Mirena Coil: hormonal IUD insertion
Mirena coil IUD insertion ( intrauterine system – IUS) is a hormonal contraceptive inserted into the uterus. It prevents an egg implanting and may prevent fertilisation. It’s sometimes called the hormonal coil.
At The Women’s Wellness Centre we offer.
- Mirena Coil insertion
- Mirena Coil check by ultrasound scans
- Mirena Coil removal
Book your Mirena Coil Insertion online
Choose day and time that best suits you and complete your booking directly using the form below.
You’ll receive an email to confirm your appointment and we look forward to seeing you at the Centre.
Mirena Coil IUD insertion benefits
The Mirena coil is active for five years and most health professionals recommend it as an excellent highly effective form of contraception
A major benefit a Mirena coil is the gradual reduction in the number of bleeding days and the amount of blood loss each month. This is the exact opposite to non-hormonal coils that can make periods heavier and more painful in some women. With the Mirena coil, a significant number of women may have very light or no periods at all.
An additional advantage is that the amount of hormone (progestogen) released is so small that premenstrual syndrome type and other progestogen related side effects are minimal. Its maximal action is at the womb lining. Concentration of the hormone in the blood is lower than almost any other hormonal treatment.
The Mirena can also be used as part of Hormone replacement treatment ( HRT) regieme along with oestrogen to avoid bleeding.
Hormonal IUD insertion
Insertion of Mirena coil is performed in the clinic using  local anaesthetic. Initially you will have an examination to determine the size and position of the uterus (womb).Â
A speculum will be inserted which allows the doctor to see the cervix (neck of the womb – like having a cervical smear). The cervix will be cleaned, and a local anaesthetic may be given. The Mirena coil will then be inserted through the cervix into the cavity of the uterus where it is held in place by its T-shape (see diagram). Two fine threads will remain in the vagina, just beyond the cervix, which can be used to check that the coil is in position and enables the coil to be removed with ease by health care professional.
Mirena coil Insertion can also  performed at the time of hysteroscopy, which is an investigation to look inside the womb. A thin telescope (hysteroscope) is inserted through the neck of the womb via the vagina and is used to inspect the inside of the womb and a sample of the lining of the womb may be taken or the cavity inspected for fibroids or polyps. Once this hysteroscopic examination is complete the Mirena coil can be inserted.Â
The hysteroscopy procedure is simple and can be performed under both local or general anaesthetic depending on the clinical situation.
Side effects
Spotting or irregular bleeding is common in the first few months after Mirena Coil insertion while the hormone in the coil thins the lining of the womb. This bleeding should not be as heavy as a period. After this has settled (usually 3-4 months) you should expect your bleeds to become significantly lighter and by one year after insertion many women will have no bleeding at all. It is important to acknowledge that the long-term benefits of a Mirena coil should outweigh the initial convenience of this irregular bleeding.
Apart from menstrual changes, side effects may include mild headache, acne, nausea or breast pain but due to the very low level of hormone, these are not common after the first few months.Â
You may experience some mild abdominal or back pain (like menstrual cramps) but this should settle as your uterus accepts the coil’s presence. There’s a very small chance of getting a pelvic infection in the first 20 days after the IUS has been inserted. This may present as a fever or discharge. Antibiotics given at the time of insertion will reduce the risk of infection. It’s not common, but the intrauterine device can be rejected (expelled) by the womb or it can move (displacement).Â
The insertion of Mirena coil may very infrequently cause perforation of the uterus, the risk of perforation is low  1 in 1000. Again, if you get any of these symptoms or are concerned please contact your doctor. An ultrasound after insertion will confirm correct placement of the coil.
IUD side contraception & effectiveness
A Mirena coil provides immediate contraception when inserted during or within seven days of your period. If it is inserted at another part of your cycle, you should continue with your usual contraception until your next period.
You can return to the clinic 6-8 weeks after insertion of the coil or see your GP or practice nurse. You will be examined to check that the coil threads are present and shown how to check this yourself. Although rare, coils can occasionally be expelled by the uterus. This is most common in the first six weeks after insertion. .
A Mirena coil need not be replaced for 5 years.
If for any reason your coil needs to be removed, this is generally a simply, quick out-patient procedure and your ability to get pregnant is restored.
Our Consultant Gynaecologists at The Women’s Wellness Centre offer a range of services dealing with female health concerns. If you wish to know more about our Private Gynaecology Services, please contact us on 020 7751 4488 or contact us here.
