About
IUD Insertions & Removals in Burnaby
Comfortable, Patient-Centered IUD Care
At Full Circle Integrative Health, we offer patient-centered IUD insertions and removals in Burnaby. Whether you are considering an IUD for birth control, heavy menstrual bleeding, perimenopause management, or endometrial protection during hormone therapy, our goal is to make the experience as gentle and supportive as possible.
We understand that many patients feel nervous about IUD procedures. Our approach focuses on education, comfort, and individualized care. We offer gentle cervical freezing techniques when appropriate and ultrasound-confirmed IUD placement at the time of insertion for added reassurance.
Why Patients Consider an IUD
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small device placed inside the uterus that can provide highly effective long-term contraception and, depending on the type of IUD, may also help manage heavy menstrual bleeding.
Patients may consider an IUD for:
- Birth control
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Painful periods
- Perimenopause management
- Endometrial protection during hormone therapy
- Reducing the need for oral medications
- Long-term, low-maintenance contraception
We offer consultations to help determine whether a hormonal IUD such as Mirena or a non-hormonal copper IUD may be appropriate for your goals and health history.
IUD Insertions
Our clinic offers supportive, comfort-focused IUD insertions in a calm and welcoming environment.
Prior to insertion, we review:
- Your medical history
- Previous experiences with pelvic exams or IUDs
- Menstrual history
- Pregnancy considerations
- The type of IUD being inserted
- What to expect during and after the procedure
To help improve comfort during insertion, we may use:
- Gentle cervical freezing
- Smaller insertion instruments when appropriate
- Ultrasound-confirmed placement
- Step-by-step communication throughout the procedure
Many patients are surprised by how manageable the experience feels when they are well prepared and supported.
After insertion, patients may experience temporary cramping or spotting which typically improves over the following days to weeks.
IUD Removals
Regular IUD Removal
Complex IUD Removal
We offer routine IUD removals and replacements at our Burnaby clinic.
Patients may seek IUD removal for many reasons including:
- Expired IUD
- Desire for pregnancy
- Side effects
- Menopause transition
- Switching contraception methods
- Persistent irregular bleeding
Many removals are straightforward and take only a few minutes. During your appointment, we will review your symptoms, discuss next steps, and answer any questions you may have regarding contraception or hormonal support moving forward.
Some IUD removals can be more technically challenging, including situations where:
- Strings are not visible
- Strings have retracted into the cervix or uterus
- There is significant discomfort with removal attempts
- Prior removal attempts were unsuccessful
- The cervix is stenotic or difficult to access
We offer ultrasound-assisted assessment and additional procedural support techniques when appropriate to help improve patient comfort and procedural success.
If you have previously been told your removal may be difficult, we encourage you to contact our clinic prior to booking so we can help guide you to the most appropriate appointment type
IUDs & Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Hormonal IUDs such as Mirena are commonly used to help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and may significantly improve quality of life for some patients.
Heavy periods can contribute to:
- Iron deficiency
- Low ferritin
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Brain fog
- Exercise intolerance
As a clinic with a strong focus in women’s health and iron deficiency management, we frequently support patients experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding and low iron stores.
Our team may recommend additional assessment including:
- Ferritin testing
- Hematology testing
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Perimenopause evaluation
We also offer iron infusion therapy for eligible patients with iron deficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a consultation first?
Yes. Prior to an IUD insertion, patients are required to complete a brief 15-minute screening call with the doctor. During this consultation, we review your medical history, discuss which IUD may be the best fit for your goals and health history, answer any questions you may have, and provide the prescription for the IUD device prior to your insertion appointment.
Does an IUD insertion hurt?
Experiences vary from person to person. Many patients experience cramping during insertion, but we use several techniques to help improve comfort including gentle cervical freezing and a supportive, patient-centered approach.
How long does an IUD insertion appointment take?
Most appointments take approximately 30–45 minutes including preparation, the procedure itself, and recovery time.
Can an IUD help heavy periods?
Hormonal IUDs such as Mirena are commonly used to help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and may improve iron deficiency related to chronic blood loss.
Do you offer ultrasound-confirmed placement?
Yes. We offer ultrasound-confirmed IUD placement during insertion appointments for added reassurance and confirmation of positioning.
Can I have my IUD replaced during the same appointment?
Yes, we can remove and replace an IUD during the same visit.
What if my IUD strings cannot be found?
This is exactly what our Complex IUD Removal appointments are designed for. In many cases, IUDs with non-visible or retracted strings can still be successfully removed using specialized techniques and ultrasound guidance when appropriate. If you have previously been told your IUD removal may be difficult or unsuccessful, we recommend booking a Complex IUD Removal appointment so we can allocate additional time and procedural support.
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Contact Us
If you have questions about our services, need more information, or want to schedule an appointment, feel free to reach out.