Removing an IUD
Signs of infection
A woman with any of these signs may have an infection in her womb:
• very heavy bleeding
• pain in the pelvic area or belly
• blood between monthly bleeding
(a little spotting can be normal in
the first month)
• vaginal discharge that is different
from usual
• pain during sexual
intercourse
• fever, chills,
feeling ill
The woman should see a health worker right away
and the IUD should be removed.
Removing the IUD
The Copper T IUD can stay in the womb
for 10 years. Other types may not work
for this long. Any IUD can be removed
whenever the woman wants. After the
IUD is removed, a woman can become
pregnant right away. If she does not
want to become pregnant, she should
use another family planning method.
To remove an IUD:
1. Wash your hands, put on sterilized
gloves, and do a bimanual exam
to feel the womb and to be sure
that the woman is not pregnant.
Put in a speculum.
2. Use a long swab or a ring forceps
and sterile gauze dipped into
antiseptic to clean the cervix.
The Dalkon Shield
In the 1970s, there was a type of
IUD called the Dalkon Shield
that was not safe. It caused
serious health problems for the
women who used it.
The Dalkon Shield is
not made anymore,
but some women still
have them in their
wombs — and they
should be removed. The Dalkon
Modern IUDs are Shield was an
safe and effective. unsafe IUD.
3. Clamp a pair of forceps or needle holders to
the string.
4. Pull strongly and steadily on the string. The
IUD should come out. If you see the plastic
end of the IUD, grasp it with the forceps and
pull. If you feel a lot of resistance, stop! You
could break the string off. Let someone more
experienced finish taking out the IUD.
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A Book for Midwives (2010)