It is essential that you read the information on this page and watch the video on the coil before attending.

Mirena LNG-IUD coils, inserted for contraception, can now be retained and used for contraception for 8 years

Recent guidance from the FSRH has now changed. Mirena LNG-IUD coils, inserted for contraception, can now be retained and used for contraception for 8 years. This was previously 6 years. Levosert and Benilexa LNG-IUD coils currently remain at 6 years. If you are using a Mirena, Levosert or Benilexa LNG-IUD coil as part of HRT, this remains at 5 years and should be changed at that point.

What is Intrauterine Contraception?

There are two types of intrauterine contraception which we can fit, a hormonal (IUS) and non-hormonal option (IUD). Both are often referred to as 'coils'.

A coil is a very effective (8 in 1000 failure rate) reversible method of contraception, which can last for 6-10 years depending on the type. It is a small, T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into your womb (uterus) by a trained specialist. Once the coil is in fitted you do not have to think about it each day or each time you have sex.

At the clinic we will discuss your options with you and check that a coil is a suitable method of contraception for you.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde only

Please note we can only offer appointments to residents of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board area.

Important information on Coil Insertion

It is essential that you read all of the information on this page before attending for your appointment so that we are able to fit your coil safely.

Please remember:

To have protected sex after your last period until your coil is fitted.
This means using condoms consistently and correctly, or using another form of reliable hormonal contraception such as the combined pill, patch or ring, progestogen-only pill, injection or implant.
If you are not having regular periods you should use effective contraception or avoid sex for at least 3 weeks before having your coil fitted.

Attending Clinic with Children

Children will not always be allowed into your appointment with you. This is because it is not always safe to have children in the clinical room. You are welcome to bring an adult with you, to Sandyford to look after your children when you attend your appointment, as we do not have childcare facilities available. If you do bring children with you without another adult, the clinician may decide the procedure needs to be rearranged.

What will happen at my appointment?

After checking in at reception, you will be called into the clinic by a doctor or nurse. They will talk to you about the options and check this is a suitable method of contraception for you. They will ask you about any illnesses or operations you or your family may have had. They will also discuss sexual health and cervical screening with you.

If suitable they will be able to fit your coil for you during the appointment. The appointment generally lasts for 30 minutes.

Information on the procedure

At your coil appointment, you will be having a procedure and some people may feel a little faint or unwell.

Please ensure you have a light meal before attending your appointment.

Some people experience cramping after the procedure. It may be helpful to take some simple painkillers before attending your appointment.

Information on coil Insertion

To ensure we are able to safely fit your coil it is important that:

You avoid any unprotected sex after your last period.
This means using condoms consistently and correctly, or using another form of reliable hormonal contraception such as the combined pill, patch or ring, progestogen-only pill, injection or implant.
If you are not having regular periods you should use effective contraception or avoid sex for at least 3 weeks before having your IUC fitted.

Information on coil replacement

Please ensure you use other methods of contraception or avoid sex for one week before you coil replacement appointment. This is in case there is any difficulty fitting the new coil after the old one has been removed.

More Information on Coils

You can find out more information about coils over on the NHS Inform website.

NHS Inform

Emergency Contraception

The non-hormonal intrauterine device (copper coil) can be used as a form of emergency contraception. If you think that you need emergency contraception please contact us as soon as possible by phoning: 0141 211 8130.

After you've had a coil fitted

After you've had hormonal or non-hormonal coil fitted the doctor or nurse who fitted your coil will teach you how to feel for the threads and check that it's still in place. It's important to check your coil is in place a few times in the first month, and then after each period or at regular intervals.

It's highly unlikely that your coil will come out, but if you can't feel the threads or if you think the coil has moved, you may not be fully protected against pregnancy.

Call Sandyford straight away on 0141 211 8130 if you think your coil has moved, fallen out or you have pain or bleeding.

Use extra contraception, such as condoms, until your coil has been checked.

If you've had sex recently, you may need to use emergency contraception.

FAQs for Coils

I've had my implant in for 3 years and it is now due for a change. Will it still protect me?

The risk of getting pregnant in the year after an implant expires (during the 4th year of use) is very low. Even though this is the case, it cannot be guaranteed that your implant will still be fully effective, and therefore you may want to use condoms or another form of contraception, such as the contraceptive pill, as well.

Why is it recommended to have my implant changed after 3 years if it is still working?

Studies have shown that using the implant beyond 3 years is unlikely to lead to pregnancy. However, at the moment there are not enough women in these studies to say definitely that the implant works as well in the 4th year as in the first 3 years so additional protection is recommended.

I have been advised to use other hormones for contraception while my implant/hormonal IUS is still there. Will this harm me?

The amount of hormones in the body with either the implant is extremely small. In addition, progestogen, which is the type of hormone used in the implant is a very safe hormone and one that almost every woman can use even if they have other health problems. It will therefore not harm you to take other hormones as well. When starting any new hormone however it is always important to check that it is safe for you to use.

I was advised to extend using my IUS/Implant. I wasn’t having periods before, and now they have come back. Does this mean my implant or IUS has stopped working?

It is not uncommon for your bleeding pattern to gradually change towards the end of the lifespan of the device.

Lots of users have sporadic bleeding when using the implant, however if this is unusual for you and you are beyond your replacement date it is recommended to use additional contraception such as condoms or have a chat with your prescriber about adding hormonal contraception. Although in the first year after change date of implant it is highly unlikely you will get pregnant, it is not guaranteed. Organising additional contraception can usually be done remotely via your usual provider.

I don’t have periods with my implant, so how will I know whether or not I am pregnant once it is beyond the usual replacement date?

Extended use within guidelines makes the likelihood of pregnancy very low but there is still a risk, that’s why the advice is to either use condoms or if suitable another hormonal method until you can have your implant replaced. If you think you might be pregnant you should take a test 3 weeks after any risk and use condoms until you are sure.

If I get pregnant while using hormonal contraception, will the hormones harm the baby?

Many women who become pregnant whilst using hormonal contraception continue unknowingly to take hormones before the pregnancy is identified. There are no known adverse effects on the baby.

Manage your sexual health online

You can book appointments online with Sandyford for all contraceptive options including intrauterine contraception.

Online Booking

What to Expect at Sandyford

All the information you need about your visit to Sandyford. Before, during and after the appointment.

What To Expect at Sandyford