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Jersey Gynae Clinic

Contraception

Coil insertion & removal under general anaesthetic

Coil fitting or removal at hospital under general anaesthetic. The right option where a previous attempt has been too painful, the cervix is difficult to access, or threads cannot be found.

  • At hospital
  • 20–30 minutes
  • General anaesthetic
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Overview

About this procedure.

Most coil fittings are straightforward in clinic, but for some patients, doing it under a short general anaesthetic is the right choice. This might be because of severe pain with a previous attempt, difficult anatomy, a coil that has moved out of position, or simply personal preference.

Mr Orabi will discuss whether clinic or hospital is the right setting at your initial consultation.

Setting

At hospital

Duration

20–30 minutes

Anaesthetic

General anaesthetic

Indications

What it's for.

  • Previous coil fitting that was too painful or could not be completed

  • Difficult access to the cervix (e.g. after surgery, anatomical variation)

  • Coil threads that cannot be seen: removal under hysteroscopic visualisation

  • Combined procedure where another operation is planned at the same time

  • Patient choice, where you would prefer to be asleep

On the day

How it's done.

  1. Procedure done under short general anaesthetic

  2. The coil is inserted through the cervix into the womb in the standard way

  3. Hysteroscopy can be used at the same time if threads need to be located, or if the coil has migrated

  4. Position is confirmed before you wake up

Recovery

After your procedure.

  • Most patients go home the same day, a few hours after the procedure

  • Light cramping and spotting for a few days

  • Return to normal activity within 24 hours

  • Use additional contraception in the first 7 days unless previously protected

Benefits

Why this approach.

  • Pain-free procedure under general anaesthetic

  • Reliable answer for patients with difficult anatomy

  • Hysteroscopic visualisation when needed for retained or migrated coils

Risks

What to be aware of.

  • Risks of general anaesthetic (small)
  • Cramping and bleeding
  • Perforation of the womb (rare)
  • Failed insertion (uncommon)