General Practice, by video or in person
Contraceptive Implant and Coil (IUD)
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Contraceptive Implant and Coil (IUD)
- Changes to your periods with the implant or the hormonal coil: lighter, irregular, longer or stopping
- Heavier, longer or more painful periods with the copper coil, especially in the first months
- Soreness or bruising in the arm for a few days after an implant is fitted
- Period-like cramps for a few days after a coil is fitted
- Not being able to feel the coil threads, or threads that feel different
The implant and the coil are long-acting reversible contraception: once fitted, there is nothing to remember, which is why they are the most effective reversible methods. The implant is a small flexible rod placed under the skin of the upper arm. It releases a progestogen hormone and lasts 3 to 5 years depending on the type: Jadelle lasts 5 years, and Implanon NXT is labelled for 3. The copper coil (IUD) is a small T-shaped device placed in the womb. It contains no hormone and lasts 5 years or more, depending on the type. The hormonal coil (IUS) releases a progestogen inside the womb, lasts 3 to 8 years depending on the type, and often makes periods lighter and less painful. All of them can be removed at any time, and fertility returns straight away. None protects against sexually transmitted infections. Each one is fitted and removed in person by a trained nurse or doctor, so the fitting cannot be done by video.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Changes to your periods with the implant or the hormonal coil: lighter, irregular, longer or stopping
- Heavier, longer or more painful periods with the copper coil, especially in the first months
- Soreness or bruising in the arm for a few days after an implant is fitted
- Period-like cramps for a few days after a coil is fitted
- Not being able to feel the coil threads, or threads that feel different
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now if you have sudden severe pain low in the tummy, especially on one side, with bleeding, dizziness or fainting, which can be an ectopic pregnancy in the rare case a method fails; or a high fever with tummy pain or a smelly discharge in the weeks after a coil is fitted, which can be a pelvic infection. See a doctor soon if tummy pain is not helped by painkillers, bleeding is very heavy, you think you might be pregnant, you cannot feel the coil threads or they feel different, or the implant site is red, swollen and painful. If you cannot feel the threads, use condoms until the coil has been checked. A doctor can talk through the methods with you by video and tell you whether one suits you, but fitting and removal need a clinic visit.
Treatment options
- A talk about which method suits your health, your periods and your plans for children
- A check that you are not pregnant before fitting, and condoms for the first days if the clinic advises them
- Implant fitting under local anaesthetic, taking a few minutes, closed with a dressing rather than stitches
- Coil fitting at a clinic in a short procedure after a vaginal examination
- A follow-up visit if the clinic advises one
- Removal at any time by a trained nurse or doctor, with fertility returning straight away
- Replacement on time, because an implant or coil left past its date protects less well
Common Questions
Where can I get an implant or a coil fitted?
At the family planning clinic of many government hospitals and primary health centres, and at private clinics and hospitals with a trained provider. Mezo does not fit implants or coils. A doctor on Mezo can help you choose by video, and the fitting itself is done in person.
Does the implant cause weight gain?
Some women report weight gain, headaches, sore breasts or acne on the implant, but the NHS notes there is not enough evidence to say the implant causes them. Changes to periods are common and are worth knowing about before you choose it.
Is the coil painful to fit?
Many women feel period-like cramps during fitting and for a few days after. Ask the clinic about pain relief before you go. If the pain is severe, or does not settle with painkillers, see a doctor.
How soon can I get pregnant after removal?
Straight away. Fertility returns to what it was before as soon as an implant or a coil is removed, so use another method from that day if you do not want to conceive.
Can a coil be used as emergency contraception?
Yes. A copper coil fitted within 5 days of sex without contraception is the most effective emergency contraception, and it then stays in as your ongoing method.
Need Help?
A doctor on a video call, who advises on the right test and treatment, and tells you if you need to be seen in person.
See a doctor by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
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The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Family planning: a global handbook for providers, 2018 edition. World Health Organization, 2018. Clinical guideline.
- Contraceptive implant: what is it?. NHS. Patient information.
- Contraceptive implant: getting it fitted or removed. NHS. Patient information.
- Contraceptive implant: side effects and risks. NHS. Patient information.
- IUD (copper coil): what is it?. NHS. Patient information.
- IUD (copper coil): side effects and risks. NHS. Patient information.
- IUS (hormonal coil): what is it?. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 30 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.