Having an IUS fitted
You can usually have an IUS (intrauterine system), also called a hormonal coil, fitted by a specially trained doctor or nurse at a GP surgery or sexual health clinic.
An IUS can be fitted any time in your menstrual cycle, as long as you're not pregnant.
If it's fitted in the first 5 days of your cycle (day 1 is the first day of your period), you'll be protected against pregnancy straight away.
If it's fitted at any other time, use another type of contraception, such as condoms, for 7 days afterwards.
Having an IUS fitted should take about 5 to10 minutes, but allow at least 30 minutes for the appointment.
Before your IUS is fitted
Before your IUS is fitted you might be offered:
- a test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- a pregnancy test (an IUS cannot be fitted if you might be pregnant)
Some people may find having an IUS fitted painful. You may want to take some painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen an hour before.
If you're concerned about pain during the fitting, speak to the nurse or doctor. They may be able to offer you extra pain relief.
The procedure
During the procedure:
- a nurse or doctor will gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina so they can open it, like a cervical screening (a smear test)
- they will insert the IUS into your womb through your cervix
Tell the person fitting your IUS if you feel any pain or discomfort. You can ask them to stop at any time.
You can have a friend, family member or other member of staff in the room with you during the fitting if you want.
After an IUS is fitted
You might have some period-like pain for a few days after having an IUS fitted. Painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can help with any pain. You might also have some light bleeding (spotting).
Checking an IUS is still in place
An IUS has 2 thin, soft threads that hang down a little way from your womb into the top of your vagina.
The doctor or nurse who fits your IUS will tell you how to feel these threads to check it's still in place.
Check your IUS is in place a few times in the first month and then regularly, such as after each period.
Important: If you cannot feel your IUS threads
If you cannot feel the threads your IUS might not be in place. Get help from a sexual health clinic, 111 or your GP straight away.
If you cannot feel the threads when you check for them you might not be protected against pregnancy, and you may need emergency contraception. Use another form of contraception until a doctor or nurse has checked your IUS.
The IUS can make some types of emergency contraception less effective, so speak to a pharmacist, sexual health clinic, GP or call 111 for advice.
Having an IUS removed
A trained doctor or nurse can remove your IUS at any time.
An IUS is effective for 3 to 8 years, depending on the type.
If you're using an IUS as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause, it needs to be replaced every 5 years.
It's possible to get pregnant as soon as your IUS has been taken out.
If you do not want to get pregnant, use another type of contraception, such as condoms, starting 7 days before you have it removed.