An intrauterine device (IUD) removal is a routine medical procedure to take out a small, T-shaped contraceptive device from the uterus. This common and quick process is performed by a healthcare provider. Understanding what to expect during and after removal can help individuals feel more prepared. This article guides you through the process, from preparing for your appointment to the changes your body may experience afterward.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Before your IUD removal appointment, a few preparatory steps can contribute to a smoother experience. Your healthcare provider might advise avoiding sexual intercourse for at least seven days before removal if you do not plan to immediately use another birth control method. Some providers suggest scheduling the removal during your menstrual period, as the cervix may be softer and more open, potentially making the process easier. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, about an hour before your appointment can help manage any potential cramping during or after the procedure.
Discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider beforehand. You might also consider arranging transportation if you anticipate feeling lightheaded or experiencing discomfort. Wearing comfortable clothing to your appointment can also help you feel more relaxed.
The Removal Process
The IUD removal procedure is often quicker than insertion. You will lie on an examination table with your feet in stirrups. A speculum will be gently inserted into the vagina to hold the walls open and allow the healthcare provider to visualize the cervix and the IUD strings.
Once the strings are visible, the provider will grasp them with a special tool and gently pull. The IUD’s arms are designed to fold upward as it slides out of the uterus. While the procedure is usually brief, you may experience sensations like mild cramping or a sharp pinch.
Immediate Post-Removal
Immediately following IUD removal, you may experience mild physical sensations. Light cramping, similar to menstrual cramps, can last for a few hours to several days. Spotting or light bleeding is also common and typically subsides within a few days or weeks.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate discomfort. Most people can resume normal activities right away. It is important to monitor your symptoms and contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever, chills, or a foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Body Changes After Removal
After IUD removal, your body will begin to adjust, and you may notice several changes, particularly concerning fertility and your menstrual cycle. For both hormonal and copper IUDs, fertility can return almost immediately. It is important to use an alternative birth control method if pregnancy is not desired.
The return of your menstrual cycle and its characteristics will depend on the type of IUD you had. If you used a hormonal IUD, which often lightens or stops periods, your periods will gradually return to their previous pattern. This adjustment can take a few weeks to several months, with initial periods potentially being heavier, more painful, or irregular before regulating. For those with a copper IUD, periods may have been heavier or more painful, and while these symptoms may subside after removal, some initial spotting or heavier flow can still occur.
Hormonal shifts are possible, especially after removing a hormonal IUD. Some individuals report temporary experiences such as mood changes, anxiety, headaches, or breast tenderness, sometimes referred to as a “Mirena crash,” though these symptoms are not medically defined. While some mild cramping or spotting may persist for days to weeks, these changes are typically temporary as your body re-establishes its natural rhythms.