The intrauterine device (CU-IUD) is a small, T-shaped plastic and copper device that’s placed inside your womb (uterus) to prevent pregnancy. 

It is often called the coil, the coil without hormones or the copper coil and it’s about the size of a 50p coin.

The CU-IUD works for between 5 and 10 years depending on the type, but you can get it taken out at any time. It is very effective at preventing pregnancy. Fewer than 1 in 100 women who use it for contraception will get pregnant in any 1 year. 

The coil is a long-term form of contraception. This means you do not have to think about using it every day or each time you have sex.

The CU-IUD can also be used as a form of emergency contraception.

The CU-IUD is similar to the hormonal intrauterine system (LNG-IUD) but instead of using hormones, it uses copper to prevent sperm from surviving. It also prevents fertilised eggs from implanting in the womb.

You can get the CU-IUD at any time as long as you’re not pregnant. At your appointment, your doctor or nurse will check inside your vagina to confirm the size and position of your womb. You will be offered a cervical smear test and may also be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).  

While the CU-IUD is inserted, your vagina will be held open with a special device like the one used for a smear test. This can be uncomfortable or sometimes a bit painful.  

If you are worried, ask your doctor or nurse for a local anaesthetic first, or take some painkillers before your fitting. You can also ask to stop at any point.  

Your appointment will last about 20 minutes and fitting the CU-IUD takes about 5 minutes.  
After your fitting, you might get a few days of cramps and bleeding. Painkillers can help. 
You can ask to have your CU-IUD taken out at any time. If you’re 40 or older when you have it fitted, you can leave it in until you hit menopause. 

The CU-IUD works for most women, particularly if you want a long-lasting form of contraception and do not want to use hormones. 

It will not be right for you if you have an untreated STI or pelvic infection, have any problems with your womb or cervix, or get bleeding between your periods or after sex. 

If you have had an ectopic pregnancy or if you have an artificial heart valve, you will need to chat with a doctor about whether having an CU-IUD is right for you. 

It can help to have a chat with us before you book to get a coil fitted. 

Pros:

  • The CU-IUD is very good at preventing pregnancy. 
  • You will not need to think about contraception for a long time. 
  • Your fertility will go back to normal as soon as you get your CU-IUD removed.  
  • You will not get any hormonal side effects, such as headaches, acne or tender breasts.
  • It’s safe when you’re breastfeeding. 
  • It is not affected by any other medicines. 
  • The CU-IUD is also an effective form of emergency contraception.

Cons:

  • You will still need to use condoms to protect against STIs. 
  • You need a doctor or nurse to take it out if you change your mind.  
  • There is a small chance that your CU-IUD will move or be pushed out by your body, but your doctor or nurse will teach you how to check it’s in right. 
  • If you get an STI or infection while using the CU-IUD, it could lead to a pelvic infection if it is not treated quickly. 
  • Your periods might be heavier, longer or more painful. 
  • It has potential rare complications. For example, you could get a pelvic infection in the first 20 days after your CU-IUD is fitted.
  • If it fails and you get pregnant you have a higher chance of an ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilised egg implants outside of your womb).

You can get the CU-IUD from some sexual health clinics, contraception clinics and GP surgeries. 


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