An intrauterine device (IUD) should prevent pregnancy for 3-10 years, depending on the type you have. Once it expires, your doctor will need to take it out. You can have the IUD removed before the expiration date if you want to get pregnant.
IUD removal is a quick procedure that's done in your doctor's office or a clinic; don't try to remove it yourself. Here's what you can expect during IUD removal.
When Should I Have My IUD Removed?
Get your IUD removed if:
- It has expired. Your doctor will tell you how long yours is supposed to last.
- You want to get pregnant.
- You've had side effects such as heavy bleeding, severe headaches, or pain.
- Your IUD has moved out of your uterus or has broken.
- You got pregnant while the IUD was in place.
In some cases, your doctor may also recommend removing your IUD when you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD). If you have an STD, talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of IUD removal.
How Do I Prepare?
You don't need to do anything to prepare. Removing an IUD is usually less painful than putting it in.
Your doctor might suggest that you avoid sex for seven days before your appointment. This is because you can become pregnant soon after the IUD is removed, unless you replace it with another one.
What Happens During IUD Removal?
The procedure is the same for any form of IUD, copper (ParaGard) or hormonal (Kyleena, Liletta, Mirena, Skyla).
You will lie on a table with your knees bent and your legs apart. Your doctor will insert a special tool called a speculum into your vagina to widen the opening.
Threads from your IUD should hang out of your cervix into your vagina. Using a special grasping tool, your doctor will gently pull on the strings and pull out the device. An IUD is T-shaped, and its arms will fold up as it slides out.
If the doctor can't see or reach the threads, they can use a special hook or other tool to pull them into view.
There's a slight chance that your IUD won't come out easily. It may get stuck in the wall of your uterus. If this happens, your doctor may need to widen your cervix with medicine and use forceps to pull it out. They may use a thin, lighted scope to look inside your vagina and uterus to remove the IUD. You'll get medicine to prevent pain during this procedure.
How Long Does It Take?
IUD removal usually takes only a few minutes. It may take longer if your doctor can't easily pull it out.
What Will It Feel Like?
You may feel some mild cramps as your doctor removes the IUD.
IUD insertion vs. removal
IUD Insertion | IUD Removal | |
Time | 10-20 minutes | 30 seconds |
Pain | Moderate-to-severe cramping | Brief cramping |
Pain Relief Options | Over-the-counter pain medications, mild sedation, cervical numbing injections, or anesthesia | Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or naproxen |
Sex: Before and After | Use a backup method of contraception for 7 days after insertion | Don't have unprotected sex for 5 days before IUD removal to avoid pregnancy |
Menstrual Changes | Worsened cramps, spotting, skipped period, heavier flow | Period may restart in 1-3 months |
Can I Get a New IUD at the Same Time?
Yes. Your doctor can insert a new one right after removing the one that has expired.
Are There Any Side Effects?
You may have cramps and spotting or light bleeding for a few days or weeks after your IUD comes out. An over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help you feel better.
Can I Get Pregnant Right Away?
Yes. You will be able to get pregnant right after the IUD comes out. Your periods should return to their normal cycle.
If you don't want to get pregnant, ask your doctor to insert a new IUD or switch to a different birth control method.
When Should I Call My Doctor?
Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms after your IUD is removed:
- Severe pain or cramps
- Fever or chills
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Bad-smelling discharge from your vagina
Can You Remove Your Own IUD?
It's not a good idea to try to remove an IUD yourself. If you try to pull it out by its string, there's a good chance you'll move it out of place but be unable to get it out. This can be painful and leave you unprotected against pregnancy. You'll need to see a health care provider to finish the job.
Takeaways
In general, getting an IUD removed is much less painful than having one put in. You can take over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or naproxen an hour before the procedure to ease any cramping or pain. Avoid unprotected sex for five days before IUD removal. You can get pregnant immediately after having your IUD taken out, even if your period doesn't come back right away. If you don't want to get pregnant, be sure to use or start an alternative method of birth control.
IUD Removal FAQs
Can I get my IUD removed while on my period?
Yes, your IUD can be removed at any point during your menstrual cycle.
What happens if my IUD strings are missing or broken?
Your doctor should still be able to remove your IUD if the device's strings are missing. If you notice they're missing before you get your IUD removed, use a backup method of birth control.
Can I have a new IUD inserted during the same appointment as my removal?
Yes, you can have a new IUD inserted immediately after having the old one removed.
Will removing my IUD affect my weight?
It depends. Some people have reported weight loss, while others have reported weight gain.
