Coil Fittings.
How to know if a coil is right for you, and what to expect from your fitting.
Are you considering a new coil?
Please make sure you have considered your choice of contraception and whether you feel an IUD (copper coil) or IUS (Mirena or Kyleena coil) is suitable for you. You will probably have had a discussion with a doctor, nurse or midwife.
You may have been advised to have the IUS (Mirena) coil to try to help with heavy periods. This needs to have been discussed with a GP or gynaecologist who will have determined whether you need any blood tests or an ultrasound scan before recommending this.
Please read the information leaflets for your chosen type of coil:
If you have never had a baby, have only had babies by Caesarean section, or have had surgery to the cervix there is no reason for you not to have a coil but please arrange a telephone appointment with one of our doctors before booking a fitting.
If at this stage you have further questions please do either arrange an appointment or book a phone call with one of our doctors.
Emergency Contraception.
The Pill
If you need a renewal of a pill prescription then please book a pill check with one of our healthcare assistants or nurses. If you would like to change you pill or start on the contraceptive oil for the first time, then please make a routine telephone appointment with one of our GPs or ANPs.
The contraceptive injection or Depo Provera
The contraceptive injection or Depo is given into the buttock or arm. It provides 12 weeks of contraception protection. It is suitable for those with a previous history of migraine, blood clots, high blood pressure, a raised BMI or those who are breastfeeding. Please see a practice nurse if you wish to use this method.
The implant or Nexplanon
The implant or Nexplanon provides long-acting reversible contraception which lasts for 3 yrs. It is suitable for those with a history of migraine, high blood pressure, obesity, blood clots or those who are breastfeeding. It involves a small procedure under local anaesthetic to insert or remove the implant in your upper arm. If you wish to consider this method then book a telephone appointment with one of our coil fitting doctors.
The coil
For information on the coil, please see below.
Changing your existing coil.
Please book an appointment with one of our coil fitting doctors by calling reception. If you are having a change of coil please abstain from intercourse or use additional contraception for 7 days before the change.
The fitting appointment.
Appointments are 30-40 minutes long. It is important that you feel as relaxed as possible. Please do not bring young children with you, although new babies in their car seats are manageable if this is unavoidable.
A vaginal swab test to check for infection may be taken at the time of fitting. You may choose to have a local anaesthetic to numb the cervix.
Please allow at least 20 minutes after the appointment to sit and wait in reception before you leave and have to drive again. You may wish to take a painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen 20 minutes before attending. You will be asked to sign a consent form before the fitting and the doctor will go through this with you to check that you are happy to go ahead.
Many people worry that it will be painful. The actual passing of the coil through the cervix into the womb may be painful but only takes a few seconds. You may have a slight period pain type feeling afterwards but this should be mild and quickly settle. You should be able to continue with your normal activities after the fitting.
Timing the appointment in your cycle.
An IUD can be fitted at anytime as long as you are certain you are not pregnant. If you have recently had a baby, a coil can be fitted 4-6 weeks after delivery.
An IUS can be fitted at anytime as long as you are certain you are not pregnant. If it is fitted in the first seven days of your cycle you are protected immediately. If it is fitted after this, you need additional contraception for 7 days.
If you have received a notification to say your smear test is due this can be done at the same appointment as your coiling fitting but please let us know.
After your appointment.
You will need to have a routine appointment approximately 6 weeks after the fitting to check the coil is suiting you. At this appointment you will have an internal check to see that the threads from the coil are visible.
It is important that you check your threads are still in place after each period - this will be discussed at the fitting. However, it is still safe to use internal sanitary protection should you wish.
Depending on the exact type of IUD fitted, your coil may last been 5 and 10 years. Please check at fitting as it depends on the exact type of coil used.
The IUS usually lasts 5 years but again may vary depending on the exact type used. If fitted after the age of 45 years it will last 7 to 10 years. If used as part of hormone replacement therapy it will last for 5 years. You will be advised at the time of fitting.
Problems with your coil.
Serious complications of the coil are uncommon however it is important that you know what to do if you have a problem.
Severe pain after fitting or at anytime associated with a heavy vaginal discharge, feeling ill or having a fever needs urgent assessment. A missed period with an IUD (not an IUS) also needs urgent assessment.
If the coil comes out or if you cannot feel your threads please use alternative contraception and make an appointment.
If you are not sure what to do please do phone the reception staff who will arrange for you to speak to one of the doctors for the best course of action to be decided.