| Coil Fitting Planning
your fitting You are interested in the possibility of
having a coil fitted. Before having one fitted we like you to see one of
our nurses Sister Whittington who will be fitting your coil so that
she can chat through a few points with you. She will explain the pros
and cons and the types of coil which may be suitable for you. Sr
Whittington will also take swabs to check that there is no infection
which could complicate the procedure.
It is VERY important that the coil is fitted at the appropriate time
in your menstrual cycle:
If you are using another reliable method of contraception
for example the combined or a mini-pill (and you have definitely
not missed any pills since your last period) or you are on the
contraceptive injection or implant, then we can fit the coil at
any time in your menstrual cycle
If you are having unprotected sex or are using either the
condom or diaphragm (however well!) we can only fit a coil
between day 1 and day 7 of your cycle (day one being the first
day of bleeding). It can only be fitted later in the cycle if
you have totally abstained from sex since the first day of the
last period. This is necessary because we need to be certain
that you are not in the early stages of pregnancy, nor that
there are any sperm in your genital tract at the time that the
device if fitted which could later result in pregnancy.
If you are arranging to have a coil removed even if you
plan to have another coil refitted at the same time this can
be done at any time in your cycle but you must abstain from sex
for 7 days before the removal. This is to ensure that, in the
rare event that it is not possible to fit a replacement coil
after the original one has been removed, that there are no sperm
in your genital tract that might result in pregnancy
If you have recently had a baby, a coil can be fitted 8 weeks
after the delivery. However as your womb is slightly softer and
thinner for a while after delivery there is a slightly higher
risk of perforation of the womb.
If you have recently had a miscarriage or termination or
pregnancy (before 12 weeks gestation) a coil can be fitted at
any time.
If you have a hormone coil fitted (IUS or "mirena") later than day 7
of your cycle you will need to use another method of contraception for 7
days after the fitting until the device becomes effective. If you have a
copper coil fitted this is effective immediately for contraception.
If you have any queries or concerns about the right time to book your
coil fitting, then speak with one of our receptionists who will ensure
that this is checked with Sister Whittington or one of the other
clinicians.
Coil Fitting - About the day
We like you to take a painkiller at least half an hour before your
fitting appointment to reduce cramps afterwards. Suggested painkillers
are; Paracetamol 2 tablets or Ibuprofen 400mg 1 tablet after food.
Do not skip a meal before you come it is best to have
eaten.
Most women will feel fine after the fitting but a few women
can feel a little faint afterwards. We suggest that you have
someone with you or someone you can contact by telephone in case
you feel unwell (especially if you have felt faint with a
medical procedure in the past)
Please do NOT drive yourself to your appointment and do
arrange to take it easier for the rest of the day (try to avoid
work commitments, arrangements to collect children etc)
Please do not bring small children with you to the fitting
appointment as we do not have crθche facilities and clinical
instruments are in use
If you are planning a trip abroad we would like to do the
fitting and followup (at 6 weeks) before you leave. This is so
that if you do experience any problems then you can easily
return to us for advice.
Some sanitary protection may be required after the fitting,
please bring a towel or a panty-liner with you
you should not
use tampons for 2-3 days after a coil fitting.
Be prepared to allow a minimum of 30 minutes for the coil
fitting appointment
Coil Fitting post fitting advice
Initial advice:
No lifting of weight objects for 2- 3 days
No intercourse for 2-3 days
No tampons for 2-3 days
You are NOT contraceptively covered until cramping settles.
Do take regular painkillers for a couple of days Ibuprofen 400mg
three times a day or Paracetamol 500mg 2 tablets four times a day
Some women experience period-like pains (cramps) for a day or two
after fitting. The use of local heat (hot water bottle) or a heat pad
may help.
If cramps continue after 2-3 days, then use condoms and contact the
Surgery for advice
You should make a follow-up appointment in six weeks after your coil
fitting in order that we can check that all is well and that the coil is
satisfactory
How to check your Coil is still in place:
Practice feeling the threads of the coil and your cervix
Always check the threads after a period
If you have expelled or lost a coil in the past, you are
advised to check your threads every day.
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