Dr Mercer and Senior Advanced Nurse Practitioner Margaret Brown insert and remove coils (IUDs) and contraceptive implants.
Coils (IUDs) Please look up the Family Planning Association website for information and help in choosing which coil (copper or hormonal) you think may be best for you.
Some important points for coil fittings:
Rarely, patients can feel faint or unwell after a coil fitting, so we are unable to fit a coil if you attend alone with a child.
Do not have any unprotected sex prior to your appointment – the coil may not be able to be fitted if there is a risk of pregnancy. Withdrawal method is not considered effective as far as coil fittings are concerned, so please abstain or use a condom. Condoms are available from the surgery if required.
If you are having a routine coil change, please do not have sex without a condom for 7 days prior to the appointment.
If you are attending for a coil change which is overdue, please use condoms up to your appointment (or at least from your period before, or for 3 weeks before if you do not get periods with the Mirena)
if you are wanting a coil removed but not replaced, please speak to reception to book an appointment with Dr Mercer or ANP Margaret Brown. Please use condoms for 7 days prior to your appointment.
If you are already on other contraception e.g. the pill, continue to take it up to and including the day of your appointment.
You may wish to take some painkillers – paracetamol or ibuprofen etc. prior to your appointment.
Don’t skip any meals beforehand – you may be more likely to feel faint after the procedure if you have not eaten.
Allow plenty of time for the appointment as you may need to sit for a while after, especially before driving.
Coil appointments are longer than standard GP appointments, and unfortunately seem to have a high rate of non-attendance. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend. Due to the demand for appointments, we are unlikely to offer another appointment at the surgery if you fail to attend for your coil fitting.