Is It Possible to Get Pregnant with an IUD

Is it Possible to Get Pregnant with an IUD: Your Chances

If you have discussed getting an intrauterine device with your doctor, he or she probably explained to you what this form of birth control does help prevent pregnancy. The intrauterine device, shaped like a 'T', releases hormones through a copper wrapping. These hormones and the copper do three things to reduce the chances of getting pregnant: it prevents the uterine lining from building, makes your cervical mucus sticky and thick, and produces chemicals that either harm or kill sperm. With all of these variables, it is difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg and, if it does, the egg most likely will not implant in the uterus.

However, there have been cases that women have become pregnant. WebMD has statistical information on women who have conceived with an IUD. It's been reported that pregnancy occured for 1 out of 1000 women with the Levonorgestrel (LNg) intrauterine device. After having the LNg placed for 7 years, these number increased to 7 per 1000 women. Among women who decided to have the copper IUD, 6 out of 1000 women conceived and after 10 years of using this type, 20-30 out of 1000 women ended up pregnant.

Dislodging and expulsion of the IUD are two main causes for pregnancy. This plastic t-shaped piece has a string that goes through the cervix and out the vagina. To make sure it is still in the right spot, you need to check to make sure you can still feel the string. If you do not feel it or something just doesn't seem right about it, it is important to use back up birth control.

What Happens if You Become Pregnant

Now that you know the answer to 'is it possible to become pregnant with an IUD', you might want to know what the risks are to your developing fetus if you do get pregnant. If you do become pregnant, you need to call your doctor right away. There is a risk of miscarriage, pre-term birth, or ectopic pregnancy if you have the intrauterine device placed in the uterus at the time of implantation. Women have become pregnant while on this form of birth control and have had healthy pregnancies and babies. Go to this website to read some women's stories about becoming pregnant with the IUD.

The Advantages of Choosing an Intrauterine Device

There are advantages to using the IUD that will make it less likely for you to become pregnant. If you have ever taken a birth control pill, you know that sometimes life can get hectic and you may forget a pill or two. Forgetting to take your birth control pill could mean that you ovulate and become pregnant. With an intrauterine device, there is no pill to take each day, you simply do nothing and still have the same birth control effectiveness as the pill.

While on the IUD, your periods may be lighter and you may have less premenstrual symptoms. If you have a hard time with heavy periods, the IUD can help you manage this annoyance. Since it doesn't allow your uterus to build much of a lining, there is less to shed at the end of your cycle.

If you decide you want to become pregnant, you don't have to wait for your cycles to regulate. With other forms of birth control, there may be a period during which you will be unable to get pregnant until your body goes back to regular cycles. As soon as your doctor removes the intrauterine device, you are ready to start trying to conceive.

Finally, an IUD gives you the freedom to do what you want when you want. It doesn't get in the way of activities and you probably will forget that it is even in there. Comfort, convenience, and effectiveness are three of the main reasons why many women have chosen the IUD..