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Please read this information carefully when you book your coil fitting.
It is important that you read the information below when you book your appointment and then again before you attend your appointment to have a coil fitted.
If you are worried or have questions, you can call the clinic or speak to the nurse/doctor before the fitting, and it’s ok if you change your mind.
If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please contact the clinic as soon as possible. Contact details for all Brook clinics can be found in our service finder: brook.org.uk/find-a-service.
Please make sure you have read and understand the information below before you attend your coil appointment.
It is very important that there is no chance of you being pregnant when you have your coil fitted (or re-fitted).
At the start of the appointment, the nurse/doctor will ask you to confirm:
There are risks involved in all medical procedures. Please make sure you understand the below risks associated with the hormonal and non-hormonal coil. You can ask the doctor/nurse to explain in more detail at your appointment if you want to.
Make sure that you have had breakfast/lunch on the day of your appointment, and that you are well hydrated (have had enough to drink). Don’t drink alcohol or take drugs before your appointment.
As the coil needs to be put into the womb via the vagina, having one fitted isn’t the nicest experience; it can feel invasive and uncomfortable, and some people will find it painful. The nurse/doctor will do their best to make you comfortable and will keep checking to make sure you are ok. Remember: they’ve done this lots of times so you don’t need to feel embarrassed.
A painkiller can be taken around an hour before your appointment – this is usually enough pain relief for most people. You can request a local anaesthetic, but not all services will be able to offer this so if you want one it’s best to check before you make your booking.
You might want to think about some relaxation techniques to help you stay calm and your muscles relaxed during the fitting. You can also request that a second member of staff is present during the fitting to support you – they can chat to you and/or (if you’re both comfortable with it) hold your hand.
If you have any questions about the coil or about the fitting procedure, make a note of these and make sure you ask the nurse/doctor before they start the procedure.
Be sure to follow any other guidance given to you at the time of booking you appointment.
If you want to bring someone with you to your appointment, please call the clinic beforehand to let them know. If you do bring someone with you, it’s important to understand that there might be times where the nurse/doctor has to ask you sensitive or personal questions – you might want the other person to leave the room whilst you answer these.
The pain of a coil fit can vary from person to person. To prepare, consider taking paracetamol beforehand and ibuprofen afterward for pain relief. A hot water bottle can help soothe any cramping, and having a friend for support can make the experience more comfortable.
Many people find it helpful to take the afternoon off work or school to rest and recover. You might experience some cramping, bleeding, or other side effects that can be similar to a heavy period.
No, you don’t only have to get a coil fitted during your period. While it’s a common time for fitting, it can be done at any point in your menstrual cycle as long as you’re not pregnant. However, fitting during your period, especially on lighter flow days, can sometimes be slightly more comfortable due to the slightly open cervix.
It’s important to look after yourself. Take it easy for the rest of the day (try to avoid any vigorous exercise) and if you have any pain or cramps you can use painkillers. A hot water bottle on your tummy can also help.
Make sure you know when your coil is due to expire. This will usually be in either five or 10 years. It might be good to add a reminder to your calendar.
If you have any worries about the coil, you can get back in touch with Brook and a nurse/doctor will be able to support you.
If you think you may have an infection or feel unwell, you should seek medical advice immediately.
Remember: you may see changes to your periods after having a coil fitted.
When you feel ready, although it is generally recommended to wait for at least three days after having a coil fitted before having sex. This allows time for the cervix to heal and reduces the risk of infection. If you have a copper coil (IUD), it will be effective at preventing pregnancy immediately. If you have a hormonal coil (IUS), it will be effective immediately if it is fitted on the first day of your period. If it is fitted at any other time, you will need to use an additional form of contraception for the first seven days. It is important to note that coils do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
It’s normal to experience some pain and discomfort after a coil fitting. To ease these symptoms, try resting, taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol, applying heat to your lower abdomen, and practicing relaxation techniques.
However, if you experience severe cramping that doesn’t improve with pain relief, fever, unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or difficulty feeling the coil’s strings, contact your doctor or nurse immediately. They can assess your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment. You will receive an information leaflet which explains what to expect in terms of pain and bleeding, as well as an expiration card which explains when your coil will expire.
You can usually return to normal activities, including exercise, as soon as you feel comfortable. This typically happens within a few days after the coil fitting. However, it’s important to listen to your body and avoid strenuous activity if you’re still experiencing discomfort.
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