While the Paraguard Copper T IUD is designed to last 10 years, removal can be performed at anytime. Women who decided to use the Copper T IUD should not feel like they must keep it the whole 10 years unless they desire pregnancy protection for that long.
A good rule of thumb when thinking of the Copper T is to think of it as an extremely reliable method of contraception that is designed for long term use. However, the amount of time a woman uses it is flexible to accommodate changes in her life such as desiring pregnancy before 10 years after insertion. If the woman does keep the Copper T for 10 years, removal must take place at the end of that time period.
Removal of the Copper T is a simple process that can be performed at the doctor’s office. Fertility usually returns within a month with 30% of women becoming pregnant within the first month after removal. The removal procedure consists of the physician gently grasping the IUD string with forceps and pulling it out through the vagina. The T folds down to allow for easy removal and it usually slides right out. In some rare cases cervical dilation is required. Some women fear removal of their Copper T because they think it will be painful. While it is true some women experience bleeding and cramping after the removal it is usually no worse than regular menstrual cramps and light bleeding and usually resolves on its own. If removal is taking place because the 10 limit has been reached, a new IUD can be inserted at the same time.
On the very rare occasion a woman becomes pregnant while using the Copper T, removal may or may not be recommended. The woman must be evaluated by her physician and the decision will be made if removal is warranted.
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