Arrange Your Coil Appointment
Intrauterine devices (IUDs), also known as coils are small T shaped devices that are fitted to sit inside the uterus (womb). They are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and completely reversible when removed. There are two types of coils: a hormonal coil containing progesterone and a non-hormonal copper coil.
You can have a coil fitted or changed during your appointment. However, if you require a removal only, please contact your GP practice directly, as this service is not offered here.
To ensure the fitting is safe and effective, it’s important to avoid unprotected sex after your last period until your coil is inserted. During this time, use condoms consistently and correctly, or continue using a reliable method of hormonal contraception such as the pill, patch, ring, injection, or implant.
If your periods are irregular or you’re not having regular cycles, you should either avoid sex or use effective contraception for at least three weeks before your fitting.
If you’re replacing a coil that is still in date, please ensure you have not had unprotected sex in the seven days prior to your appointment. Also, check the expiry date of your current device—your GP practice can help with this. If it has expired, you should abstain from sex or use another form of contraception.
Please note: we may not be able to fit your coil if there is a risk of pregnancy.
Levosert and Mirena are now licensed for 8 years of contraceptive use.
If you would like to have a coil (IUD/IUS) fitted or changed, please make sure to read through the following information before booking your appointment:
This will help you feel informed, prepared, and confident ahead of your visit.
Please note: We are not a coil removal service. If you require a removal only, please contact your own GP practice for support.
For further details about specific coil types, you can learn more here:
These resources cover what each device is, how they work, and what to expect from your chosen method of contraception.
Aftercare Following Copper IUD (Intrauterine Device) Insertion
It’s common to experience some bleeding and abdominal cramping in the first few days after your copper IUD has been fitted. These symptoms usually settle on their own, but you can take simple pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed. If the pain becomes more intense or you’re feeling concerned, please contact your GP or the clinic for advice.
There is a slightly increased risk of infection during the first few weeks after insertion. Watch for signs such as persistent pelvic pain, a raised temperature, or heavy bleeding or discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, get in touch with your GP practice or the clinic as soon as possible.
We recommend avoiding the use of tampons or menstrual cups for the first few weeks after your copper IUD has been inserted, to reduce the risk of infection. After that, it’s safe to use them—just take extra care during lighter bleeding days. On rare occasions, a tampon may catch on the threads and dislodge the device, or a menstrual cup may accidentally remove it if the suction isn’t released properly.
Your bleeding pattern may change with a copper IUD. Some people experience heavier, longer, or more painful periods, though this often improves over time.
The copper IUD starts working immediately as a contraceptive. It is highly effective at preventing pregnancy, but if your period is late or you experience severe lower tummy pain, take a pregnancy test and seek advice promptly.
We recommend checking for the IUD threads 4 to 6 weeks after insertion. You should be able to feel the threads high up in the vagina. If you can’t feel them—or if you feel something hard, like the end of a matchstick—contact your GP. If needed, they may refer you to a specialist clinic for further assessment. If you’re unable or prefer not to check the threads yourself, your GP can do this for you.
Aftercare Following Hormonal IUS (Intrauterine System) Insertion
In the first few days after having a hormonal IUS fitted, it’s common to experience some lower abdominal cramping. This should ease on its own, but you can take pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if these are safe for you. If the pain becomes more severe or you’re feeling concerned, please get in touch with your GP practice for advice.
There is a slightly increased risk of infection during the first few weeks following insertion. Keep an eye out for symptoms such as ongoing pelvic pain, a raised temperature, or heavy discharge. If you experience any of these, contact your GP. If the practice is closed, call 111 for further support.
We recommend avoiding tampons and menstrual cups for the first four weeks after your IUS has been inserted, to reduce the risk of infection. After that time, it’s fine to use them—but be cautious on days of light bleeding. Occasionally, a tampon can catch on the threads and dislodge the device, or a menstrual cup can accidentally pull it out if the suction isn’t broken first.
It’s very likely that you’ll experience irregular bleeding or spotting for a few months after your IUS is fitted. This is normal and usually settles with time. Many people find that their periods become very light—or stop altogether—as the IUS continues to work.
To ensure contraceptive protection, avoid sex or use condoms for seven days following insertion. While the risk of pregnancy is extremely low with a hormonal IUS, if you think you might be pregnant, take a pregnancy test and seek advice promptly.
We recommend checking for the IUS threads 4–6 weeks after insertion. If you’re unsure how to do this or prefer not to check them yourself, please contact your GP surgery for assistance.