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Contraception Services
The surgery provides the full range of such and all Doctors provide contraceptive advice. A selection of our Doctors and Nurses can fit IUDs (coils – including Mirena) and contraceptive implants (including Implanon).
Advice for Patients Following an IUD or IUS Insertion
After the insertion, it is normal to have some light to moderate bleeding over the next 2-3 weeks. It is normal also to have occasions of period-type pain during this time.
The following is a guide to what may not be normal:
- Lower abdominal pain which is persistent, especially If getting worse
- Persistent heavy bleed
- Smelly or mucky vaginal discharge
- A feeling of feverishness and loss of appetite
If you have more than one of these symptoms, it may imply that you have a pelvic infection or the device is starting to be expelled and we would suggest that you had a review with the doctor. Most women do not get these complications.
Just a reminder that our advice is that for 5 days we suggest that nothing goes inside the vagina that is:
- Use a towel rather than tampons
- Do not have vaginal penetrative sex
- Do not swim ( normal baths/ showers are fine)
We normally time your first check to be after your next period.
If you have any concerns you can contact the surgery on 01473 211 661 or Family Planning Clinic on 01473 428 001 (advice line Monday - Friday 10am - 3pm)
Advice for Women Booking for a Copper Coil (IUD) or Hormonal Coil (IUS) Fitting
Timing of your appointment:
If you are not currently using hormonal contraception:
- For an IUD – you can book an appointment between day 2 and 14 of your next cycle. (Day 1 is the 1st day of your period) Use condoms or abstain from sex with vaginal penetration that cycle in case the IUD cannot be fitted.
- For an IUS (Mirena)- you can book an appointment between days 4 and 10 of your next cycle BUT YOU NEED TO ABSTAIN from sex with vaginal penetration that cycle. This is because the IUS does not act immediately and if a condom has let you down unnoticed the IUS would not necessarily prevent pregnancy.
If you are currently using a combined pill (COC), mini pill (POP), implant or injection:
- It can be fitted at any convenient time
If you are currently using an IUD/ IUS and need a replacement
- Use condoms or abstain from sex for the 7 days before the IUD is to be removed and refitted. This is in case the new IUD cannot be fitted.
Useful advice for all fittings:
- Is worth ringing for your swab results (10 days) prior to your appointment to make sure that you do not require treatment before the coil is fitted.
- Please take some painkillers ( ibuprofen/ paracetamol/ co-codamol if you know they suit you) about 1 hour before the appointment These painkillers will lessen the pain that some women experience after a coil is fitted.
- If you are breastfeeding, we advise you not to breastfeed for 2 hours before the appointment as this may cause the uterus to contract which can make the fitting more difficult.
- Allow plenty of time and rest after the fitting. We ask you to stay in the surgery for 20 minutes after the fitting
- If you need to bring small children with you, please try and bring someone to help look after them so you can focus on your own needs.
- Use sanitary towels rather than tampons for 5 days after the insertion. Please bring your own.
- You will need to avoid sex with vaginal penetration for 5 days after the insertion and thereafter use condoms until your first coil check in 3 - 6 weeks' time.
Advice for Women Booking for Insertion of Implanon
Timing of your appointment:
If you are not currently using hormonal contraception:
- Ideally, an implant should be inserted between days 1-5 of the menstrual cycle. No additional contraception is required.
- We can insert at any other time in the menstrual cycle providing you are reasonably certain that you are not pregnant and there is no risk of conception. If in doubt take a pregnancy test 2 weeks prior the insertion appointment if negative use condoms or abstain from sex with vaginal penetration, and repeat the pregnancy test prior to the insertion.
If you are currently using a combined pill (COC), mini pill (POP), coils or injection used correctly and consistently
- It can be fitted at any convenient time, providing you are reasonably certain that you are not pregnant and there is no risk of conception.