What Happens If You Leave An IUD In Too Long?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A: If your IUD is left in your uterus past the expiration date, the

most serious danger would be infection

. Serious infections can cause infertility. The other risk is that an expired IUD will not be an effective method.

How long does an IUD last after it expires?

An intrauterine device (IUD) should prevent pregnancy for

3 to 10 years

, depending on the type you have. Once it expires, your doctor will need to take it out.

Can you leave an IUD in longer than 5 years?


Mirena IUDs are approved to prevent pregnancy for 5 years

, and ParaGard IUDs are approved for 10 years. But studies show that they can actually last up to 7 years and 12 years, respectively, depending on your age. INSIDER spoke with two gynecologists about extended IUD use — here's what you need to know.

Can you leave your IUD in forever?

This “fix it and forget it” method of birth control is not only easy to use, it's also highly effective for years at a time. Doctors typically recommend women keep IUDs such as

Mirena for up to five years

, and implants such as Implanon and Nexplanon for up to three years.

What happens if IUD Cannot be removed?

If the IUD doesn't come out with a slight pull,

your doctor will remove the device using another method

. You may need a hysteroscopy to remove the IUD if it has attached to your uterine wall. During this procedure, your doctor widens your cervix to insert a hysteroscope.

Can a guy finish in you with an IUD?

The IUD works by creating an environment in your uterus that's inhospitable to sperm and conception. Depending on the type of IUD, your uterine lining thins, your cervical mucus thickens, or you stop ovulating. However,

the IUD doesn't block semen and sperm from passing into your vagina

and uterus during ejaculation.

What happens if you don't remove Mirena IUD after 5 years?

A: If your IUD is left in your uterus past the expiration date, the most serious danger would be

infection

. Serious infections can cause infertility. The other risk is that an expired IUD will not be an effective birth control method.

Can I pull my IUD out?

It isn't something you could do yourself. Most of the time, taking an IUD back out is a whole lot simpler. If your doctor does it, they'll have you lie on your back with your legs apart, just as you'd do for a regular exam. They'll grasp the

string with an instrument and gently pull out the IUD

.

How can I tell if my Mirena is wearing off?

  • Could anything cause my Mirena coil to be ineffective? …
  • Symptoms that may suggest your Mirena is no longer working as it should.
  • Change in character of periods. …
  • Resurgence of premenstrual syndrome symptoms (PMS) …
  • Stomach pain. …
  • No longer being able to feel the strings of your coil. …
  • Breast tenderness.

Should I go to the ER if my IUD is coming out?

If you think your IUD is out of place,

call your health care provider asap and ask for an appointment

. You definitely want to talk to them if you have severe pain, cannot find your strings, notice the strings are shorter or longer than normal, or can feel the IUD poking out.

Can Mirena stay in for 7 years?

The Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla IUDs use the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy. Progestin is very similar to the hormone progesterone that our bodies make naturally.

Mirena works for up to 7 years

. Kyleena works for up to 5 years.

How much does it cost to remove an IUD without insurance?

The price of IUD removal varies depending on where you go, costing anywhere

from $0-$250

. You might be able to get your IUD removed for free (or for a reduced price) if you have health insurance or qualify for certain programs.

Can you get pregnant after IUD expires?

IUDs have expiration dates. If you keep one in longer than the suggested amount of time, you have a slightly higher chance of pregnancy. But it's still less than 1%. You probably won't have any side

effects

if you keep an IUD in after it expires, but we need more research to safely recommend this option.

Does IUD cause weight gain?

“The studies basically show that there's less than 5% [of IUD users] who

show any weight gain

, and it's generally a little water weight.” Even with hormonal IUDs like Mirena, which emit progestin, so little of the hormone gets into your system that any effects on weight are minor, he says.

What is Mirena crash?

The Mirena crash refers to

one or a cluster of symptoms that last for days, weeks, or months after the Mirena IUD has been removed

. These symptoms are thought to be the result of a hormonal imbalance, which occurs when the body is no longer receiving progestin.

Do you lose weight after IUD removal?

To sum up, you could

notice you lose a few pounds right away after your IUD is removed

. Yet it's also not unheard of to gain more weight, or have difficulty losing the weight you gained while the IUD was in place.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.