No waiting list
With appointments available on the same day
Pain relief as standard
From local anaesthetic gel to gas & air
Specialists & friendly clinicians
With patients travelling from across the country
About the procedure
Local anaesthetic
Yes, we provide local anaesthetic gel, gas & air and cervical block
Length of appointments
Approx. 15-30 minutes in total
Recovery & aftercare
You can continue with your day as normal, without needing to take any time off.
Locations
Fees
Routine Coil Removal£150
Ultrasound Guided Coil Removal£350
A routine coil removal is a straightforward procedure which rarely poses complications.
We will begin by discussing any questions and concerns that you may have about the procedure, methods of pain relief and your contraceptive methods.
Once we have completed the consultation element of the appointment, we will then ask you to undress (in private) and lie down on the couch. Once you’re ready and comfortable, we will begin by offering you the pain relief method of your choice.
We will then insert a speculum into your vagina to check for your threads. In most cases, the threads are easily visible at the opening of the cervix. Sometimes, they may be hidden by discharge from the cervix which may require removing the discharge with a swab.
In the event that we cannot see the threads at the entrance of the cervix (e.g. threads are missing or the coil has already been expelled) an ultrasound guided coil removal will be needed.
Using a pair of long forceps, we will hold the end of the threads. Some clinicians can ask you to cough as they gently pull on the threads and remove the device. This will then be disposed of safely.
You may then re-dress and we’ll make sure you’re feeling alright and answer any further questions before the end of your appointment.
The Process
The consultation and procedure happen in one appointment, as long as it’s safe to do so.
Questionnaire
In order to be most prepared and leave plenty of time for discussion and procedure, we will ask you to fill out a simple questionnaire.
Consultation
In the consultation, we will discuss any questions that we may have. Once you are comfortable, we will then proceed to remove the coil in the same appointment.
Procedure
As long as we can see/feel the threads of the coil, we will be able to remove it. If you would like, you are more than welcome to see your coil.
Aftercare discussion
After your coil has been removed, we will discuss any next steps.
Aftercare
If you’ve just had a coil removed by us and are seeking advice on recovery and aftercare, we’ve got the information for you just here.
General
Can I have a coil removal if I am on my period?
If you are on your period, you can still safely have a coil removal (as long as you are comfortable).
Can I have a coil removal if I am pregnant?
Yes. It is safe to have a coil removal if you are pregnant. Ideally, we would recommend having it removed as soon as you find out.
What are the possible complications of having a coil removal?
If the clinician is unable to locate the strings of the coil, they will need to refer you for an ultrasound guided coil removal.
When should I book my coil removal?
A coil can be removed at any time for multiple reasons.They may include, but are not limited to:
- Your coil has expired
- You’re experiencing side effects
- You want to try another method of contraception
- You no longer need a method of contraception
- You want to get pregnant
Before the appointment
How can I prepare for my appointment?
We recommend abstaining from sexual contact 7 days prior to you coil removal if you are not looking to conceive. Otherwise there is no need for any additional precautions or abstinence.
Will I need to take time off for my coil removal?
Most patients do not need any time off work after the procedure. However, it is advised to rest immediately afterwards, avoid strenuous activity and avoid menstrual cups for up to 6 weeks after the procedure.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. You can bring your partner, friend or family member to your appointment.
However, if you feel that you would rather not bring someone to the appointment, rest assured that our staff are here to support you and make you comfortable in any way possible. Clarewell Clinics is a safe space.
What travel arrangements should I make for after the appointment?
You do not need to make any special arrangements for after your procedure. However, if you would feel more comfortable, you may request a family member/friend/partner to accompany you on the way home.
During the appointment
Does the coil removal hurt?
After you have arrived for your appointment, we will invite you in for the initial consultation.
Once we have reviewed your lesions, we will proceed to prepare you for the procedure (as long as you have booked in for same day treatment). This will involve going through the consent form, taking any pre-procedure pictures and applying the numbing cream in privacy.
After letting the numbing cream settle for approx. 15-20 minutes, we will check to make sure the area is numb and then continue to burn the lesions.
After the procedure, we will offer you aftercare advice and give you an aftercare pack with some items to help with the recovery.
Will the procedure hurt?
No. Almost all of our patients find treatment of PPP with hyfrecation painless. Your clinician will confirm the total numbness of skin before undertaking the procedure.
Can I listen to my music during the coil removal?
Yes, absolutely you can. Please let us know at the time of your booking (or upon your arrival) so that we are ready to accommodate your wishes.
Can I have another form of contraception after my coil removal?
Yes. We can offer you an implant fitting, copper coil fitting or a hormonal coil fitting in your appointment.
If you are seeking pills or patches, we will offer you a private prescription which you can take to your local pharmacist.
Can I have an STI test during my appointment?
Absolutely. Please request this at the time of booking so that we may book you an extended appointment.
For more information about our STI tests, please visit this page: https://www.clarewellclinics.co.uk/sexual-health-clinic/.
Can I see my coil after the coil removal?
Yes! Just let your clinician know and they will show it to you.
What happens if my coil removal does not go as planned?
Although every effort will be given to remove the coil, it may not always be possible and you may require an appointment with one of our consultants for an ultrasound guided coil removal. If this is the case, the clinician will advise you and our patient support team can book you in.
Do I need to bring feminine hygiene products for use after the coil removal?
No. We will provide you with a pad after the procedure.
After the appointment
What should I expect after my appointment?
You may experience period-like pains and it is not uncommon to bleed for a couple of days afterwards. Painkillers such as paracetamol and a hot water bottle usually help to alleviate this.
If you are particularly prone to faint after a medical procedure/in a clinical setting, please let us know when booking your appointment.
Rarely patients can develop an infection after having their coil removed. If you are experiencing unusual pain, strong smelling discharge, have a fever or are experiencing any other symptoms indicative of an infection, please seek medical advice or visit your local GUM clinic.
What do I do if I think I have a problem after the appointment?
We recommend all patients have a thorough read of the information above as it will help with key questions.
If you think that something is wrong, please request a follow up call by contacting our clinic.
How soon after my coil removal can I have sex?
As long as you are comfortable, you can have sex immediately after your coil removal.
How soon after my coil removal will I become fertile?
Your fertility will return as soon as your coil is removed. Hence, it is essential to have another method of contraception in place if you are not planning to convenience.
Will I require a follow up appointment after my coil removal?
A follow up appointment is not usually required. If you have any questions after your procedure, you can contact our receptionists and they will arrange a follow up call for you.
In the event that you would like a follow up appointment, we can book one in for you (please note that we do charge for a follow up appointment).
Fees
Please note that methods of pain relief (where medically appropriate) are included in the fee.
Copper coil fitting/replacement (inc. pain relief)£350
Hormonal coil fitting/replacement (inc. pain relief)£450
GyneFix coil fitting (inc. 1x ultrasound at 8 weeks)£600
Coil check (ultrasound guided)£150
Coil removal (routine) (inc. pain relief)£150
Coil removal (ultrasound guided) (inc. pain relief)£350
Implant fitting/replacement (routine)£300
For international patients with two rods, we charge £250.
Implant removal (ultrasound guided)£475
Vasectomy£750
Health Insurance
Find out if you can claim your visit
Don’t wait months.
Page reviewed by Dr Manoj Malu
Last reviewed date: 1 April 2022
Next review due: 1 April 2025
Whilst this content is written and reviewed by sexual health specialists, it is for general guidance only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your clinician.
References & Further Reading
- Contraception: A comparative study of the ease of removal of intrauterine contraceptive devices
- Contraception: Exploring the experience of IUD self-removal in the United States through posts on internet forums
- Fertility and Sterility: The forgotten coil – ScienceDirect
- Annals of Medicine: Removal of an Intrauterine Device and the Treatment of Acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology: A randomized controlled trial of coil removal prior to treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease
- Contraception: Retention of intrauterine devices in women who acquire pelvic inflammatory disease: a systematic review