Can I Take the Abortion Pill If I Have an IUD?

Yes, but your IUD must be removed before you take the abortion pill. The IUD sits inside the uterus, and leaving it in place during the abortion could cause complications or keep the medicines from working as well.

Removal can usually be done at the same appointment where you get the abortion pill, so you do not need a separate visit beforehand. The provider at The Center for Women can handle both during one visit.

This applies to every type of IUD, including hormonal IUDs (such as Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, or Skyla) and copper IUDs (Paragard). Whatever the type, it comes out before the abortion pill process begins.

The IUD sits inside the uterus, which is where the abortion pill medicines do their work. Leaving it in place during the abortion raises two concerns.

First, the IUD could keep the medicines from working well. Misoprostol makes the uterus contract and empty, and an IUD inside could weaken those contractions or block the pregnancy tissue from passing.

Second, an IUD left in place could raise the risk of problems such as infection or an incomplete abortion. Taking it out before you start the medicine is the safest path.

Removing the IUD before a medication abortion is standard practice, recommended by ACOG and followed by clinics nationwide.

IUD removal is quick, taking about 1 to 2 minutes. Most patients feel a brief cramp, much like a menstrual cramp, and the discomfort usually passes within seconds.

The provider gently pulls on the IUD strings, and the IUD slides out through the cervix. You do not need anesthesia or any special preparation, though you may feel a pinch as the IUD passes through.

Light spotting afterward is normal. The provider then moves on to the rest of your abortion pill appointment, including the ultrasound and your medicines.

Yes. At The Center for Women, IUD removal done as part of your abortion pill appointment is included in the $380 all-inclusive cost, so you will not pay extra for it.

The $380 covers the provider appointment, ultrasound, IUD removal if needed, both abortion pill medicines, and your follow-up visit. There are no hidden fees.

Yes. If you want a new IUD for birth control after your abortion, talk with the provider. A new IUD can usually be placed at your follow-up visit, once the provider confirms the abortion is complete.

Some patients choose a different method instead, such as the pill, patch, ring, injection, or implant. Many of these can start shortly after the abortion pill process, and the provider can help you decide which option fits you best.

You can get pregnant again as soon as 2 weeks after the abortion is complete. If you do not want to become pregnant, plan to start birth control soon, and the provider will go over your options at your appointment or follow-up visit.

Sometimes the IUD strings move up into the cervix where the provider cannot see them right away. If that happens, the provider may use a small instrument to find the strings and bring the IUD out. This can take a little longer than a standard removal, but it is still routine.

In rare cases the IUD cannot be removed in the office, and the provider will talk through other options with you. This is uncommon, and the provider will decide the best approach during your appointment.

Let the clinic know you have an IUD when you call to schedule, so the staff can plan for it and your visit goes smoothly.

Call The Center for Women at (708) 450-4545 to schedule your appointment, and let the staff know you have an IUD so they can plan for it. Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments are available.

The clinic is at 10215 W. Roosevelt Rd. #101, Westchester, IL 60154. The all-inclusive cost of $380 covers your provider appointment, ultrasound, IUD removal, both medicines, and follow-up visit.