An intrauterine device is one of the most popular and effective forms of birth control, it is rare to become pregnant while using one. The IUD has a 99.7 per cent efficacy rate, becoming pregnant when you have an IUD isn’t common but it has been seen to happen.
What happens if I get pregnant with an IUD?
Having an IUD increases the risk of you having an ectopic pregnancy because they are so effective at preventing intrauterine pregnancies that, if a pregnancy does occur, there’s a higher likelihood that it developed outside the uterus. So if you are found pregnant with an IUD, the first step will be to determine the type of pregnancy, which could be either:
● Intrauterine, which is the normal location for pregnancy development, allowing for fetal growth over 9 months, or
● Ectopic, which is when a fertilized egg implants in a fallopian tube or other location outside the uterus and poses serious health risks to the woman
What are the symptoms of being pregnant with an IUD?
A pregnancy with an IUD in place typically has the same symptoms as any regular pregnancy — including breast tenderness, nausea, and fatigue — so if you’re experiencing those symptoms and you have missed your period, call your doctor right away to find out if you’re pregnant. Find out the symptoms here.
IUDs are an incredibly good form of birth control for many women, but no contraceptive is 100 per cent effective. If you’re considering birth controls, find out more here.
References
- Parenting. IUD. Accessed on 15th October 2018