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 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.
Changing your existing coil
If the previous coil fitting was straight forward you may book a coil change directly with reception. If you are having a change of coil please abstain from intercourse or use additional contraception for 7 days before the change.
Emergency Contraception
You may have been advised or chosen an IUD as emergency contraception. The IUD can be fitted up to 7 days after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
If this is the case please phone to speak to your GP as soon as possible as the fitting will need to be arranged without delay.
The fitting appointment
Appointments are 30 minutes long. You will be seen by a doctor and a nurse in the ‘minor ops suite’. 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 freeze 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. You will be protected immediately.
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.
Post-natal fitting
This needs to be at least 8 weeks after delivery.
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.