There are several reasons why a woman or a couple might choose a particular contraceptive method. And one of the main ones is, without a doubt, the combination of effectiveness and convenience that some offer1. The use of the IUD has become quite popular in recent years precisely because of these characteristics. But since it’s something that women have less direct control over, unlike taking birth control pills, for example, it’s common to have many questions about its use. After all, is it possible to get pregnant with an IUD? What are the chances? And what can you do to prevent it? We’ll address these and many other questions about the subject in today’s article. Check it out!
What is an IUD?
First of all, it’s important to clarify what an IUD is and how it works. The IUD (intrauterine device) is simply a device placed inside a woman’s uterus to prevent fertilization from occurring2. When a woman decides to use an IUD, she needs to talk to her doctor about this decision. Afterwards, the doctor will run all the necessary tests and recommend the most suitable type. The IUD is inserted by appointment, and it takes about 30 minutes to put it in place. Having an IUD inserted can be somewhat painful in some cases, but this depends on the woman’s body type. Similarly, the side effects can vary. Normally, these are related to the intensity of menstrual flow and cramps during the period, which may increase.
Types of IUD
The most common types of IUD are:
- Copper IUD
- Hormonal IUD (the best-known in this group are Mirena® and Kyleena® IUDs)
Let’s talk a bit about each one and their differences.
Copper IUD
This device is T-shaped, made of plastic and coated with copper. Once inserted into the uterus, the copper IUD triggers an inflammatory reaction in the endometrium, which is the inner lining of the uterus. This response to a foreign body inside the uterus causes some changes, such as altering the cervical mucus. In this way, this context prevents the egg from being fertilized by the sperm. For it to work properly, it needs to be correctly positioned. That’s why regular visits to the gynecologist to check the IUD’s placement are very important.
Hormonal IUD
Both the Mirena® and Kyleena® IUDs are considered hormonal because both contain levonorgestrel. This hormone begins to be released into the woman’s body as soon as the IUD is inserted, provoking a response that changes the cervical mucus and also makes it harder for the endometrium to thicken (that is, it keeps the endometrial layer thinner and thus less suitable for embryo implantation). This combined mechanism prevents fertilization. What’s the difference between Mirena® and Kyleena®? Do you know? The latter contains a lower dose of levonorgestrel. While they don’t cause side effects such as increased cramps or heavier periods, it’s common for hormonal IUDs to affect menstruation, sometimes even stopping it altogether (especially Mirena®). Of course, there are many advantages to this, but it also makes it harder to detect a pregnancy if it happens while using these types of IUDs. 
Chances of Getting Pregnant with an IUD
Just like with several other contraceptive methods, the odds of getting pregnant while using an IUD are very small, between 0.2% and 0.7%. However, although minimal, these chances do exist. So, women who use an IUD to avoid pregnancy should be aware that it’s not 100% effective. To avoid problems, many women use other contraceptives during their fertile window, such as condoms, for example. It’s a way to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy even further, even though the risk is already low.
Why Can Pregnancy Happen with an IUD?
As we’ve mentioned, no contraceptive method is 100% effective. That means there’s no way to absolutely guarantee pregnancy won’t occur, even though these methods are extremely effective. Therefore, it is possible to get pregnant with an IUD, since—even if rare—it still carries some risk. It’s worth noting that certain factors can raise the chances of pregnancy with an IUD, such as not being correctly positioned. For this reason, regular consultations with a gynecologist are very important.
How to Identify a Pregnancy with an IUD?
It can be hard for a woman to realize she’s pregnant when she has an IUD, especially the Mirena®. That’s because the absence of menstruation as a side effect can make detection difficult. In these cases, you need to pay attention to other pregnancy symptoms, like:
- Nausea
- Abdominal bloating
- Cramps above usual intensity
- Increased breast tenderness
If pregnancy with an IUD is suspected, the recommended approach is to take a test and discuss the possibility with your doctor. This is the best way to find out if you are pregnant and decide what to do next.
Is There a Better Prevention Method Than the IUD?
This is another question many women ask when choosing what contraceptive method to use. Well, no method is totally effective, as you may have noticed by now. And when making the decision, a woman should consider several health-related factors, as well as her habits and lifestyle, for example. Although it’s a woman’s individual decision, it’s essential to talk to a gynecologist and run some tests to check if the IUD is the best contraceptive choice. Pregnancy with an IUD can happen, just as it can with any other method, such as condoms or birth control pills, for example. For that reason, this should not be the sole factor guiding your choice. It is important to remember that the effectiveness of the IUD is very high, and it’s a device approved by all medical professionals, which means you can trust it. In addition, there are other ways to further reduce the chances of unwanted pregnancy3, like those we mentioned in today’s article. Knowledge is very important for making the right choices and decisions. Pregnancy is a serious matter and comes with a lot of responsibility. Also read: Injectable Birth Control – More Benefits or More Downsides?
