Here is a new article that many of you have been waiting for, which answers the question: can you get pregnant with an IUD? IThe answer is YES, BUT it is very rare to get pregnant with an IUD. The IUD is one of the most effective contraceptive methods, with only 0,8% risk of pregnancy. This article is about women who want to insert an IUD or who already have one.
We will first see the rare situations where it can happen to be or become pregnant with an IUD, then the clinical signs that should alert you if you have an IUD and in the last paragraph a short reminder on the different IUDs and their type of action.
Can you get pregnant with an IUD?
It is rare to get pregnant with an IUD with progesterone (Mirena or Jaydess) or with a copper IUD. The IUD is one of the best birth control methods. Here are some fairly rare situations in which you can be pregnant with an IUD.
A pregnancy already present before the insertion of the IUD
Being pregnant is possible with an IUD, if there was a pregnancy already present before the insertion of the IUD. This is why it is essential to verify the absence of pregnancy before the insertion of the IUD, by a beta-HCG blood test.
The IUD can move
The IUD can descend towards the cervix and be less effective than inside the uterus. If pain in the lower abdomen, such as unusual menstrual pain, appears some time after the IUD has been inserted, do not hesitate to have the IUD checked that it is in place.
An ectopic pregnancy
You can get pregnant with an IUD if the pregnancy is lodged elsewhere, such as in the fallopian tubes. This is called an ectopic pregnancy. If pain different from your usual period and bleeding appear at a distance from the pose, do not hesitate to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy. If this is positive, see your doctor.
Medication
Corticosteroids or anti-inflammatories taken for a long time can reduce the effects of the IUD. So do not hesitate to protect yourself with a condom during this period.
What clinical signs should you be concerned about with an IUD to avoid pregnancy?
The following clinical signs should lead you to consult a general practitioner or a gynecologist. In all the following cases, do not hesitate to perform a urine pregnancy test even before seeing a doctor.
Threads not perceived to the touch
If the threads no longer feel to the touch at the level of the cervix, it is because the IUD has moved and therefore you must have your doctor or gynecologist check that it is in place.
IUD felt at the cervix
If you feel the IUD in the cervix and not just the strings, your IUD has descended and is no longer active properly in the uterus.
Change of rules
An increase in the amount of menstruation or the onset of menstruation outside the period of menstruation as well as an unusual delay in menstruation require a pregnancy test in order to rule out pregnancy.
Pain in the lower abdomen (pelvic) associated with bleeding.
In the context of unusual pain and bleeding, an ectopic pregnancy should be ruled out by a pregnancy test.
A little reminder about the IUD
The IUD is a very effective method of contraception. It is placed inside the uterus (as in the diagram below) and provides protection against unwanted pregnancy. It is one of the most effective contraceptives, with a risk of 0,2 to 0,6% compared to 8% with a pill and 15% with a condom. In addition, it is usually placed by a gynecologist or a general practitioner practicing medical gynecology. It is inserted through the cervix and placed in the uterus within the first few days of menstruation.
Then, we recall that the IUD is a very good method of contraception. But it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections such as AIDS or syphilis. If you don't know your partner, protect yourself with a condom.
The copper IUD
The copper IUD causes inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) which prevents implantation of the fertilized egg. It lasts 5 years. It is well tolerated, because without hormones, but it can make the rules a little longer in duration and in quantity.
The progesterone IUD
It atrophies the endometrium, ie making it too thin to accommodate the fertilized egg. The Mirena IUD lasts 5 years and the Jaydess (IUD for women who have never had children) lasts 3 years. It allows a reduction in the duration and intensity of menstruation or even disappearance, with which most women are satisfied.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is very rare to get pregnant with a mirena or copper IUD. If you wish to have more information in order to have one posed, consult your general practitioner or your gynecologist.
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