Contraceptive Coil Check

There are certain instances that may require a professional to check your coil. You can view these concerns and approaches here.

As a rule of thumb, you should book yourself in for a coil check if you are concerned that something is not right, or are in severe pain that prevents you from doing your normal activities.

• A clinician is checking and can rule out potential issues such as infection, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), pregnancy, and expulsion. Displacement will require an ultrasound scan.
• Treatment may be available in the same appointment, if suitable.
• The coil can be removed in the same appointment if it is safe to do so.
• The bimanual exam will check your internal pelvic organs.
• Pain and discomfort can show up and dissipate randomly, whilst the patient may think this is routine, it can be an underlying infection which would otherwise go unreported without a coil check.
• Asymptomatic problems may be found (i.e. PID).
• Can reinforce good health practices such as regular screening for other health conditions.

• Misplaced coil threads.
• Any inflammation or signs or infection.
• Pregnancy
• Coil expulsion (the coil is being pushed out by the uterus).
• Other asymptomatic problems that may not be related to the reason you booked in for a coil check.

If we have diagnosed a condition which requires medication and we can offer it in the clinic, we will do so.

However, in some cases you may be better suited to be seen in a hospital setting and we will offer you a referral letter to take to your GP.

You can safely have a coil check on your period (as long as you are comfortable).

When you check your threads at home, you are checking to see if you can still feel them. This lets you know whether your coil is still in place or has been expelled or is expelling.

During a coil check, a speculum is inserted into the vagina so that the cervix is visible. This allows the professional to visibly see the position of your coil threads, instead of just feeling them.

If you are experiencing any pain, you will also receive a vaginal examination and a bimanual examination which is done to check the internal pelvic organs for signs of infection or inflammation.

If the device is being expelled and can be seen in the cervix or the vagina, it will be safely removed.

If, during an ultrasound scan, your coil is found to be misplaced, it will not be effective as a form of contraception and will need to be replaced. This will either be discussed with you at the time of the scan or your results will be sent to your clinician.

It is normal to be concerned, however there are treatment options that can be provided in the same appointment. If you need to be referred to a hospital setting, we will provide you with a medical letter.

In all cases we will put your wishes and best interests first, so if you wish for the coil to be removed, this can be done in the same appointment as long as it is safe to do so.

When you check your threads at home, you are checking to see if you can still feel them. This lets you know whether your coil is still in place or has been expelled or is expelling.

During a coil check, a speculum is inserted into the vagina so that the cervix is visible. This allows the professional to visibly see the position of your coil threads, instead of just feeling them.

If you are experiencing any pain, you will also receive a vaginal examination and a bimanual examination which is done to check the internal pelvic organs for signs of infection or inflammation.

You should try to remember, in as much detail, your reasons for requesting a coil check. Any significant changes that you tell our clinicians will be valuable in reaching a thorough understanding of your situation and a suitable outcome.

Most patients do not need any time off work after their coil check and can carry on their day as normal.

Yes. You can bring your partner, friend or family member to your appointment.

However, if you feel that you would rather not bring someone to the appointment, rest assured that our staff are here to support you and make you comfortable in any way possible. Clarewell Clinics is a safe space.

You do not need to make any special travel arrangements for after your appointment. However, if you feel that you may wish for someone to drive or accompany you home, then you will need to make arrangements accordingly.

Yes, absolutely you can. Please let us know at the time of your booking (or upon your arrival) so that we are ready to accommodate your wishes.

Yes, if it is safe to do so at the time, we can remove your coil in the same appointment. If there has been any sexual activity in the 7 days prior to removal and you do not wish to get pregnant, you will be advised to wait until the risk of pregnancy has gone.

Absolutely. Please request this at the time of booking so that we may book you an extended appointment.

You can read about our STI tests here.

We do provide sanitary products, but you are more than welcome to bring your own.

You can contact us for a follow up call or a consultation if required.

You are able to book in with us for a coil removal procedure. You can find more information on this here.

You will have the opportunity within the consultation to discuss any other options that are available to you. Our clinicians are more than happy to provide you with as much information as you need in order to make the best decision for your body.

As long as you are comfortable and you do not show any signs of an infection, misplaced coil, you can have sex immediately after your coil check.

A copper coil can be fitted at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as there is no chance of pregnancy.

If you are using a method of contraception, please continue with your pills, patches, injection or implant, including on the day of your procedure. This may include reliable condom use.

Your clinician will inform you how long you will need to continue with your other method of contraception after the device is fitted.

If you are not currently using a method of contraception, it is advised to abstain from any sexual contact from the first day of your period. If you are attending for a copper coil refitting, we recommend abstaining for 7 days prior to your appointment.