Mirena Coil - Worcester Street Surgery

Worcester Street Surgery Patient Information Leaflet
Mirena (IUS) Coil Insertion
This is a patient information leaflet for women who have decided to have a
mirena coil (IUS) fitted at the surgery. We run a specialist clinic on a Thursday
afternoon at the surgery when appointments can be given for this procedure to
be done.
About the Mirena coil
It is a small T shaped device which contains a small amount of progesterone
hormone which is released locally. It can stay in for 5 years and is over 99%
effective. It is fully reversible and when removed normal fertility quickly
returns.
Side effects
The IUS is normal well tolerated however your periods may change. In the first
6 months it is common to have irregular spotting or bleeding. Periods may
become lighter and over 50% of women find their periods will stop altogether.
This is perfectly healthy.
Other side effects are usually mild and include breast tenderness, headaches
and acne.
There is a small increased risk of infection after having an IUD fit, this is
commonest in the first 20 days after insertion, and we advise that you return
for a check up if you get an increase in discharge after insertion.
If you do become pregnant with the IUD inserted there is a very small risk of
you having an ectopic (in the tube) pregnancy, but this is less than in women
not using contraception.
The Procedure
The procedure is carried out in the nurses’ room with a trained doctor and
nurse. It takes approximately 15-20 minutes. You will be examined first to

find the position and size of the uterus and often will be offered swabs
(including Chlamydia) to ensure no infection is present at time of insertion.
It can be uncomfortable for some women and you may need paracetamol or
ibuprofen after the procedure. You may get period type pain for up to 48 hrs
after insertion and light bleeding.
Timing of Fitting
The ideal time to have the IUS fitted is when you are on your period, however
we are aware that it is sometimes difficult to time the appointment with the first
7 days of your period, so if you want to have it fitted after this time we ask that
you refrain from sexual intercourse from the start of your period until the
coil if fitted, and then use condoms for a further 7 days after insertion.
This does not apply if you are taking the combined or mini pill, when you can
have it fitted at any time of your cycle as long as you continue to take the pill
until the day of insertion and do not miss any pills.
If you are booking to have a coil change this can be done at any time in your
cycle but we ask that you use condoms for 7 days prior to the coil change in
case there is any difficulty fitting a new coil.
We also ask that when you book the appointment you give the practice an up to
date mobile number so we can text you the day before the appointment to
remind you, and if for any reason you need to cancel the appointment this can
be done by return text.
Follow Up
We offer to see you between 6-8 weeks after insertion to check the threads of
the coil and ensure you are happy with it. This can just be booked as a routine
follow up appointment.