I had one fitted (to stop my very painful periods) back in 2000 - under GA, as they were doing a D&C at the same time. It stayed in place for over 4 years, but then had it removed as it had moved slightly giving a bit of discomfort (and at the time we were hoping to try for a baby). My GP could not shift it, so I went to the hospital and a very experienced doctor recognised the fact that I am at a 'funny angle' inside, so she only had one chance to get it out (she did not tell me this!!). Whilst a nurse distracted me by talking about holidays, the doctor did one very hard pull at the right angle and out it came. Lets just say I nearly hit the ceiling! She said that that otherwise I would have had to go under GA again.