CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Contraception - Management
When should a copper intrauterine device (IUD) be removed?
- A copper intrauterine device (IUD) can be removed at any time in the menstrual cycle.
- If the woman requires uninterrupted contraception, and is:
- Switching to a hormonal method: she should start the new method with sufficient time for it to become effective before the IUD is removed — minimum 2 days for the progesterone only pill (POP); 7 days for the other methods.
- Having her copper IUD replaced with a new copper IUD: she should use an additional method for the 7 days before removal of the device.
- Having her copper IUD replaced with the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (IUS): she should use an additional method for the 7 days before removal of the IUD, and for a further 7 days after insertion of the levonorgestrel-releasing IUS.
- If unprotected sexual intercourse takes place during the 7 days before removal of the copper IUD, the woman should consider either delaying removal or using emergency contraception (for further information see the CKS topic on Contraception - emergency).
- Postmenopausal women aged < 50 years: remove copper IUD 2 years after the last menstrual period.
- Postmenopausal women aged >= 50 years: remove copper IUD 1 year after the last menstrual period.
In depth
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement