Emergency Coil

A doctor can fit a copper coil into your uterus within 5 days of unprotected sex.
This involves an internal examination. This procedure might be an uncomfortable procedure; the nurse or doctor will discuss the procedure with you.

Click here to find out where you can get a coil fitted in Bolton

When a coil is fitted as an emergency procedure it is usual practice for vaginal swabs to be taken as routine to rule out the chance of you having acquired an infection. Also many services as routine will give you antibiotic medication at the same time as the coil is inserted.

After insertion you may feel pain in your lower abdomen, if you have not already taken pain relief then you need to do so.

If this continues within a few days and you have a high temperature or smelly discharge you need to return to the clinic as soon as possible, as you may need further treatment.

This method is used if you are over 72 hours since unprotected sex and so too late for emergency pills

Unable to take progesterone only emergency pills

Want to use a more effective method

Want to use the coil as a long-term method of contraception

How does it work?

• It tries to stop the egg being fertilised or implanting into your uterus
• It is a very effective method; the failure rate is 0.03%.
• It can be kept in, as it is an effective long-term contraception

Do I need to have a follow up visit?

You need to attend a follow up appointment in 3 to 4 weeks time to check whether or not you have had a normal period. If you have had no period since coil fitting, it is important you bring an early morning sample of urine, so a pregnancy test will be carried out.

If you do not wish to continue with this method of contraception, the coil is usually removed during or just after a period has started.