Coil Removal

Contraceptive Coil or IUD Removal

Coils, also known as an Intrauterine Devices or IUDs are small plastic or metal objects, often shaped like a “T”, that are inserted into a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. A Coil should prevent pregnancy for 3 to 10 years, depending on which type of coil you have had inserted.

IUDs do not last for ever and when they expire, need to be removed. You should have been told how long your IUD will last when it was first inserted. If not, please ask the doctor who inserted your coil or have it removed and replaced with a new one. You can also have your IUD removed before the expiration date if you want to get pregnant or if it is causing you any discomfort.

IUD removal is a quick procedure that's done in a doctor's office or a clinic, but please don’t try to remove it yourself.

When Should My IUD be Removed?

Get your IUD removed when:

• It has expired. The doctor who inserted your coil should tell you how long yours will last.

• You are getting side effects including bleeding, pain, or headaches.

• Your IUD is no longer in the right position, or it has broken.

• You want to get pregnant.

• You are pregnant and your IUD is still inserted.

• If you have an STI your doctor may recommend removing your coil.

How an IUD is removed

The removal procedure is the same for all intra uterine contraceptive devices. You will lie on your back with your legs raised, and the clinician will likely insert a speculum into your vagina to open it and see the opening to your uterus.

Your IUD will have some small thin strings that come out of your uterus. The clinician removing your IUD will grasp these strings with a tool and gently pull out your IUD. The arms of the “T” will fold up and the IUD will slip out.

Sometimes the strings are not visible, and this will require the clinician to use a special tool to engage them for removal.

How should you prepare to the coil removal?

You don't need to do anything special. Removing an IUD is routine and is generally done quickly and with little pain or discomfort. Removing your IUD generally takes less than 30 minutes.

You will need to think about contraception after your coil has been removed as you can get pregnant immediately after coil removal.

What does it feel like?

You might feel some cramping for a short time as the IUD comes out.

Will you have any side effects?

It is not uncommon for a woman to experience slight cramps, spotting or bloody discharge for a few days after getting her coil removed and unless the pain is severe, you have a fever and the discharge suggests infection, this is normal. Over the counter pain relief will usually be all that is required.