What you can expect after IUD removal will vary somewhat depending on whether you were using a non-hormonal IUD or an IUD that released hormones. With removal of either type of intrauterine device, or IUD, there may be some light bleeding and cramping for a few weeks after removal. With a non-hormonal IUD, a normal menstrual cycle and fertility should follow within no more than a couple months. If your IUD was one that released hormones while it was in place, it may take longer for a normal menstrual cycle and fertility to resume, though the first period following the IUD removal usually occurs within six weeks. With either type of removal, there is a risk of pregnancy if you had unprotected sex during the week before the procedure.
Some women who use IUDs that release hormones report side effects such as depression and moodiness for a few weeks after the device is removed. There may also be breakouts of acne, withdrawal bleeding, and other similar side effects as you adjust to the changing levels of hormones in your body. Many women who use the IUDs that release hormones stop having their periods while using this type of contraception, meaning it may take several months for your period to fall back into a regular cycle, flow, and length.
It may take several months of trying before some women become pregnant after IUD removal. For other women, pregnancy can occur almost immediately, especially with the non-hormonal type of IUD. If you are not having the IUD removed because you wish to become pregnant, you should use some other type of birth control or abstain from sex during the week before the removal procedure. Sperm can remain alive inside your body for up to a week following sex, and any sperm still alive at the time of the IUD removal could fertilize the egg, resulting in pregnancy.
The removal procedure is usually a simple process that takes only a few minutes. There may be some pain and light bleeding at the time of removal. It is often recommended that the removal appointment be scheduled while you are on your period because the cervix is softer at that time of month, and this will often make the removal process easier. If you are having your IUD removed because it has expired, you can have a new IUD put in place at the same appointment as the removal procedure.