Patient Resources

Do I have to be registered with a Barclay Medical Practice GP to use Barclay+?

No, you do not have to be an existing Barclay patient to use Barclay+. Anyone living within our service area in Edinburgh and the Lothians is welcome to book a consultation with us.

How do I know if I’m a good candidate for long-acting reversible contraception?

During your consultation, our clinical team will carry out an assessment using information you have provided us and determine whether the long-acting reversible contraception method you have requested is a medically suitable option for you, based on your medical history. In certain cases, our clinicians may advise against fitting a coil or implant if there is clear reason to believe it could pose a risk to your health. If you’re uncertain about your suitability, we also recommend speaking with your own GP for additional guidance before making a decision.

This is my first time requesting an implant or coil fitting. Is there anything I should prepare for?

Read our guides in this section on how to prepare for your fitting appointment, and what to expect during and after your appointment. If you feel unsure, book an appointment with your GP.

Can Barclay+ replace or remove my existing implant or coil?

Barclay+ offers replacement fittings for both coils and NEXPLANON®, and full removals for NEXPLANON® only. For a full coil removal (without a replacement fitting), please contact your GP.

Is there an ideal phase in my menstrual cycle to get an implant or coil fitted?

Both coils and NEXPLANON® can be safely fitted at any point in your cycle provided there is no risk of pregnancy. To ensure this, we advise avoiding unprotected sex from the end of your last period until your fitting appointment.

If I am menstruating, can I still attend my implant or coil fitting appointment?

Yes, it is safe to have an implant or coil fitted during your menstrual period and there is no need to cancel or reschedule your appointment for this reason. In some cases, coil insertion may even be more straightforward during menstruation as the cervix is naturally more relaxed.

Do I need to have any tests before having a coil fitted?

Routine STI testing is not always necessary. However, if you believe you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, we recommend contacting your GP or local sexual health clinic for testing ahead of your Barclay+ appointment.

For patients with a history of heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding, please speak to your GP first to arrange any additional safeguarding tests needed before your fitting.

Are implant or coil fittings painful?

Some patients may experience different levels of discomfort during coil or implant fittings, which varies from person to person. However, we will provide options to minimise any potential pain should you find it difficult to tolerate your fitting.

Local anaesthetic is available for all our fitting appointments. It is routinely offered by our clinical team as a normal part of NEXPLANON® insertions, and can be requested for IUD/IUS insertions should you need it.

Can I use a tampon or menstrual cup after being fitted with a coil?

Yes. While tampons and menstrual cups are safe to use with a coil in place, we advise avoiding internal menstrual products for the first two weeks following insertion to reduce the risk of dislodgement during your initial healing process. When resuming use, take care when you remove your tampon or cup to avoid catching the coil threads. We recommend checking the threads after each menstrual cycle to ensure your coil remains correctly positioned.

What are the threads and how do I check them?

Coil threads are thin strings attached to the end of the intrauterine device, designed to extend slightly through the cervix and sit at the top of the vaginal canal. They allow both you and the clinician to confirm that the device remains in its correct position and place.

We recommend checking the threads yourself six weeks after insertion. This helps ensure the device has not been expelled and that no complications occurred at the time of fitting. The cervix is located at the top of the vagina and typically feels firm, similar to the tip of your nose. The threads can usually be felt just at the centre of the cervix. If you’re unable to feel the threads or are unsure about what you’re feeling, contact your GP practice. It’s important to use additional forms of contraception, such as condoms, until your coil has been reviewed. In most cases, the threads will be visible during a speculum examination. If not, an ultrasound scan can confirm the coil is correctly positioned.

Can a coil move out of place once it has been fitted?

Once correctly placed within your uterus during your fitting appointment, coils will typically remain securely in position. In a small number of cases, however, the coil may shift. This can occur in two ways: either the coil is naturally expelled from the uterus (known as expulsion, which occurs in approximately 1 in 20 cases), or, more rarely, it may move into the muscle wall or outside the uterus at the time of insertion (known as perforation, which occurs in around 1 in 1000 cases).

To ensure everything remains in place, we recommend checking the coil threads six weeks after insertion. If you experience persistent discomfort, unusual bleeding or cannot feel the threads, we suggest contacting your GP practice for review. In most cases these concerns may be easily resolved with an examination or scan.

How long is an implant or coil viable for?

The duration of contraceptive protection depends on the type of IUD fitted. At Barclay+, all copper IUDs we provide are viable for a minimum of five years. For patients over 40, a copper IUD can be used safely for contraception until after menopause. Hormonal coils offer protection for three to eight years, depending on the specific brand used. If your IUS is part of a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) regimen, it should be replaced every five years. The NEXPLANON® implant should be replaced every three years.

Although implants and coils do not stop working abruptly on their expiration date, their effectiveness begins to decline quickly after expiry. For this reason we recommend using an additional form of contraception, such as condoms, once your contraceptive device has expired. We also recommend keeping your insertion card or clinic documentation for future reference and replacement planning.

Will an implant or coil affect my long-term fertility?

No, an implant or coil does not affect your long-term fertility. Fertility typically begins to return to normal immediately following the removal of a long-acting reversible contraception device. For this reason, we advise patients to abstain from unprotected sexual intercourse for seven days prior to removal as it is possible to conceive shortly thereafter.

What level of care can I expect from Barclay+?

At Barclay+, we follow a patient-led model of care that puts your comfort, dignity and individual needs at the centre. Our clinical approach is built on nationally recognised safety and quality standards, and we only offer long-acting reversible contraception products that are fully licensed by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

You can expect a service that is discreet, attentive and delivered to standards expected from a leading primary care provider.

Will I feel listened to and involved in decisions about my care?

Yes, absolutely. Our clinicians understand that intimate healthcare requires sensitivity and trust. You are welcome to pause or stop the fitting procedure at any time, and we encourage you to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have whenever you wish to do so. Local anaesthesia is provided for all NEXPLANON® fittings, and routinely available for all intrauterine fittings, where they may be requested at your discretion.

To help you feel fully prepared – especially if this is your first appointment with Barclay+ – we recommend taking the following steps in the weeks leading up to your appointment.

In the month before your appointment:

Please watch our short film and read through the information provided on this page, even if you’ve had an implant or coil fitted before. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask our clinical team during your appointment.
It is absolutely essential that you ensure there is no risk of pregnancy at the time of your intrauterine coil (IUD/IUS) fitting. This may affect whether we’re able to go ahead with your procedure.
If you are not currently using regular contraception, please use a barrier contraceptive method (e.g. condoms) during sexual intercourse, or completely abstain from sex from the end of your last menstrual period until your IUD/IUS fitting appointment. If you have had unprotected sex since your last menstrual period, or within three weeks leading up to your appointment, we may not be able to proceed with the fitting.
If you are using regular contraception, continue using your current method (e.g. pill, patch, ring, implant, injection or condoms) right up until your appointment. You may be advised to continue using your regular contraceptive method for up to seven days after your fitting. If this is the case, your clinician will discuss this with you on the day of your appointment.
If you are having an IUD/IUS replaced, please abstain from unprotected sex in the week prior to your appointment. This helps ensure we can safely remove and replace your current device during the same visit.
If your current contraceptive method has expired, whether it’s an implant or coil, please use condoms or abstain from sex until your next appointment. If you’ve had unprotected sex in the three weeks prior, we may need to delay your fitting.

On the day of your appointment:

Have something to eat, such as a light breakfast or lunch, before you arrive. If you are fasting, we would advise rearranging your appointment until such a time that you are able to resume eating normally.
Take pain relief (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if suitable for you) approximately one hour before your appointment.
Bring something that helps you feel at ease. Some people choose to listen to music during the procedure. Feel free to bring headphones or anything that helps you stay relaxed.
Plan your journey home. While many people feel fine after their fitting, it’s not uncommon to experience cramps or temporary discomfort. You may prefer to arrange for someone to accompany you home or prepare an alternative form of transportation to alleviate any potential discomfort.

We understand that intrauterine coil (IUD/IUS) fittings can feel particularly sensitive, especially for those who have experienced trauma or who may feel anxious about intimate procedures. Please know that you are in complete control at every stage of your appointment and that our clinicians are here to support you. If at any point you feel discomfort or distress, we will pause or stop the procedure immediately. There is absolutely no judgement. We welcome and encourage you to share any preferences and concerns with your clinician before or during your visit so we can ensure you feel safe, respected and fully supported throughout your care.

On the day of your appointment, you’ll meet the clinician who will be carrying out the procedure upon arriving at the clinic. A clinical support worker or healthcare assistant may also be present. Before the procedure begins, your clinician will thoroughly review your medical history to validate your suitability for the procedure you have booked, answer any questions you may have and ensure you’re completely comfortable with proceeding.

If you’re having a hormonal or non-hormonal coil fitted, your clinician will begin by performing a gentle examination of the cervix – similar to a smear test – to assess positioning. This is so they can ensure the device is inserted safely and accurately. The IUD/IUS is then placed into the uterus and the threads adjusted so they sit comfortably in the vaginal canal. The fitting itself is quick and, although some people experience discomfort or cramping, many people also report little to no pain. In the event that you are finding the procedure particularly challenging, local anaesthetic will be available at your appointment should you need it.
If you’re having a NEXPLANON® arm implant fitted, this will be inserted just under the skin of your inner, non-dominant upper arm. To keep the procedure as comfortable as possible, your clinician will first clean the area where the implant will be placed, before applying a local anaesthetic. Once the area is fully numb, the implant is inserted through a small incision using a specialised applicator. Most patients describe the sensation as pressure rather than pain. After the fitting, a small dressing will be applied and you’ll receive guidance on how to care for the site over the following days.

Your appointment will usually take around 30 minutes from start to finish, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions or discuss any concerns at any point. Following the procedure, you will be given aftercare instructions and resources to ensure you’re completely comfortable with your new contraceptive device. You’ll also be given information about when the device will become effective and whether you’ll need to use any additional contraception in the meantime.

Cramping and pain relief

After your hormonal intrauterine system (IUS) fitting, it’s completely normal to experience mild abdominal cramping in the first few days following insertion as your body adjusts to the presence of the device. You can take over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if these are suitable for you. If the pain becomes difficult to tolerate or persists beyond the first few days, please contact your GP for further assessment.

Preventing infection

There is a slightly elevated risk of infection in the first few weeks after your IUS is fitted. This is because the process of inserting the device involves passing through the cervix into the uterus, which can introduce bacteria from the vaginal canal into the upper reproductive tract. While this risk is considered low, it’s important to monitor your body for signs of possible infection during this initial adjustment period. Please seek medical advice if you experience any of the following:

Persistent or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain
A fever or raised temperature
Unusual and/or heavy vaginal discharge

If you’re concerned, contact your GP or call NHS 111 if your practice is closed. Prompt treatment will be able to resolve most infections quickly and prevent further complications that may result in the removal of your device.

Using tampons or menstrual cups

We advise avoiding internal menstrual products – such as tampons and menstrual cups – for the first four weeks after your IUS insertion in order to reduce risks of infection. After that, it’s safe to use them, but take extra care during light bleeding days.

On rare occasions, the device threads may become tangled with a tampon or an IUS may dislodge if the suction from a menstrual cup is not broken properly before removal. If this happens, please avoid using any further internal products and contact your GP as soon as possible to check the position of your IUS. In most cases, a quick examination or ultrasound can confirm whether the device is still in place and functioning correctly.

Changes in bleeding patterns

Irregular menstruation or spotting (light vaginal bleeding that occurs outside of a regular menstrual period) is common in the first few months after your IUS is fitted. This usually settles naturally over time. Many people find that their periods become much lighter and, for some, they may stop altogether.

Pregnancy and protection

It takes 7 days for a hormonal IUS to become fully effective. During this time, use condoms or another form of barrier contraception to prevent pregnancy. Although the IUS is highly effective, if you’re ever concerned about pregnancy, take a test and contact your GP or local sexual health service for advice.

Thread checks

We recommend checking the IUS threads 4–6 weeks after your fitting appointment. These are thin threads that sit high in the vaginal canal and allow both you and your clinician to confirm that the device is still correctly in place. For more detailed instructions on how to check the IUS threads, please refer to our FAQ section.

If you’re comfortable with doing so, you may wish to check the threads each month. If you’re comfortable with doing so, you may wish to check the threads each month. If you cannot feel them – or if you feel something firm, like a matchstick, near the cervix – please contact your GP for further assessment. If you are unable to check the threads yourself or would prefer not to do so, please make an appointment at your GP practice so a practice nurse can check them for you.

Cramping and pain relief

After your non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) fitting, it’s completely normal to experience mild abdominal cramping in the first few days following insertion as your body adjusts to the presence of the device. You can take over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if these are suitable for you. If the pain becomes difficult to tolerate or persists beyond the first few days, please contact your GP for further assessment.

Preventing infection

There is a slightly elevated risk of infection in the first few weeks after your IUD is fitted. This is because the process of inserting the device involves passing through the cervix into the uterus, which can introduce bacteria from the vaginal canal into the upper reproductive tract. While this risk is considered low, it’s important to monitor your body for signs of possible infection during this initial adjustment period. Please seek medical advice if you experience any of the following:

Persistent or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain
A fever or raised temperature
Unusual and/or heavy vaginal discharge

Using tampons or menstrual cups

We advise avoiding internal menstrual products, such as tampons and menstrual cups, for the first four weeks after your IUD insertion in order to reduce risks of infection. After that, it’s safe to use them, but take extra care during light bleeding days.

On rare occasions, the device threads may become tangled with a tampon or an IUD may dislodge if the suction from a menstrual cup is not broken properly before removal. If this happens, please avoid using any further internal products and contact your GP as soon as possible to check the position of your IUD. In most cases, a quick examination or ultrasound can confirm whether the device is still in place and functioning correctly.

Changes in bleeding patterns

The copper IUD does not contain hormones, so your natural menstrual cycle will continue as normal after insertion. For some people, menstrual periods may become heavier, longer or more uncomfortable in the months following insertion. This is usually temporary and will settle without treatment over time. However, if bleeding becomes very heavy or difficult to manage for a prolonged period of time, please speak with your GP about possible treatment options.

Pregnancy and protection

The copper IUD begins working immediately after insertion. It is one of the most effective forms of contraception available. However, if your period is late or you experience unexpected symptoms of potential pregnancy, take a test and contact your GP or local sexual health service for advice.

Thread checks

We recommend checking the IUD threads 4–6 weeks after your fitting appointment. These are thin threads that sit high in the vaginal canal and allow both you and your clinician to confirm that the device is still correctly in place. For more detailed instructions on how to check the IUD threads, please refer to our FAQ section.

If you’re comfortable with doing so, you may wish to check the threads each month. If you cannot feel them – or if you feel something firm, like a matchstick, near the cervix – please contact your GP for further assessment. If you are unable to check the threads yourself or would prefer not to do so, please make an appointment at your GP practice so a practice nurse can check them for you.

What to expect after your appointment

Mild tenderness or bruising is common after the procedure. You may take simple pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if these are safe for you. Most people find they do not need any medication.

After insertion, you should be able to feel the implant in your arm. It’s around 4cm long (approximately the size of a matchstick), smooth-textured and may be slightly mobile under the skin, which allows your body to move comfortably and naturally around it without restriction. If you are unable to feel it, please use condoms or avoid sexual intercourse until a clinician has confirmed the implant is in place.

Caring for your arm

You’ll leave the clinic with a bandage, or a small dressing, over the insertion (or removal) site. This helps to keep the site clean and dry while also protecting the area if it feels tender, which will allow the small incision to heal. Please keep the bandage on for:

At least 24 hours after implant insertion
At least 48 hours after implant removal

When you’re washing with the bandage on, try to keep it dry as much as possible. Covering it with cling film is a simple way to protect the bandage. Once you remove the bandage, you may notice some bruising, which is completely normal and may last for up to two weeks.

You may also have thin plasters over the site. Plasters should ideally remain in place for another 3-4 days to allow the wound to heal neatly. Please be careful when removing the bandage so that your plasters are not also removed accidentally. When ready, you may wish to soak off your plasters in the shower or bath as a gentle removal method that causes minimal disturbance to your newly healed arm.

If your arm or hand feels numb or cold, this may indicate that your bandage is too tight. In this case, someone can gently loosen it and reapply the dressing.

Signs of infection or allergy

Infection following an implant insertion or removal is rare, but it’s nonetheless important to monitor the site as you heal, as any time the skin barrier is broken – even with a small incision like the one at your implant site – there is a minimal risk that bacteria may enter and cause a localised infection. This is most likely to occur if the area becomes contaminated, if aftercare instructions are not followed correctly or if the site is exposed to moisture too soon. Please contact your GP or NHS 111 if you notice:

Discharge from the wound (e.g. pus)
Increased redness, swelling or pain that becomes difficult to tolerate over the suite
A raised temperature or feeling generally unwell

Allergic reactions are also rare and may present as redness, swelling and itching at the implant site. If you’re concerned about a possible allergy or infection, seek medical advice promptly.

Activity and exercise

While the site is still healing, we recommend avoiding any activity that may put pressure on the arm or cause the dressing to become wet. Once the tenderness has eased and the skin has fully healed, you can resume your usual routine – including work, exercise and daily movement – without restriction.