Copper coil or hormonal coil: how to choose

Both coils are over 99 percent effective and both are fit and forget. The choice between them comes down to hormones and what you want your periods to do.

Choose the copper coil if

You would rather have no hormones at all, you are happy for your natural cycle to continue, and you do not mind that periods can be a little heavier, especially early on. It is also the best option if you need the most effective emergency contraception, fitted within 5 days.

Choose the hormonal coil (Mirena) if

You would like lighter periods or none, you have heavy or painful periods you want help with, or you need a progestogen for HRT. The hormone dose is low and acts mainly in the womb.

A few practical points

Both last for years (copper 5 to 10, Mirena up to 8 for contraception). Both are reversible with fertility returning straight away. Both are fitted the same way. Neither protects against sexually transmitted infections, so use condoms if that is a risk.

There is no single right answer. The best choice is the one that fits your body, your periods and your plans, and a short conversation with a doctor usually makes it clear.

Coming soon. Coil fitting, copper and hormonal, is coming to our clinic. It is not bookable yet. For now the NHS fits both free. Our women's health lead, Dr Ferhat Uddin, will fit them.