Is It Safe to Remove an IUD at Home?

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a form of birth control that involves inserting a T-shaped device into your uterus. IUDs are a popular option among people who may not want to take birth control pills daily or don’t plan on getting pregnant for several years. Many of the available brands can remain in place for 3 to 10 years. 

IUDs can only be placed in a healthcare setting by an experienced clinician. But what about when you want to take it out? Can you remove an IUD by yourself? Here, we’ll review what to consider if you’re thinking about attempting an at-home IUD removal. 

Should you remove your IUD yourself?

When it comes to whether or not you should remove your IUD yourself, most healthcare professionals don’t recommend self-removal. But there isn’t a clear consensus. Some clinicians believe that it can empower people to take charge of their own self-care and feel it's perfectly safe. Others think it should only be done in a healthcare setting to minimize risks. 

The American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released guidance on this issue at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was in response to people trying to avoid trips to a healthcare office. They stated that they don’t recommend women remove IUDs by themselves. But they also shared that some IUD users may proceed with self-removal after counseling from a healthcare professional. 

Although self-removal of IUDs isn’t the norm, it’s becoming more common. One study showed that at the start of the pandemic, only 5% of family planning clinics in the U.S. and Canada instructed patients on IUD self-removal. Later in the pandemic, about 25% of clinics gave guidance on how to remove an IUD at home. 

If you’re thinking about taking out your IUD yourself, talk to a healthcare professional first. They can help you decide if self-removal is the right choice for you.

Reasons you might consider removing an IUD yourself

There are many reasons why women may prefer to remove their IUD by themselves. Some opt for self-removal because they find it’s too difficult to have it removed in a healthcare setting. Common concerns include: 

• The cost of a healthcare visit for IUD removal

• Long wait times for a scheduled appointment

• Difficulty finding a provider to remove the IUD

• Reluctance or refusal of a healthcare professional to remove the IUD

Others want to remove their IUD themselves because they want control over the timing and process. Research suggests that women may also be more likely to choose an IUD as a form of birth control if they know they can remove it on their own. 

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Explore birth control options beyond IUDs: From condoms to oral medications or injections, learn about various ways to prevent unplanned pregnancy.

• Some IUDs can cause spotting, headaches, and vaginal irritation. Read about eight possible side effects of the Mirena IUD.  

• Wondering if you should have your IUD removed? We review when you might want to get it removed and how to prepare for a removal in the office.

Reasons to have an IUD removed in a healthcare setting

While complications from IUD removal are rare, they can happen. This is why most physicians recommend having your IUD removed in a healthcare setting. If complications do occur, an experienced professional has the tools and expertise to address them. 

These potential risks include:

• Perforation, or a hole in the lining of the uterus

• Infection

• Breaking the IUD

• Dislodging the IUD, meaning the IUD may not come out but instead move out of place, preventing it from working effectively

There isn’t evidence that removing an IUD at home makes these complications more likely. While there aren’t many studies on self-removal, existing research hasn’t shown higher complication rates. 

Some women choose to have their IUD removed in a healthcare setting because they aren’t comfortable with the idea of removing it themselves. Personal choice is another common reason that you might not want to remove it yourself. 

When should you not try to remove an IUD by yourself?

If you can’t reach or feel the strings attached to your IUD, you shouldn’t try to remove it. This could mean that the strings are wrapped around your cervix. In a medical setting, a healthcare professional can use special tools, like forceps, to gently remove the IUD. There are no safe methods for home removal if your fingers can’t reach the strings.

Also, if you try to pull on the IUD strings and it feels stuck or painful, you should stop trying. Mild discomfort can be normal. But the IUD is flexible and should bend easily when pulled. If it feels stuck, schedule an appointment for a clinician to evaluate and remove it.

How hard is it to remove an IUD yourself?

While some women find it quick and easy to remove their IUD, most aren’t successful when they try. Studies show that only 20% to 30% of those who attempt IUD removal on their own are successful. One study found that while a self-removal guide was helpful, reading it didn’t make women more likely to remove the IUD on their own.

The main obstacles to IUD self-removal include: 

• Trouble finding the strings

• Difficulty pulling on the strings

In some cases, the IUD may be “stuck” in the uterus, and simply tugging on the strings won’t remove it. If your IUD doesn’t come out easily, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional. They can use special instruments to safely remove an IUD that is lodged in place. 

How do you remove your IUD at home?

Removing an IUD can cause mild pain. Consider taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) about 60 minutes before removal to help ease any cramping.

If you choose to remove your IUD at home, here are the steps to do so more safely:

1. Remove your pants and underwear, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

2. Sit somewhere comfortable, like the edge of the toilet or on the edge of the bed with a chair propping your legs up. You may also find sitting in the butterfly position on the floor comfortable. The goal is to be in a position where you can easily reach inside yourself.

3. Consider wearing gloves. This might help you get a better grip on the strings and may also lower risk for infection.

4. Choose two fingers to insert into your vagina. This can be your thumb and index finger, or your thumb and middle finger.

5. Insert your two fingers into your vagina. Feel for the IUD strings by moving your fingers in a circular motion near the top/back part of your vagina. 

6. Once you find the strings, take a deep breath and pull on them. You may need to pull several times before the IUD comes out. Readjust your finger position on the strings if needed.

7. Once the IUD is out, inspect it to make sure it’s intact. You can look up an image of your particular IUD online to make sure the entire IUD was removed. If a piece is missing, contact your doctor’s office. You can place the IUD in the trash after you inspect it.

What does it feel like to remove an IUD?

If you experienced pain and cramping when your IUD was placed, you might be nervous about what it’ll feel like to take it out. But IUD removal is usually quicker and less painful than the initial placement. When an IUD is being removed, the arms of the device fold, allowing it to slip out. During the procedure you may experience:

• Mild discomfort as you or a healthcare professional inserts two fingers into your vagina to search for the strings (some people feel pressure instead of discomfort or cramping during removal)

• Pain or cramping shortly after removal, which is usually mild and temporary

• Light bleeding or spotting, which typically doesn’t last long after the IUD is removed 

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Written by:

Alexandria Nyembwe, PhD, MBA, RN

Alexandria Nyembwe has been a registered nurse since 2017. She has a background in cardiac care and has clinic experience as a nurse, serving people experiencing housing instability.

Edited by:

Katie E. Golden, MD

Katie E. Golden, MD, is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and a medical editor at GoodRx.

Reviewed by:

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician in a variety of clinical settings. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.

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