Coil contraception without hormones

A trained clinician places it inside the uterus. It provides ongoing contraception and can be removed when pregnancy is wanted or when another method is preferred.

A copper coil releases copper, which interferes with sperm and fertilisation. It does not suppress ovulation in the way some hormonal contraceptives can, and it contains no oestrogen or progestogen.

A hormonal coil releases progestogen mainly within the uterus and often makes bleeding lighter. That difference matters if you already have heavy or painful periods, anaemia, adenomyosis, endometriosis, or fibroids.

Before fitting, discuss your bleeding pattern, pelvic pain, pregnancies, infections, medicines, and any possibility of pregnancy. Ask what pain relief is available and when the device begins protecting against pregnancy.

Cramping and spotting can occur after insertion. Follow the clinic's instructions for checking the threads and arrange a review if you cannot feel them, they feel different, or you can feel the hard part of the device. Use alternative contraception until its position is checked.

Get prompt medical assessment for worsening lower abdominal pain, fever, unpleasant-smelling discharge, very heavy bleeding, pain during sex, or concern that the coil has moved. These symptoms need evaluation rather than waiting for a routine check.

Take a pregnancy test and seek urgent clinical advice if pregnancy is possible with a coil in place, particularly with one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness, or fainting. A coil does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Ask how your current periods might change, whether pelvic symptoms need investigation first, which coil size suits your uterus, and how removal is arranged. If avoiding hormones is your priority, confirm that the proposed device is copper rather than hormone-releasing.