Coil Insertion

At your pre-assessment appointment your doctor will explain what to expect when having your coil inserted and answer any questions you may have. If necessary they will also examine you internally, and take vaginal swabs to exclude infection.

At this appointment you can discuss what type of coil is best for you. You will be given a prescription for your preferred coil, that you then collect from a pharmacy. You then bring the coil with you to your coil insertion appointment. Indigo’s Women’s Welfare Clinic do not supply the coil.

Although coil insertion should not be painful it can cause discomfort, especially in women who;

- Are anxious about having a coil fitted

- Have had a previous difficult coil insertion

- Have never given birth vaginally

- Have had a previous caesarean section

- Have had previous procedures to the cervix (neck of the womb)

- Have a retroverted womb (a womb that is tilted backwards)

At Indigo Women’s Welfare Clinic, we are able to provide pain relief during your coil insertion. We use an inhaled medication called Penthrox, it is very similar to Entonox (gas and air) and is very effective. If you choose to use Penthrox during your procedure we would suggest you arrange someone to pick you up following the procedure. We do not advise driving following administration of Penthrox.

Empty your bladder 1 hour prior to your appointment, then drink 2 glasses (600ml) of water and hold it. Do not empty your bladder again.

At your coil insertion appointment your doctor will start by asking you to complete a consent form, they will then answer any questions you may have, and if necessary perform a urinary pregnancy test.

Your doctor will perform a transvaginal ultrasound scan, this involves inserting an ultrasound probe into the vagina and examines the size and shape of your cervix, womb and ovaries.

Following the ultrasound scan your doctor will then fit your coil.

The appointment should take approximately 45 minutes.

Other than mild discomfort, complications are rare. Some women may experience mild cramping or bleeding for a few days. Pelvic infection following the procedure is extremely rare, but you should report any symptoms of pain, tenderness, fever or excessive vaginal discharge to your doctor should this occur.

You will be offered a follow up appointment 6 weeks after coil is inserted.