Pre coil fit information
Which coil is best for you? Please click here for information about the types of devices we fit.
If you are considering having a coil for contraception, you will be asked to have an initial telephone consultation with one of our nurses.
If any of the following apply to you, it is important to tell the nurse during your pre-fit telephone consultation.
- Do you suffer from heart problems?
- Have you had a recent organ transplant?
- Have you ever been told that you have something wrong with your womb e.g. fibroids, heart shaped womb or have you ever had surgery on your womb (caesarean section is OK)?
- Have you had ovarian, cervical, womb or breast cancer?
- Do you currently suffer with liver problems?
- Are you currently taking hormone replacement therapy or do you plan to start this?
You need to consider your current contraception before having a coil fitted.
If any of the below apply to you then please continue with your method.
- I have an implant that has not run out.
- I had an injection that has not run out.
- I have been using pills or patches with no problems or forgotten pills.
- I have been using condoms every time and have had no split condoms or problems.
Please note…
- If you have had an IUD or IUS fitted that has not yet run out, please abstain from sexual intercourse or use a condom for the seven days before your appointment.
- If you use the pill, patch or ring please use on the day of your fitting. You may need to continue your contraceptive method for seven days after fitting depending on the type of device you have fitted.
- We are only able to fit IUD / IUS for contraception including IUD for emergency contraception. If you require an IUD / IUS for other reasons please discuss this with your GP.
If any of the below apply to you then please abstain from sexual intercourse or use a condom every time for at least three weeks before your appointment.
- I have an IUD or IUS fitted that has run out.
- I have an implant that has run out.
- My injection is overdue.
- I have taken emergency contraception in the last month
- I have forgotten 1 or more pills or left my patch off or had a broken condom.
- I am using the withdrawal method, natural family planning or no contraception.
Please note…
- We may need to do a pregnancy test when you attend clinic so please be able to provide a urine sample or bring one in with you. If we do not do the pregnancy test we may not be able to fit the device.
- If you have just had a baby please wait at least four weeks after delivery before your IUD / IUS fitting. If you wish to start having sex before the fitting make sure you are using effective contraception and use the rules above about when we will be able to fit the device.
You may need some screening tests before attending for a coil fit. If you answer yes to any of the questions below you will need to have STI screening tests before having your coil fitted:
- Do you have any pelvic pain, vaginal discharge or change in your bleeding pattern?
- Have you had a new sexual partner in the last 3 months?
- Have you had more than one sexual partner in the last year?
- Have you been in contact with a sexually transmitted infection and not had a test?
- Have you any concerns that your sexual partner may have a sexually transmitted infection?
- Does your regular sexual partner have other sexual partners?
If you need to have a STI test, please click here to order a test to do at home. Please ensure you order your test 3 weeks before your appointment to allow for processing and postage time.
Before you attend your fit appointment, please make sure that you are aware and agree with the following statements:
- I have read the information about the IUD and IUS.
- I have followed the advice about contraception and not having sex
- I have checked whether I need an STI screen
- If I need to have a STI screen, I will ensure I have my results before I attend for my fitting appointment
- I understand that the clinician will not fit the IUD / IUS if they are concerned that I may be pregnant
- I understand that an IUD / IUS may fail as contraception in 2-5 women in every 1000 that have them fitted. If it does fail there is a risk that the pregnancy will not be in the womb (ectopic pregnancy)
- I understand that there is a risk of infection of 1 per 100 women in the first few weeks after insertion
- I understand that an IUD/ IUS will not protect me against STIs and condoms are recommended too especially if I have a new sexual partner.
- I understand that there is a 1 in 20 chance of the device falling out
- I understand that the risk of uterine perforation (hole in the womb) is 1-2 per 1000 women. In breastfeeding women the risk is 6-12 per 1000 women.
- I understand that sometimes an IUD/IUS can not be refitted after removal due to cervical spasm and if this happens a further appointment will be offered.
- I understand my bleeding pattern will change.
- IUD – my periods may be heavier and longer and will take 3 – 6 months to settle
- IUS – my periods may get lighter or stop but I may have erratic bleeding and spotting for the first 3 – 6 months.
- I will have breakfast or lunch prior to fitting appointment.
- I understand that if I wish to take painkillers I should do so an hour before the appointment
- I understand that I am likely to bleed after the fitting and will need a sanitary pad.
- I can use my menstrual cup or tampons from 3 weeks after fitting to allow the threads to settle.
- It is common to have period pain after fitting and some people like to rest.