Timing of Sexual Abstinence Before IUD Removal
You do not need to stop having sex before IUD removal—the IUD provides contraceptive protection until the moment it is removed. 1
Understanding IUD Contraceptive Coverage
The critical concept here is that an IUD remains fully effective at preventing pregnancy up until the moment of removal. The CDC explicitly states that when discontinuing an IUD, waiting for the next menstrual period is unnecessary, and removal can be performed at any time during the menstrual cycle. 1
The Real Concern: Pregnancy Risk After Removal
The actual question you should be asking is about pregnancy risk AFTER removal, not before:
- Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days 2
- If you have sex in the days immediately before IUD removal and then have the IUD removed, residual sperm could potentially cause pregnancy once the IUD is no longer present 2
Recommended Approach Based on Your Pregnancy Intentions
If You Want to Avoid Pregnancy:
Abstain from sex or use barrier contraception for 5-7 days BEFORE IUD removal 2
- This prevents viable sperm from being present in your reproductive tract at the time of removal
- The CDC specifically addresses this scenario when switching from an IUD to another contraceptive method, noting that if intercourse occurred >5 days since menstrual bleeding started, residual sperm might be in the genital tract 2
- Consider starting your new contraceptive method before or immediately at the time of IUD removal 2
If You Are Trying to Conceive:
No abstinence is needed—you can have sex right up until removal 1
- Fertility returns immediately upon IUD removal 1, 3, 4, 5
- Research shows 55.9% of women conceive within the first 3 months after IUD removal, with cumulative pregnancy rates of 96.7% by 18 months 4, 5
- The uterus is physiologically ready for pregnancy immediately after removal 1
Important Caveat
The only contraindication to IUD removal timing is active pelvic infection, which would require treatment before removal 1