Coil Clinic

(Please note the new guidelines about Mirena and Levosert extended use guidelines before booking a replacement)

We provide a regular contraception coil clinic providing hormone Intra-Uterine Systems (Brands include Levosert, Mirena and Jaydess) or Copper (non-hormonal) coils free of charge. You will be offered an appointment on a Monday between 10.30 and 12.00pm with Dr Meade (a male doctor). There will be a female member of staff present for the coil fitting. The procedure can take up to 30 mins with a nurse and doctor—you may need someone to help you with child care during this time. It involves an internal examination with a speculum to place the coil into the womb.

If you need a smear at the same time please inform reception and we will try to ensure the nurse available can take the smear at the same time. This can only be done when you're not on your period but commonly you will need to book a separate appointment for this. We would advise booking this 6 weeks after the coil fit so the nurse can ensure there have been no side effects.

To book an appointment for a coil fitting, use our online system. A member of the reception team will then be in touch with an appointment. Our average wait time is 6-8weeks which is usually shorter than other services.

Contraceptive coils are also available from Umbrella Sexual Health services which may have longer wait times.

Before your fitting:

• You should consider getting swabs for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) before having a coil to reduce the risk of infection.
• Take paracetamol and ibuprofen before you come (as long as you are not allergic) to help with the cramp-like pain of fitting the coil.
• Bring a sanitary towel—it is normal to have some bleeding for at least 3-5 days and some pain after the coil fitting.
• If you have a coil fitted or removed you don’t want to conceive, please use contraception from your last period or abstain from sex for 7 days prior to fitring or removal.
• Consider taking a rest day from work/study. It is normal to experience crampy period pain afterwards.

When is the best time to fit your coil

• It is very important that you use contraception until your coil fitting (the withdrawal method is not contraception). If there is a chance you could be pregnant, your coil will not be fitted.
• It is best to fit your coil between day 1-7 of your cycle. Day 1 is the first day of your period.
• A coil can be fitted at any time if an existing coil is being removed and replaced with a new one.
• A coil can be fitted from 4 weeks after birth or by the hospital at birth.
• A copper coil can be fitted up to 5 days (and sometimes longer) after unprotected sex to provide emergency contraception but please remember sometimes coils may not be able to be fitted for other reasons and use contraception before your planned fit date.

What to do afterwards

• If you are at risk of an STI you should use condoms for 3 weeks after the fitting to reduce the risk of infection.
• Consult with a doctor if you develop smelly discharge, severe pain, abnormal bleeding or fevers.
• You do not need any routine examination afterwards and coil checks are no longer required.
  

How long will the coil last?

A Levosert or Mirena coil will last 8 years and starts to work after 7 days. Please note the change in duration and information regarding this on the FSRH website. A Levosert or Mirena fitted after 45 can now be used until 55 as contraception.

A Jaydess will last 3 years and starts to work after 7 days.

Copper coils last 5 or 10 years depending on which type is fitted and works straight away.

A Levosert or Mirena used for HRT protection lasts 5years.

You should check regularly for the coil threads by feeling. This is to ensure the coil hasn't moved out of place. If you can't feel your coil strings please book an appointment with the practice nurse for an examination and use alternative contraceptrion while awaiting the appointment. Also consider whether you need emergency contraception.

For more information please see the Family Planning Association or
Patient Info.