Coils/IUD Fittings
Coil/IUD Advice pre-fitting
Before your coil is fitted your clinician would have discussed your choice with you and will have provided written or online leaflets about your chosen method. Read them carefully and keep them in a safe place for future reference.
What is a coil?
A coil is a small plastic device that is put into the womb for several reasons:
contraception (lasting 3-10 years before expiring, depending on the device used). They are >99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
hormone replacement as part of HRT (mirena coil only, for 5 years before expiring)
control of troublesome period bleeding (mirena coil)
They can contain hormones (known as intrauterine systems/IUS) or non-hormonal copper wire (known as intrauterine device/IUD).
What are the risks of the coil?
During fitting you may experience bleeding or pain. There is a 2/1000 risk of damage to the womb lining ('perforation'), a risk that is higher when post-partum or breastfeeding. There is a risk of dizziness or fainting ('cervical shock') whichis a rare complication of fitting.
A copper IUD coil can make periods heavier or more painful.
A hormone IUS can make your periods shorter, lighter or stop altogether. Some people report headaches, acne, breast tenderness or changes in mood but there isn't currently evidence to support that this is caused by the IUS.
When should I have my coil fitted ?
We can fit a coil on any day of your menstrual cycle as long as we can be certain that you are not already at risk of pregnancy.
If you have been using a reliable method of contraception (‘pill’ taken correctly, injection or implant) for the previous month, coil fitting can take place at any time.
If you are not using one of the methods above or you are relying on condoms/cap, you should avoid intercourse from the first day of your period until your coil fitting appointment.
If you have recently had a baby you should start using reliable contraception 21 days after giving birth. You can have a coil inserted from four weeks after the birth.
If you have recently had a miscarriage or abortion you can have a coil inserted at any time afterwards provided we can be certain you are not pregnant – so you should either not have had sex since then or have used another reliable contraceptive method (see 1st point).
If you are not having regular periods and not using a reliable method of contraception, as above, you must avoid having sex for at least three weeks before your appointment. We can do a pregnancy test before fitting your coil if there is any doubt.
If you are having a coil replaced (old one removed, new one fitted), this can be done on any day. You must avoid having sex for seven days before your appointment. This is to ensure that there is no sperm in your body that could result in a pregnancy if it is not possible to fit a new coil after the original one is removed.
How soon does the coil work?
Copper coil works immediately.
The Hormonal coil (Mirena, Jaydess, Kyleena, Levosert) are as follows:
• Fitted up to day 7 of menstrual cycle - works immediately
• Fitted after day 7 of menstrual cycle - works after another 7 days
Appointment advice
On the day of your coil appointment
Have something to eat and take a mild painkiller such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen 1 hour before your appointment to help reduce discomfort/cramping. Your doctor will discuss more options with you if further pain relief is necessary. A trained health care assistant will also be present to help and support you throughout the procedure.
Do not miss a meal; it is best to have eaten before you attend.
Please allow one hour for your appointment. Although the procedure does not take long, a few women do feel faint afterwards and need time to rest and recover.
It is not ideal to bring a child to this appointment - please make alternative childcare arrangements where possible.
After your Appointment
You will need a sanitary towel and you may experience light bleeding. Tampons are not recommended immediately after the fitting or up to a week afterwards. Menstrual cups are not recommended for up to 6 weeks due to the suction.
We like you to rest for 10-15 minutes after the fitting before going home. We advise you to not plan to do anything energetic for the rest of the day.
Further information
IUS/IUD Coil Fitting & Pain Relief FAQs | The Lowdown
Contraceptive Methods | Contraception Choices
IUS/IUD Coil Fitting & Pain Relief FAQs | The Lowdown
The above is a complete guide to IUD and IUS coil fitting - what to expect, how to prepare and how to ask for pain relief!
A video from Dr Carrie Hurst below helps to explain:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BADYwuZqxfsD0ULwSB8iLEhBHKXRz4el/view
