Graphic Clip Shows Exactly How An IUD Is Removed
The clip has gone viral on TikTok.
A clip has gone viral on TikTok for revealing exactly how an IUD is removed.
Posted by Sarah - aka @midwifemama on TikTok - the midwife revealed exactly what happens when the coil is removed.
An IUD is a small T-shaped device made from plastic and copper that is inserted into the uterus. It releases copper into the womb which alters the mucus in the cervix to make it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg.
You can watch the clip below:
In the clip, the IUD can be seen being removed from the uterus using what appears to be ring forceps, which attaches to the threads of the IUD.
The arms of the coil fold up and the IUD can then be removed out of the cervix and then the vagina. In many cases, it can take as little as five minutes to remove an IUD.
People were quick to comment on Sarah's video, sharing their own experiences of having their coil removed.
One person wrote: "Can confirm. Just got mine out two months ago and it hurt way more being put in than them taking it out. Takes two seconds to come out."
While another said: "When I tell you my insertion was PAINFUL but the removal was seriously NOTHING, please believe me. I had so much anxiety about it, don’t waste your time."
And a third added: "Omg I’ve been putting off getting mine out because I’m scared of the pain lol."
The video comes after women have been sharing their experiences of having an IUD fitted, with many describing the pain as 'excruciating'.
Last year, a petition was launched calling for better pain relief for IUD insertion and removals. The petition, launched by Lucy Cohen, details some of the "extremely painful" and "almost unbearable" pain women experience as a result of IUD procedures.
Lucy wrote: "Almost 1500 people have so far shared their experiences with me. On a pain rating scale of 0-10, 43 per cent of respondents rated their pain as a seven or higher.
"I would like to see the following: Better expectation management of what the insertion and removal of an IUD entails. Without fully explaining the real potential pain, how can consent truly be given?
"More pain relief options as standard including gas and air, sedation and muscle relaxants. Not everyone will choose to have additional pain relief, but I strongly feel that for those who want it, it should be administered - and that real consent can only be given once all risks, including that of extreme pain, have been explained."
Featured Image Credit: ShutterstockLucy Devine