IUD Removal

IUD, or intrauterine device, is a T-shaped device that is used for birth control. It is inserted in the uterus by a health expert to prevent pregnancy. It is a reversible birth control method and is usually made of copper or hormones.

While IUD is an intrauterine birth control implant, women who want to start a family can easily set an appointment with a doctor and have the IUD removed

Who needs the procedure?

1. Any woman can opt for IUD removal at any time. The procedure is needed if you:
2. desire to conceive.
3. are suffering from the side effects of IUDs.
4. suffer from pelvic inflammation.
5. observe abnormal bleeding.
6. have an unexplained fever after inserting an IUD.
7. experience foul-smelling discharge from your vagina.

Procedure description

The procedure of IUD removal is the same for any form of IUD, whether copper or hormonal. 

1. You will be asked to lie down on a bed with your knees bent and legs apart. 
2. Your doctor will give you local anaesthesia to prevent pain in the procedure.
3. Your doctor will insert a special device known as a speculum into your vagina to widen your vaginal opening and locate the IUD.
4. With the help of special grasping forceps, your doctor will gently pull out the intrauterine device by the strings.
5. The threads of the IUD should be in your vagina and not in the cervix. If the thread of your IUD is not visible, your doctor may use a cytobrush to pull them out.
6. The arms of the IUD fold upward as the doctor moves it out of your uterus.
7. Sometimes, an IUD gets stuck in the wall of your uterus. In this condition, the doctor will give you medicine to widen the cervix and remove it with the help of a forceps.
8. The doctor may use a scope to look into the vagina and uterus to see if the IUD is removed completely.
9. Once the procedure is over, the doctor will remove the speculum.
10. You may notice spotting or light bleeding after the procedure

What to expect after the procedure?

1. You may also experience cramps and pain. But this pain resolves on its own in a few minutes. If the pain is not tolerated, you may take pain relief medications like ibuprofen or a heating pad can be helpful.
2. You can immediately resume regular activities after your IUD is removed or replaced.
3. You need to keep in mind that fertility returns to normal by removing the IUD. If you don't want to conceive, use another birth control method.
4. Your doctor will prescribe you antibiotics if you remove the IUD due to infection.

Follow-up appointment

1. As such, no follow-up with the doctor is needed. But you should go for a follow-up if you experience the following symptoms:
2. If you experience heavy bleeding. Light bleeding and spotting are common phenomena after removing an IUD. But if you experience heavy vaginal bleeding and blood clots, you must call your doctor. 
3. If your periods don’t return to their normal cycle even after three months of IUD removal, book an appointment with your doctor.
4. If you cannot conceive even after one year of IUD removal and unprotected sex, call your doctor.