The Non-Hormonal (Copper) Coil

The non-hormonal coil or IUD is a T-shaped flexible plastic device, slightly bigger than a 50p coin, that is placed in the uterus.

It prevents pregnancy by:

• Preventing the sperm from surviving inside the body as copper is toxic to sperm
• Stopping a fertilised egg implanting in the womb

The IUD is a method of long-acting reversible contraception (or LARC). These methods don’t rely on you remembering to take them, but they do need a trained doctor or nurse to administer or fit them for you.

Emergency contraception
The non-hormonal coil can also be used as a form of emergency contraception if fitted within five days of unprotected sex.
More about the non-hormonal coil as emergency contraception

As the copper coil is a non-hormonal contraceptive method, you will continue to get your period as normal. Periods can become longer, heavier or more painful during the first few months of use.

While using the copper coil, your provider may recommend you don’t use menstrual cups or tampons for the first few weeks of use.

The non-hormonal coil needs to be fitted by a doctor or nurse who has been specially trained. It is available free of charge from a range of services including contraceptive clinics, your GP and Brook.

Contraception and sexual health services such as Brook are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16. Health professionals work to strict guidelines and won’t tell anyone else about your visit unless they believe you’re at serious risk of immediate harm. Find out more about Brook’s confidentiality policy.

Step 1: Appointment

You will need to book an appointment at a contraceptive clinic or with your doctor. This appointment will typically include:

• A few questions about your medical and family history to work out what method would suit you best.
• An internal examination – a doctor or nurse will look inside your vagina to check the position and size of your uterus before the non-hormonal coil can be fitted
• They will also check for any signs of infection, sometimes you may also be given antibiotics.

Some services may be able to fit it at the same appointment, or you may need a second appointment.

Step 2: Fitting the coil

The doctor or nurse may discuss painkiller tablets/using local anaesthetic to make the fitting more comfortable. You can also bring someone with you for support.

Fitting the coil shouldn’t take longer than 5 minutes:

1. You’ll be asked to remove the lower half of your clothing (e.g. trousers/skirt and underwear) and lay on the bed with your legs open and knees bent
2. The doctor or nurse will use a speculum (instrument inserted into your vagina) to slightly widen your vagina this might feel uncomfortable but it shouldn’t be painful.
3. The doctor or nurse will then insert the coil into the uterus through the cervix. You may feel some discomfort which may last a minute or two after the coil is inserted, for other people it may last longer.
4. The doctor or nurse will then trim the strings and remove the speculum.

The coil fitting may be uncomfortable for some people. The doctor or nurse may discuss painkiller tablets and/or using local anaesthetic to make the fitting more comfortable. Learn more about support for survivors of sexual abuse, assault or trauma.

After the coil is fitted

Most people feel well enough to leave straight after the appointment.

You may get some period-type pain and possibly some light bleeding for a few days afterwards.

The coil has two threads which hang through the opening at the entrance of your uterus (cervix). You should check the threads a few times during the first month and then at least once a month.

You will then only need to go back when the coil needs to be replaced (5 to 10 years depending on the type of non-hormonal coil).

When to talk to a doctor

• If you cannot feel the threads
• If you can feel the coil itself
• If you experience severe or prolonged abdominal pain, especially if you feel unwell, hot and clammy
• If you experience heavy vaginal bleeding with or without clots

The non-hormonal coil can be fitted at any time in your cycle if it is certain that you are not pregnant. It may also be possible to fit the copper coil as emergency contraception. Check the emergency contraception calculator to work out if it is not too late to fit a non-hormonal coil.

As soon as the non-hormonal coil is fitted then you will be protected immediately. You will be asked to take a pregnancy test before the non-hormonal coil is fitted and another three weeks later if there is a pregnancy risk.

Getting a non-hormonal coil after pregnancy

You can get a non-hormonal coil fitted after a birth, abortion or miscarriage but when you can get it fitted does vary.

Always speak to your midwife, GP or nurse at a sexual health clinic to check this is the right method for you

The coil must be removed by a trained doctor or nurse, the procedure should be less painful and quicker than having the coil fitted. If you are not going to have another coil you will need to use additional contraception, such as condoms, for the seven days before the coil is taken out if you do not want to become pregnant.

Your fertility should return to normal as soon as the coil is removed.

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