Coil Removal Belfast, Northern Ireland

coil Removal

We remove all uterine coils e.g the copper coil and the hormonal coils. This procedure usually takes 15-20 minutes including explanation of the procedure..

Our doctor will go over the details of the procedure with you, and ask you to sign a consent form.

In some cases the coil cannot be removed, however Dr Quinlan can use a special device called coil retrievers to remove most coils even when the strings are not available.

In a small number of cases the coil cannot be removed. In this case you need to be referred to Gynaecology to have a scan to confirm the coil is still in your womb and then have an alternative method of coil retrieval performed.

We can refer you either into the NHS for this or privately.

Coil Removal Appointment
£150

HOW are COILs REMOVED?

This process is similar to having a smear or the coil inserted. A device called a speculum is used to see the cervix. The strings of the coil need to be visible in order for the doctor to pull the coil out with a coil removal device.

It is generally not painful, but can be a little uncomfortable. No anaesthetic is required and the coil usually comes away freely. The doctor will use lots of gel to make the removal of coil less uncomfortable.

You may have some bleeding afterwards for a few days but this should settle. We will give you a sanitary pad to wear afterwards.

If anything abnormal is seen during the procedure or viewing the cervix the doctor will explain this to you and discuss what to do next. Common findings are infection or a polyp or ectropian of the cervix.

The procedure usually takes less than 10 minutes.

Further FAQ about contraceptive coils

When is the best time to remove my coil?

The coil can be removed at any time. If you are not getting a replacement coil and you don’t want to get pregnancy, you must use another method of contraception, such as condoms, for 7 days before you have the coil removed. This is to stop the sperm getting into your body. As soon as coil is taken out, your normal fertility should return.

How do I check my coil is in place?

After fitting the coil the doctor will show you how to feel for the threads - they lie at your cervix. They do not hang outside like tampon strings and your partner should not feel them.

How often should my coil be checked?

You should aim to check the threads of your coil every month. If you check and cannot feel the threads, you need to see a doctor and assume you could be at risk of pregnancy. Likewise, if your bleeding pattern changes, a thread check is advisable to ensure the coil is in the right place.

What if the doctor cannot see the strings of my coil, can I still have it removed?

Sometimes the strings are not visible when the doctor examines your cervix.. The coil removal will then be attempted using aanother device called a coil string retriever or another decie that is inserted into the womb.

In a small number of cases where the coil strings are not visible, the other methods tto remove it maybe unsuccessful, this can be because the coil is nolonger in your womb or the procedure maybe be too painful to continue. If we cannot remvoe the coil an appointment fee only of £130 will be charged and we will make a referral to gynaecology. The gynaecologist may need to carry out an ultrasound examination to locate the coil within the womb and then they will use another method for retrieval.

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