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What can I Expect After IUD Removal?

Bethney Foster
Bethney Foster

What you can expect after IUD removal will vary somewhat depending on whether you were using a non-hormonal IUD or an IUD that released hormones. With removal of either type of intrauterine device, or IUD, there may be some light bleeding and cramping for a few weeks after removal. With a non-hormonal IUD, a normal menstrual cycle and fertility should follow within no more than a couple months. If your IUD was one that released hormones while it was in place, it may take longer for a normal menstrual cycle and fertility to resume, though the first period following the IUD removal usually occurs within six weeks. With either type of removal, there is a risk of pregnancy if you had unprotected sex during the week before the procedure.

Some women who use IUDs that release hormones report side effects such as depression and moodiness for a few weeks after the device is removed. There may also be breakouts of acne, withdrawal bleeding, and other similar side effects as you adjust to the changing levels of hormones in your body. Many women who use the IUDs that release hormones stop having their periods while using this type of contraception, meaning it may take several months for your period to fall back into a regular cycle, flow, and length.

Cramping may occur for a few weeks following IUD removal.
Cramping may occur for a few weeks following IUD removal.

It may take several months of trying before some women become pregnant after IUD removal. For other women, pregnancy can occur almost immediately, especially with the non-hormonal type of IUD. If you are not having the IUD removed because you wish to become pregnant, you should use some other type of birth control or abstain from sex during the week before the removal procedure. Sperm can remain alive inside your body for up to a week following sex, and any sperm still alive at the time of the IUD removal could fertilize the egg, resulting in pregnancy.

Women may experience breakouts of acne following IUD removal.
Women may experience breakouts of acne following IUD removal.

The removal procedure is usually a simple process that takes only a few minutes. There may be some pain and light bleeding at the time of removal. It is often recommended that the removal appointment be scheduled while you are on your period because the cervix is softer at that time of month, and this will often make the removal process easier. If you are having your IUD removed because it has expired, you can have a new IUD put in place at the same appointment as the removal procedure.

Discussion Comments

vanessa1974

I had my paraguard removed in July 2013 after 10 years. During those 10 years, my cycle was regular -- every 28 days for fie days. I've struggled with weight gain and fail to understand this since it was non hormonal.

I was told by my doctor that my cycle would take a few months to regulate after IUD removal. O.K., one period in September for two days of bleeding and the next period was in December for seven days. The third period was in January for 6 days. My last noted period/discharge was in May. It was bright red, then days followed when I noticed something only during wiping and this variation is between a dark brown to deep red. I'm 40 and never have had so many months of discomfort or uncertainty about my body. I', still being told by my doctor this is normal, and it's possible I'm premenopausal.

anon941138

Well, since there is no time stamp on any of these comments, I can't tell if they are fairly new, or years old! I, too, had my paragard removed four weeks ago, and I was about a week after my period ended. I have had cramping that started two weeks ago, like I'm going to start again...yet nothing!

Tests (yes, multiple!) came up negative for pregnancy. I'm wondering now, after seeing your posts, that a cycle delay might be normal after removal? Any ideas or further information on this would make me rest easier.

Check123

I had my copper IUD removed three weeks back and now my periods are late by seven days. The pregnancy test was negative but there is no sign of periods yet. We had unprotected sex the day before the removal, but not after. I'm worried if I'm pregnant.

anon335443

I had my Paragard IUD removed this morning and the same day, am having cramping with a brown discharge. Is this normal, or an infection?

Lizw

I had my IUD removed a few weeks ago. For the last year, my cycle had come and gone on a normal 21-23 day cycle, but since I had it removed I am now on day 28 and still no period or my normal signs that I will be getting it in a day or two. I had a non hormone IUD and had it removed just three days after my last period. I am wondering if I should wait a few more days yet or if I should take a test?

anon271290

It's said that it is just older blood and tissues being removed from your body.

poopsie12

I have had an IUD removed two weeks ago. Since the removal, I have had a brown discharge, and the removal was very painful. I had very minor blood spotting, but for two weeks I have had the brown discharge. Can anyone please tell me what this is?

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    • Cramping may occur for a few weeks following IUD removal.
      By: MediablitzImages
      Cramping may occur for a few weeks following IUD removal.
    • Women may experience breakouts of acne following IUD removal.
      By: phasinphoto
      Women may experience breakouts of acne following IUD removal.
    • A copper IUD.
      By: Dominique VERNIER
      A copper IUD.
    • Some women who use IUDs that release hormones report side effects such as depression and moodiness for a few weeks after the device is removed.
      By: pressmaster
      Some women who use IUDs that release hormones report side effects such as depression and moodiness for a few weeks after the device is removed.
    • Some women with IUDs may experience heavy bleeding.
      By: Dragos Iliescu
      Some women with IUDs may experience heavy bleeding.
    • Normal fertility should resume within a couple of months following the removal of an IUD.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Normal fertility should resume within a couple of months following the removal of an IUD.