An IUD (intrauterine device) is a small device shaped like the letter T. It is an effective contraceptive that offers long term protection against pregnancy. IUDs are now a common form of contraception, and if you plan on having private IUD coil fitting, hereare all the processes involved.
Telephone consultation
You may have to contact your GP or gynaecologist first to request an IUD fitting appointment or have a phone consultation. During the consultation, the healthcare provider may ask you why you need an IUD, then explain the fitting process, the benefits, downsides, and side effects of the IUD.
Your doctor will ask you questions concerning your medical history and other contraceptives you have used in the past. During the IUD consultation, you can ask questions concerning the coil fitting, then schedule an appointment for the fitting. You may have to get the prescription yourself for your coil fitting.
Prescription
If you have to get the IUD yourself, you will get a prescription note to buy the device at any local pharmacy. It may require a couple of days for your local pharmacy to order and deliver the IUD.
Fitting appointment
You would have your IUD fitted in a treatment room by the healthcare professional. You can have an IUD fitted at anytime during your cycle. Before the fitting, the gynaecologist or GP may have to go over the potential side effects and risks of an IUD, then explain how the device works and how it is fitted. The IUD fitting may cause a little discomfort and pain.
The fitting
You will have to undress from your waist down, then lie on an exam table with your legs apart or feet in stirrups. The healthcare professional will insert a speculum in your vagina, open it, and then insert the IUD in your uterus. This only takes a few minutes.
You may not need to have an anaesthetic, but some women may need a local anaesthetic for the procedure because pain tolerance differs. You can take a pain relief medication to ease the cramps you might experience during and after the IUD insertion.
You may experience heavy bleeding for the first few weeks if you inserted a hormonal IUD, but the bleeding will lessen and, in some cases, cease.
After the fitting
You may feel perfectly fine after your IUD insertion, but some persons experience back pain and cramping. Spotting is also possible after an IUD insertion, but this usually lasts for about 3 – 6 months.
A copper IUD would make your periods heavier with worse cramps, but hormonal IUDs make periods light. If you experience intense pain and severe discomfort after your IUD fitting, you may need to contact your doctor. Most women do not experience mood changes after the coil insertion and usually forget they have a device in their uterus.
An IUD has a string of about 1 – 2 inches, which will come out of your cervix, but you won’t notice the string. The string makes removing an IUD easy and helps you check if the device is still in place. You can feel your IUD string by inserting your finger in your vagina and reaching up to the cervix. Try not to pull the string at any time because you might dislodge your IUD.
There is the risk of an IUD slipping out at anytime, but this often occurs during the first three months of insertion. Ensure you check your cups, tampons, or pads for your IUD. If your IUD fall out or slips out of place, you may likely get pregnant.
Note when you got your IUD, so you can have it removed or replaced before it expires. Paragard IUDs last for up to 12 years, Mirena and Liletta last for seven years, while Kyleena lasts for five years and Skyla for three years.
- Follow-up appointment
Your doctor may schedule you for an appointment at about six weeks to check if your IUD is still in place by using a speculum to open your vagina and inserting two fingers into your vagina to check for the IUD string. This appointment will also last for only a few minutes.
Nicholas Hartley is a writer who loves to write articles and blogs on different topics. In his leisure time he also writes blogs and articles related to his vocation.