Having a coil fitted
A coil is best fitted within seven days of the start of your period, because the cervix is then slightly open. You must be certain that you are not pregnant.
If you have just had a baby, a coil is best fitted around twelve weeks after the birth. Earlier is possible, but no sooner than six weeks after the birth.
Having a coil fitted can be a little painful, so we advise taking a painkiller an hour beforehand — either a tablet or a suppository. Which suits you best depends on whether or not you are breastfeeding.
After a coil has been fitted you may feel slightly sick or light-headed. If so, take some extra rest.
In the first months after fitting you may have vaginal bleeding, usually irregular and in small amounts. This can go on for some time. After three to six months it settles down to a few days' bleeding a month.
During sex you usually cannot feel the threads of the coil. If you can and it bothers you, contact the midwife, who can shorten them.
Check-up
About six weeks after the coil has been fitted we will ask you to come back to the midwife for a check-up, to see whether it is still properly in place. This is done with a scan.
When should you contact the midwife?
If any of the following occurs, it is wise to contact the midwife:
- if you think you may be pregnant
- if you bleed heavily or for a long time
- if you have persistent pain low in the abdomen, a fever or unusual discharge
- if sex is painful
- if you can feel the plastic part of the coil
- if you can no longer feel the threads of the coil