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Some Doctors Balk At Removing IUDs, So Women Are Sharing How-To Vids To DIY It

Updated September 8, 2021

Intrauterine devices, or IUDs for short, have become an increasingly popular form of birth control as an alternative to more traditional methods like "the pill," which can wreak havoc with a woman's hormones.

Once installed, an IUD works for a long period of time. But they don't work forever, and IUD removal can be more complicated than expected.

And the situation is even more complicated than that, leaving some women in the position of sharing some hacks on how to remove their IUDs by themselves.

It's a handy form of birth control.

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Unlike pills, which can cause hormonal issues and need to be taken on a schedule, or condoms, which are similarly easy to forget, IUDs offer a way for women to have worry-free birth control for up to a few years at a time.

Removing them is not free, however.

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There's little rhyme or reason to the cost, which can range from an affordable $50 to $1,000 or more.

Adding to this, doctors often delay requests to remove IUDs if they aren't past their best-by date.

Which has led many women to ask, Can it be done at home?

As it turns out, it absolutely can be.

Biology major Martisha Perry shared this detailed video on YouTube with full instructions on how to remove one of the devices at home.

To date, the nearly 15-minute-long video has been viewed more than 20,000 times.

Why might someone want one removed early?

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There are a few obvious reasons: trying to get pregnant or, most notably, side effects.

Perry says she wanted to take hers out because side effects ranged from cramps to arthritic issues to just feeling lousy.

"I felt really bad while using it," she said. "I did not expect the symptoms I experienced."

Others have also found their own way.

YouTuber Paige LeAnn shared this video. She says two doctors refused to remove her IUD, even though she was feeling significant side effects like cramping and depression.

According to LeAnn, doctors, "Made me seem crazy or like everything I was saying was make believe."

Is it safe?

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Surprisingly, doing it yourself is generally regarded as safe. That owes largely to the fact that it doesn't require specialized instruments or medical skills.

Nevertheless, although doctors can be frustrating to deal with, we'd still advise anyone considering this to consult their doctor beforehand.

There are many unknowns.

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IUDs have exploded in popularity recently, but there's little long-term data on their side effects because of their relatively new status.

Offering women a way to remove them at home is a big step forward when it comes to bodily autonomy, but it's rather unfortunate that so many women have been put in the position of having to do so.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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