It’s possible for you to have your IUD removed at any time. However, specific types of IUDs do have different lifespans, and you’ll want to have them removed once they’re nearing the end of their effectiveness:
- ParaGard prevents pregnancy for up to 12 years.
- Skyla prevents pregnancy for three years.
- Kyleena prevents pregnancy for five years.
- Liletta prevents pregnancy for seven years.
- Mirena prevents pregnancy for seven years.
Copper-based IUDs (ParaGard) have the longest lifespan, as these work by stimulating the body’s immune system to prevent pregnancy.
Hormone-based IUDs (Skyla, Kyleena, Liletta, and Mirena) have a shorter lifespan because they gradually secrete hormones that prevent you from getting pregnant. Once these hormones run out, the IUD is no longer effective.
That being said, there are some other times you may want to have your IUD removed. The most obvious occasion is if you want to get pregnant. As soon as your care provider removes your IUD, it’s possible for you to become pregnant. If you change your mind about having a baby, you can always have another IUD placed by your care provider whenever you’d like.
Your care provider may recommend having your IUD removed in some other instances as well. For example, the following conditions usually require you to have your IUD removed:
- Menopause, as the IUD is no longer needed.
- Cervical or endometrial cancer.
- Endometriosis.
- A pelvic infection.
- An abnormal rise in blood pressure.
If you’re uncertain about when to have your IUD removed, get in touch with your OB/GYN or one of our health care professionals at Nurx™ for help.