WILL IT HURT? GETTING AND USING THE HORMONAL COIL

Concerns about pain are natural, but there’s no need to worry

The hormonal coil (IUS) is one of the most reliable long-acting contraceptives. Once fitted, it can remain in place for up to 5 years. That means no more having to remember to take a daily pill, change a patch every week, or make a monthly appointment for a contraceptive injection. Despite its ease of use, many women have concerns about getting an IUS fitted, and what they can expect afterwards.

COMMON CONCERNS

While you should consult your doctor or nurse to help you decide whether to get an IUS, we’ve tackled some of the most common questions here.

HOW DOES IT FEEL?

Most women tolerate IUS placement very well. Your doctor or nurse may advise you to take simple painkillers, and in some cases they will numb the neck of the womb with an anesthetic injection to minimise discomfort.

WILL I EXPERIENCE SYMPTOMS?

After insertion, some women may experience some discomfort and dizziness. These are usually comparable to menstrual cramps, and will ease if you take normal painkillers. If pain persists, consult your doctor. The IUS may also lead to a reduction in bleeding and period pain over time, and may stop your periods entirely.

CAN IT FALL OUT?

Your doctor or nurse will follow the correct procedure to ensure your hormonal coil is inserted properly and stays in place for the 5 years you use it for. It is possible for muscle contractions to push the IUS out of place, so if you experience any persisting discomfort after it is inserted, consult your doctor or nurse immediately.

ALTERNATIVE CONTRACEPTION METHODS

If you decide that the hormonal coil isn’t for you, it might be worth considering these alternatives:

THE IUS

A small, flexible T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of hormones. It is placed in your womb by a doctor.

View Method

THE IUD

A small, T-shaped plastic frame with a copper wire that is placed in your womb by a doctor.

View Method

THE IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones. It is placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor.

View Method

THE INJECTION

A shot containing progestin that is effective for up to three months. It is administered by a doctor.

View Method
COMPARE METHODS

NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.

Seek out an appointment with your doctor or nurse for further support that is specific to you and your lifestyle.

Is It Okay?

CONSIDER THIS

If you’re concerned that your ring may fall out or has fallen out for more than three hours,
you should consult your doctor or nurse and read your Patient Information Leaflet. In the
meantime, consider using another form of contraception such as a condom.

LEARN MORE

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

THE
IUS

The Hormonal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of a progestin hormone for up to 5 years. It is available on prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse.

Image of an IUS

THE
IUD

The Copper Coil is a small, T-shaped plastic frame that has a copper wire. It available on prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse, where it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 or up to 10 years, depending on the type and availability in your country.

Image of an IUD

THE
IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 years. It is available on prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse. 

Image of the Implant

THE
PILL

A small tablet containing one hormone, or a combined pill containing two hormones, that is self-administered, orally, and needs to be taken at the same time each day. It is available on prescription.

Image of birth control pills

THE
INJECTION

An injection containing hormone(s) that is available on prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 2 or every 3 months. 

Image of an Injection

THE
PATCH

A small, thin, skin-coloured plastic square that sticks to the skin and releases hormones. It is available on prescription and can be self-administered once a week.

Image of the Patch

THE
DI­APHRAGM

A silicone cup placed in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the womb. Though some are fitted by a doctor or nurse, most are self-administered up to 24 hours before sex. It is available on prescription. 

Image of a Diaphragm

THE
RING

A small, flexible ring that is self-administered and available on prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks. 

Image of an Injection

THE
FEMALE CONDOM

An internal condom that works in the same way male condoms do, though it is placed in the vagina. Female condoms reduce the risk of infection with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, when used correctly with every act of sex. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of Female Condom

THE
MALE CONDOM

A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina, it is also the only method that helps lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of a Male Condom

NATURAL
PLANNING

Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days. 

Natural Planning

WITHDRAWAL

Also known as ‘The pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.

Image of a timer for the withdrawl method

MALE
STERILISATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm.

Icon representing male sterilisation

FEMALE
STERILISATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes and removes the possibility of pregnancy.

Icon representing female sterilisation
COMPARE METHODS

CAN YOU RELATE?

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Your Pe­riod is Late

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Date of last update: 19 January 2021

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