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 needs to come out first because it sits inside the uterus, and leaving it in place during the abortion process could cause complications or reduce the effectiveness of the medications.

The good news is that IUD removal can usually be done at the same appointment where you receive the abortion pill. You do not need a separate visit to have your IUD removed beforehand. The provider at The Center for Women can handle both during your single visit.

This applies to all types of IUDs, including hormonal IUDs (such as Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, or Skyla) and copper IUDs (Paragard). Regardless of the type, it must be removed before the abortion pill process begins.

The IUD sits inside the uterus, which is where the abortion pill medications do their work. Leaving the IUD in place during the abortion process creates two concerns.

First, the IUD could interfere with the ability of the medications to work effectively. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and empty. An IUD inside the uterus during this process could reduce the effectiveness of these contractions or block the passage of pregnancy tissue.

Second, leaving the IUD in place during the abortion could increase the risk of complications, including infection or incomplete abortion. Removing the IUD before starting the medication ensures the safest and most effective outcome.

IUD removal before medication abortion is standard medical practice recommended by ACOG and followed by clinics nationwide.

IUD removal is a quick procedure that takes about 1 to 2 minutes. Most patients describe the sensation as a brief cramp, similar to a menstrual cramp. The discomfort is short-lived and typically passes within seconds.

The provider gently pulls on the IUD strings, and the IUD slides out through the cervix. No anesthesia is needed, and no special preparation is required on your part. You may feel a pinch or a brief cramping sensation as the IUD passes through the cervix.

After the IUD is removed, you may have light spotting, which is normal. The provider will then proceed with the rest of your abortion pill appointment, including the ultrasound and receiving your medications.

At The Center for Women, IUD removal performed as part of your abortion pill appointment is included in the $380 all-inclusive cost. You will not be charged extra for having your IUD removed during the visit.

The $380 covers everything: the provider appointment, ultrasound, IUD removal (if needed), both abortion pill medications, and your follow-up visit. There are no hidden fees or additional charges.

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

Some patients choose to start a different form of birth control instead, such as the pill, patch, ring, injection, or implant. Many of these can be started shortly after the abortion pill process. The provider can help you decide which option is best for you.

It is important to know that you can become 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 after your abortion. The provider will discuss your options at your appointment or follow-up visit.

In some cases, the IUD strings may have migrated up into the cervix and are not immediately visible. If this happens, the provider may need to use a small instrument to locate and retrieve the strings. This may take slightly longer than a standard removal, but it is still a routine procedure.

In rare cases where the IUD cannot be removed in the office, the provider will discuss alternative options with you. This is uncommon, and the provider will determine the best approach during your appointment.

Let the clinic know that you have an IUD when you call to schedule your appointment. This allows the staff to plan appropriately and ensure your visit goes smoothly.

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

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