Intrauterine devicesIUDsare called a set it and forget it form ofbirth controlfor a reason.
That raises an important question: When is it okay to get yourIUD removed?
First, lets cover some basics to help you better understand the answer.
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The amount of time IUDs last depends on which form you get.
Overall, IUDs are one of the most effective modes of contraception you’re free to choose.
A lot of that comes down to convenience.
Your single IUD can last anywhere from a few years to a decade with the same level of effectiveness.
There are five major brands of IUDs on the U.S. market.
They come in both hormonal and nonhormonal forms.
Here are a few reasons you might want to remove your IUD before its due date.
Just because youcanhave an IUD in for 3, 5, or 10 years doesnt mean you have to.
Plenty of people remove their IUDs early for a variety of reasons.
The most obvious is a desire toget pregnant.
Wonky periods are another reason why people may want to speed up that IUD removal timeline.
These effects may or may not go away over time.
If they stick around, that can be enough to make some people decide to remove their IUDs sooner.
This is estimated to happen in only 1 out of every 1,000 people who have IUDs, according toACOG.
In the uncommon event that perforation does happen and is discovered,the IUD needs to be removed.
That was, frankly, a lot of freaky information to digest.
But there are some things you should consider before you take out your IUD.
There are other things to consider if youre mulling over the idea of removing your IUD early.
Cost is a big one.
Then theres the discomfort factor.
That pretty much sums up the pros and cons of removing your IUD early.
But what about removing it late?
Okay, but what happens if you leave your IUD in for too long?
Some evidence suggests that IUDs may actually be effective past their recommended usage dates.
But there are some huge caveats here, so dont celebrate just yet.
A 2016 study on the subject, published inContraception, analyzed 3,755 people with IUDs.
Then there was a 2014 review inContraceptionanalyzing 12 papers on IUD life spans.
Theres a reason for these discrepancies.
Manufacturers will pick a target duration that seems reasonable and then apply for approval, she explains.
But [researchers] can continue to study the devices or medications after they have been approved.
If the FDA is convinced, theyll do that, Dr. Policar says.
While the data regarding longer IUD life spans is promising, its not an official recommendation for off-label use.
While the laterContraceptionstudy didnt make recommendations based on age, the median age of those included was around 30.
Thats way different than leaving your IUD in for years after you should.
Overall, the right time to remove your IUD can depend on a variety of factors.
The best reason to have an IUD removed isyourreason, Dr. Horvath says.
