An IUD or an intrauterine device needs to stay in the uterus for pregnancy prevention. But, you may wonder, can you get pregnant with an IUD? In rare cases, the intrauterine device can shift out of place and slip into the cervix, boosting the chances of pregnancy. But what happens if you remove the IUD and then get pregnant? Will you have pregnancy complications? This article presents the facts on pregnancy after IUD removal and gives you helpful tips on what to do if you find yourself pregnant after an IUD. You’ll also find out the answer to the question of “how soon can you get pregnant after IUD removal?”.
With this in mind, you’ll also want to consult a professional for expert facts on what to expect after an IUD removal. Again, a skilled healthcare specialist will help guide you on this path.
Can You Get Pregnant with an IUD?
Yes, you can get pregnant while utilizing an intrauterine device, but the chances are very slim. Specifically, less than 1% of females with hormonal or copper IUDs find themselves pregnant per year. Even with this fact, rest assured that IUDs are still considered one of the most effective methods of birth control.
As a reminder, your doctor will place the IUD into your uterus in the office. The nonhormonal IUD utilizes copper as a spermicide, while hormonal IUDs release tiny amounts of progestin, the hormone for pregnancy prevention. Your doctor can remove your intrauterine device any time you wish, making this type of contraception ideal for people who may want to have a child in the future. Typically, the patient will regain fertility immediately after IUD removal, so there is no need for long waiting periods. Nevertheless, if you have other fertility problems unrelated to IUD use, you might find it challenging to get pregnant.
So, the answer to the question “can you get pregnant with an IUD” is straightforward. Yes, you can, but the chances are considered to be very low. As mentioned, if your intrauterine device shifts in your uterus and slips into your cervix (below the uterus), the chances of pregnancy may increase. Always consult a professional if you suspect your intrauterine device has failed.
In the rare cases where a pregnancy occurs with an IUD in place, this pregnancy is considered high risk and may be an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus, either in the fallopian tube, ovary, cervix, etc. These pregnancies are never considered normal and need to be treated by a doctor.
Pregnancies with an IUD in place can occur normally as well. If you are concerned you are pregnant and have an IUD in place, be sure to call your doctor immediately for further evaluation.
The Most Common Pregnancy Complications with an IUD
Pregnancy complications may occur if you conceive a child while utilizing an intrauterine device. Keep in mind that getting pregnant with an IUD in place is considered very rare. If you are concerned you may be pregnant and you have an IUD in place, be sure to schedule a consultation with your doctor immediately.
If it is confirmed that you are pregnant, the doctor may or may not remove your IUD. In general, the IUD will be removed if it is early in pregnancy and the IUD will be left alone if the pregnancy is already farther along. Ultimately, the decision to leave the IUD in place or remove it will be left to your healthcare provider.
Pregnancy complications when an IUD is in place include:
- Infection
- Fetal growth restriction
- Early rupture of membranes (or water breaking)
- Premature delivery
- Miscarriage
Pregnancy After IUD Removal
How soon can you get pregnant after IUD removal? According to some experts, women can get pregnant within the first month after intrauterine device removal. Since this is considered immediate, you do not necessarily need to have it removed earlier for your body to “go back to normal”.
Of course, the precise answer to “how soon can you get pregnant after IUD removal” will vary from one person to the next. Pregnancy after IUD removal will take more than one month for some women. Overall, the average time you’ll need to wait for conception depends on your medical history, age, and whether you have other gynecological problems.
Here are some rough estimates on what to expect when it comes to pregnancy after IUD removal:
- Women below the age of 35 have a 20% chance per month of conceiving a child, with up to 90% conceiving by one full year
- Women above the age of 35 have a 10 to 15% less chance of conceiving per month
- Women over the age of 40 may experience another 5% decrease in chances per month
Trouble Getting Pregnant After IUD Removal
Some women may find it easy to get pregnant after IUD removal, while others may find it difficult. In most cases, difficulty conceiving after intrauterine device removal is unrelated to the device itself. Birth control options do not delay a woman’s fertility in nearly all situations. Instead, some common reasons why you may find it challenging to regain your fertility after IUD removal may include other gynecologic issues such as irregular periods, ovulation irregularities, and pelvic pain.
Book an Appointment with Us Today
If you’re considering using an IUD removal in Doral, Miami to prevent pregnancy, or you are planning to start a family, you’ll need a skilled professional with years of expertise. By booking a consultation with us, you will be safe and taken care of. We guarantee only the best. Reach out today.
