Can You Become Pregnant with an IUD? Yes! A Fertility Expert Explains

Expert Insights: What to Do If You Suspect Pregnancy with an IUD

Dr. Laura Fields shares guidance for those with an IUD who believe they might be pregnant.

Written by Jamie Collins
July 25, 2022

In the wake of changing reproductive rights, many individuals have questions about their options, particularly when it comes to preventing pregnancy. Among the popular choices is the IUD, a small, T-shaped plastic device that a healthcare provider places within the uterus.

IUDs are favored by many because they eliminate the need for a daily pill or monthly injections, providing a long-term solution for those wishing to avoid pregnancy for several years. Users can select either a non-hormonal copper IUD or a hormonal version, which can help in achieving lighter periods. The flexibility of IUDs allows for insertion at any point during your menstrual cycle, including immediately postpartum, and can be removed whenever you wish to conceive or switch methods.

An added advantage is their impressive effectiveness; when correctly inserted, IUDs boast a failure rate of merely 0.1-0.4%, according to Dr. Laura Fields, a reproductive endocrinologist and IVF director at New Life Fertility in New York. However, while rare, there’s still a possibility of unexpected pregnancy, and in today’s environment, it’s crucial to know your options if you find yourself needing to consider terminating a pregnancy. So, what should you do if you think you may be pregnant while using an IUD?

Chances of Becoming Pregnant with an IUD

Before you take a pregnancy test, take a moment to breathe. As mentioned, the likelihood of pregnancy with an IUD is quite low. They function by preventing sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg and are over 99% effective. Nonetheless, if pregnancy does occur with an IUD, it can pose certain risks, making it essential to keep track of when your device needs to be replaced or removed.

“IUDs come with different expiration timelines, so it’s vital to confirm with your healthcare provider or the manufacturer,” says Fields. “Most hormonal IUDs last between 3-5 years, while copper IUDs can function effectively for up to 10 years. If you feel anything is amiss, reach out to your doctor even before the expiration date.”

Although uncommon, complications can arise with IUDs. “The most frequent causes for failure include a mispositioned or displaced IUD (such as being located in the cervix instead of the uterus), expulsion, undetected pregnancy at the time of placement, or an expired IUD.”

Risks Associated with Pregnancy While Using an IUD

If you suspect you are pregnant with an IUD, it’s essential to consult your doctor right away. “The first step is to ascertain the location of the pregnancy. If it’s ectopic (meaning it occurs outside the uterus, like in a fallopian tube), treatment will proceed similarly, with both medical and surgical options available regardless of the IUD,” Fields notes. “If a viable intrauterine pregnancy is confirmed, how we proceed will depend on whether the pregnancy is desired.”

While having an IUD does not increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, pregnancies with an IUD are more likely to be ectopic. If left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening, requiring intervention through medication or surgery, depending on when it is identified, as outlined by the Mayo Clinic. Fortunately, even in restrictive abortion circumstances, care is available for ectopic pregnancies.

Signs of Pregnancy with an IUD

If you become pregnant while using an IUD, you may exhibit typical pregnancy symptoms, which can include nausea, fatigue, mood fluctuations, breast tenderness, and a missed period. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy may manifest as abnormal vaginal bleeding, lower back pain, abdominal or pelvic discomfort, and cramping on one side. If you discover that you are pregnant, your doctor will assess the safest course of action moving forward. “Keeping the IUD in place has been associated with a heightened risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and infections during and after delivery,” Fields cautions. “If the IUD can be safely removed, it might be advisable to do so, though this could also increase the risk of miscarriage. Discussing the risks and benefits with your doctor is crucial.”

For further insights on home insemination, consider checking out this resource. Additionally, if you’re looking for authoritative information, visit Make a Mom’s page for expert guidance. For an excellent overview of pregnancy week by week, don’t miss March of Dimes.

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Summary

Understanding the possibility of pregnancy with an IUD is crucial for anyone using this form of birth control. While the chances are slim, it’s important to be aware of the signs and potential risks involved, especially in today’s changing legal landscape regarding reproductive health. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help navigate any concerns and ensure safe reproductive choices.