PATIENT LOGIN - For Appointments and Prescriptions. Opens in a new browser window...

Coil Fitting

Thank you for choosing the Coil Fitting Hub. This service is for patients not registered at Pipeland Medical Practice who want to have a coil fitted.  Before we can arrange an appointment to fit your Coil, we ask that you read the information below, watch the video link on what to expect when having your coil fitted and then complete the Patient Questionnaire. Once the questionnaire has been completed, the next step will be a phone call from the Hub GP to go over your information.


Information about your Coil Clinic appointment

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR THE COIL HUB.

What to expect

Please watch the video below on what to expect when having your coil fitted.


Having the coil fitted

You may experience period-like cramps during a coil fitting so we advise you take ibuprofen (if no asthma or stomach problems) or paracetamol 45-60 min before your appointment.

To reduce the possible sensation of light-headedness during the procedure, we recommend you take something sweet to eat or drink before your appointment. It is not advisable to drive immediately after the procedure so we ask you to remain for 10-15 minutes afterwards.


Coil insertion

Coils can be fitted even if you have your period. It is essential to avoid unprotected intercourse from the beginning of that cycle (abstinence or condoms) if you are on another contraceptive please continue this until 7 days AFTER the coil fitting. Don’t stop it prior to the insertion.


Change of coil

If you are having your coil changed please avoid unprotected intercourse for 7 days BEFORE the appointment. Very occasionally it may prove difficult to reinsert a new coil and so unprotected intercourse in the preceding week could increase your risk of pregnancy.

If you currently have a Mirena coil for contraception, please be aware of the recent change in it’s licensing, from 5 years to 8. https://www.nhsfife.org/services/all-services/sexual-health/contraception/the-coil/mirena-use-extended/


When does the coil become effective?

  • Hormone Coil eg. Mirena/Kyleena IUS (99% effective): if fitted during a period it is effective immediately. Fitted at any other time we advise using extra precautions for 7 days after fitting.
  • Copper IUD (98-99% effective): Effective immediately.

If you are taking another contraceptive, it is advisable to continue this for a week AFTER fitting.


What to expect after fitting

You may have light bleeding after the insertion, but this settles in a few days. You may also experience mild period-like cramps for 24-48 hours after insertion, as your womb adjusts to the new coil. You can treat the pain with simple pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

HOWEVER – If you are experiencing pain that is increasing in intensity or not relieved by simple pain killers you should contact you own Practice to seek advice.


Other useful tips

  1. Avoid using tampons or menstrual cups for the first 3 weeks after insertion.  This helps reduce infection risk, and to prevent any dislodging of the coil threads.
  2. Your partner may feel the threads during intercourse initially; this will cease once the threads have softened after a few weeks.


Complete a Coil Fitting Appointment Questionnaire





    This form collects your name, date of birth, email, other personal information and medical details. This is to confirm you are registered with the practice, to allow the practice team to contact you and also to update your medical records held by the practice and our partners in the NHS. Please read our Privacy Policy to discover how we protect and manage your submitted data.