A person can choose to have an IUD removed for various reasons. These include expiration and replacement, getting pregnant, or changing to a different contraceptive. This study conducted by Gbagbo and Kayi in Ghana explains more reasons for IUD removal. They include social and cultural factors. If you want to stop using a hormonal IUD contraceptive for any reason, it should be removed by a trained healthcare provider.
How long does it take to have a Hormonal IUD removed?
The IUD removal procedure will typically take about 2-5 minutes. Just like in the insertion process, a trained healthcare provider will ask you to lay on your back and hold your legs on stirrups. A speculum will be used to hold your cervix open and the provider will use forceps to gently pull the IUD strings out. The IUD is bendable and will easily slip out. In the slight chance the IUD does not slip out easily, your healthcare provider will use medication to widen your cervix, sedate you with a painkiller, and use forceps to pull out the IUD. If you have an old IUD and would like it replaced, a new IUD can be inserted right away.
How much pain do you experience during the Hormonal IUD removal?
While some women have reported feeling some discomfort and slight cramping, others feel nothing at all. However, the pain you feel during removal is less than one would feel during insertion. Any pain you feel for a few days after the insertion can be eased by taking painkillers like ibuprofen.
For how long do you bleed after the Hormonal IUD removal?
One might experience light bleeding or spotting after the Hormonal IUD removal. This may go on for a few days. It is recommended that you use sanitary pads for at least 48 hours. After 48 hours, you can use any preferred menstrual hygiene product, including tampons or Menstrual cups. Heavy bleeding or bleeding(soaking one or more pads or tampons within an hour) with big clots(size of a quarter or larger) is not normal. In case you experience this, you should consult your healthcare provider immediately.
After Hormonal IUD removal, when does ovulation happen?
After the hormonal IUD removal, it can take up to 3 months before your usual menstrual cycle resumes. However, your fertility will return immediately after the IUD removal. If you are not trying to get pregnant, your healthcare provider will advise you to start using a new contraceptive at least seven days before the IUD removal. This will ensure that you have an effective pregnancy prevention method at the time of removal. The other alternatives are to insert a new IUD inserted immediately. You can also use a barrier method like a condom until any other contraceptive you will start using becomes effective.
Sex after a Hormonal IUD removal
It is safe to have sex days before or after the Hormonal IUD removal. However, if you are not removing an IUD to get pregnant, your healthcare provider will advise you to either, avoid sex, use a condom during sex, or get started on another contraceptive for 7 days before the IUD removal. This is because sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days and it is possible to get pregnant as soon as the IUD has been removed. Once the IUD has been removed, you can have another one inserted immediately or get started on another method immediately. Use a barrier method like a condom until the new method becomes effective.
How long after a Hormonal IUD removal will I get my period?
If your menstrual cycle was normal before inserting the hormonal IUD, you should expect it to return to your usual schedule after the IUD is removed. For some people, the menstrual periods will return immediately, while for others it might take up to 3 months.
Can I remove my Hormonal IUD at home?
You may be able to find some stories online about people removing their IUDs. We do not recommend trying it. There is not enough research at this point to know if it is safe. If you are not happy with your IUD, going to your healthcare provider to get it removed will ensure that the procedure is done safely. It will also give you a chance to talk about other options for pregnancy prevention. If you are ready to get pregnant, you can talk with your provider about the things you should do to prepare for a healthy pregnancy.
