What to do if you get pregnant with IUD

The intrauterine device, or IUD, is a highly effective method of birth control, but biology sometimes presents us with the unexpected. Getting pregnant with IUDs, though rare, is a possibility. One in 100 people who use them becomes pregnant per year.

The IUD, whether copper or hormonal, acts mainly by hindering the encounter between egg and sperm or preventing implantation. Its high effectiveness is what makes it a preferred option for many people.

Pregnancy occurs when the IUD may have moved from its ideal place in the uterus without the person realizing it. Other times, even if the device is correctly placed, conception and implantation manage to bypass its barrier.

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Symptoms of being pregnant with an IUD

The symptoms of an IUD pregnancy are usually similar to those of any other pregnancy: missed periods, nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue. But sometimes some of these symptoms, such as bleeding changes or mild cramping, can be mistaken for "normal" side effects of the IUD itself.

So, if you have an IUD and experience any symptoms that make you suspect pregnancy, or just feel that "something is not right" in your body:

1. Take a pregnancy test: A home urine test is a good start. If you are unsure, you can take a blood test.

2. Seek medical attention without delay: If the test is positive or if you have doubts or symptoms persist, see a healthcare professional.

Rule out an ectopic pregnancy

Once a pregnancy is confirmed in an IUD user, the next crucial step is to determine where the embryo has implanted. Pregnancies with IUDs, although infrequent, have a higher proportional probability of being ectopic compared to pregnancies that occur without a contraceptive method. That is, the IUD is very good at preventing pregnancies inside the uterus, so if one occurs, it is more likely to be outside.

Read - Why don't abortion pills work if you have an ectopic pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. This situation is dangerous and not viable, as the pregnancy cannot develop outside the uterus and can cause life-threatening internal bleeding if not treated in time.

To confirm the location of the pregnancy, an ultrasound will be performed. This test is key to rule out an ectopic pregnancy and to visualize whether the pregnancy is inside the uterus and where the IUD is positioned in relation to the gestational sac.

If the pregnancy is in the uterus: options and risks

If the ultrasound confirms an intrauterine pregnancy with the IUD in place, different considerations present themselves and, most importantly, you have options. The decision on how to proceed is personal and should be made based on your autonomy and complete information.

The risks of maintaining a pregnancy with an IUD in the uterus include an increased risk of miscarriage, infection, and premature delivery.

Read - Miscarriage: why it occurs, how it is treated and what happens next

For these reasons, if you decide to continue with the pregnancy and the IUD strings are visible, the general medical recommendation is to remove the IUD carefully. While removal of the IUD carries a small risk of causing a miscarriage, the risks of leaving it in place are considerably greater for the continuation of the pregnancy and for your health. If the threads are not visible, removal may be more complex and the best strategy will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Abortion with IUD

If faced with a pregnancy with an IUD, you decide to terminate the pregnancy, it is essential to know that you have the right to access a safe abortion. The presence of the IUD does not preclude the performance of an abortion; it is simply an additional factor to consider in the procedure.

If you choose a medication abortion, the IUD must be removed before starting treatment with pills. The health professional will remove it during the initial consultation.

If you opt for a surgical abortion, the IUD is usually removed during the same procedure.

In both cases, once the abortion is complete, you have the option to discuss with your health care provider the immediate or subsequent insertion of a new method of contraception, including a new IUD if desired and medically appropriate.

Take control of your health

Getting pregnant with an IUD can be an unnerving experience, but you are not alone. If you find yourself in this situation, you can contact us. Remember to seek support from health professionals who listen to you and respect you, and from support networks that will provide you with the necessary help.

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