Using a coil for heavy periods

The hormone-releasing device also provides contraception. Suitability depends on the cause of bleeding, the shape of the uterine cavity, other symptoms, and your treatment preferences.

The device releases progestogen mainly within the uterus. This keeps the lining thin, so less tissue is available to shed during a period. Bleeding may be irregular at first before becoming lighter; some users later have little or no bleeding.

Heavy periods can accompany adenomyosis, fibroids, endometrial polyps, perimenopause, or a disorder affecting the uterine lining. Treating the bleeding does not remove every underlying cause, so assessment may be needed before fitting.

Record how often you change period products, whether bleeding passes through clothing or bedding, and whether you pass clots, bleed between periods, or have pelvic pain. Mention tiredness, breathlessness, headaches, or paleness because blood loss can contribute to iron deficiency anaemia.

A clinician may discuss an examination, pregnancy testing, blood tests, or imaging according to your symptoms. Before fitting, ask about pain relief, expected bleeding changes, thread checks, contraception, and what alternatives are available if the device does not suit you.

Seek urgent help if bleeding is soaking through protection repeatedly and you feel faint, weak, short of breath, or unwell. Severe pelvic pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge, or a positive pregnancy test with a coil in place also requires prompt assessment.

Book a medical review for bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause, and for a persistent change from your usual pattern. New bleeding should not be assumed to come from the coil without considering other causes.

Useful questions include which coil is being offered, whether the uterine cavity needs imaging, how long irregular bleeding may continue, and how improvement will be judged. Ask whether your symptoms suggest checking iron levels or investigating fibroids, polyps, or the uterine lining.