IUD procedure. Hence, having as much information as possible about the subject is necessary.

If you are seeking a coil fitting procedure in London, it is best to opt for a private consultation to avoid long wait times and have a proper one-on-one with your doctor. Mr. Nilesh is a trained, experienced, and reputed gynaecologist in London. Contact us today to make an appointment.

Neha Goel

Neha Goel, a Psychology alumna and MBA graduate from CASS Business School, London, brings together her expertise as a Reiki Practitioner and Practice Manager. She integrates psychology and business strategies to foster holistic well-being and personal development.