The process of removing a Copper IUD is similar to that of removing a hormonal IUD. While a copper IUD is a long-term contraception lasting between 3-12 years, it can be removed any time you wish. Copper IUDs will usually be removed for various reasons, including replacing an expired one, allowing one to be pregnant, and shifting to a different contraceptive among other reasons. IUD removal should be done by a qualified healthcare provider.
At the health care facility, you will be asked to lie on your back, similar to a regular gynecological examination. The provider will hold your legs up using stirrups and apply a lubricant to a speculum that is then used to hold your cervix open. The trained healthcare provider will then use forceps to gently pull the IUD strings. The IUD will bend backward and easily slip out of the uterus through the cervical opening. This procedure will take about two to five minutes. In a case where the IUD does not slip out easily, the healthcare provider might use medication to soften the cervix. In very rare cases where the copper IUD gets stuck, your healthcare provider might remove it by surgery. You will be sedated to manage any unbearable pain.
How painful is it to remove a Copper IUD?
Removing a Copper IUD is less painful than inserting one. While some women experience discomfort or painful cramps during the removal, others feel nothing. If you have an expired IUD that you would want to be replaced, a new copper IUD can be inserted right away.
What happens if I delay having an expired Copper IUD removed?
Once a Copper IUD has reached its expiry, it is no longer effective in helping you to avoid the risk of pregnancy. You also carry the risk of developing an infection that may cause infertility. It is advisable to note down your IUD insertion and removal dates or ask your regular healthcare provider to send you a reminder when your IUD removal date nears.
Can I remove a Copper IUD by myself?
While there are articles on women who have managed to remove their IUDs, there are no substantial research or medical guidelines to support this idea. We recommend that you have an IUD removed by your healthcare provider. This makes it easy to manage any IUD removal complication and to discuss your contraception options following this removal. If you are removing the IUD to get pregnant, you will also have the opportunity to receive pregnancy advice within the same appointment.
My body expelled my Non-hormonal IUD. What do I do?
An IUD expulsion can occur in 2-10% of women in the first year after insertion. Research conducted by Anthony and colleagues shows that expulsion is more likely for women who:
Have never been pregnant;
Are of young age(below 20 years);
Have a history of heavy menstrual bleeding;
Had a Cooper IUD inserted right after giving birth or after a 2nd-trimester abortion;
Sometimes, the expulsion is partial due to IUD shifting from its position or finding its way into the lower part of the uterus and started slipping out. The shifting of the IUD position may happen around the time of insertion or be caused by uterine characteristics, including the angle, size, or the presence of conditions like fibroids which may cause irregular shape. Women who have expelled an IUD before have a 20-30% chance of expelling a 2nd IUD. If your IUD comes out partially, you should have it removed by your healthcare provider.
Once out, you can discuss with your healthcare provider the possibility of inserting a new one immediately or shifting to another contraceptive method.
How soon can I get pregnant after a Copper IUD removal?
Fertility will usually return as soon as a Copper IUD has been removed. You should therefore be able to conceive during your next expected ovulation. If you are not trying to get pregnant you should replace the removed IUD or use another contraceptive as soon as the copper IUD has expelled itself or been removed.
