You may get period like cramps after a coil fit. Take 1g Paracetamol or 400mg Ibuprofen (after food, if you are not allergic to it) three times a day to ease them. A hot water bottle or heat pad may also help. These cramps may last for 1 to 3 days. You may notice some prolonged bleeding for the first few days after fit.
Changes to your bleeding pattern
If you have had a copper coil fitted you may notice that your period increases in flow and length, especially over the first few months. You could speak to your GP about tablets which could reduce the bleeding (for example Tranexamic and/or Mefenamic Acid). You might also consider a change to a hormone coil if the bleeding is not improving.
If you have a hormone coil, it is not unusual to have irregular and unpredictable bleeding during the first 3-6 months. This can be annoying but is quite normal while the hormone thins the lining of the womb over time. This is rarely heavy and settles with time, and then you may have light, infrequent periods or no bleeding at all. This is nothing to worry about. If bleeding is very heavy, prolonged or painful, please seek medical advice.
If you have had a hormonal coil fitted on the 1st day of your period you will be protected immediately against pregnancy. If it is fitted at any other time, you will need to use an extra contraceptive method for the first seven days. A copper coil will be effective immediately.
Use sanitary towels rather than tampons in the first 7 days after coil fit.
If you use a menstrual cup there might be an increased risk of the coil coming out (expulsion). Please remember to insert the cup low in your vagina, to break the seal before removing the cup and not to pinch the cup and pulling accidentally on the threads of your coil.
Infection
If you think you may have an infection please seek medical attention. Symptoms can include:
- Persistent or worsening lower abdominal pain
- abnormal or smelly vaginal discharge
- fever
- feeling unwell
- pain during sexual intercourse
How to check your coil
You can check threads of the coil yourself after 3 to 6 weeks any time and then once in a month, preferably after a period if you are having any periods. If you experience any unusual cramps, cannot find the threads, or they feel unusually long, or you can feel the hard plastic stem of the device, you could be at risk of pregnancy. Use another method of contraception and do not rely on your coil for contraception. Seek advice as emergency contraception may be required and have a check-up at your GP practice or sexual health clinic.
Instructions
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water.
- Get into a squatting position. You can also raise one leg on a stool or the edge of the bathtub.
- Insert one finger into the vagina. Push back until you reach the cervix. The cervix is the lower narrow end of the uterus (womb). It is rounded and cone shaped and may feel like the end of your nose.
- Palpate the cervix it should feel firm.
- Feel for threads. They will be located near the cervix. Threads are usually wrapped around the cervix and can be felt if you sweep your finger on the cervix. Be careful not to pull the strings as doing so could displace the coil.
- If you can feel the hard tip of the coil against the cervix this may indicate that the coil has slipped out of place.
- Come for a check-up if you feel the coil is out of place. DO NOT attempt to reinsert or remove the coil on your own.
Pregnancy
The coils are 99% effective. Very few women become pregnant with them. If you become pregnant there is a small risk of the pregnancy developing outside the womb, usually in a fallopian tube. This is called an ectopic pregnancy. Although it is rare, it is serious. You should attend the sexual health clinic or see your doctor if you are pregnant or have sudden or unusual pain in your lower abdomen.
Removal and replacement of coils
Please avoid sex or use condoms for 7 days before having coil removed or changed. Sperm can remain active for up to 7 days, so there is a risk of pregnancy if a coil is removed within that time.
Please note it is your responsibility to contact us when it is time for removal or replacing your device (Book a GP appointment a few months before the due date). You will NOT be sent a reminder.