Services for Young People
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Find the nearest to meVisiting SWISH for an IUD
Visiting Swish for an IUD
Intrauterine device (IUD) refers to two types of contraceptive devices that are placed into the uterus by a specially trained doctor or nurse. These are often referred to as coils.
To find more information about the differences between the types of IUD, please watch the video below: ‘The contraceptive coil: what do I need to know?’
HAVING A COIL FITTED
Please check closely about which in the list below applies to your current contraception and check your appointment timing is right for you so you are not disappointed on the day you come for your coil.
- I am using a reliable hormonal contraception. It has not run out/ I haven’t missed any pills > make an appointment anytime that suits
- I am using a coil that has not run out, then make an appointment at least a week from the last time you had sex
- I am using condoms. I never have any penetration without a condom, then make an appointment anytime that suits but you will need a pregnancy test on arrival
- I am using condoms. I sometimes have sex without a condom or only put the condom on after we have started having sex, then make an appointment at least 3 weeks from the last time you had sex
- I am not using a reliable method/the reliable method has run out, then make an appointment at least 3 weeks from the last time you had sex
Re-fit Appointments:
- If your current coil has already expired or is in the wrong place, you must follow the ‘fit appointments’ advice above and ensure there is no risk of pregnancy in the 3 weeks before the re-fit.
If your current coil is still in date, you should avoid vaginal sex for 7 days prior to your re-fit appointment
All fits and refits:
- Be prepared to provide a urine sample for pregnancy testing during the consultation.
- Please take a painkiller such as Paracetamol, Ibuprofen or Mefenamic Acid about an hour before your appointment.
- Please do not miss a meal before having your coil fitted, eat a light snack if you think you have not eaten for 3 hours prior to your appointment.
- Please do not bring children to a coil fit appointment unless you are coming with another adult who can take care of them.
- Please bring a sanitary pad or pantyliner with you to wear after the procedure as you may experience light bleeding
- make an appointment at least 3 weeks from the last time you had sex
If you have an IUD appointment with SWISH please read below and watch both videos before you attend your appointment. These contain important information to help you decide which coil to choose, explain what to expect at your procedure appointment, and how to prepare for this.
The Contraceptive Coil: What Do I Need To Know?
The Coil Procedure: What Do I Need To Know?
Please also check if your GP already provides this service as priority is given to patients whose GP does not offer the service and those who have more complex needs. SWISH has a list of all GP practices who offer the service and you will be asked which practice you belong to, should your practice offer this service SWISH will ask you to contact them for an appointment.
For more information on Intrauterine Contraception please click here
IUD Fit and Re-Fit Appointment:
Fit Appointments: Do not have vaginal sex in the 3 weeks before the fitting, unless you are using another method of contraception such as the pill, patch, injection or implant. Condoms can be used for vaginal sex in these three weeks, however, if the condom splits, falls off or is not used, your procedure will have to be postponed a further three weeks. Natural cycle methods of contraception and breastfeeding are not considered reliable enough before a coil fitting. If you are currently using this as your contraception, you must not have vaginal sex in the 3 weeks before the fitting.
For futher information post coil fitting click here
IUD Removals:
If you are having your IUD removed at SWISH and you do not want another one, put in and you do not want to get pregnant, you must use additional contraception such as condoms or AVOID SEX FOR 7 DAYS BEFORE YOU HAVE IT REMOVED. You are at risk of pregnancy as soon as the IUD is removed.
If you want another method of contraception, we recommend starting the other method before having the IUD removed as this will ensure you are not at risk of pregnancy.
Please do not bring children to a IUD removal appointment unless you are coming with another adult who can take care of them.
If you are planning a pregnancy, you should take folic acid 400mcg daily, starting at least 3 months before you fall pregnant. We recommend you start this before you have your coil removed. For further information on pre-pregnancy planning, please visit Planning a pregnancy | Tommy's
After the Fit: After your IUD is fitted, please watch the video below for post insertion advice
For further information post coil fitting click here
Emergency IUD (also known as copper coil):
If you have had sex without contraception or your contraception has failed (i.e. split condom or missed contraception) emergency contraception can help prevent a pregnancy.
A copper intrauterine device (IUD) also known as a copper coil can be fitted as emergency contraception and is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It needs to be fitted within five days (120 hours) of unprotected sex or up to five days after the earliest time you could have released an egg (ovulated).
It is very important that you know the date of your last period and your normal cycle length to ensure an emergency IUD can be fitted safely.
Please contact us as soon as possible if you think you need emergency contraception, we have designated appointments throughout the week for emergency IUDs.
You can also have emergency contraception in a pill form, please click here for more information, however, depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, this may not be effective.
