Can You Remove Your IUD Yourself? We Examine the Complications

IUDs are one of the most common forms of birth control, gaining popularity because of their convenience, reliability, and long-lasting effects. An IUD insertion must be completed by a professional healthcare provider, such as our OBGYNs in Chapel Hill and Durham. But can you remove your IUD yourself? 

Failure to understand the risks and complications associated with IUD removal at home can hurt your gynecological health. We’ll take a closer look at how IUDs work, how they’re removed, and why it’s not recommended to try to remove one on your own.

Chapel Hill OBGYN has been consistently named the best OBGYN practice in the Triangle for five years in a row. This is a testimony to our dedicated team bringing decades of experience to help you live your healthiest life possible. Scheduling an appointment is simple and straightforward. 

Can You Remove Your IUD Yourself? Consider the Dangers

Why would a woman consider removing an IUD by herself? Some may mistakenly believe it is more convenient, but they are unaware of the serious complications that can occur if IUD removal is done by anyone other than a medical professional.

Is it OK to Remove My IUD at Home?

You should not attempt to remove your IUD at home. Doing so can put you at risk for several complications. 

These include:

• Being unable to remove the IUD completely, leaving it lodged
• Infection
• Uterine perforation
• Other uterine injuries

What IUDs Are and How Do They Work?

IUDs—which stands for intrauterine devices– are a popular form of birth control, noted for their convenience and effectiveness. An IUD is a T-shaped device that is about the size of a quarter. It’s inserted into your uterus by one of our OBGYNs in Chapel Hill or Durham. 

There are two types of IUDs and both of them work a bit differently to prevent pregnancy. Copper IUDs release ions that prevent sperm from swimming toward the egg. Hormonal IUDs release hormones that thin your uterine lining and increase your cervical mucus. This makes it very difficult for sperm to pass through and fertilize an egg. 

Is It Painful to Get an IUD Removed?

If done by a healthcare professional, IUD removal may be a little uncomfortable, but most women report that they experience minimal pain. However, trying to remove the IUD by yourself can result in a more painful removal than the discomfort you’d feel in an OBGYN office.

How Is an IUD Removed?

An IUD has tiny “strings” attached to it that flow out of the cervix. During removal, we use a pair of forceps to secure these strings and then gently pull on them. This causes the IUD to “fold up” and slide through your cervical opening. 

Can you remove your IUD by yourself? Remember that women who attempt to do this at home often have trouble securing a good grip on the strings, which makes it more likely that they will have a partially incomplete IUD removal. This places them at greater risk for injury or perforation. 

Will I Lose Weight After Removing an IUD?

If the IUD utilized hormones for birth control, it’s possible you might have some weight fluctuations, but there is no direct link between IUD removal and weight loss. 

Concerned about weight management? At Chapel Hill OBGYN, we care about much more than your gynecological health. We want to help ensure your overall wellness, and we are always available to work with you and answer questions about how to maintain a healthy weight. 

Is It Easier to Remove an IUD Than Insertion?

While every patient’s experience is different, most women find that IUD removal is less uncomfortable than insertion. If you want to help ensure a smooth process, you should entrust your IUD removal to our healthcare professionals instead of trying to do it at home. 

Chapel Hill OBGYN: Where Reproductive Health Meets Comprehensive Care

Your wellness is our priority. To us, you’re not just a medical record number. You’re someone of value, and we understand the importance of individualized treatment plans tailored to your needs. We also know that it’s vital to have options when it comes to birth control and making informed decisions about your body.

Our services include:

• IUD consultations, insertions, and removals
• A variety of birth control options
• In-office procedures 
• Comprehensive obstetric care

We would consider it a privilege to be your partner in health. Scheduling an appointment is easy. Just contact us.