Are you apprehensive about having your IUD removed because the insertion was painful? Are you wondering if you can have it removed before its expiry date? Good news, Removing an IUD is generally much less painful than inserting it.Most women describe IUD removal as "quick," "bearable," or even "painless." Unlike insertion, which requires opening the cervix and inserting a rigid device, removal simply involves gently pulling on the threads so the IUD folds and slides out of the uterus. The procedure rarely lasts more than 30 seconds to 2 minutes. This article explains everything about IUD removal: when to do it, what it's like, the actual pain, complicated cases, and what happens afterward.
The main thing to remember
- The withdrawal is much less painful than the placement in the vast majority of cases
- Duration of the intervention: 30 seconds to 2 minutes if the wires are visible
- You can have it removed anytimeeven before the expiry date
- Immediate return of fertility After removal of the copper IUD, the process is very quick (a few days to 3 months) for the hormonal IUD.
- Complicated case (invisible threads): 2% of casesrequires a hysteroscopy but remains manageable
- Many women notice a symptom improvement after withdrawal (lighter periods, reduced PMS, stabilized mood)
- No abstinence period is required after withdrawal
Is IUD Removal Painful?
This is THE question that all women ask themselves when they have to have their IUD removed, especially if the insertion was a nightmare. Rest assured.
The Consensus: Removal Much Easier Than Installation
The testimonials are unanimous, whether on French forums, blogs, or Anglo-Saxon medical studies. IUD removal is consistently described as less painful, often radically less painful, than insertion.
Why does withdrawal hurt less?
- The cervix does not need to be dilated. During insertion, the practitioner must use instruments to force the IUD through the cervix (often closed). During removal, the threads are simply pulled out.
- The arms of the IUD fold back The T-shaped IUD has flexible arms that automatically fold when the threads are pulled, allowing the device to slide in easily.
- No rigid instrument insertion We don't put anything back into the uterus, we remove something that comes out of it
- Ultra-short duration Removal takes 30 seconds to a maximum of 2 minutes, compared to 5 to 15 minutes for application.
- A single, brief cramp Most women describe a single contraction as the IUD passes through the cervix.
What Real Testimonies Say
On French forums, testimonials about removal are overwhelmingly reassuring, even among women who suffered horribly during insertion.
Testimony 1: "The insertion of my IUD was quite horrible, so I was very apprehensive about the removal. Well, the removal... Nothing, not a pain, zilch, not even a mosquito bite!!!"
Testimony 2: "I suffered too, I endured it for 4 years. I can reassure you, I just had it removed 5 days ago, it doesn't hurt at all. I was even surprised when my gynecologist told me it was over, it's done in 5 minutes."
Testimony 3: "The insertion was very painful, but the pain went away after an hour. The removal... it hurts a little but it's bearable, you should have it removed when you have your period, it slides out better."
Testimony 4: "Removing the IUD is not as uncomfortable as inserting it. Generally, women only experience one strong cramp when it is removed, and there are no cramps afterwards."
Pain Scale: Insertion vs. Removal
To give you a concrete idea, here is a comparison based on the testimonials collected.
When to Have Your IUD Removed?
Contrary to popular belief, you can have your IUD removed at any time, for any reason. You don't have to "stick with it until the end" if you can't tolerate it.
End of IUD Validity
Each IUD has a validity period beyond which its contraceptive effectiveness is no longer guaranteed.
⚠️ Do not exceed the expiry date
An IUD left in place beyond its expiry date gradually loses its contraceptive effectiveness. The risk of pregnancy increases significantly.
If you have passed the deadline and do not want to become pregnant, use additional contraception (condom) while waiting for the removal and insertion of a new IUD.
Early Withdrawal Due to Side Effects
You don't have to "stick with it" until the end if the IUD is causing you problems. About a third of women with a copper IUD have it removed prematurely due to unbearable side effects.
Common reasons for early withdrawal
- Heavy or excessively long periods (7-9 days of heavy flow with anemia)
- Unbearable menstrual pain which do not decrease after 6 months
- Severe premenstrual syndrome (irritability, dark thoughts, dysphoria)
- Recurrent urinary tract infections or fungal infections
- Pain during sex persistent
- Chronic fatigue and depressive symptoms (controversial but with numerous testimonies)
- Partial expulsion or displacement of the IUD
- Desire for pregnancy
Withdrawal for Pregnancy Planning
The return of fertility after IUD removal is one of the fastest of all contraceptive methods.
Return of fertility depending on the type of IUD
- Copper IUD Immediate fertility upon removal. You can ovulate during the current cycle.
- Hormonal IUD Fertility returns within a few days to a maximum of 3 months. Most women resume ovulatory cycles within 1 to 2 months.
- Contrary to some misconceptions, the IUD has no negative impact on future fertility.
Medical advice: It is recommended to wait at least one normal menstrual cycle after removal before trying to conceive, to allow the endometrium to regenerate normally. However, technically, pregnancy is possible immediately.
How is the IUD removed?
Removing an IUD is a very simple procedure when the strings are visible. Here is a detailed explanation.
Standard Removal (Visible Wires)
In 98% of cases, the IUD strings are visible at the back of the vagina, allowing for ultra-fast removal.
Removal steps (total time: 30 seconds to 2 minutes)
- Installation You lie down on the examination table with your legs apart (gynecological position)
- Inserting the speculum The practitioner inserts the speculum to visualize the cervix.
- Wire identification He locates the two wires protruding from the neck
- Gentle traction Using tweezers, he grasps the two threads and pulls gently but firmly. The IUD arms fold back automatically.
- Extraction The IUD slides out of the uterus through the cervix. It is at this moment that you feel a brief cramp.
- Lesson finish date The speculum is removed, it's finished.
The pain is usually a single cramp when the IUD passes through the cervix, then nothing more.
Best Time for Withdrawal
Technically, removal can be done at any time during the cycle. However, certain periods make it easier.
- During menstruation The cervix is naturally slightly dilated, which facilitates the insertion of the IUD and makes removal even less painful.
- Out of the rules Absolutely possible, slightly more resistance at the collar but the difference is minimal
- During pregnancy If you are pregnant with an IUD in place, it should be removed as soon as possible (it increases the risk of miscarriage).
Should I take a painkiller before the removal?
Unlike during insertion, taking a painkiller before removal is generally not necessary.
Recommendations based on your sensitivity
- If the pose was bearable No painkillers are needed; removal will be even easier.
- The procedure was very painful. You can take 400-600mg of ibuprofen 1 hour beforehand as a precaution, but the removal will still be much less painful than the insertion.
- If you are very anxious Relaxation and deep breathing are more helpful than medication. Ask the practitioner to explain each step to you.
- No local anesthesia is recommended for a standard removal
Complicated Removal: Invisible Strings or Embedded IUD
In approximately 2% of cases, the IUD strings are no longer visible at the cervix. This situation complicates removal but remains manageable.
Why are the wires no longer visible?
Several reasons could explain the disappearance of the wires.
Removal Procedure with Invisible Threads
If the practitioner cannot see the threads, he will follow a progressive protocol.
Diagnostic and removal steps
- Pelvic ultrasound To confirm that the IUD is still in the uterus and to locate its exact position
- Attempt with long pliers If the threads are simply brought up into the cervical canal, the practitioner can grasp them with fine forceps.
- Diagnostic hysteroscopy If forceps are insufficient, a hysteroscope (small camera) is used to visualize the inside of the uterus and locate the threads.
- Removal under hysteroscopy Once the threads are located, they are grasped with forceps through the hysteroscope and the IUD is removed.
- Surgical removal (extremely rare): If the IUD has perforated the uterus, a laparoscopy under general anesthesia is necessary.
Pain from hysteroscopy removal
Diagnostic hysteroscopy can be performed in the office without general anesthesia. The pain is comparable to that of an IUD insertion (cramps lasting a few minutes).
Some practitioners offer local anesthesia (paracervical block) or light sedation to make the procedure more comfortable. Don't hesitate to ask about these options if you are anxious.
Heavy periods with your copper IUD?
High absorbency period panties are ideal for managing heavy flow caused by the copper IUD, while waiting for removal or adaptation.
What Happens After Withdrawal?
The after-effects of withdrawal are generally very simple, with few or no side effects.
The Days Following Withdrawal
Normal symptoms after removal
- Mild cramps for a few hours to a maximum of 24 hours
- Spotting or light bleeding for 1 to 3 days (not always)
- Slight sensitivity of the cervix for 48 hours
- No period of sexual abstinence is required (you can have sex as soon as you feel ready)
This is NOT normal: Fever, severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding (more than one pad per hour) → Consult a doctor immediately
Return of the Natural Cycle
After removal, your body returns to its natural hormonal function. The timing depends on the type of IUD you had.
Symptom Improvement: Testimonials
Many women who had their IUD removed due to side effects report a dramatic improvement in their symptoms within weeks of removal.
Improvements frequently reported after removal of the copper IUD
- Periods have returned to normal. Transition from 7-9 days of heavy bleeding to 4-5 days of moderate to heavy bleeding
- Disappearance or significant reduction of PMS Less irritability, fewer negative thoughts, and fewer mood swings
- Energy return End of chronic fatigue, of mental fog
- Mood stabilization Some women describe the complete disappearance of depressive symptoms that they attributed to copper.
- No more recurring fungal infections
- Disappearance of pain during intercourse
- Improvement in anemia (gradual increase in hemoglobin and ferritin)
Testimony of Elena (30 years old): "Regarding my periods, I've gone from a heavy flow to a heavy flow only on one day per cycle. My periods now last 4-5 days rather than 7-8 days and the pain remains bearable. I'm no longer doubled over on my sofa."
Testimony from Szilvia (40 years old): "Now that my IUD has been removed, my symptoms have completely changed: I no longer have mood swings, no more depression at all. The removal of my copper IUD made my depression disappear and saved my life."
Anonymous testimony: "After almost 10 years of using a copper IUD for contraception, I am delighted and relieved to have had it removed two months ago. I feel good in my body again. My stomach is less bloated, my mood is smoother, and my PMS symptoms are less severe."
IUD Replacement: Removal + Insertion on the Same Day
If you wish to continue with an IUD (change at the end of its validity or switching from one type to another), the new IUD can be inserted immediately after the removal of the old one.
Replacement Process
Combined procedure (removal + installation)
- The practitioner removes the old IUD (30 seconds, minimally painful).
- He then inserts the new IUD immediately (5-10 minutes, pain of the classic insertion)
- Total procedure time: 10-15 minutes
- Advantage: Only one appointment, only one time you have to "endure" the pain of the insertion.
Contraceptive Protection During Transition
Be aware of the risk of pregnancy if you change the type of IUD or if you remove it without immediately reinserting it.
Risky situations during pregnancy
- Switching from copper IUD to hormonal IUD The new hormonal IUD takes 7 days to become effective. Use condoms for 7 days or abstain.
- Withdrawal without immediate replacement If you had intercourse within 5 days before the withdrawal, sperm can survive and fertilize an egg after the withdrawal.
- Time between removal and insertion of a new IUD Use condoms or avoid intercourse for the entire duration of the period
Frequently Asked Questions About IUD Removal
Don't Be Afraid of Withdrawal
If you're considering having your IUD removed but are worried about the traumatic insertion process, rest assured. Testimonials are unanimous, and medical data confirms it: removal is incomparably simpler and less painful than insertion. The vast majority of women describe only a single, brief cramp, or even no pain at all. The procedure takes less than two minutes in 98% of cases.
You don't have to "hold out" until the end of its validity period if the IUD is causing you problems. Many women report a dramatic improvement in their symptoms (heavy periods, PMS, fatigue, mood) in the weeks following removal. You have the right to change your contraception at any time if it no longer suits you. Your well-being is paramount.
Sources & References
This article is based on official recommendations and real testimonies collected on French-language forums.
Official recommendations
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2025). Pain Management for In-Office Uterine and Cervical Procedures. ACOG
- WebMD. (2024). IUD Removal: What to Expect, Side Effects, Pain, Bleeding. WebMD
- IENA Gynecology Center. When and how to remove or replace an IUD? IGO link
Testimonies and analyses
- Elena without H. (2023). Removal of the copper IUD: my experience. Link
- French-speaking Swiss Consumer Federation. "We're fed up with it!" - Investigation into the IUD. Link
- Natural Womanhood. (2024). Removing my copper IUD made my depression disappear. Link
Note: The testimonies cited come from personal blogs and French-language forums (WeMoms, Vivelesrondes, etc.) and represent authentic individual experiences.
Medical Warning: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For IUD removal, consult a gynecologist, midwife, or your primary care physician.
