IUD removal is a routine procedure that is usually quick and less painful than insertion. There are two types of IUDs, copper and hormonal, and they are recommended for women in long-term relationships. IUDs are removed when they expire, a woman wants to get pregnant, or is experiencing unpleasant side effects. The procedure involves a gynecological examination and the use of forceps or clamps to gently remove the IUD. Some cramping and bleeding can be expected, but pain is minimal.
Removal of an intrauterine device (IUD) is a routine procedure, and for those currently using IUDs, it may be helpful to know that removal is usually quicker and less painful than insertion. Some people develop anxiety about IUD removal because the insertion process was uncomfortable or because they have heard that IUD removal is painful, but this is generally not the case. In the hands of a competent gynecologist, this procedure is quick and relatively simple.
IUDs are designed to prevent pregnancy. They’re often recommended for women in long-term relationships who are at low risk for sexually transmitted infections, because they’re easier to manage than many other forms of birth control and because they tend to have minimal side effects. There are two types of IUDs: copper IUDs, which prevent pregnancy by slowly secreting copper, and hormonal IUDs, which release hormones. Copper IUDs last about 10 years, while hormonal IUDs last five years.
There are several reasons for IUD removal. When an IUD expires, it must be removed and a woman can apply for a replacement at the same time. IUDs can also be removed by women who want to get pregnant or by women who are experiencing unpleasant side effects. IUDs are also usually removed after the first year of menopause.
The procedure begins with a routine gynecological examination, in which the doctor first ascertains the position of the uterus by inserting his fingers into the vagina and feeling the abdomen with the other hand. This exam also checks for tenderness or physiological changes, which can indicate a medical problem. At the same time, the doctor locates the IUD strings to confirm that the IUD is still present. Next, a speculum is inserted to make it easier for the doctor to see, followed by a tenaculum, a special medical device that stabilizes the uterus. At this point, the doctor grasps the strings of the IUD with forceps or clamps and gently pulls the IUD out of the uterus. As the IUD emerges, the arms of the IUD retract, allowing it to slide out.
If the IUD doesn’t seem to move, your doctor may do an ultrasound of the area to see why the device isn’t coming out. The doctor may need to adjust the angle of the clamps, or the IUD may become embedded in the uterine wall, in which case the patient will be given an anesthetic so the doctor can insert forceps into the uterus to grasp the IUD and remove it. Sometimes, a surgical procedure may be needed to free an embedded IUD, and this is the most serious potential complication of IUD removal. An ultrasound may also be done if the doctor can’t feel or see the cords, in case the IUD accidentally came out. If the cords have pulled back into the uterus, clamps will be used to grasp them, allowing the doctor to pull the IUD out.
Some cramping and bleeding can be expected during and after IUD removal. Some women like to take aspirin or another mild pain reliever before the procedure to minimize pain. Some doctors also recommend refraining from unprotected intercourse for a week before a scheduled IUD removal, as ovulation after a removal could result in pregnancy if sperm is present, and sperm can last up to five days.
Like when you go to the dentist, an IUD removal tends to feel scarier when you schedule it (and put it off). Once in the office, the procedure is usually very quick and pain is minimal. It is important to remove and replace IUDs after they have expired if you do not want to get pregnant and for women pursuing pregnancy, removing the IUD is obviously the first step. If you’ve had an uncomfortable insertion experience that is causing you to delay removing your IUD, you may want to make an appointment with another doctor; consider asking your friends if they have any recommendations.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
