IUD replacement (removal + insertion of new IUD)

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a long-acting contraceptive method consisting of a small, T-shaped instrument made of flexible plastic that is inserted into the uterus via the vagina.

The objective of inserting the intrauterine device is to prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from reaching the egg.

Despite being a long-acting contraceptive method, this treatment is completely reversible, and patients regain their fertility the moment they decide to have it removed from the uterus.

The IUD device is over 99% effective.

Types of IUD device

Mainly, there are two types of IUD device, where the difference lies in the material and the mechanism they use to prevent fertilisation of the egg:

• Copper IUD: coated in pure copper, it produces a mild inflammatory reaction in the uterus to hinder the mobility and survival of sperm, meaning they fail to reach and fertilise the egg. This type of IUD contains no hormones and lasts approximately 5 to 10 years. Its main advantage is that its contraceptive method begins to work at the moment of insertion into the uterus; its main disadvantage is an increase in bleeding and painful periods during the first few months.
• Hormonal IUD: contains hormones, specifically a progestin called levonorgestrel. This type of IUD releases this progestin in small amounts to thicken the cervical mucus, thereby preventing the passage of sperm. This type of device lasts approximately 3 to 8 years, and once placed in the uterus, it usually takes about 7 days to become effective, so it cannot be used as emergency contraception, unlike the copper IUD. In terms of its main advantage, it reduces pain and bleeding during the period, and in some cases, periods may stop completely. Its main disadvantage is that irregular bleeding and breast tenderness can occur during the first few months.

The decision to insert one device or another rests with the gynaecology specialist, who takes into account various factors regarding the patient, such as: her menstrual pattern, whether she has any diagnosed gynaecological conditions, potential contraindications to using the copper IUD or the hormonal IUD due to its material and/or mechanism, and in some cases, the patient's preference may be considered.

We find mainly two reasons why it is necessary to have an IUD replaced:

• Due to expiry: in this situation, the IUD device has reached the end of its useful life and must be removed. If it is a copper IUD, depending on the model and manufacturer, it can last between 5 and 10 years; if it is a hormonal IUD, between 3 and 8 years maximum.
• By the patient's own decision: the patient may decide at any given time to change their contraceptive method and have the IUD removed, or they may decide to become pregnant, or they could be experiencing side effects such as heavy bleeding that does not improve.

In very rare cases, the device may become displaced, requiring an IUD replacement to put it back in place and restore its effectiveness.

It is not necessary to replace the IUD before the expiry date recommended by the manufacturer, but it is important to note down the date and schedule an IUD replacement a couple of weeks before it expires.

In this way, the patient ensures that they do not spend a single day without contraceptive protection.

Do you need to replace your IUD with a new one?

Make an appointment now with one of our gynaecology specialists and schedule your IUD device replacement quickly and easily.

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As we have mentioned previously, IUD devices have an expiry date and therefore, leaving the device in for longer than its expiry date carries risks.
The most common risks that occur in this situation are:

• Loss of contraceptive effectiveness of the IUD: the effectiveness of the contraceptive method is tied to its expiry date (the copper wears down and the hormones run out over time). If the IUD is left in for longer past this date, the patient is highly likely to lose contraceptive protection against the risk of pregnancy.
• High risk of infections: if the IUD is left in for a prolonged period after having reached the end of its useful life, there is a high risk of pelvic infections due to the accumulation of bacteria caused by the wear and tear of the device.
• Greater difficulty in removing the device due to embedment: if the IUD remains in the uterus for years past the expiry date, there is a risk that the material may become stiffer and even adhere to the wall of the cervix due to the natural wear and tear of the device. This wear and tear causes greater difficulty in subsequently removing the device.

The process of IUD replacement consists of first performing the removal of the old or faulty IUD device and the insertion of a new device.

It is a procedure that is performed during the same appointment and lasts only between 10 and 15 minutes.

On the agreed day with the hospital, the patient goes to the gynaecology consultation where the procedure will be performed:

1. Once prepared on the examination table, the specialist first proceeds to remove the IUD. First, they place the speculum to keep the vagina open.
2. The specialist's next step is to locate the threads that were left protruding from the cervix and are attached to the device.
3. They proceed to remove the IUD, holding the threads with forceps and pulling them gently.
4. The IUD slides and comes out through the cervix, folding up.

It is normal to feel mild discomfort during the IUD removal process, but it is a minimal and bearable pain.

Next, the gynaecologist proceeds to perform the insertion of the new IUD device. The steps of the process are as follows:

1. Without removing the speculum, the specialist proceeds to clean the cervix with an antiseptic solution to disinfect it.
2. A uterine sound is introduced, a measuring instrument called a hysterometer, which helps the gynaecologist measure the size and depth of the uterus.
3. Following the examination and measurement of the cervix, they proceed to insert the IUD device into the uterus. The IUD is inserted with the help of an applicator tube that helps slide the instrument through the cervix, and once inside, the arms of the device deploy to remain placed in a T-shape at the fundus of the uterus. The applicator tube is removed.
4. Finally, the IUD guide threads that are left hanging outside the cervix after the insertion of the device are cut. The specialist leaves about 2 centimetres of thread protruding from the cervix so that the device can be removed when the time comes. With this final step, the speculum is removed.
5. The gynaecologist performs a gynaecological ultrasound to check that the position of the IUD is correct. Once everything is verified to be fine, the procedure ends.

Does the IUD replacement process hurt more?

It does not hurt more than the independent processes of IUD insertion and removal. In fact, many patients report that the replacement is less uncomfortable as the cervix is already accustomed to the device.

The cramping that patients usually feel during the replacement is brief and passes in a matter of minutes.

The price of the IUD replacement with Operarme is 180 €.

Below is a breakdown of everything included in the cost of this medical procedure at Operarme:

• Medical fees.
• Outpatient stay.
• Surgical material necessary for the medical procedure.
• Gynaecological consultation for the procedure.
• Gynaecological ultrasound.
• Removal of the IUD device.
• Insertion of the IUD device.
• New IUD device not included in the price.

To continue with your contraceptive treatment, click on the "Purchase service" button and schedule your appointment for the IUD replacement:

Do you need to replace your IUD with a new one?

Make an appointment now with one of our gynaecology specialists and schedule your IUD device replacement quickly and easily.

Purchase service