Patient guide to the hormonal coil

About the hormonal coil

A hormonal coil is a small T-shaped plastic device placed in the womb. It contains the female sex hormone progestogen, which is released slowly in the womb.

The hormonal coil mainly works by thickening the mucus in the cervix, making it harder for sperm to enter the womb. It also thins the lining of the womb, so periods often become lighter. In some people, ovulation is also affected, but many continue to have their own cycle.

The hormonal coil is one of the most effective forms of contraception. It can also be used to treat heavy periods and may reduce period pain in some people.

The hormonal coil does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use a condom if there is a risk of sexually transmitted infections, for example with a new partner.

The hormonal coil is a form of contraception placed in the womb that releases progestogen locally.

How a hormonal coil is fitted

The hormonal coil is fitted during a gynaecological examination. It is important to be certain that you are not pregnant when the coil is fitted. You must therefore use another form of contraception, for example a condom, until your coil is fitted.

It is best to fit the coil 4-10 days after your period starts. This ensures that you are not pregnant and reduces the risk of spotting. If the coil is fitted within 7 days of your period starting, it protects against pregnancy from the first day. Otherwise, you need to use another form of contraception for the first 7 days after fitting.

Fitting usually takes only a few minutes. The doctor passes the coil through the cervix and places it in the womb. Two thin threads are trimmed and left at the top of the vagina. The threads are used later when the coil needs to be removed. Some people feel only slight discomfort during fitting, while others have period-like pain.

It is a good idea to take painkillers, for example 2 tablets of paracetamol at 500 mg each and possibly 2 tablets of ibuprofen at 200 mg each, about 30 minutes before fitting, if you can take them. They are available over the counter.

After fitting, you may have dull aching pain and light bleeding for a few days. This is normal. You can usually continue normal activities the same day, but some people need to rest for the rest of the day.

Serious complications are rare. There is a small risk of pelvic inflammatory disease in the period after fitting, and in rare cases the coil can fall out or sit in the wrong position. Very rarely, the coil can make a hole in the wall of the womb during fitting.

After fitting, you should avoid sex, using tampons or menstrual cups, and bathing in a bath, the sea or a swimming pool for 48 hours to reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Contact the clinic if, after fitting, you have severe or increasing pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge or heavy bleeding, or if you think the coil has fallen out.

Side effects

Side effects are common in the first few months after fitting. Most symptoms become less troublesome over time. A hormonal coil mainly works in the womb and has only a small hormonal effect on the rest of the body. Even so, some people will feel effects from the hormones. This varies greatly from woman to woman.

The most common side effect is a change in bleeding pattern. At first, you may have spotting, irregular bleeding or prolonged light bleeding. After a few months, most people bleed less than before. Some have very infrequent bleeding or stop having periods altogether. It is not harmful to have no bleeding when the hormonal coil is correctly positioned.

Other possible side effects include:

• Period-like pain or a dull ache in the lower abdomen
• Breast tenderness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Mood swings, rarely depression
• Changes in sex drive
• Spots

In rare cases, a partner can feel the coil’s threads during sex. This normally improves after the coil has been in place for a while. If not, the doctor can trim the threads shorter.

Checks at the clinic

After having a hormonal coil fitted, you must come for a check at the clinic after 3 months. You do not need to come for an annual check at the clinic.

How long a hormonal coil can stay in place depends on its hormone content:

• Jaydess must be replaced after 3 years
• Kyleena must be replaced after 5 years
• Mirena and Levosert must be replaced after 8 years

When your coil has been in place for the maximum period, contact the clinic to have it replaced or removed.

It is important to contact the clinic in the following situations:

• If side effects are very troublesome
• If you are diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease
• If you are diagnosed with breast cancer or cancer of the reproductive organs
• If you are diagnosed with liver disease
• If you have bleeding triggered by sex
• If you want to change your form of contraception or have the coil removed

Clinically updated 24 June 2026