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Health

Do I Have to Go to a Doctor for IUD Removal?

Anna T.
By
Updated May 17, 2024
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You should go to a doctor for IUD removal. Attempting to remove an IUD yourself could be incredibly dangerous. If IUD removal is done incorrectly by a person who is inexperienced at IUD removal and who is not a trained medical specialist with experience at both putting in and removing IUDs, there is a greater risk of severe internal bleeding from uterine puncture. This internal bleeding could be life threatening. If you need to have your IUD removed, you should contact the doctor or gynecologist who put it in for you to have her take it out.

Most doctors recommend scheduling your IUD removal appointment when you are having your period. If you're having your period at the time your IUD is removed, your cervix will likely be much softer than it is normally. The softer your cervix is, the more easily your IUD should slide out. Your doctor might also ask you to avoid sexual intercourse a week before you have your IUD removed. Avoiding sex before your IUD removal might lessen the chances that you will develop an infection as the result of the removal.

To remove your IUD, your doctor will have to locate the IUD strings and tug on the IUD to pull it out. Doing this isn't quite as simple as it may sound because pulling out the IUD has to be done very carefully. Your doctor has to pull at the correct angle to prevent damaging your uterus or cervix. This is one reason why IUD removal should not be attempted by people who are not trained in taking out IUDs. Even if you are trained in taking out IUDs, you should not try to take out your own IUD because you would likely not be able to pull it out at the correct angle to prevent injury.

Once your doctor has taken out your IUD, you should not have any further problems. If you notice anything unusual after your IUD has been taken out apart from what your doctor might have told you to expect, you should immediately return to see your doctor. Even though it is not common, doctors occasionally remove IUDs incorrectly, which could cause uterine or cervical puncturing. Severe bleeding after IUD removal is a sign of puncture, and you should immediately go back to see your doctor if you notice this. The sooner the bleeding is taken care of, the less likely it will be to cause you serious problems.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Anna T.
By Anna T.
Anna Thurman is a skilled writer who lends her talents to WiseGEEK. Her ability to research and present information in an engaging and accessible manner allows her to create content that resonates with readers across a wide range of subjects.
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Discussion Comments

By robbie21 — On Feb 28, 2012

Yes, yes, yes, you do have to go to the doctor! A friend of mine had complications during her Paragard IUD removal. The doctor had to inflate her uterus with carbon dioxide and then unfortunately the IUD perforated her uterus.

A quick laparoscopy was all it took to get her fixed up; she was sore for a few days, but no lasting complications. But imagine if she had been trying to remove it herself! She could have really hurt herself.

She has since gone on to have a healthy third child, born at home like his older brother. Had she tried to take out her own IUD and done real damage, who knows if she would have been able to have another baby at all? Or if she carried to term, her birth options could have been more limited.

Anna T.

Anna T.

Anna Thurman is a skilled writer who lends her talents to WiseGEEK. Her ability to research and present information in an engaging and accessible manner allows her to create content that resonates with readers across a wide range of subjects.
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