IUD Self-Removal Study

This is a pilot study designed to test the effectiveness of several techniques for intrauterine device (IUD) self-removal and to understand patient preferences regarding IUD self-removal and indicators of success as well as understanding the impacts of IUD self-removal on other clinical care.

Completed

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Key information

Conditions

IUD

Age range

18 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Oregon Health & Science Univeristy

Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States

About this study

The Investigators propose to test a novel method for self-removal of IUDs in an effort to increase the proportion of patients who are able to successfully and safely remove their IUD when desired. Participants will attempt self-removal in office, where a provider will be able to remove the IUD if unsuccessful. Participants will be instructed on current and novel techniques and the investigators will examine indicators of success as well as patient and provider preferences.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Presenting at clinic for IUD removal or exchange
Willing and able to give consent with literacy in English or Spanish

Exclusion criteria

Participants who are referred for a complicated IUD removal such as a stingless IUD, prior failed IUD removal attempt, or an IUD failure.

Treatment and study plan

Instructions for IUD Self-Removal Provided to Participant

Other

The provider will offer any individual presenting for in-person IUD removal or exchange (removal-replacement) the option for self-removal. The participant will be provided a 'how to' instruction sheet with information on positioning and what to expect. The participant will first attempt removal with clean hands if desired, then utilizing non-sterile, clean gloves (not explicitly tested in prior studies) and if that fails, the use of a menstrual cup (a novel technique). If not successful, the provider will perform standard IUD removal in the clinic.

Primary outcomes

Effectiveness of IUD Self-Removal Techniques

Time frame: Immediately after IUD Removal

Proportion of participants who successfully remove their IUDs

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Oregon Health and Science University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

IUD Self-Removal: A Study to Pilot the Feasibility of a Novel Technique

Important dates

Study start: 2022
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Apr 21, 2022
Registry last updated: Apr 27, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed