Before you book an appointment to have a device fitted, please follow the steps below

1. Please use the links below to read the information on the NHS website.

This will give you the information to help you decide if this is the right method for you. If you would like to discuss your options further please call the surgery to talk to a clinician.

IUS (intrauterine system) or hormonal coil

IUD (intrauterine device) or copper coil

Getting an IUS (intrauterine system) or hormonal coil fitted or removed

2. How to make sure you are not at risk of being pregnant at the time of your fitting

The IUD and IUS can usually be fitted at any time in your cycle, unless you could be pregnant. If there is a risk that you might be pregnant then we may have to reschedule your fitting.

If you are currently using a hormonal method (pill, patch, vaginal ring, injection and non-expired implant) or condoms please continue to use your current method correctly until your fitting.

If you are currently using the diaphragm or natural methods of contraception or have an expired implant or expired IUD/IUS device then you have two options:

1. Do not have unprotected sex from day 1 of your last period, until your appointment (or avoid sex for three weeks if your periods are irregular)
2. Arrange to use a short-acting form of contraception, for example, pill, patch, vaginal ring, for at least four weeks before the fitting.

If you are already using a coil as contraception: Both the IUD and IUS can usually be exchanged at any time in your cycle, unless you could be pregnant. If there is a risk that you might be pregnant then we may have to reschedule your fitting.

If your current IUD/IUS device has not yet expired then you must avoid sex or use condoms in the 7 days before your appointment or you may be at risk of pregnancy.

If your current IUD/IUS device has expired then you have two options:

1. Do not have unprotected sex from day 1 of your last period, until your appointment (or avoid sex for three weeks if your periods are irregular)
2. Arrange to use an additional short-acting form of contraception, for example, pill, patch, vaginal ring, for at least four weeks before your coil is exchanged.

3. Preparation checklist

Our self-assessment checklist will help you to decide if you are ready to have a coil fitting. You will need to print a copy of our self-assessment checklist and bring a completed copy to your fitting appointment.

Click here to download the self-assessment checklist:

Intrauterine contraception self-assessment checklist (word doc)

Intrauterine contraception self-assessment checklist (PDF)

4. On the day of your appointment:

• Where possible we will fit your device at your appointment. However, there may be reasons why the fitting may need to be deferred. If this happens then the doctor or nurse who is seeing you will explain why.
• Please allow at least one hour for the appointment. Although the procedure does not take this long, some people need a little more time to recover after the procedure.
• We recommend that you eat and take pain relief an hour before your appointment.
• Currently due to COVID-19 restrictions we ask that you attend your appointment alone, wear a mask and postpone if you develop any COVID-19 symptoms.
• Please bring sanitary protection, as you may experience some bleeding after the fitting.
• We advise that you may not feel well enough to drive immediately after your fitting.
• Please have someone available to call in case you feel unwell post fit.

5. Booking your appointment

If you decide that this is the right method for you and you would like to book an appointment please ring the surgery.