Contraception
Contraception comes in different shapes and sizes. During certain times your contraception preferences may change. Your midwife will gladly assist you in making an informed decision regarding which type of contraception is best for you. You have opportunity to discuss this with your midwife either during your pregnancy, the maternity period or at your follow up consultations following the birth. If you feel a coil is the best option for you, your midwife will refer you to Focus Midwifery Centre where you will have the procedure.
Coils
A coil is a trusted type of contraception which does not affect breastfeeding. There are two types of coils, the non hormonal copper coil (T-Safe) and the hormonal coil (Mirena en Kyleena).
Non Hormonal Coil
A copper coil is a hormone free method of contraception and is designed to release small amounts of copper. Copper ensures that any sperm cells which enter the uterus become inactive, therefore preventing conception. In addition the coil forms a physical barrier against the egg implanting itself inside the uterus.
The T-Safe copper coil is very reliable and is registered to be effective for a period up to 10 years. The T-Safe is the most used copper coil in the Netherlands and is recommended by the Nederlands Huisartsen Genootschap.
A copper coil does not affect your natural menstrual cycle. During the first 3 months after fitting the coil there may be side effects, such as a longer and/or heavier menstruation, abdominal cramps and bleeds between periods. After this time your menstruations will follow their natural cycle again. In some cases you will experience a permanent increase in blood loss. Find more information on the website www.t-safe.nl, you can also find a list of possible side effects.
A copper coil also works as a method of morning-after contraception if fitted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse. The copper makes the uterine lining unsuitable for a fertilised egg to implant itself.
Check with your health insurance provider if you are covered, but most fully comprehensive policies will accept a claim for the cost of a copper coil.
The T-Safe coil costs € 78,04. The procedure of fitting a coil is covered by most comprehensive policies also. Some health insurers will deduct these costs from your excess. Always check beforehand with your insurance provider which costs are covered.
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Hormonal Coil
The hormonal coil slowly releases a small amount of hormones and causes the mucus in the cervix to become ‘tougher’, so it’s more difficult for sperm to penetrate the uterus and reach the egg. Releasing the hormone levonorgestrel into the uterus also causes sperm cells to become less mobile. By which chance of conception becomes highly unlikely. By releasing this hormone plus the coil being a ‘foreign object’ in the uterus, the lining inside the uterus will not thicken at all or very little. Because of this any fertilised egg cannot implant itself. Some women may not ovulate at all. If there is no ovulation, there cannot be any conception.
There are two types of hormonal coils: the Mirena and the Kyleena. The Kyleena is somewhat smaller in size and releases fewer hormones than the Mirena. Both types are very reliable and are registered for use up to a period of 5 years. It is of course possible to have either coil fitted for a shorter amount of time, for example between pregnancies.
The most common side effects with the hormonal coil are changes in flow during your menstruation, bleeds between periods or no bleeds at all. Headaches, abdominal cramps, back pain and vaginal discharge or inflammation of the labia are also fairly common. Please read patient information leaflet of the Mirena or Kyleena for a summary of side effects.
It depends on your health insurance policy if you can claim for the coil. Although most comprehensive policies will cover these costs.
Fees for either hormonal coil are priced at approx. €150. The cost of fitting is also covered by most health insurers. Some insurers will deduct the cost of the fitting from your excess. Make sure you check with your insurer beforehand.
Fitting the coil
You can make a telephone appointment for having your coil fitted at Focus Midwifery Centre. A coil can be fitted from 10 to 12 weeks after giving birth. The appointment will last approx 30 minutes. During which we perform an ultrasound to check the size and position of your uterus. The coil will be fitted next; this procedure should only last a few minutes. Please note the fitting may be uncomfortable so we advise to take a painkiller prior to the fitting.
It is common to experience abdominal cramps or a ‘nagging’ feeling in your abdomen following the fitting of a coil. This usually does not last long. Additionally you may experience irregular and/or increased blood loss and abdominal cramps during the first three months following the fitting. Please contact us if you have any questions or you are experiencing issues.
Removing the coil
Should you wish to have your coil removed, we can perform this procedure as well. Please note, after removal of the coil you are fertile again immediately.