When you use an intrauterine device as a form of birth control, there are situations when removing or replacing the device is necessary. Removing an IUD for most women is essentially the same procedure as its insertion, just in reverse.
An intrauterine device or IUD is a small, plastic, T-shaped device implanted into the uterus for pregnancy prevention. An IUD can be hormonal or copper.
IUDs, also called a coil, are among the most effective reversible birth control, with over 99% effectiveness.
Is a T-shaped, plastic device with a stem coated with copper wire and two copper sleeves. The sleeves and stem release copper into the uterus for about ten years. This prevents the sperm from fertilising the egg or ovum.
Several hormonal IUDs are available, but we prefer the Mirena IUD, which provides the longest-lasting protection. It can last up to five years, releasing progestin in the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
Progestin thickens the mucus in the cervix, stopping sperm from reaching the egg. The hormone also prevents the release of the egg and reduces the uterine lining to prevent foetus implantation.
You can remove an IUD whenever you want, but the most common circumstance for removing an IUD include the following:
IUD removal is usually quick and painless when carried out by a trained specialist. A hysteroscopy is unnecessary, except the IUD remained in the uterus after menopause for several decades.
After fitting an IUD, you remain protected against pregnancy for 3 – 10 years. The IUD’s lifespan depends on if it is a copper or hormonal coil. The copper IUD lasts 5 – 10 years, while the hormonal IUD lasts 3 – 5 years.
As a general health routine, women using the IUD need to check for it monthly. The strings will hang into the vagina if the coil is properly fitted. You can check if the IUD is still in place by feeling for the strings, but you shouldn’t be able to feel the IUD itself.
You can contact our specialist if:
When you insert the copper IUD, you may have heavier periods at first with menstrual cramping, which is normal. Most women notice their cycle becomes normal after a few months.
A Consultant Gynaecologist handles IUD removal at our clinic and can insert a new one during the same appointment. You can insert and remove the IUD at any point during your cycle, but it is easier during the latter part of your cycle when the cervix is more elastic and softer.
Removing a coil is generally comfortable and easy, and complications rarely occur. At GP London however, we only allow Consultants to perform these procedures on our patients, allowing you to access only the most experienced professionals to maintain the highest possible standard of care.
In rare cases, problems may occur during the IUD removal.
There is a small chance of an incomplete IUD expulsion. This can occur if the specialist can’t find the IUD strings, which occurs when the strings are cut too short during the fitting.
The specialist may have to perform an ultrasound to find the strings and additional instruments like the IUD hook or cytobrush to release the coil from the womb.
In a few cases, the IUD moves into the uterine wall, and a hysteroscopy is necessary. We have Consultant gynaecologists with the expertise and facilities to carefully remove or fit your coil. You don’t need to worry about coil removal or fitting procedure.
We have gynaecological couches specially designed to make the coil insertion or removal procedure easier, even if you are anatomically irregular.
You can book your coil fitting or removal appointment without a referral from any specialist. We usually offer same-day appointments. You will see our specialist, who will advise you and provide full support if you have any complications or problems.
Our gynaecologist performs the coil removal, and the cost includes the consumables and your consultation. We charge £400 for coil removal.
Coil removal Chelsea is available at GP London. Visit our clinic now for a consultation, or call 020 70434317 to book a same-day appointment.
Suite 4, 117A Harley Street London, W1G 6AT