Coil & contraceptive implant service

The contraceptive implant is a small, flexible plastic rod containing the hormone progestogen, which is slowly released over a period of three years. It works by stopping ovulation, thickening the mucus around the cervix, which makes it harder for sperm to get through, and making the lining of the womb thinner so that a fertilised egg cannot implant.

We also offer fitting of the intrauterine device (IUD, or the coil). This is a small, usually T-shaped plastic device which contains copper. The IUD is put into the womb through the vagina. The IUD is over 99% effective and is the only LARC method that doesn’t have hormones in it. The copper in the device disables the sperm, and stops the sperm reaching the egg, which prevents fertilisation. It may also stop a fertilised egg implanting in the womb. It can stay in place and prevent pregnancy for between 5 and 10 years, depending on the type of device.