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 the progesterone only 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!) the Mirena coil can only be fitted between day 1 and day 7 of your cycle (day one being the first day of bleeding). A copper coil can be fitted later in the cycle and this will be discussed at your consultation appointment. This is necessary because we need to be certain that you are not in the early stages of pregnancy, and that there are not any sperm in your genital tract at the time that the device is 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 the genital tract that might in 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 uterus. Following a miscarriage or termination (before 12 weeks gestation) a coil can be fitted at any time.

If you have a hormone coil fitted (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.

We like you to take painkillers at least an hour before your fitting appointment to reduce crampy pains afterwards. Suggested painkillers are Ibuprofen 400mgs taken after food, or Paracetamol 2 x 500mgs.

• Do not skip a meal before you come. It is best to have eaten.
• Most women will feel fine after 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 easy 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 crèche facilities and clinical instruments are in use.
• If you are planning a trip abroad it is preferable to do the fitting and follow up (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 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.