When you’re not interested in getting pregnant, an intrauterine device (IUD) is one of the most reliable birth control options. It’s 20 times more effective than birth control pills. Many types, like the hormonal Mirena® IUD, can even prevent pregnancy for up to five years, while the copper-based Paragard® IUD lasts up to 10 years.
An IUD dramatically reduces the stress of an unplanned pregnancy without forcing you to take daily pills or change weekly patches.
But what about when you want to get pregnant? If you’re thinking about starting your family soon, you may be wondering how quickly you can conceive after IUD removal.
At Solace Women’s Care in Conroe, Texas, Farly Sejour, MD, Natalie Gould, WHNP-BC, and our team can help you prepare for life after IUD removal.
Below, we discuss preparing for your IUD removal, timing your pregnancy, and considering possible complications.
When performed by an experienced medical practitioner like the members of our team, IUD removal only takes a few minutes. You must have IUD removed before its expiration date, but you can have the procedure done anytime before that.
If you’re ready to remove your IUD to prepare for pregnancy, schedule a consultation with us at Solace Women’s Care. We can help you get ready for the procedure.
You typically don’t need to prepare beforehand. IUD removal usually doesn’t require anesthesia or medication, so you can drive yourself home after the procedure.
The entire process only takes a few minutes. First, you lie down on an exam table. Then we insert a speculum into your vagina and use forceps to remove the IUD by its strings. You may feel some slight cramping once the IUD is removed.
IUD removal should not affect your fertility. Your menstrual cycle typically returns to normal within one month of the procedure, so you may conceive quickly. But some factors can affect conception after IUD removal.
A copper IUD contains no hormones, instead creating a hostile environment in your uterus that prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg. Your menstrual cycle shouldn’t be affected with a copper IUD — most women still have a monthly period — so you can get pregnant immediately after removal.
It can take a little longer to conceive after removing a hormonal IUD. These types of IUDs use progestin hormones to stop your body from releasing an egg each month, so your body may need a couple of weeks to get used to the hormonal changes.
To preserve your fertility, have a trained medical professional remove your IUD. Attempting to remove an IUD yourself can cause infection, irritation, and even pelvic scarring, all of which can affect your fertility for years.
Potential complications are rare if you undergo the procedure in a safe, sterile setting and follow our post-care instructions.
If you’re considering pregnancy and want to remove your IUD, contact our expert team at Solace Women’s Care in Conroe, Texas. Call 936-441-7100 or send us a message to learn more.
