The experience of difficult implant and intrauterine device removals from the U.S. National Survey of Family Growth, 2017-2019.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize difficult long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) removal experiences among reproductive-aged U.S. women. STUDY DESIGN: Using U.S. National Survey of Family Growth (2017-2019) data to identify individuals reporting LARC removal difficulty in the previous 10 years, we examined common reasons and variations by socio-demographics or LARC type. RESULTS: Of 1036 respondents using LARC within the past 10 years, 61.2% desired removal. 12.2% reported removal difficulty. Reasons included complications (72.3%) and provider discouragement (10.6%). Difficult removal prevalence did not significantly vary by socio-demographics or LARC type. CONCLUSIONS: Challenges removing LARC upon request may be more common than providers realize and should inform contraceptive counseling.