Before the insertion we recommend to ingest Ipren 400 mg one hour before the procedure.
Insertion of the spiral
A gynecological examination is performed before the insertion. This is done in order to assess the positioning and possible tenderness (which might be a symptom of inflammation in the sexual organs) of the uterus. The mucosa of the uterus and the ovaries are assessed with an ultrasound scan. A cervical swab for chlamydia will be made and possibly a local anesthetic will be injected into the cervix with a tiny needle.
The spiral is inserted by placing a self-retaining speculum in the vagina. The spiral is around 4 cm long and is well protected within the uterine cavity. When the spiral is in place in the uterine cavity the plastic threads hanging through the vagina are cut to have a length of around 3 cm. Then, the position of the spiral is controlled through an ultrasound scan.
In the days following the insertion you may experience menstrual pain-like aching and we would recommend to ingest Ipren 400 mg three times a day the first few days. We offer a follow-up check in the assistant's room two months after the insertion.
If you have been using birth control pills in the run-up to the change to a spiral we recommend you to continue using the pills for the rest of the cycle before an insertion is performed.
If you are not using birth control pills we recommend that the spiral is inserted within the first ten days after the first day of menstruation to avoid a possible early pregnancy, which cannot be detected at this point.
If you need to have your spiral changed it can be done at any time during the menstrual cycle
Can I check if the spiral is in place myself?
With a finger you can feel the two threads hanging in the vagina from the cervix. If you can't feel the threads and your physician can't see them neither, the gynecologist will be able see the spiral in an ultrasound scan.
You should contact your physician in case of:
- Suspicion that the spiral has been ejected or is not in place
- Suspicion of pregnancy.
- Fever, pains, and changed discharge.
- Sudden change in the period pattern.
- Persistent side effects.
Both types of spiral can be bought at the clinic. Prices will be disclosed when booking an appointment.
