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Please read this information carefully when you book your coil or implant 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 or implant 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.
I am getting an implant (Nexplanon)
I am getting a hormonal coil (LNG-IUD/IUS) or non-hormonal coil (copper coil/IUD/Cu-IUD)
Please make sure you have read and understand the information below before you attend your implant appointment.
It is very important that there is no chance of you being pregnant when you have your implant fitted (or re-fitted).
At the start of your appointment, the nurse/doctor will ask you to confirm:
I have followed the advice about contraception and not having sex ahead of my implant fitting and have not had unprotected sex within the last three weeks.
I understand that the nurse/doctor will not fit the implant if they are concerned that I may be pregnant.
I understand that I should not have the implant fitted if I am at risk of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and if I might be at risk I will tell the nurse/doctor.
I understand that the implant might not prevent pregnancy immediately and agree to use another form of contraception, like condoms, or to not have sex for seven days after the fitting if advised.
I understand that the implant will not protect me from STIs if I have unprotected sex in the future.
There are risks involved in all medical procedures. Please make sure you understand the below risks associated with the implant. You can ask the doctor/nurse to explain in more detail at your appointment if you want to.
I understand that the implant is not 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.
I understand that there might be bruising after the implant fitting and that I may have a small scar.
I understand that there is a small risk of infection after the implant fitting.
I understand that there is a rare risk of implant migration and intravascular insertion.
I understand that there is a rare risk of neurovascular damage.
I understand that the implant may affect my periods and I may see changes to my bleeding pattern or have no periods.
I understand that removal of the implant can sometimes be difficult.
I agree to seek medical care if I can’t feel the implant, it feels broken, the insertion site feels red, hot or swollen, or I am worried that there is something wrong with my implant.
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.
Having the implant fitted shouldn’t be painful, though it could be a bit uncomfortable. If you are worried, a painkiller can be taken around an hour before your appointment.
If you have any questions about the implant 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 your 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.
Make sure you know when your implant is due to expire. It might be good to add a reminder to your Google or Apple calendar for three years’ time.
If you have any worries about the implant, 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 (if your arm is red, hot or swollen) or feel unwell, you should seek medical advice immediately.
Remember: there may be some bruising to the implant site shortly after your fitting, and you may see changes to your periods.
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).
I have followed the advice about contraception and not having sex ahead of my coil fitting and have not had unprotected sex within the last three weeks.
I understand that the nurse/doctor will not fit the coil if they are concerned that I may be pregnant.
I understand that I should not have the coil fitted if I am at risk of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and if I might be at risk I will tell the nurse/doctor.
If having a hormonal coil: I understand that the hormonal coil might not prevent pregnancy immediately and agree to use another form of contraception, like condoms, or to not have sex for seven days after the fitting if advised.
I understand that the coil will not protect me from STIs if I have unprotected sex in the future.
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.
I understand that the coil is not 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.
I understand that, if I got pregnant with a coil, it may be an ectopic (outside the womb) pregnancy.
I understand that is a chance of the coil falling out.
I understand that there is a small risk of infection after the coil fitting.
I understand that there is a rare risk of perforation of the womb at the time of a coil insertion.
I understand that the coil may affect my periods and I may see changes to my bleeding pattern or have no periods.
I agree to seek medical care if I can’t feel the threads of the coil, I have symptoms of an infection (pain, temperature etc.), or I am worried that there is something wrong with my coil.
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 loads of times so you don’t need to feel embarrassed about them seeing your bits!
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.
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 Google or Apple 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.
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