Intrauterine Device (IUD) Removal

The removal of an intrauterine device, or IUD, can be done whenever a woman wants, for personal reasons like desiring children or for medical reasons such having unpleasant side effects. However, for safety and correct IUD removal, a doctor must perform the diagnosis and removal.

Interesting facts about IUD removal

• What is IUD removal?
• IUD removal procedure
• What should I do if I have to have my IUD removed?
• Price of IUD removal
• Can I get pregnant immediately having an IUD removed?
• Switching from an IUD to another method

This procedure involves inserting a vaginal speculum to expose the cervix and IUD and cleaning the cervix and vagina with a disinfectant. After that, the IUD strings are carefully and gently pulled with forceps to remove the device from the uterus.

IUD removal procedure

1. The external area is cleaned to prepare for the procedure.

2. The doctor inserts a speculum to visualize the cervix and the IUD strings.

3. An antiseptic is used to clean the cervix and vaginal walls.

4. The doctor uses forceps to gently grasp both IUD strings as close to the cervix as possible and pull them out. The doctor confirms an IUD is intact after removal by visually inspecting it to ensure the entire device was removed in one piece.

5. If you wish to continue using an IUD, you can have a new one inserted immediately after your old IUD is removed.

What should I do if I have to have my IUD removed?

• You can make an appointment at a Clinic or hospital without any special preparation.

• You should always tell your doctor the specific type of IUD you have and when it was inserted.

IUD removal can often be done at any time of the month. However, the cervix’s natural softness makes it easier to remove the IUD during menstruation.

In cases of suspected uterine perforation or IUD removal challenges (for example, when the IUD strings are lost), the patient should be referred to a specialist who can perform the appropriate IUD removal technique.

Can I get pregnant immediately having an IUD removed?

• Due to their lack of hormones and ability to prevent ovulation, IUDs provide the potential of an instant pregnancy upon removal, allowing for the fast return of natural fertility (and hormonal IUDs contain a minimal dosage of hormone and will not interfere with ovulation).

• Combined oral contraceptives (COCs), progestin-only pills (POPs), contraceptive injections, combined hormonal contraceptive patches, vaginal rings, and contraceptive implants
• Male or female condoms, vaginal caps, cervical caps, or pull-out method
• Calculation of safe days for intercourse
• Female sterilization
• Male sterilization (vasectomy)

Switch to a hormonal contraceptive method: combined oral contraceptives (COCs), progestin-only pills (POPs), one-month contraceptive injections, combined hormonal contraceptive patches, vaginal rings, or contraceptive implants.

When to start:

• If you start a new hormonal contraceptive (COCs or POPs) within the first 7 days of your period (or the first 5 days for COCs and POPs) when switching from an IUD, you can remove the IUD and start the new method without needing backup contraception for pregnancy prevention.

• If you start a new hormonal contraceptive (COCs or POPs) after the first 7 days of your period (or the first 5 days for COCs and POPs) when switching from an IUD, you should use the IUD for pregnancy prevention until your next period.

• If you start a new hormonal contraceptive (COCs or POPs) after the first 7 days of your period (or the first 5 days for COCs and POPs) when switching from an IUD and you have not had sex since your period started last month, it is recommended to either continue using the IUD and remove it during your next period, or remove the IUD and use another method of contraception for the next 7 days (the first 2 days for COCs and POPs).

Switch to male or female condoms, spermicides, vaginal caps, cervical caps, or pull-out method

After removing your IUD, you can immediately switch to the male or female condoms, spermicides, vaginal caps, cervical caps, or pull-out method and start using them the next time you have sex to prevent pregnancy.

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Switch to calculation of safe days for intercourse

Start the calculation of safe days for intercourse during the same menstrual cycle as when the IUD is removed.

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Switch to female sterilization

• If female sterilization is performed within the first 7 days of your period, an IUD can be removed at the same time without requiring additional contraception.

• If sterilization is performed after the first 7 days of your period, an IUD can be kept in place until your next follow-up appointment or the start of your next menstrual period, at which point it should be removed if the appointment isn’t possible. In this scenario, no additional contraception is necessary because the sterilization is considered immediately effective.

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Switch to male sterilization (vasectomy)

• You can switch to male sterilization (vasectomy) at any time, but it’s not immediately effective; *a woman must continue using a backup birth control method, such as an IUD, until a doctor confirms the vasectomy’s success through a semen analysis, or until at least 3 months and several ejaculations have passed, showing the semen is sperm-free.

Jittiwat Amnouypon ,M.D.
General Practitioner

Latest edit: 16/09/2025

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