What happens when I get my IUD removed?

Where can I get my IUD removed?

IUD removal is a simple procedure but one that should always be carried out by a healthcare professional. You can usually get your IUD removed at the same clinic or health center where you got it fitted. If you’ve moved or want to find an alternative place to get your IUD removed, most places that insert IUDs can also remove them, contact your doctor or local sexual health clinic to find out more.

When should I have my IUD removed?

There are several reasons people choose to get their IUD removed, including:

• The device has expired: IUDs are long-acting methods that can be used for as long as 12 years. However, once your IUD has reached the end of its lifetime, it’s important you get it removed. If you still want to protect against pregnancy, you can choose to have another IUD fitted, or you can switch to another birth control method. If you’re not sure which type of IUD you’re using (or how long your IUD is valid for), check with your healthcare professional. 

• You’re having side effects or don’t like using the IUD: Some people experience symptoms from the hormonal or non-hormonal IUD, often these will get better after several months of use, but if they don’t clear up, or you decide this birth control option isn’t for you, you may want to consider getting your IUD removed. 

• You no longer need to prevent pregnancy: If you’re not at risk of becoming pregnant, you may want to consider getting your IUD removed. This may depend on your situation and whether you will want to prevent pregnancy again in the near future.

• You no longer need it for another reason: While the primary use for an IUD is contraception, there are other reasons people choose to use hormonal IUDs, including managing symptoms of menopause or PMDD. If these symptoms lessen or stop, you may no longer need the IUD and should get it removed.

• You want to try for a baby: If your fertility goals change and you want to start a family, you’ll need to get your IUD removed in order to get pregnant. Pregnancy after IUD removal typically happens within a few months of getting the device removed. If you don’t want to get pregnant straight away, you should use another method until you’re ready.

• You’re pregnant: There is a less than 1% chance of getting pregnant while using the IUD. However, if you do suspect you may be pregnant, it’s important to get the device removed and seek medical attention, as there are risks of complications such as ectopic pregnancy.

What happens during IUD removal?

To remove the IUD your healthcare professional will gently pull on the strings that are attached to the device. In most cases, this is enough to remove the IUD. However, they may need to use a special instrument to remove the IUD, or in very rare cases surgery may be needed.

How will it feel to get my IUD removed?

In most cases, you won’t feel very much, there may be a small amount of cramping while the device is removed. Getting an IUD removed is typically less painful than getting one inserted, but you can take over-the-counter pain relief before you go for your appointment as a precaution.

How long does an IUD removal take?

Getting an IUD removed only takes a matter of minutes. However, your appointment might take a bit longer if you want to get another IUD inserted or discuss birth control alternatives with your healthcare provider. It’s normal to have a short conversation before and after the procedure. During this, you may be asked about your medical history, and you can ask any questions you may have.

What should I expect after I get my IUD removed?

IUD removal side effects

You may experience cramping and light bleeding as a result of having your IUD removed. This should not last for long. Depending on your experience with your IUD, you may feel relieved to get it removed, and if you’ve experienced negative side effects, these should go away shortly after the device is removed.

Timing pregnancy after IUD removal

There’s a chance you may be fertile as soon as you get the IUD removed. For this reason, if you want to avoid pregnancy, it’s important to use a different form of birth control straight away. Your cycles may be irregular for a few weeks after using the IUD but things should start to go back to normal within a few weeks or months. 

The chance of your fertility being affected by using an IUD long-term is extremely low. Research shows that, on average, most people get pregnant around four months after getting an IUD removed. If you’re still worried about the chances of conceiving after IUD removal, you should consider switching to a non-invasive and non-hormonal birth control method until you’re ready to start trying for a baby. 

Discover natural birth control

Thanks for reading! We hope we’ve answered some questions you may have about IUD removal. At Natural Cycles we’re passionate about promoting birth control choice, which means we want you to have all the facts that will help you decide on the right contraceptive option for you and your lifestyle. IUDs are a great option for so many people because they require little work and are highly effective! However, these long-acting options aren’t for everyone.

The world’s first FDA Cleared contraceptive app, Natural Cycles, offers a non-hormonal, non-invasive alternative to traditional birth control. There are no synthetic hormones or side effects, and you can start or stop using it on your own timeframe because Natural Cycles adapts to you. 

Natural Cycles is more than a birth control method. It's based on the science of your cycle, meaning it can also be used to plan pregnancy. Our research shows that those who use Natural Cycles to conceive get pregnant in three cycles on average. Whatever stage of your fertility journey you’re at, why not find out if our certified birth control app could work for you?