Latest News:
Services for Young People
Confidential information and advice on sexual health
Nearest service to meC-Card Issue Points
Where you can register or collect free condoms, including using our new Click and Collect
Find the nearest to meVisiting SWISH for an IUC
Intrauterine contraception (IUC) refers to two types of contraceptive devices that are placed into the uterus by a specially trained doctor or nurse. These are often referred to as coils.
Hormone releasing coils
From 1st June 2024 Levosert will become the coil of choice for women attending SWISH requesting a hormonal coil.
The Levosert hormonal coil is licenced for contraceptive use for 8 years for women under the age of 45 years. Individuals who have a Levosert inserted when they are aged 45 years and above can use the device for contraception until age 55 years, after which time contraception is no longer required.
More information about the Levosert device can be found here. FSRH CEU Statement: Extended use of all 52mg LNG-IUDs for up to eight years for contraception (May 2024)
Mirena coils are licenced for 8 years for contraception and when due for replacement will be replaced with a Levosert device.
Individuals who have a Mirena inserted when they are above 45 years old can use the device for contraception until age 55 years, after which time contraception is no longer required.
HAVING A COIL FITTED
Please check closely about which in the list below applies to your current contraception and check your appointment timing is right for you so you are not disappointed on the day you come for your coil.
- I am using a reliable hormonal contraception. It has not run out/ I haven’t missed any pills > make an appointment anytime that suits
- I am using a coil that has not run out > make an appointment at least a week from the last time you had sex
- I am using condoms. I never have any penetration without a condom > make an appointment anytime that suits but you will need a pregnancy test on arrival
- I am using condoms. I sometimes have sex without a condom or only put the condom on after we have started having sex > make an appointment at least 3 weeks from the last time you had sex
- I am not using a reliable method/the reliable method has run out > make an appointment at least 3 weeks from the last time you had sex
If you have an IUC appointment with Swish please read below and watch the video for more information before your appointment.
Please also check if your GP already provides this service as priority is given to patients whose GP does not offer the service and those who have more complex needs. SWISH has a list of all GP practices who offer the service and you will be asked which practice you belong to, should your practice offer this service SWISH will ask you to contact them for an appointment.
For more information on Intrauterine Contraception please click here
IUC Fit and Re-Fit Appointment:
Fit Appointments: Do not have sex from the first day of your period until the fitting unless you are using another method of contraception such as the pill, patch, injection or implant. Do not rely on condoms; failure to do this may prevent the fitting going ahead.
If you are not having periods and are not on contraception, please DO NOT HAVE SEX FOR 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FIT APPOINTMENT
Re-fit Appointments: AVOID SEX FOR 7 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR RE-FIT APPOINTMENT
All fits and refits:
- Be prepared to provide a urine sample for pregnancy testing during the consultation.
- Please take a painkiller such as Paracetamol, Ibuprofen or Mefenamic Acid about an hour before your appointment.
- Please do not miss a meal before having your coil fitted, eat a light snack if you think you have not eaten for 3 hours prior to your appointment.
- Please do not bring children to a coil fit appointment unless you are coming with another adult who can take care of them.
After the Fit: After your IUC is fitted please watch the video below for post insertion advice
For futher information post coil fitting click here
IUC Removals:
If you are having your IUC removed at SWISH and you do not want another one put in and you do not want to get pregnant, you must use additional contraception such as condoms or AVOID SEX FOR 7 DAYS BEFORE YOU HAVE IT REMOVED. You are at risk of pregnancy as soon as the IUC is removed.
If you want another method of contraception we would recommend starting the other method before having the IUC removed as this will ensure you are not at risk of pregnancy.
Please do not bring children to a IUC removal appointment unless you are coming with another adult who can take care of them.
Emergency IUD (also know as copper coil):
If you have had sex without contraception or your contraception has failed (i.e. split condom or missed contraception) emergency contraception can help prevent a pregnancy.
A copper intrauterine device (IUD) also known as a copper coil can be fitted as emergency contraception and is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It needs to be fitted within five days (120 hours) of unprotected sex or up to five days after the earliest time you could have released an egg (ovulated).
It is very important that you know the date of your last period and your normal cycle length to ensure an emergency IUD can be fitted safely.
Please contact us as soon as possible if you think you need emergency contraception, we have designated appointments throughout the week for emergency IUDs.
You can also have emergency contraception in a pill form, please click here for more information, however, depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, this may not be effective.
