This service is for patients at Pitcairn Practice who wish to have a contraceptive coil inserted, replaced or removed. 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 viathis link. Once the questionnaire has been completed, the next step will be a phone call from the GP to go over your information.

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 to 60 min before your appointment.

To reduce the possible sensation of lightheadedness 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 to 15 minutes afterwards.

Preparing for The Coil

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 years. Please refer to Fife guidance re: Mirena use extended

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 to 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 painkillers you should contact you own Practice to seek advice.

Advice After Getting the Coil

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.

Further information and guidence from NHS Inform

Further information and guidence from NHS Fife

Complete a Coil Fitting Appointment Questionnaire

Once complete we will then contact you about an appointment. Please click here to complete the Patient Questionnaire.