Can You Get Pregnant If You Have The Mirena

Can You Get Pregnant While On The Mirena

It is possible for pregnancy to occur when you have the Mirena IUD in, but this is extremely unlikely. The chance of pregnancy when you have this form of contraception is less than one in 100, as the Mirena is 99% effective as a form of birth control.

In between 2-10 % of all people with IUDs, the device can slip partially or even fully out of the uterus, which is often not noticeable at all and can mean that you arent protected against unwanted pregnancy.

With hormonal IUDs like Mirena, there are some rare instances where you could get pregnant because the IUD hasnt started to work yet. Mirena and Skyla, and other types of hormonal IUD can take anything up to seven days before they actually start to prevent pregnancy. Your doctor will advise you to use a condom or another type of contraception to prevent pregnancy during this window.

The copper IUD, Paragard is one of the intrauterine devices that protects immediately against pregnancy, so if youre worried about that risk then its a good idea to ask your doctor if the copper IUD could be right for you.

Another reason that your IUD might be ineffective is if it remains in use after the FDA-approved expiration date.

Pro: Its Ready When You Are

Having an IUD means that as long as youre practicing safer sex, you can be spontaneous without worrying about pregnancy. Your IUD offers reliable contraception for years at a time. The copper IUD starts working instantly.

Hormone-releasing IUDs should be removed and replaced every 3-10 years, depending on the brand. The copper-wrapped IUD can stay in place and offer continuous protection for up to 12 years.

Who Should Not Use Mirena

Women who are pregnant or suspect they may be pregnant, should not use Mirena.

Patients with the following health conditions should not use Mirena

• Uterine abnormalities
• History of pelvic inflammatory disease
• Postpartum endometriosis or recent infected abortion
• Abnormal Pap smear
• Vaginal, cervical or genital infections
• Liver disease or tumors

Michelle Llamas has been writing articles and producing podcasts about drugs, medical devices and the FDA for nearly a decade. She focuses on various medical conditions, health policy, COVID-19, LGBTQ health, mental health and womens health issues. Michelle collaborates with experts, including board-certified doctors, patients and advocates, to provide trusted health information to the public. Some of her qualifications include:

• Member of American Medical Writers Association and former Engage Committee and Membership Committee member
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health Literacy certificates
• Original works published or cited in The Lancet, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and the Journal for Palliative Medicine
• Patient Advocacy Certificate from University of Miami

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How We Handle Pregnancy With An Iud

Our first step is 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

We used to believe that having an IUD increased the risk of having an ectopic pregnancy. Now we understand that because IUDs are so effective at preventing intrauterine pregnancies that, if a pregnancy does occur, theres a higher likelihood that it developed outside the uterus. But patients arent at increased risk for ectopic pregnancies just because they have an IUD.

Next, we look for the IUD strings in the cervix to potentially remove the device. Studies have shown that the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and infection of the amniotic sac and fluid before delivery is significantly higher when IUDs are left in place during pregnancy compared to pregnancies in which the IUD is removed. However, while taking out the IUD improves the pregnancy outcome, there is still a higher risk of pregnancy complications compared to patients who never had an IUD in place. For most women whose IUD strings are visible through the cervix, we recommend removal of the IUD at the first visit.

You Have Pain Even Though The Iud Is In

One sign of pregnancy that absolutely shouldn’t be ignored is pain, especially in your abdomen. “If you are having abdominal or pelvic pain that does not go away with over the counter pain medications, or you are having heavy vaginal bleeding, you need to be evaluated immediately,” explains Dr. Farid. Unfortunately, pain can be a sign of something more worrisome. âWomen who do get pregnant while using an IUD have an increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy, which is very risky for a woman’s health.”

Hereâs how it happens. During an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg doesnât grow in the uterus , but rather in the fallopian tube, although it can occur in the ovary, or even the cervix, the Mayo Clinic reported. It can lead to pelvic or abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and pregnancy loss. And if you experience sudden severe pain in your abdomen, shoulder, or lower back, or feel cramping on one side of your pelvis, or even faint, you should go to the emergency room, ACOG reported.

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How Does An Iud Work

The copper-coated IUD prevents pregnancy by not allowing the sperm to fertilize the egg. It may also make it harder for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus.

An IUD coated with progestin works in a similar way, but also thickens the cervical mucus and thins the uterine lining. In some cases, it stops . This prevents sperm from fertilizing the egg and implanting.

A progestin IUD also can be used to help reduce blood flow for girls who have heavy, painful periods .

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Common Side Effects Of Mirena Include:

• Pain, bleeding, or dizziness during and after placement. If these symptoms do not stop 30 minutes after placement, Mirena may not have been placed correctly. Your healthcare professional will examine you to see if Mirena needs to be removed or replaced.

• Changes in bleeding. You may have bleeding and spotting between menstrual periods, especially during the first 3 to 6 months. Sometimes the bleeding is heavier than usual at first. However, the bleeding usually becomes lighter than usual and may be irregular. Call your healthcare professional if the bleeding remains heavier than usual or increases after it has been light for a while.

• Missed menstrual periods. About 2 out of 10 women stop having periods after 1 year of Mirena use. If you have any concerns that you may be pregnant while using Mirena, do a urine pregnancy test and call your healthcare professional. If you do not have a period for 6 weeks during Mirena use, call your healthcare professional. When Mirena is removed, your menstrual periods should return.

• Cysts on the ovary. Some women using Mirena develop a painful cyst on the ovary. These cysts usually disappear on their own in 2 to 3 months. However, cysts can cause pain and sometimes cysts will need surgery.

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What Helps You Get Pregnant Fast

Here are 10 tips that may help increase a healthy womans chances of becoming pregnant. Record menstrual cycle frequency. Monitor ovulation. Have sex every other day during the fertile window. Strive for a healthy body weight. Take a prenatal vitamin. Eat healthy foods. Cut back on strenuous workouts.

How Does Mirena Work

Mirena birth control works by releasing levonorgestrel. This hormone thins the lining of the uterus. It also thickens the mucus in the cervix.

As a result, sperm has a hard time moving and surviving in the uterus. This prevents pregnancy.

The thinning of the uterine lining can also reduce or stop menstrual bleeding.

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What If I Become Pregnant While Using Mirena

Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency that often requires surgery. Ectopic pregnancy can cause internal bleeding, infertility, and even death.

There are also risks if you get pregnant while using Mirena and the pregnancy is in the uterus. Severe infection, miscarriage, premature delivery, and even death can occur with pregnancies that continue with an intrauterine device . Because of this, your healthcare professional may try to remove Mirena, even though removing it may cause a miscarriage. If Mirena cannot be removed, talk with your healthcare professional about the benefits and risks of continuing the pregnancy and possible effects of the hormone on your unborn baby.

If you continue your pregnancy, see your healthcare professional regularly. Call your healthcare professional right away if you get flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, cramping, pain, bleeding, vaginal discharge, or fluid leaking from your vagina. These may be signs of infection.

Is It Safe To Get Pregnant After Mirena Removal

It is safe to get pregnant after the removal of Mirena. Having Mirena inserted into the uterus does not lower the chances of conceiving after it has been removed. Women who wish to get pregnant can easily do so after the Mirena has been removed. The device itself works on the basis of its release of hormones such as progesterone which is the main element in the prevention of ovulation and menstruation. When you wish to get pregnant, your doctor will take the IUD out. Once the hormone releaser is away, your body is ready to ovulate and conceive.

Are There Complications of Getting Pregnant After Mirena?

Most women were able to get pregnant soon after removing Mirena. But some of them reported miscarriages, though there are other factors that account for such complications. In some very rare cases, the Mirena may not have been placed properly into the uterus and therefore causes a hole in the uterine wall, thereby embedding itself in the uterus. In these cases, surgery is required to remove the Mirena. If the damage to the tissues is too excessive in some extreme cases, a hysterectomy may be required and pregnancy may not be easily achieved.

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Can You Get Pregnant With An Expired Iud

• Pregnancy Side Effects. While Mirena is 99-percent effective, women can still become pregnant during use and this results in severe side effects. As a result, women typically have a Mirena pregnancy surgically removed. If not, they risk a possible septic abortion, a form of miscarriage accompanied by serious, life-threatening infection of the.
• I had an IUD put in April of 2009. Since May I have had a yeast infection, another bacteria infection , and 3 UTIâs. I am done! I have already scheduled to have the IUD removed but they canât get me into the office until September 23rd! I canât wait to have it removed, this is absolutely ridiculous
• Two tests 6 weeks apart that are both in the menopausal range confirms that you are menopausal. You should still leave the old IUD in place for another 12 months to be sure though. If your Mirena was inserted after age 45 it can be left in for contraception well past age 50, not just the usual 5 years
• Over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy for up to 6 years. The first and only hormone-releasing IUD that is FDA-approved to treat heavy periodsalso known as heavy menstrual bleeding for up to 5 years in women who choose an IUD for birth control. Can be used whether or not youâve had a baby

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My Crash Experience After Mirena Removal

I was off on vacation soaking up the sun, sand, and having lots of fun telling some jokes and then WHAMO. it hit me.

Not knowing about the crash, I had the Mirena IUD removed a couple of weeks prior to leaving for our vacation.

I had trouble with my Mirena from the beginning of getting it inserted. After five years, I had it removed. I could have removed it sooner, but I wanted to keep it in for the full 5 years.

The Mirena crash came out of nowhere.

I went to bed feeling relaxed and happy to be on vacation, and then woke up with a crushing, heavy, almost suffocating feeling of blah. Not just any blah, but an I need to go home now because I cannot stand this feeling anymore blah.

That was just day one.

For four days, I felt a crushing anxiety. Then I realized I was experiencing the dreaded Mirena crash.

I wont lie: it sucked. But after four days, I felt pretty much back to normal. Thank you very much, Mirena.

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Contact Palm Beach Fertility Center For Help Conceiving After Iud Removal

Frustrated youre not getting pregnant after doing everything right? Youre not alone. We can help you learn more about your fertility, and provide fertility treatments, should you be a good candidate.

Every womans road to motherhood is different, and we want to help you if you are struggling. If you need guidance on trying to conceive, contact the Palm Beach Fertility Clinic for a consultation at 819-5177 or easily book your appointment online.

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Bleeding After Iud Removal: How Much Is Normal

Bleeding is usually light and irregular in the first few days or weeks after your IUD removal, and its very unlikely you will experience any bleeding at all for the first month or so. Any bleeding that does occur will either be completely light and stringy or lighter and more flowy.

Heavy periods are possible after any type of IUD removal but they are most likely to happen after Mirena, ParaGard, Liletta, or Skyla removal.

As you can have your IUD removed at any time in your menstrual cycle, you can experience different levels of bleeding depending on what stage youre at. It can actually take up to three months for your normal menstrual cycle to get back to normal.

If you are worried about heavy bleeding, consider waiting a little longer to start trying to conceive after IUD removal to be extra sure youre ready for pregnancy. Always check with your doctor or a medical professional if you are worried about the amount of bleeding you experience after removing IUDs.

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How Fertile Are You After Mirena Removal

The IUD is placed within seven days of the start of the menstrual period and is 99% effective as a contraceptive. A woman may try to conceive right after the IUD is removed. It takes the average young couple about 4-6 months to conceive and after one year approximately 85-90% of couples will conceive.

What Happens If You Do Become Pregnant While An Iud Is Inserted

If you do become pregnant with an IUD in place, and the egg has implanted itself in the lining of your uterus, then you are at an increased risk of miscarriage, sepsis, premature labor, and premature delivery.

You should go to your doctor straight away and get the IUD removed if the strings are visible or can be retrieved however, the success of this depends on how far along your pregnancy already is. Research has shown the risk of miscarriage is up to 27% when the IUD was removed compared with 77% if the IUD was left in place.

Leaving an IUD in place if you become pregnant increases your risk of spontaneous abortion, septic abortion, septicemia, septic shock, premature labor, premature delivery, a hysterectomy or permanent infertility, or death.

If an IUD cannot be removed or if you choose not to have it removed, you will need to monitor yourself and report immediately to your doctor any flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, cramping, pain, bleeding, vaginal discharge, or leakage of fluid, or any other symptom that suggests complications of the pregnancy.

Women who are already pregnant should not have an IUD inserted because it may cause adverse pregnancy outcomes.

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The Tl dr On Pregnancy And Iuds

Becoming pregnant with an IUD inserted is “exceedingly rare,” according to an article published by the NLM, and it’s still one of the most effective forms of contraception. The pill, the patch, and the hormonal vaginal ring, for example, all have a typical use failure rate of 7 percent compared to less than 1 percent for IUDs, according to the CDC. That said, there isn’t one “best” form of birth control, and your needs may change over time, per the Office on Women’s Health. So if those risks of pregnancy with an IUD inserted make you feel uneasy, chat with your doc about your other birth control options.

What Happens When An Iud Is Removed

A doctor or nurse removes the IUD in their office, and it only takes a few minutes. You will lie down in the same position you used for the IUD insertion, and then your provider will:

When it comes to removing an IUD, sometimes there are no IUD strings to pull on. That makes the process a little more complicated. This usually means the IUD has shifted.

In these cases, you will need an ultrasound scan and a pregnancy test to look for the IUD and check for pregnancy. If the IUD is still present, but its hard to reach, then you will need another procedure with a specialist to remove the IUD.

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