Author: Dr. Emily Johnson
Updated: June 1, 2021
Originally Published: September 27, 2018
Image Source: diego_cervo / Getty
In a moment of heightened emotion, I found myself expelling my partner from our home during a midnight episode characterized by intense hormonal fluctuations. Amidst the turmoil of mood swings, lethargy, and intermittent nausea, the thought of pregnancy was the least of my concerns—after all, I had an intrauterine device (IUD) in place.
Approximately six months postpartum, my midwife had inserted a Mirena IUD, marking my first experience with this form of contraception. The transition represented a newfound autonomy: no more daily pills, no more condoms, and certainly no more tracking fertility cycles or worrying about missed periods.
As time progressed, we adjusted to life with two children. Our eldest began kindergarten, and discussions of expanding our family were put on hold as my freelance editing career flourished in tandem with the impending release of my first book. My husband remained steadfast against the idea of another child, suggesting we should enjoy our current family dynamics. Our relationship thrived, bolstered by the absence of pregnancy concerns, allowing for spontaneous intimacy.
However, one seemingly ordinary Friday evening, a sudden emotional outburst led me to irrationally demand my husband’s departure. Following my unexpected actions, I experienced a profound sense of fatigue, floating through my daily responsibilities. This culminated in a vivid dream about childbirth, prompting me to purchase a pregnancy test the following day—more as a precaution than an expectation.
Upon entering the pharmacy with my children, I felt an overwhelming sense of disbelief as I acquired a generic pregnancy test. My internal dialogue insisted, “It’s impossible; I have an IUD.” Yet, upon conducting the test, the emergence of a dark pink line shattered my assumptions. I contacted my husband, family, and obstetrician, who requested my immediate presence due to the heightened risk of miscarriage associated with IUD pregnancies.
Two hours later, an ultrasound confirmed my worst fears: a developing fetus was present within my uterus, yet the IUD was conspicuously absent. My astonishment was met with the doctor’s nonchalant suggestion that it may have disintegrated or been ejected from my body unnoticed. The thought of this occurrence was unsettling.
In retrospect, my failure to monitor menstrual cycles was a significant oversight. The absence of tracking could have provided clarity regarding my reproductive health, yet I had relied on the IUD as an effective contraceptive measure.
Upon returning home, I initiated prenatal vitamins and prepared for the profound changes ahead. The initial shock would eventually evolve into a sense of excitement, though many of my peers with IUDs sought immediate verification of their own devices. “Trust nothing,” I advised them, acknowledging that while hormonal IUDs boast a 99.7 percent effectiveness rate, exceptions exist—as evidenced by my personal experience.
For those facing similar early pregnancy symptoms, it is imperative to consult medical resources such as WomensHealth.gov for guidance. Additionally, exploring options for at-home insemination may also be beneficial, as discussed in another post on our blog at Intracervical Insemination. Considering the nuances of fertility management, Make a Mom provides valuable insights into self-insemination techniques.
In summary, the unexpected failure of my IUD serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding reproductive health and the importance of remaining vigilant, even with seemingly reliable contraceptive methods.