Abbey Medical Group
Information Leaflet for patients booking for
IUCD- Copper Coil /IUS- Mirena Coil fitting.
Coils are fitted by Dr Ahrens, Sharon Smithurst and Lea Watson our Nurse Practitioners. They like to
discuss the coil fit with you prior to the appointment. If you have not spoken to one of them, then
please ask the receptionist to arrange a telephone consultation prior to your coil fit.
Please read the information below before you attend your appointment
Coils are usually fitted as a method of contraception but also are used for reducing heavy periods.
Preparing for the procedure
The ideal time to fit a coil is towards the end of a period although it can be done at any time provided
you are sure you are not pregnant.
You should continue with your usual method of contraception until the coil has been fitted.
If you are having a coil changed (i.e. a coil removed and another one put in) you must avoid sexual
intercourse for
1 week before your appointment.
Please remember that all forms of contraception have a failure rate and if you think you may be
pregnant you do need to do a pregnancy test.
The fitting procedure can be uncomfortable and we recommend that you take ibuprofen 400mg about
an hour before your appointment with food (unless you have been advised to avoid it in the past).
Please ensure you have a meal before you attend this can help prevent you feeling unwell during the
procedure.
The appointment
The appointment lasts for half an hour. However sometimes women feel faint or unwell during or after
having a coil fitted. Therefore there is a possibility that you may be kept waiting if someone before you
has felt unwell. We ask that you allow enough time for this appointment (at least an hour).
We also recommend that you allow yourself time to go home and have a cup of tea and relax
afterwards.
Please don’t bring your children with you as it makes it hard for you to relax and more difficult for the
doctor to concentrate.
You are likely to bleed afterwards so please bring a sanitary pad (not tampon) with you.
You will need to use a sanitary pad or towel not a tampon until your coil has settled in. This means
until at least your 6 week check.
Follow up appointments
You will need to have a check at 6 weeks to ensure that your coil is ok.
It is important to learn to check your coil (presence and length of threads) and this will be discussed
during your coil fit and again at your 6 week appointment.
If at any time you are concerned that your coil has moved or come out you must immediately stop
relying on your coil for contraception (i.e. no sex or use a condom) and arrange a doctor’s
appointment for a check.