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 an IUD (copper coil) or LNG-IUD (Mirena or Kyleena hormonal coil) is suitable for you. You will probably have had a discussion with a doctor, nurse or midwife. You can also find reliable information at Home | Contraception Choices
You may have been advised to have the LNG-IUD (Mirena/Kyleena) to help with heavy periods or as part of HRT. 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 this is your first coil you will have a telephone call to discuss everything with a doctor beforehand, so don’t worry if you are not completely sure of your decision when you book the appointment.
If you are currently using a different form of contraception please continue this until you are seen, as your doctor is unable to fit a coil if there is any chance of pregnancy.
Please contact reception or fill an online triage form to request a new coil fitting.
Changing your existing coil.
If you have a coil that needs changing, please contact reception or fill an online form to request this. You will need to make it clear that this is a change to an existing coil and whether that coil is still in date or has already expired. You will not generally have a telephone call with the doctor first if your previous fitting was straightforward, so please request one if you would like to talk to the doctor first.
If you are having a change of coil, please abstain from intercourse or use additional contraception for 7 days before the procedure, and remember to take some pain killers 1 hour before the fitting appointment.
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 and that you are well hydrated and have eaten. Please do not bring young children with you. If this is unavoidable, please contact the surgery to discuss this.
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 (see below for a copy of the form if you wish to look at this in advance).
Once you are ready, the doctor will start with a vaginal (internal) examination to check which way your womb lies (every woman is different). Then a speculum (a plastic device) will be inserted into your vagina to see the cervix (similar to a smear test), and then the coil will be fitted. A swab may also be taken to test for infections such as chlamydia, but you will be told about this at the time.
Many people worry that the fitting will be painful. Most women describe a mild to moderate, deep cramping discomfort during the minute or two that it takes to pass the coil through the cervix and into the womb. Every woman is different though, and some hardly feel anything, whilst others may find it more painful. This pain usually eases off very quickly once the coil is in place, although it is not unusual to have some mild period-like pain that comes and goes for the 24-72 hours after fitting. You should not have pain that continues beyond the first day or two. Women are usually able to continue with their normal activities after the fitting, though it is generally advised to avoid anything too strenuous on the first day. Occasionally women can also feel faint during the fitting, so you may need to stay a little longer until you recover.
Part of the team’s role is to support you and make the procedure as stress free as it can be, so please tell the nurse or doctor if you have any concerns or specific needs and we will be pleased to help wherever possible. You can change your mind about the procedure at any point, just let the nurse or doctor know.
Please allow at least 15 minutes after the appointment to sit and wait in reception before you leave and must drive. It is advisable to take a painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen 1 hour before your fitting appointment and the doctor is likely to use a pain relieving gel on the cervix during the procedure to reduce discomfort.
Timing the appointment in your cycle.
Either type of coil can be fitted at any time in your cycle if you are certain you are not pregnant, including during your period when the insertion procedure may be slightly easier.
An IUD (copper coil) will provide immediate protection. The LNG-IUD (Mirena/Kyleena) provides immediate protection if fitted in the first 7 days of your cycle, but otherwise you will need to use 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 the nurse or doctor know.
Post-natal fitting.
This needs to be done at least 8 weeks after delivery.
After your appointment.
Your coil fitter will give you advice about what to expect after a coil fitting. Some mild cramping for a day or two and light spotting is normal. Your periods may be irregular initially, especially with the LNG-IUD (Mirena/Kyleena) coil. They may be heavier or more painful with the IUD (copper coil).
If you are getting severe pain not relieved by simple pain killers, or pain lasting more than one week after the coil fitting, or if you are getting an unusual discharge or very heavy bleeding (eg with clots) then please contact the surgery for an urgent review so that we can check the position of the coil. If the surgery is closed and you are worried you should contact 111.
It is important that you check that the coil threads are still in place after each period - this will be discussed at the fitting. If you are not having regular periods, then you should check once a month. It is safe to use internal sanitary protection such as tampons and menstrual cups should you wish, but this is probably best avoided for the first 7 days after fitting. You should be careful when removing tampons and menstrual cups that the threads do not get caught and dislodge the coil.
Please remember that if you have an LNG-IUS (Mirena/Kyleena) fitted at any time other than the first 7 days of your cycle, you will need to use an alternative form of contraception or avoid intercourse for 7 days after the fitting. Your coil does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections, so you should always use condoms with a new partner.
Depending on the exact type of coil fitted it can last between 3 and 10 years. You will be told when the coil expires at your fitting appointment.
Coil removal
If you are having your coil removed without replacement, and you do not wish to become pregnant straightaway, then please either abstain from intercourse or use a condom carefully in the 7 days before you attend for the coil removal.
The coils are usually easily removed by gently pulling on the threads. This can be done by one of our trained nurses or doctors in a normal appointment and does not require additional pain relief.