LAINDON HEALTH CENTRE coil fitting advice
Further information about coils is available on the following websites
https://essexsexualhealthservice.org.uk/contact/
https://www.contraceptionchoices.org/
We encourage you to read up about the different coils and other types of contraception available and please ask any questions before you have your coil fitted. It is recommended to have an STI infection screen before the fitting for your coil and this is easy to arrange yourself via Essex Sexual Health- see website address above or ring 0300 003 1212.
New coil
These are best fitted in the first 7 days after your period starts if you are not using any other method of contraception because we know that you cannot be pregnant at this time. If not, then please avoid sex for 21 days before the coil is fitted and do a pregnancy test on the day of fitting.
If you are already using a reliable form of contraception such as the normal pill, mini pill, depo injection, implant or condoms then the coil can be fitted at any time.
Coil refit/coil changeover
This can be done on any day unless you are bleeding very heavily. Please do not have unprotected sex for the 7 days prior to the refit appointment in case a new coil cannot be refitted.
Advice on day of fitting
We suggest that you have a meal with a soft drink before the fitting appointment and to take painkillers about 1 hour beforehand such as Ibuprofen 400mg ( unless you are allergic to this) and Paracetamol two 500mg tablets to help relieve the cramping pains that can occur.
Please allow at least one hour for the appointment as some women can feel faint after the coil has been fitted and we recommend that you have someone you can contact by phone to collect you in case you feel unwell.
We also suggest that you do not have any major commitments afterwards as you may need to take it easy for the rest of the day.
Please do not bring babies and young children with you unless you have someone who can take care of them outside the room.
You may need to use a sanitary pad afterwards so please bring this with you. We recommend that you do not use tampons for 3 days after the fitting.
If you decide to cancel your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible by ringing us on 07840 208638 so that your appointment can be offered to someone else.