An intrauterine device (IUD) is a type of birth control that is inserted into a woman's uterus. Two types of IUDs are available to women: a copper IUD and a plastic IUD that contains the hormone levonorgestrel. The Center for Young Women's Health states that IUDs last between five and 10 years, depending on the type used. IUDs are removed from the uterus when they expire, or if the woman is having a problem with the IUD. Side effects are usually temporary and can be treated with another form of birth control; in rare cases, the woman might have irreversible damage.
Pregnancy
The biggest side effect after taking an IUD out is the risk of pregnancy. Once the IUD is removed, whether it is a copper or hormone-based IUD, the woman is no longer protected. The Contraceptive Technology and Reproductive Health Series state that when the old IUD is being removed, the woman has the option to have a new IUD inserted. The woman can decrease her risk of an unwanted pregnancy by using another method of birth control, such as condoms. Women who have reached menopause when they have their IUDs removed do not have this risk.
Bleeding and Cramping
The Contraceptive Technology and Reproductive Health Series states that during the removal process, the woman can experience bleeding and cramping. These side effects are normal when the IUD is removed from the uterus. The bleeding and cramping may continue a few hours past the removal; however, they should go away without any other problems.
Surgery or Sterility
In cases where the IUD is hurting the uterus, the woman may require surgery to have the IUD removed. If there are no complications, the professional can use the string attached to the IUD to extract it from the uterus. Cedar River Clinics state that surgery is done if the IUD becomes imbedded in the woman's uterus; while the IUD still works to prevent pregnancy, it can cause the woman severe pain and needs to be removed. A serious side effect of an imbedded IUD is sterility: even if the IUD is removed successfully, the damage can already be done and the woman will be unable to get pregnant in the future.
