Patient's question:
AgeDoctor, hello: My mother has had the IUD for 28 years. Now she wants to remove it. Her menstruation is still normal, with very few irregularities. It usually lasts about 7 days. She is currently in good health. She has some menopausal symptoms, such as being irritable and often having headaches.
Please ask: "Can my mother have the IUD removed, and will it be better for her health?" I hope to get a reply as soon as possible.
Doctor's answer:
A woman removing an intrauterine device (IUD) can benefit her health if she meets any of the following conditions. Here are the details:1. If the inserted IUD has reached its expiration date, it should be removed from the hospital in a timely manner to prevent it from deforming or becoming ineffective in the uterus.
- Metal rings can typically be stored for 20 years.
- Silicone rubber V-shaped rings can be stored for 7–10 years.
- Copper-coated T-shaped rings can be stored for 10–15 years.
- A new ring can be inserted at the same time as removal.
2. If there are significant changes in the menstrual cycle during menopause, such as a prolonged cycle or menopause lasting more than 6 months, the IUD should be removed promptly.
3. After menopause, the uterus may shrink. If the IUD is not removed, it may pierce the uterus, leading to adverse effects.
Therefore, for health and safety reasons, it is still better to remove the IUD.