Interest in using intrauterine contraception when the option of self-removal is provided

BackgroundThe need to ask a clinician to remove an intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) may deter some women from trying the method. There is little risk to a woman who attempts to remove her own IUC.Study DesignIn 2010, 602 women seeking abortion completed a computerized survey in the waiting rooms of six US abortion clinics. The survey asked women to rate their interest in using the currently available IUCs and a hypothetical “new” self-removable IUC.ResultsOverall, 25% of respondents would be more willing to try an IUC if they could remove it themselves. Interest in a self-removable IUC was higher among women who were already considering use of an IUC. After controlling for multiple covariates, women who were likely to have unprotected sex in the future were more willing to consider use of an IUC if they had the option of self-removal (odds ratio 1.63, 95% confidence interval 1.03–2.59).ConclusionsInforming women that they may safely attempt self-removal of their IUC may increase interest in trying an IUC.