Our Nurse Practitioner Marie Fuller is a member and trainer for the Faculty of Sexual Reproductive Health (FSRH). Marie specialises in fitting intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs and IUS), also known as “coils”.
Coils are a safe and reliable method of contraception for women of all ages - it should however be noted that they do not prevent ectopic pregnancy. Once the small device is inserted, it can stay inside the womb for 3-6 and 5-10 years. At our private clinic, Marie provides coil fitting and removal in Long Sutton after discussing your contraceptive needs.
Kinds of Contraceptive Coil are available:
Broadly, two types of contraceptive coils are available:
The later is also referred to as intrauterine system (IUS). Both varieties of the contraceptive coil are made from plastic and they are coated with copper or hormone. Both need to be inserted in the uterus and provide reliable protection against unwanted pregnancy for a long time. The Mirena coil releases tiny amounts of progesterone hormone which can also help with heavy periods and provide uterine protection for women taking estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
On average, each variety of coils lasts from 3 to 6 or 5 to 10 years, dependant on indication for use. However, they do not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), although we can also test for these in clinic.
What is Intrauterine Device (IUD):
An IUD is actually a small T-shaped plastic and copper device that is inserted into your womb (uterus) by our Nurse Practitioner.
It releases copper to stop you from conceiving and protects against pregnancy for between 5 to 10 years. Hence, it is also known as a "copper coil" or "coil".
Advantages of IUD coil Fitting:
What is Intrauterine system (IUS or Mirena)
A Mirena coil (or IUS - intrauterine system) is an alternative small and T-shaped plastic device being put into your uterus or womb by our Nurse Practitioner. It releases the hormone progestogen to stop you from getting pregnant lasts up to 3 to 6 years. This time period will depend on the type of device and indication it is fitted for, Marie will guide you, as to when you need it replacing.
At ElysiPhi, our Nurse Practitioner offers a wide range of family planning services including IUS (Mirena) coil fitting in Long Sutton.
Advantages of IUS Coil Fitting
Our Nurse Practitioner Marie Fuller specialises in Long Acting Reversible Contraception procedures, fitting and removing thousands of devices over the past decade.
The Subdermal Implant (SDI) is a safe and reliable method of contraception for women of all ages - it should however be noted that they do not prevent ectopic pregnancy. Once the small device is inserted under the skin, it can remain in situ for 3 years. However, the the SDI does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), although we can also test for these in clinic.
Marie provides implant fitting, replacement and removal in our Long Sutton clinic, after discussing your contraceptive needs during face to face consultation.
What is the Subdermal Implant?
The subdermal implant is a small, flexible rod (usually about the size of a matchstick) that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. It releases hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy and provides long-term contraceptive protection.
Advantages of Subdermal Implant:
Highly Effective: The subdermal implant is one of the most effective forms of contraception, with a very low failure rate.
Long-Lasting: Depending on the type, the implant can provide protection against pregnancy for up to three to five years.
Reversible: The contraceptive effect can be reversed by removing the implant, and fertility usually returns quickly.
Discreet: Once inserted, the implant is not visible from the outside and is not noticeable during daily activities.
No Daily Reminder: Unlike oral contraceptives, the implant does not require daily attention or remembering to take a pill.
Disadvantages of the Subdermal Implant:
Potential Side Effects: Some women may experience side effects, such as irregular bleeding, headaches, breast tenderness, or mood changes.
Insertion/Removal Procedure: Insertion and removal of the implant require a minor medical procedure, which may cause discomfort or bruising.
No Protection Against STIs: The subdermal implant does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so additional barrier methods should be used to reduce the risk of infection.
Cost: While cost-effective in the long term, the initial cost of the implant and the insertion procedure may be a barrier for some.
Irregular Menstrual Cycle: Some users may experience changes in their menstrual cycle, including prolonged bleeding or spotting.
At ElysiPhi, our Nurse Practitioner offers a wide range of family planning services including IUS (Mirena) coil, IUD Copper Coil and SDI (Nexplanon) which can be fitted in our Long Sutton service.
Please reach us at marie@elysiphi.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.
We always advise that you book a face to face consultation with our Nurse Practitioner to discuss your options for Long Acting Reversible Contraception. Each method has it's risks and benefits, so you need to be fully aware of these before making a decision. We will assess your medical history to help you choose the right method for you.
We recommend visiting: https://www.sexwise.org.uk/contraception/which-method-contraception-right-me to read about different contraceptive option prior to your consultation.
Great question! There are a few things you can do to help you prepare for your procedure, here they are:
* Firstly, don't panic. We understand any procedure can be anxiety provoking, but we will hold your hand (we actually do, if you want) and explain things along the way.
* Have something to eat and drink before your appointment, that way you are less likely to feel faint.
* Bring us your questions There will be time to discuss any queries you have before your procedure.
* Avoid going to the toilet before your appointment. There will be an opportunity to go before your procedure. We may need a urine sample from you first...
* Continue to take you current method of contraception. It is important to continue your current Pills/Patches for several days following your procedure. Our Nurse Practitioner will advise you on when you can stop after the fitting.
* Avoid Sexual Intercourse for at least 7 days before your procedure. Sorry... We need to be able to assess your risk of pregnancy, if there is any risk then the procedure can not go ahead.
* Wear something comfortable. For a Coil, You will be required to undress from the waist down, so wearing a skirt or dress will make things easier for you. For a Implant, you will need to have the tops of your arms unrestricted, so, wearing a vest top is ideal.
* Please don't feel embarrassed. After years of LARC procedure experience, Nurse Marie and her chaperones have seen and heard it all. Your comfort and wellbeing are what is important to us.
We would never lie, and feel transparency is hugely important in our service delivery. There can be an element of discomfort with any procedure, but we will supply analgesia to make you as comfortable as possible.
For Contraceptive Subdermal Implants, we provide an injectable local anaesthetic under the skin before fitting or removing the device. Most patients do no feel the procedure as it happens. We do recommend that you take simple analgesia such as paracetamol and rest the arm afterwards.
For Intrauterine Device (Coil) procedures we offer topical numbing gel. Levels of discomfort do differ from patient to patient. Some ladies do not feel the procedure and are surprised that it is fitted, others report feeling a pinch and a burning sensation that quickly passes once the procedure is completed.
You might suffer from period-like cramps afterwards, however, painkillers can help to lessen these. You may also experience some bleeding for a few days after getting your coil fitted, but this should clear up quickly.
There are some instances where devices can not be fitted.
Pregnancy: An IUD should not be inserted if the woman is pregnant. It is essential to confirm that a woman is not pregnant before the IUD insertion procedure.
Active pelvic infection: If a woman has a current pelvic infection or sexually transmitted infection (STI), IUD insertion should be postponed until the infection is treated and resolved.
Abnormalities of the uterus: Certain uterine abnormalities, such as large fibroids or structural issues, may prevent the proper placement of an IUD. A healthcare provider may need to assess the uterus to determine if an IUD can be safely fitted.
Allergic reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to the materials used in certain types of IUDs. If a woman has a known allergy to any component of the IUD, an alternative contraceptive method will be recommended.
History of ectopic pregnancy: Women who have had a previous ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus) may not be suitable candidates for an IUD, as it can increase the risk of another ectopic pregnancy.
Recent childbirth or abortion: While IUDs can be inserted after childbirth or abortion, healthcare providers typically recommend waiting a specific period to allow the uterus to return to its normal size and reduce the risk of complications.
Cervical stenosis: If the cervix is too narrow or has limited dilation, it may be challenging to insert the IUD properly.
Unexplained vaginal bleeding: If a woman is experiencing unexplained vaginal bleeding, it may be necessary to investigate the cause before proceeding with IUD insertion.
Current IUD displacement or expulsion: If a woman already has an IUD in place, but it has become displaced or expelled, it will need to be addressed before considering a new IUD insertion.
It is crucial for you to discuss you medical history and any current health issues with us to determine if an IUD is a suitable contraceptive option . Each patients' situation is unique, and a we can provide personalised advice and guidance on the most appropriate contraceptive method based on you health and needs.
We will provide tailored after care advice for you dependant on the method you have fitted/replaced/removed.
We encourage you to inform your Primary Care provider of your new contraceptive method (we provide you with written evidence to share with your provider).
Copper/Hormonal Coil
Insertion £400
Replacement £400
Removal £150
Subdermal Contraceptive Implant (Nexplanon)
Insertion £400
Replacement £400
Removal £150
All procedures incur a £150 Consultation fee, which is deducted from the total cost of the procedure.
Booking Link
ElysiPhi Aesthetics Ltd
ElysiPhi Medical, 17 Market Street, Long Sutton, Lincolnshire PE12 9DD
Reception: 01406 709495
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