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Hormonal intrauterine device (IUD)
Mirena coil insertion
- See a leading gynaecologist within 24 hours
- Specialist support throughout your personalised treatment plan
- Dedicated women's health facilities and aftercare
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Private Mirena coil insertion at HCA UK
Why choose us?
At HCA UK, your care always comes first. Our women’s health consultants carry out Mirena coil insertions in private facilities, using the latest techniques to keep your experience safe and comfortable. Our team offers guidance, expert advice and a plan shaped around you.
Whether you choose the Mirena coil for contraception or to ease your periods, we personalise every step of your care. From consultation to aftercare, you can feel fully supported by our dedicated women’s health specialists.
Whether you choose the Mirena coil for contraception or to ease your periods, we personalise every step of your care. From consultation to aftercare, you can feel fully supported by our dedicated women’s health specialists.
The Mirena coil is the brand name for a type of hormonal birth control (intrauterine) device (IUD) that provides contraception for up to eight years. It's a small, T-shaped piece of flexible plastic that's placed inside the womb (uterus) and continuously releases a contraceptive hormone (progestogen).
The Mirena hormonal coil can also be used as an effective way to treat other symptoms, such as heavy and painful periods, or as the progesterone component of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
The Mirena hormonal coil can also be used as an effective way to treat other symptoms, such as heavy and painful periods, or as the progesterone component of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
The Mirena coil works by releasing small amounts of levonorgestrel (a progestogen hormone) into the uterus. The hormone works in several ways:
- Thickening cervical mucus (fluid that helps sperm reach an egg when you ovulate), making it more difficult for sperm to enter your womb and fertilise an egg.
- Thinning the womb lining (endometrium), making it less likely for a fertilised egg to implant and grow if fertilisation occurs.
- Suppression of ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries), although this effect isn't always consistent.
There are several reasons why you may be recommended the Mirena hormonal coil:
- To prevent pregnancy, thickening mucus in your cervix stops sperm from reaching an egg, and thinning the womb lining partly stops the release of an egg.
- To reduce heavy periods (menorrhagia) by thinning the womb lining, helping you live more comfortably.
- To manage symptoms from conditions such as endometriosis by suppressing the growth of the endometrial tissue and reducing inflammation, offering significant pain relief.
- As part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), it provides a localised, low-dose source of progesterone, which helps balance oestrogen and protect the lining of your uterus from the risk of cancer. A hormonal IUD can also provide an effective and convenient option for managing menopause symptoms.
We'll explain the process in detail beforehand, so you're comfortable with what to expect. But to give you an idea of what to expect:
Before the procedure
It's best to have the Mirena coil inserted within the first seven days of your menstrual cycle for immediate contraceptive effectiveness. If inserted at another time, you should use additional contraception for the first seven days.
You may also have a pregnancy test and STI screenings to confirm you're not pregnant and reduce infection risk.
During the procedure
Your consultant will apply an antiseptic to your vagina and cervix, then insert the coil using a flexible plastic inserter. Once positioned, the inserter is removed, leaving the coil in place, with the two threads extending into your cervix. The procedure takes about five to 10 minutes and is non-invasive.
After the procedure
You may experience mild cramping and light bleeding for a few days after the procedure. Over-the-counter painkillers can help if you're dealing with any discomfort.
You can resume most activities as soon as you feel comfortable, though avoid sexual intercourse for 24 hours to reduce infection risk.
Your consultant will show you how to check the coil threads monthly and schedule a follow-up appointment within four to six weeks. Annual check-ups are also required while the Mirena coil is in place.
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Your Mirena coil insertion with HCA UK
What to expect
From your initial consultation to your annual follow-ups, our women's health specialists are on hand to support you throughout your treatment journey. If you have any questions ahead of Mirena coil insertion, your women’s health specialist will be happy to help.
01
Consultation
Following a referral from your GP, you’ll attend an initial consultation with a women’s health specialist at one of our private facilities. Your consultant will review your medical history and clearly explain what you can expect during the Mirena coil insertion. You’ll also have plenty of time to ask questions, so you feel fully informed and confident before your procedure.
02
Preparation
Your consultant will create a personalised care plan tailored to your needs. They’ll give you clear, step-by-step guidance on how to prepare for the procedure and answer any concerns you may have. Our goal is to make sure you feel comfortable, supported and ready for the next stage.
03
Mirena coil insertion
On the day of your procedure, our team will welcome you into one of our private health facilities. Your consultant will check that you feel well and carry out a pregnancy test and a test for sexually transmitted infections before proceeding. Once the results are ready, your consultant will begin the gentle, non-invasive Mirena coil insertion. The procedure is quick, usually taking less than 10 minutes.
04
Follow up care
After your Mirena coil fitting, you’ll rest in a comfortable room before heading home the same day. Before you leave, your consultant will explain how to carry out simple monthly self-checks and outline your follow-up appointments. They’ll also give you clear advice on what to expect, such as light bleeding or mild discomfort in the days after the procedure, and when to get in touch if you have any concerns.
Our locations
Where can I have Mirena coil insertion?
Our experienced women’s health specialists provide expert Mirena coil insertions across London and Birmingham. We deliver safe, sterile care designed around your needs. Every stage is explained clearly, helping you feel comfortable, supported and reassured throughout your treatment.
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Mirena coil insertion FAQs
We understand that you may feel apprehensive ahead of hormonal IUD insertion, but our specialists are here to help put your mind at ease. Your dedicated HCA consultant will provide you with helpful, personalised advice on how best to prepare for your private Mirena coil fitting procedure. This may include:
- Taking some mild painkillers or anti-inflammatory medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen an hour before your procedure
- Ensuring you have sanitary products should you experience light bleeding or spotting
- Arranging for someone to take you home after the procedure in case you experience any discomfort
- Wearing practical, comfortable clothing
Having a Mirena coil fitted is usually a quick, safe and straightforward procedure. Most people experience little to no discomfort afterwards. If you do notice side effects, they are usually mild, temporary and settle with time. These can include:
- Irregular bleeding or spotting, which normally improves after a few months
- Cramping or pelvic pain in the days following insertion
- Mood changes or low mood
- Skin changes, such as hormonal breakouts
- Headaches or migraines
- Breast tenderness
The Mirena coil is one of the most reliable forms of contraception available. It’s more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and works for up to eight years. Because it’s low maintenance, you don't need to worry about daily tablets or regular prescriptions.
The Mirena coil offers a range of health and lifestyle benefits that many people find life changing. These include:
- Over 99% effectiveness in preventing pregnancy for up to eight years
- Lighter and less painful periods, and in some cases, periods may stop completely
- Recommended as a first-line treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding
- Easily reversible, with fertility usually returning quickly after removal
The Mirena coil is designed to be long-lasting. Its lifespan depends on how it’s being used:
- For contraception, it’s effective for up to eight years
- For treating heavy periods, it’s effective for up to five years
Yes, you can have the coil removed whenever you wish. Removal is usually straightforward and quick. Once removed, your fertility usually returns within a month.
There is no evidence to suggest that the Mirena coil directly causes weight gain. If your weight changes, it’s usually linked to lifestyle or natural hormonal changes rather than the coil itself.
Yes, fertility usually returns quickly after the coil is removed. Many people conceive soon after removal.
Yes, you can use tampons or menstrual cups if you prefer. It’s essential to be gentle when inserting or removing them to avoid disturbing the coil threads.
If fitted in the first seven days of your menstrual cycle, the Mirena coil works straight away. If fitted at another time, it may take up to seven days to become fully effective. Your specialist may recommend using additional contraception during this time.
For many people, periods become much lighter and less painful after having the Mirena coil fitted. In some cases, periods may stop altogether. This is perfectly safe and happens because the hormone in the coil thins the lining of your womb, so there’s less (or sometimes no) tissue to shed each month.
Whether your periods stop or simply become lighter, both outcomes are normal and nothing to worry about.
Most people describe Mirena coil insertion as uncomfortable rather than painful. You may feel cramping or pressure for a short time while the coil is placed, similar to period pain. The procedure itself usually takes less than 10 minutes, and any discomfort tends to ease quickly.
Your consultant will talk you through the process, and you can take mild pain relief beforehand if you wish. After the procedure, you may have some light cramps or spotting for a few days, which normally settles on its own.
Your consultant will talk you through the process, and you can take mild pain relief beforehand if you wish. After the procedure, you may have some light cramps or spotting for a few days, which normally settles on its own.
You can get back to normal straight away. We just recommend avoiding tampons, menstrual cups and sex for the first 24 hours to lower the risk of infection.
Our patient stories
Antonia’s chronic endometriosis
Antonia was diagnosed with endometriosis in 1994, at the age of 24, after she had been experiencing chronic pelvic pain and heavy periods.
How Joyce’s endometriosis nearly cost her fertility
Fifteen years after being diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Joyce was devastated to discover her symptoms were caused by endometriosis – a condition which, left untreated, can affect fertility. Here Joyce shares her experience, and how amazing her care was under the care of Mr Denis Tsepov and his team at The Harley Street Clinic.
"My birthing experience was all I could have hoped for"
Elida and Rohan reflect on the birth of their daughter at The Portland Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK
“Our team's in-depth knowledge of women's health ensures that every step of your Mirena coil insertion is guided by expertise and care tailored specifically to you. We believe in empowering women to make informed decisions about their health, all while offering exceptional care in a supportive environment.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.