Your’re safe on the coil

By Dr Brigid Monda

The coil is the world’s most widely used and inexpensive long-term reversible method of contraception. In Kenya, the varieties available include the Copper T, which is the commonest, the Nova T and Mirena. Mirena is a hormone-releasing coil whereas Copper T and Nova T are hormone-free, that have copper metal coiled around them. This copper is slowly released into the uterine cavity enhancing the contraceptive effect. Both coils have a ‘string’ attached to them that is made of a single strand of strong, smooth plastic that cannot absorb or ‘wick’ fluid or bacteria from the vagina into the uterine cavity. The string allows for easy removal when the time comes. It also allows a woman or her doctor to judge whether the coil is still in its correct position.