An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped form of long-acting, reversible contraception placed inside the uterus. It is one of the most effective methods of birth control, offering protection for several years, depending on the type—copper or hormonal. When a person decides to discontinue use, the removal process is typically straightforward. The physical procedure to take out the device is generally very fast, often taking less than a minute, which is much quicker than the initial insertion. This swift procedure is only one part of the overall clinical appointment.
The Physical Duration of IUD Removal
The physical act of withdrawing the IUD from the uterus is swift for most patients. Once the clinician uses a speculum to view the cervix, the entire process of removal usually takes only between 30 seconds and two minutes. The procedure involves locating the two thin threads that hang down through the cervix.
The healthcare provider uses a specialized grasping tool, such as forceps, to gently secure these strings. A slow, steady pull causes the flexible arms of the T-shaped device to fold upward, allowing it to slide easily out of the uterus. Most people report feeling a brief, sharp cramp as the IUD passes through the cervix, which quickly subsides.
Accounting for the Full Appointment Time
While the removal itself takes minutes, the total time spent at the clinic is longer. An IUD removal appointment typically lasts between 20 and 45 minutes. This extended period accounts for all necessary steps surrounding the physical procedure.
The appointment begins with an intake process, which includes a consultation to review the patient’s medical history and reasons for removal. Time is also allocated for the patient to prepare and for the clinician to set up sterile equipment. After the swift removal, the provider inspects the IUD to ensure it is intact.
The remaining time is dedicated to post-procedure care and discussion. The provider will discuss immediate post-removal symptoms, such as light spotting or cramping, and review future contraceptive options. If the patient is switching to a different birth control method or planning a pregnancy, this consultation ensures a seamless transition.
Factors That Can Extend the Removal Process
In some instances, the removal process can take significantly longer, extending beyond the typical two-minute window. The most common complication that prolongs the procedure is the inability to locate the IUD strings, which occurs in an estimated 5% to 15% of removals. Strings may have retracted into the cervical canal or the uterus.
When strings are missing, the clinician may first attempt to retrieve them using a cytobrush or a specialized thread retriever tool to sweep the cervical canal. If this is unsuccessful, an ultrasound may be necessary to confirm the IUD’s position within the uterus. If the strings remain inaccessible, a specialized instrument like alligator forceps may be inserted into the uterus to grasp and retrieve the device.
A more complex delay occurs if the IUD is partially embedded in the uterine muscle wall, a rare but possible event. This embedment requires the provider to use greater care and precision to free the device.
In the most difficult cases, such as when the IUD is firmly embedded or has migrated, a procedure called a hysteroscopy may be required. This procedure uses a thin, lighted scope to visualize and remove the device, sometimes under sedation.
Immediate Physical and Reproductive Changes
Following the removal of an IUD, the body experiences immediate physical and reproductive changes. Most people feel well enough to resume normal daily activities right away, though mild side effects are common. These symptoms often include light spotting or bleeding, along with temporary menstrual-like cramping, which typically resolves within a few hours to a few days.
Fertility returns almost instantaneously, regardless of whether the IUD was hormonal or copper. For those seeking pregnancy, conception is possible as soon as the next ovulation cycle occurs. If pregnancy is not desired, alternative contraception must be started immediately, or in some cases, seven days prior to removal, to prevent a gap in protection.