IUD removal is a quick, simple procedure that should almost always be done by a trained healthcare provider. While some people search for ways to remove an IUD at home, doing so increases the risk of pain, bleeding, infection, or a device stuck in the cervix or uterus. Here’s what to know before attempting IUD self-removal.
As a women’s health provider in Hartford, I frequently hear questions like:
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“Can you remove your Mirena yourself?”
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“How to take out an IUD at home?”
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“Are there free IUD removal clinics near me?”
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“How much is IUD removal without insurance?”
There’s a lot of confusion online — and some risky advice circulating on social media.
This guide clarifies everything you need to know about safe IUD removal, your cost options in Hartford, and why at-home IUD self-removal is almost never recommended.
Can You Remove Your IUD Yourself?
Short answer: You shouldn’t.
Yes, technically, some people have removed their own IUDs by pulling the strings — but that doesn’t make it safe.
Why Healthcare Professionals Strongly Advise Against IUD Self-Removal
Your IUD might be:
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Embedded in the uterine wall
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Stuck higher in the cervical canal
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In the wrong position
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Missing strings
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Tilted or rotated
Any of these can make removal painful, unsafe, or impossible without professional tools.
Attempting at-home removal can lead to:
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Severe cramping or bleeding
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Cervical injury
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Uterine perforation
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Infection
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Incomplete removal (IUD breaks or remains lodged)
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ER visit
Even when the strings are visible, that doesn’t guarantee the IUD is in the right location for safe self-removal.
Why Social Media Shows “Easy” IUD Removal Videos
Some TikTok and YouTube videos show people removing their IUDs at home, giving the illusion that it is safe.
These videos leave out important details such as:
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Whether the IUD was already partially expelled
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Whether the user had strings that were unusually long
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Whether a healthcare provider previously recommended removal
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Whether complications occurred afterward
As a clinician, I routinely see patients needing medical care after an attempted at-home removal. These situations are preventable.
How IUD Removal Works in a Clinic
IUD removal is one of the quickest gynecologic procedures — often less than 10–20 seconds once started.
Step-by-Step Removal
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A pelvic exam is performed.
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The provider locates the strings using a speculum.
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The strings are gently grasped and pulled.
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The IUD’s arms fold up as it slides out.
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You’re done — usually with minimal cramping.
Most patients describe it as “pressure” or “a sharp pinch.”
Serious complications are rare when performed by a trained provider.
What If the Strings Are Missing?
Missing strings do not mean your IUD is gone.
Strings can curl, sit higher in the cervix, or retract.
In this case, your provider may:
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Use a small brush to gently sweep the strings down
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Use an ultrasound to locate the IUD
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Use specialized tools for safe removal
If the IUD is embedded in the uterine wall, removal may require:
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Cervical dilation
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Ultrasound-guided removal
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Office hysteroscopy
None of these should ever be attempted outside of a clinical setting.
How Much Does IUD Removal Cost in Hartford?
Costs depend on your insurance status.
1. If You Have Insurance
Most plans — including Connecticut Medicaid (HUSKY) and private insurers — cover IUD removal at little or no cost.
Co-pays range from $0–$50, depending on your plan.
2. If You Are Uninsured
Typical out-of-pocket IUD removal cost in Hartford:
| Type of Clinic | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| OB/GYN or Primary Care Clinic | $150–$300 |
| Planned Parenthood CT | Usually $0–$250 (sliding scale) |
| Community Health Centers | $0–$150 depending on income |
Free IUD Removal Clinics Near You
Many Hartford residents qualify for reduced or free IUD removal through:
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Planned Parenthood of Southern New England
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Community Health Centers
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Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
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Access Health CT programs
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College/university health services (if eligible)
Financial assistance programs are widely available.
Why You Should Never Remove an IUD at Home
Let’s break down the real risks of self-removal.
1. You Can Tear the Strings
Strings can break, leaving the IUD stuck and requiring a more painful removal later.
2. You Can Pull Incorrectly
Different IUDs have different arm shapes — and pulling at the wrong angle can cause injury.
3. You Cannot See the Cervix
You won’t know if the cervix is partially closed or if the IUD is caught in tissue.
4. You cannot Evaluate Position
If the IUD is:
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Too high
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Turned sideways
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Embedded
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Tilted
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In the lower uterine segment
…it can cause internal injury during self-removal.
5. Infection Risk
Unsterile techniques can introduce bacteria into the cervix or uterus.
6. You May Mistake Normal Discomfort for a Medical Emergency
A provider knows the difference — a person removing an IUD at home does not.
Signs You Should Seek Professional Removal Immediately
Contact a provider or urgent care in Hartford if you:
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Cannot feel the strings
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Have severe pelvic pain
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Suspect the IUD is stuck
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Experience bleeding or fever
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Feel something sharp when checking the IUD
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Had an attempted self-removal that failed
These symptoms may indicate a malpositioned or embedded IUD, which must be removed clinically.
Why Professional Removal Protects Your Health
A trained provider ensures:
✔ The IUD is in the correct location
✔ The strings are safely retrieved
✔ The cervix is not injured
✔ Instruments are sterile
✔ The uterus is not harmed
✔ Complications are handled immediately
You also get guidance on:
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Switching birth control
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Fertility planning
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Managing heavy periods
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Hormonal options
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Next steps if your IUD was embedded
How to Prepare for a Safe IUD Removal Appointment
To make removal easier:
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Take ibuprofen 30–60 minutes before the visit
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Practice slow breathing to relax pelvic muscles
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Empty your bladder beforehand
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Ask questions — anxiety increases discomfort
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Discuss whether you want another IUD placed the same day
Most people return to normal activities immediately afterward.
When Is It Safe to Remove an IUD Yourself?
There is only one situation where self-removal may be considered:
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The strings are long and clearly visible
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The IUD is confirmed to be partially expelled
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A medical professional has recommended removal
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You cannot access care immediately
Even then, it’s safer to wait for professional removal whenever possible.
Final Thoughts: The Safest IUD Removal Is In a Clinic
While many patients search for “how to remove IUD at home,” the safest and healthiest option will always be professional removal.
The risks of self-removal — bleeding, pain, infection, a stuck IUD, emergency visits — are simply not worth it.
In Hartford, IUD removal is:
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Fast
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Affordable
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Often free
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Safer than at-home attempts
If you’re considering removal, have questions, or have experienced a complication, reach out to a qualified clinician who can support you safely.
Disclaimer: This is informational content, not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Author:
Meghan Killilea Galli, APRN, FNP-BC
Hartford Women’s Health Provider
HealthGardeners.com
Meghan Killilea Galli, APRN, FNP-BC, is a Connecticut-based board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 5 years of experience in urology, women’s pelvic health, and primary care. She practices with Hartford HealthCare and Griffin Faculty Practice Plan and founded Health Gardeners to share reliable, evidence-based health information.
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