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Gynaecology · London

Private IUD and IUS fitting in London, what to expect.

Fittings and removals with real pain-relief options and a chaperone - because a five-minute NHS slot is not the only way this should happen.

A stethoscope on a clinical desk

Indicative pricing

What a private IUD or IUS fitting costs in London.

Indicative ranges across UK private providers.

In short

£350-£700, with local anaesthetic from £450.

Fitting type Indicative range
IUS (hormonal - Mirena, Kyleena) fitting £350–£700
IUD (copper) fitting £300–£600
IUD/IUS fitting under local anaesthetic £450–£850
IUD/IUS fitting under sedation £900–£1,800
IUD/IUS removal only £150–£300
Fit + removal in one visit £450–£900

Prices vary by clinic, by the device chosen, and by whether you have local anaesthetic or sedation.

The problem

A fitting is a big deal. It shouldn't be rushed.

Too many people are told a coil fitting is "a bit uncomfortable" and left to get on with it. It doesn't have to be that way - pain relief, time, and a chaperone are all standard when you ask.

  • Worried about the pain?

    Local anaesthetic and sedation are real options - not afterthoughts. You choose what feels right.

  • Struggling to get an NHS slot?

    Many private providers can offer fittings at short notice, sometimes including evenings and weekends.

When it fits

When an IUD or IUS is the right choice.

An IUD or IUS is used for more than contraception. These are the most common situations.

  • Long-acting reversible contraception

    Five to ten years of contraception in one visit - reversible whenever you decide.

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding (IUS)

    A hormonal coil is often the first-line treatment for heavy periods, not just contraception.

  • Endometriosis-related pain (IUS)

    The Mirena is used to reduce endometrial pain and bleeding alongside specialist care.

  • HRT progesterone (IUS)

    A Mirena delivers the progesterone component of HRT locally, without oral tablets.

  • Emergency contraception (copper IUD)

    The most effective form of emergency contraception, up to five days after unprotected sex.

  • Removal (planned or requested)

    Straightforward removal at end-of-life of the device, or whenever you decide.

  • Missing threads follow-up (US)

    Ultrasound-guided check when threads cannot be felt - usually the device is still in place.

  • Red flag: heavy bleeding, fever, severe pain

    Same-day GP or A&E - do not wait. Perforation and infection are rare but need urgent care.

Fitting types

Not all fittings are the same.

What each option is actually for.

  • IUS hormonal fitting

    Mirena, Kyleena or Jaydess - hormonal coils that also reduce bleeding.

  • IUD copper fitting

    Hormone-free copper coil, effective for up to ten years.

  • Local-anaesthetic fitting

    Cervical block for people who want more than paracetamol and reassurance.

  • Sedation-assisted fitting

    Light sedation with an anaesthetist - for anxiety, prior difficult fittings, or preference.

  • Removal only

    A quick appointment to take a device out, planned or requested.

  • Fit + removal same visit

    Old device out and new device in, in a single appointment.

  • Missing-threads work-up (US)

    Ultrasound to locate a device when the threads cannot be felt.

  • Follow-up thread check

    Short six-week appointment to confirm placement and answer questions.

Safety and eligibility

What to plan for, honestly.

IUD and IUS fittings are safe and very effective - but the discomfort is real, and it is better to be told honestly than left to find out.

  • Pain during fitting

    Pain and discomfort during fitting can be significant - take pain relief 30 min before.

  • You are in control

    You can bring a friend and stop the procedure at any time.

  • Chaperone present

    A chaperone is standard for every fitting.

  • Bleeding and cramping

    Light bleeding and cramping for a few days is normal after fitting.

  • Irregular bleeding on IUS

    Irregular bleeding for 3-6 months is normal on the IUS and usually settles.

  • Six-week thread check

    Check threads at 6 weeks so you know your device is in place.

  • Active pelvic infection

    Not suitable during active pelvic infection - screening is carried out beforehand where indicated.

  • Pregnancy

    Not suitable if pregnant.

  • Perforation

    Perforation is rare but possible. FSRH-accredited fitters and ultrasound reduce the risk.

Reading your report

Your fitting note, made plain. Four parts.

Whichever device you have fitted, the note keeps to the same four parts.

A consultant reviewing a fitting note in a private London clinic

A quiet reminder

Clinical language is precise and can read coldly - ask your clinician to explain anything unclear.

If anything is unclear, ask for it to be talked through before your six-week check.

  1. 01 Header

    Your details and the indication

    Your details, which device was fitted, and the reason - contraception, heavy bleeding, HRT or emergency.

  2. 02 Technique

    Device and placement confirmation

    The device fitted, any anaesthesia used, and confirmation of placement - clinical or ultrasound.

  3. 03 Findings

    Any issues at fitting

    Any difficulty, bleeding beyond normal, or observations that matter for follow-up.

  4. 04 Impression

    The conclusion: read this first

    Fitted, review timing, and clear contraceptive advice - including when the device is effective and any back-up window needed.

Major UK private health insurers

BupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealix

Contraceptive fittings are usually self-pay; some policies cover fitting when clinically indicated (heavy bleeding, HRT).

Frequently asked

Everything we get asked about coil fittings.

Quick answers on pain, cost, referral, and how long a device lasts.

  • What is the difference between an IUD and an IUS?

    An IUD is a copper coil - hormone-free, effective for up to ten years. An IUS is a hormonal coil (Mirena, Kyleena, Jaydess) that releases a small amount of progesterone locally, effective for three to eight years depending on the device, and often reduces menstrual bleeding.

  • Does an IUD or IUS fitting hurt?

    It varies a lot. Many people find it uncomfortable but manageable; some find it very painful, especially if they have not had children. That is why local anaesthetic and sedation are worth asking about as real options, not afterthoughts.

  • How long do they last?

    Mirena - up to eight years for contraception (five years for HRT and heavy bleeding). Kyleena - five years. Jaydess - three years. Copper IUD - five to ten years depending on the device. Removal can happen sooner if you change your mind.

  • How much does a private IUD or IUS fitting cost in London?

    A standard IUS fitting is typically £350-£700 and a copper IUD £300-£600. Adding local anaesthetic takes it to £450-£850; sedation with an anaesthetist runs £900-£1,800.

  • Do I need a referral?

    No. Private fittings are usually available without a GP referral. If you have a GP letter or ultrasound already, share it - otherwise a history is taken at the first appointment.

  • Can I get pregnant with an IUD or IUS?

    Both are among the most effective contraceptives available - over 99% effective. Pregnancy with a coil in place is rare, and it is worth asking exactly what to look out for and when the device is fully effective.

  • Can a copper IUD be used as emergency contraception?

    Yes. A copper IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception, up to five days after unprotected sex. It also gives you ongoing contraception once fitted.

  • What happens at removal?

    Removal is usually quicker and less uncomfortable than fitting. A short appointment, the threads are grasped and the device is drawn out. You can have a new device fitted in the same visit if you wish.

  • Sedation or local anaesthetic - which should I choose?

    Local anaesthetic is a cervical block that dulls the sharpest part of the fitting and is done awake. Sedation is light general sleepiness with an anaesthetist, for anxiety or prior difficult fittings. Your clinician should talk it through with you so you can decide.

  • When should I see a GP urgently after a fitting?

    Heavy bleeding, fever, or severe pain that is not settling with pain relief needs same-day GP or A&E review. Perforation and infection are rare but treatable when caught quickly.

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