Can I remove my IUD at home?
What's the lowdown?
We don’t recommend that you attempt to remove your IUD at home
Some of the risks involved with removing your IUD at home include infection, injury to the uterus or cervix and severe pain
You can get it removed at a sexual health clinic, a family planning clinic, GP surgery or at some young people’s services
It’s important to think of your contraception options before removing your IUD in order to prevent unplanned pregnancy
Are you considering removing your IUD at home? While it may seem like a quick and easy solution, it’s important to understand the risks involved. Here’s everything you need to know about removing your IUD, the risks of removing it at home, where to get it removed, how long it takes, and what to expect afterwards.
What is an IUD?
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a form of long-acting reversible contraception that is inserted into the uterus. There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and non-hormonal. Hormonal IUDs release progestin, which thickens cervical mucus, thins the lining of the womb and in some cases prevents ovulation. Non-hormonal IUDs are wrapped in copper, which is toxic to sperm.
Can I remove my IUD at home?
We don’t recommend that you attempt to remove your IUD at home. The process of removing an IUD requires medical expertise and special equipment, and attempting to remove it yourself can cause serious harm to your reproductive system.
What are the risks of removing my IUD at home?
Firstly, you may not be able to even find your threads, as sometimes they wrap themselves around the cervix, or tuck themselves back up inside the cervix and need a healthcare professional to fish them out using a specially designed stick.
One of the main concerns is bleeding, especially if the IUD is difficult to remove or not removed properly. Removal can rarely cause injury to the uterus or cervix. This can lead to severe pain, bleeding, and even the need for surgery.
Another risk of self-removal is incomplete removal where part of the coil breaks off or is left behind, or the coil becomes stuck. Lastly, attempting to remove an IUD at home can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. This can be due to the position of the IUD or the inability to see or grasp the strings properly. A healthcare provider is trained to remove the IUD efficiently and with minimal discomfort (1).
Where can I get my IUD removed?
In the UK, you can have your IUD removed at a sexual health clinic, a family planning clinic, GP surgery or at some young people’s services. These healthcare providers are trained in the safe and effective removal of IUDs and can provide you with advice and support before, during, and after the procedure. Find a sexual health clinic here.
How long does it take to remove an IUD?
The removal process for an IUD is usually quick and simple, it often only takes a couple of minutes in total. The practitioner will use a speculum to hold your vagina open and locate the strings attached to the IUD. They will then gently pull on the strings to remove the IUD from your uterus, often while asking you to cough. Some women may experience discomfort or cramping, but it is generally not considered to be a painful procedure. If the strings are not visible and cannot be located by the clinician, you may need an ultrasound scan and to be referred to a clinic where they are trained to retrieve the threads from the cervical canal.
How can I prepare for IUD removal?
You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for IUD removal. However, it’s a good idea to let your healthcare provider know if you are taking any medications, have any medical conditions, or are allergic to any medications.
If you are planning an IUD removal to switch contraceptives, planning can be really important. Here’s what our fabulous Dr. Fran says:
“For a copper IUD, within the first 5 days of your period is an ideal time to start a new method and have the coil removed as you will be protected from pregnancy straight away.
However, If you are outside the first 5 days of your cycle with a copper IUD or have a hormonal IUD, ideally you should avoid sex or use condoms for the 7 days before your planned removal date. This makes switching easier and prevents unplanned pregnancy in the crossover. If you have had sex without a condom, delay the removal by another 7 days after starting your new method (which is safe to do!).
The switching rules can be complicated so it’s best to check out our switching blog or speak to your healthcare professional.”
If you’re wondering which method you should switch to, check out our contraception recommender tool to find the best option for you and your lifestyle.
Will I experience side effects after the IUD removal?
You might experience some mild cramping or spotting for a few days after the removal, but most women don’t experience any major side effects (3). After a few days, these symptoms should stop, if you have some concerns or unusual symptoms, you should contact your GP.
Can I get my IUD removed on my period?
Yes, you can have your IUD removed during your period, that’s completely fine and healthcare professionals genuinely don’t care if you’re bleeding or not!
The Lowdown
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