Interest in and experience with IUD self-removal

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Contraception
• Women's Health

Background:

• Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are highly effective contraceptives but have low popularity in the US.
• The need for clinician-assisted removal may deter women from choosing IUDs.
• This study explores women's interest and experience with self-removal of IUDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess women's willingness to attempt IUD self-removal.
• To determine the success rate of IUD self-removal.
• To evaluate the impact of the option of self-removal on attitudes toward IUD use.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 326 women seeking IUD discontinuation across five US health centers.
• Participants were offered the option to attempt IUD self-removal.
• Surveys were used to collect data on reasons for removal, attitudes, and self-removal experiences.

Main Results:

• Over half of women were willing to attempt IUD self-removal (95% CI: 45-65%).
• Approximately one in five women who attempted self-removal were successful (95% CI: 14-25%).
• 54% of participants were more likely to recommend IUDs after learning about self-removal; African American women showed particular interest.

Conclusions:

• A significant number of women express interest in IUD self-removal, despite low current success rates.
• Promoting awareness of IUD self-removal can potentially increase IUD adoption and decrease unintended pregnancies.