IUD placement

Having a coil (IUD) fitted by your own midwife

A coil is a very reliable form of contraception that is suitable for long-term use, also while breastfeeding. At Kéita you can have a coil fitted, which feels reassuringly familiar with your own midwife.

Two types of coil

There are two types of coil, both very reliable and suitable for long-term use. They are placed in the womb by a trained doctor or midwife.

Hormonal coil (e.g. Mirena or Kyleena)

• How it works: Contains progestogen, released locally in the womb. It makes the lining of the womb unsuitable for implantation and thickens the mucus in the cervix, which blocks sperm.
• Advantages: Very reliable (comparable to sterilisation), works for 5 to 8 years depending on the type. Can lead to much lighter or even no periods. Suitable while breastfeeding.
• Disadvantages: Fitting can be uncomfortable. A small chance of irregular bleeding in the first months.

Copper coil (e.g. T-Safe or Ballerine)

• How it works: Contains no hormones. The copper makes sperm cells inactive and prevents a fertilised egg from implanting.
• Advantages: Very reliable, works for 5 or 10 years depending on the type. No hormonal side effects. Suitable while breastfeeding. Can be fitted within 5 days of unprotected sex as emergency contraception.
• Disadvantages: Can make periods heavier and/or more painful. Fitting can be uncomfortable.

How long can a coil stay in?

• Mirena: 8 years.
• T-Safe: 10 years.
• Other coils, such as the Kyleena and the Ballerine: 5 years.

On www.spiraalcheck.nl (in Dutch) you can register your coil for free. You will then automatically get a message when it needs replacing. You can also come to us to have your coil removed or replaced.

Having a coil fitted at Kéita

• Calm, with explanation: the coil is fitted by midwife Denise or Hanieh. We plan at least 45 minutes for it and always tell you beforehand what we are going to do. Feeling nervous? You are welcome to bring someone with you.
• Ultrasound before and after: we can do an ultrasound scan before the fitting, and at the check-up after about 6 weeks we use an ultrasound scan to see whether the coil is in the right place.
• After the birth: we fit a coil at least 8 weeks after the birth.
• Pain: having a coil fitted is usually not completely painless. Taking painkillers beforehand and a numbing spray for the cervix can help.
• Preparation and aftercare: beforehand we rule out a pregnancy and, if needed, an STI. You will get written information from us about the preparation and about the period after the fitting.

Costs and reimbursement

• The fitting: having a coil fitted by a midwife is usually reimbursed from the basic health insurance, without the excess (eigen risico).
• The coil itself: up to and including the age of 20, the coil is reimbursed from the basic health insurance (from 18 your excess does apply). From 21 you pay for the coil yourself, or your supplementary insurance covers it. A hormonal coil costs about € 150, a copper coil about € 60 to € 100.
• Want to be sure? Check your policy or ask your health insurer.

We also fit coils. For more information, please ask our assistant or your midwife. You can read more about the other forms of contraception after the birth on the Contraception page.