A coil can be put in at any time in your menstrual cycle if it’s certain you’re not pregnant. An IUD is effective as soon as it is inserted.

If an IUS fitted in the first seven days of your menstrual cycle it’s effective immediately. If it’s fitted at any other time, you’ll need to use additional contraception for the first seven days. If you have a short menstrual cycle, with your period coming every 23 days or less, you may need additional contraception for the first seven days.

The coil is inserted into your uterus (womb). A doctor will examine you internally to check the position and size of your uterus. Sometimes they’ll check for any existing infection. This can be done before or at the time of fitting the coil. You may be given antibiotics at the same time the coil is fitted.

Your appointment will last 30-60 minutes. It can be uncomfortable or painful for some people, and you can opt to have it inserted under sedation if you wish. You may get period-type pain and some light bleeding after the IUS is fitted. Pain-relieving medicine can help with this. We insert coils under ultrasound guidance to ensure that it is in the correct position and place.

An IUS has two threads attached to the end that hang a little way down from your uterus (womb) into the top of your vagina. The doctor or nurse will teach you how to feel the threads to make sure the IUS is still in place. We will review you 6 weeks after coil insertion to check the threads with a scan to confirm that the coil is in place.

A trained doctor or nurse can take the coil out by pulling gently on the threads. If you want to keep using a coil, the doctor can put in a new one at the same time.