Are you nervous about getting your intrauterine device (IUD) removed? You’re not the only one. Many women ask, “Will coil removal hurt?” But most women find the process to be quick and rather painless. There are a few things to remember, though. Let’s explore this important step in your birth control journey.
Many women benefit from taking pain relief like ibuprofen before their removal appointment. It’s also best to schedule the removal when you’re not menstruating to make things easier.
Key Takeaways
- Coil removal is typically a quick and painless process for most women.
- There are two main types of removals: simple and complex, with the latter potentially requiring additional steps.
- Taking an over-the-counter analgesic like ibuprofen or paracetamol before the appointment can help minimise discomfort.
- Scheduling your removal during a time when you’re not menstruating can make the process easier.
Understanding the Coil Removal Process
If you’re thinking about having your IUD taken out, the good news is it’s quick and not too painful. Your doctor will first place a speculum in your vagina. Then, they’ll use special tools to pull on the IUD’s threads to remove the device from your cervix.
Removing the coil can cause slight discomfort but many find it bearable. If the threads are hard to see, a doctor may use an ultrasound to help remove it. In rare cases, a hysteroscopy or laparoscopy may be needed for more challenging situations.
If you get pregnant with an IUD, it can be risky and may cause a miscarriage. Sperm can live up to five days, so always use extra protection before your IUD removal to prevent pregnancy. Your chance of getting pregnant after removal is high, with around 85% conceiving within a year.
Does Coil Removal Hurt?
Most women find coil removal only causes mild discomfort. If the threads are lost, a specialist might use ultrasound to guide the removal. This can involve a minor operation that lasts 30-60 minutes and requires anaesthesia.
IUDs have an “expiration date” and must be removed before then. This is because they stop working, meaning they can’t prevent pregnancy. If you get pregnant with an old IUD, it could lead to serious problems. So, it’s very important to get a new IUD before the old one expires to stay protected.
Taking ibuprofen or another painkiller before the removal can help reduce pain. After removal, you might have some spotting or light bleeding, which is normal. But if you start passing blood clots, contact your doctor immediately.
When should I get my IUD removed?
Intrauterine devices (IUDs), such as Mirena, can stay in for 5 or 10 years depending on the type. However, they can be removed at any time, even before the scheduled removal date.
There are many reasons why someone might want their IUD taken out. These include very heavy periods, a lot of pain, if the device moves or breaks, or wishing to start a family.
Fertility returns as soon as the IUD is out, so it is possible to get pregnant right away. You might choose to remove an old IUD and insert a new one during the same visit if you still want to use it for birth control. But if you don’t want to get pregnant immediately, many healthcare providers advise avoiding sex for about 7 days.
When the IUD is removed, you might have some pain and light bleeding. Your periods will return to how they were before the IUD soon after removal.
Preparing for Your Coil Removal Appointment
Preparing for your coil removal makes the appointment easier. It can be less painful and more comfortable. Taking pain relief like ibuprofen or paracetamol before can ease cramping during removal. It is always recommended.
How soon can I get pregnant after getting my IUD removed?
Your fertility returns right after the coil is removed. This means you might conceive within weeks once you start ovulating again. If you had unprotected sex just before removal, pregnancy is possible.
For those under 35, around 20% may become pregnant each month after IUD removal. After 6 months, this figure jumps to 60%. By the end of 1 year, 85 to 90%. A review in 2018 with 14,884 women showed 83% could get pregnant within a year of stopping contraception, IUD included.
Rates for those over 35 or over 40 drop. After 35, chances go down to 10 to 15% per month. For those over 40, it’s about 5% monthly. In 2015, a study reported similar pregnancy rates after 12 months for users and non-users of the IUD.
Using an IUD doesn’t usually affect how quickly you can fall pregnant after stopping it7. You’re likely to start ovulating normally again after the first cycle post-removal. If there are fertility issues after removing the IUD, other factors like ovulation problems or pelvic pain.
Where can I get my IUD removed?
It can be hard to find a good place for IUD removal. The Women’s Clinic in Edinburgh is here to help. We are a specialist clinic in Edinburgh that offers a variety of services, including IUD removal.
Dr Smith and her nurse at The Women’s Clinic are trained to remove your IUD safely. Removing an IUD is usually less painful than insertion. The whole process is quick, taking just a few minutes.
The experienced team at The Women’s Clinic can help in many situations. This includes when your IUD needs removing because it has expired, you want to get pregnant, or if you have symptoms like heavy bleeding or pain.
If you can’t find your IUD threads, they might not be where they should be. In this case, it’s crucial to get help from a sexual health clinic.
How much does it cost to get my IUD removed?
At The Women’s Clinic, a simple coil removal costs £345. We ensure patients are comfortable and relaxed in a private setting. A typical coil removal visit takes about 30 minutes.
Is there anything you can do for anxiety or pain relief?
Our clinic focuses on making your experience as comfortable as possible. Taking ibuprofen or paracetamol before your appointment can lessen cramps or pain during coil removal. If you’re anxious, our atmosphere and staff can help you relax.
You will be with a highly skilled doctor who understands it is normal to be a bit worried. Appointments are quick, usually lasting 15-30 minutes. Feel free to bring a friend for support. Your talk with our doctors is private so you can freely discuss any worries.
After removing the coil, you might feel cramping and see some blood for a few days. A hot water bottle and painkillers can help. You will not need to miss work.
FAQ
Does coil removal hurt?
Removing the coil is usually quick and doesn’t hurt much. A medical device called a speculum goes into the vagina. Next, forceps are used to grab the coil’s threads from the cervix and the device is gently pulled out. Most women find this just a bit uncomfortable.
What is the process for coil removal?
There are simple and complex ways to remove a coil. Simple removal means the coil’s end can be easily pulled out, letting you leave the same day. For a complex removal, the coil’s end is hard to find. It might need extra checks like ultrasound or hysteroscopy to take it out safely.
How does a copper IUD work?
The copper coil or IUD prevents pregnancy by releasing copper ions in the womb. These ions stop sperm from reaching the egg and making a baby. It’s a reliable way to avoid unplanned pregnancies.
When should I get my IUD removed?
Most coils are okay to stay for 5 to 10 years, but they can be taken out earlier. Once it’s gone, women can become pregnant right away. You’re fertile as soon as the coil is no longer inside you. You can also swap your coil for a new one in a single procedure.
How should I prepare for my coil removal appointment?
To lessen cramps, taking ibuprofen or paracetamol before the visit is recommended.
How soon can I get pregnant after getting my IUD removed?
When the coil is out, your body can get pregnant again straight away. Normally, it takes a few weeks after your period comes back. Remember, you might already be pregnant if you had unprotected sex in the 5 days before taking out the coil.
Where can I get my IUD removed?
In Edinburgh, The Women’s Clinic specialises in IUD-related services, including removals.
How much does it cost to get my IUD removed?
The cost at The Women’s Clinic for a coil removal is £345. If you want to get the coil removed and replaced at the same time, the procedure costs £595 including the cost of the replacement coil.
