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IUD Removal

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  1. Why Is An Iud Removed?
  2. How Is The Iud Removed?
  3. Renowned Expertise
  4. After Iud Removal
  5. Iud Removal Faqs
  6. Schedule A Consultation
  7. Additional Resources
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Women come into our office all the time to have their IUDs removed. There are a number of reasons for removal, including wanting to get pregnant or trying another form of birth control. Dr. Wolowick and Dr. Mitchell will ensure you can be in and out of the office quickly and return to your normal routine.

Why is an IUD Removed?

There are a number of different reasons that people have their IUD removed, including:

  • It has expired and needs to be replaced
  • You have side effects like heavy bleeding, severe headaches, or pain
  • The IUD has moved or broken
  • You want to get pregnant
  • You no longer need this method of birth control
  • If you’ve started menopause

How is the IUD Removed?

An IUD can be removed at any time during your menstrual cycle and can be done during a regular office visit. As with most gynecological exams, we will have you lie down on the exam table with your feet in the stirrups. Dr. Wolowick or Dr. Mitchell will then place the speculum inside the vagina to spread the vaginal walls so they can see the IUD strings. They will then use forceps to gently grasp the strings and pull out the IUD. If they can’t see the strings, they will use a special tool to move the strings into view and properly remove the device. They may also use a hysteroscope to see the IUD.

You may feel some mild cramping, but it should only last a few minutes. At most, the entire IUD removal procedure will only take a couple of minutes.

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Renowned Expertise

Dr. Wolowick and Dr. Mitchell are renowned for their exceptional expertise and dedication to patient care. Their comprehensive knowledge and innovative approaches have consistently led to outstanding treatment outcomes. Patients and colleagues alike deeply appreciate their commitment to advancing medical practice and improving patient well-being.

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After IUD Removal

You may have some cramping or a small amount of vaginal bleeding that may last several hours to days after your IUD removal. Feel free to take over-the-counter pain medication or use a panty liner to catch any spotting.

While it can take up to 3 months after the IUD removal for your normal menstrual cycle to return, you can become pregnant as soon as the IUD is taken out.

IUD Removal FAQs

Why would I need to have my IUD removed?

You may need your IUD removed when it reaches its 3–12 year expiration date (depending on the type of IUD used), if you wish to become pregnant, or due to any issues like pain, heavy bleeding, or the device shifting position. Additionally, you can have an IUD removed at any time for no reason at all.

Can an IUD be removed at any point in my menstrual cycle?

Yes, an IUD can be removed at any point in your menstrual cycle. It does not need to be timed with your period, and can be done during an office visit. During your visit, our team will walk you through each step of the process to ensure you’re comfortable.

How is the IUD removal procedure performed?

To start the IUD removal procedure, we will first have you lie down on the exam table and put your feet in the stirrups. From there, your physician will then place the speculum into the vagina so they can see the IUD strings. We then just grasp the strings and pull the IUD out, much in the same way a tampon is removed.

What happens if the doctor can't see the IUD strings?

Sometimes the strings slip up into the cervix and we can’t see the IUD strings. Then we have some small devices we can use to try to fish the strings out. If we just can’t get it - or if it’s too uncomfortable, then we’ll bring you back for a hysteroscopy under IV sedation in the office. The hysteroscope lets us directly visualize the IUD so we can remove it easily. We always do these under IV sedation so our patients are comfortable and relaxed.

Will IUD removal hurt?

IUD removal generally does not hurt. It’s a quick and safe procedure and you will likely only have some mild cramping or slight discomfort.

How long does the IUD removal procedure take?

The IUD removal procedure only takes a few minutes. You will be in and out of our office in no time.

What can I expect after having my IUD removed?

After IUD removal, you can typically expect some light spotting/bleeding, mild cramping for a few days, and an immediate return to fertility. Your period will likely return to its natural cycle within 1–2 months. Immediately after your appointment, you can return to your normal activities and routine.

How long will cramping or bleeding last following removal?

Cramping and a small amount of bleeding can last anywhere from a few hours to several days after the removal of your IUD. For pain, you can take over-the-counter medication, while spotting can be addressed with a panty liner or pad.

How soon after IUD removal can I get pregnant?

You will be able to get pregnant immediately after your IUD is removed.

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Schedule A Consultation

No matter the reason for your IUD removal, our team at MAIA will ensure you’re completely comfortable every step of the way. Take the first step and schedule a consultation today! Call our Downers Grove, IL office at 630-320-6703 or fill out our online contact form. We happily serve the Downers Grove, Chicago, Aurora, and Naperville communities.

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Additional Resources

Looking for more information? Click here to learn all about the different resources that MAIA Gynecology offers to assist you.

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