Types Of Pregnancy With An Iud
If your IUD fails, the doctor will find out which type of pregnancy you have:
- Intrauterine pregnancy: This is a normal pregnancy in your uterus where your baby will grow for 9 months.
- Ectopic pregnancy: The embryo tries to grow outside your uterus. It usually happens in your fallopian tubes, which carry eggs to your ovaries and then to your uterus. You can also get an ectopic pregnancy in your ovaries, abdomen, or cervix. A pregnancy in one of these areas canât grow normally. Doctors will end an ectopic pregnancy to protect you from possible bleeding that could put your life at risk.
Since IUDs prevent pregnancies in your uterus, youâre more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy than a regular pregnancy. But this doesnât mean youâre at a higher risk for ectopic pregnancies in general just because you have an IUD.
Who Is An Iud Right For
IUDs are a good birth control option for many people, but aren’t recommended for someone:
- with PID or an active STD infection
- who is already pregnant or may be pregnant
- who has problems with her uterus, like a disease or malformation, or has abnormal bleeding
Experts recommend IUDs as a good birth control option for younger adults and teens because they last for many years, need no daily care, and are very effective at preventing pregnancy.
What Are Other Causes Of Bleeding During Pregnancy
Sometimes bleeding isn’t caused by any medical conditions and your healthcare provider won’t be concerned. However, its always better to discuss any spotting or bleeding with them to make sure.
Other reasons you may bleed during pregnancy are:
- Sex: Some women experience light bleeding after sex. This is due to your cervix being extra tender during pregnancy.
- Pelvic exam or ultrasound: Your cervix can bleed after a pelvic exam or transvaginal ultrasound because its highly sensitive .
- Infection:Chlamydia, gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted infections , or urinary tract infections can cause light bleeding. These infections will need to be treated by your healthcare provider.
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Your Body Is Adjusting To The Change
When you first start using an intrauterine device and are greeted with excessive and unpredictable bleeding, it is not typically a cause for concern. As their bodies adjust to the new hormones, most women will experience irregular bleeding that is a light brown color for the first few months after the insertion of the birth control device.
The progesterone is working on the uterine liner to make it thinner so that your body wont create a large thick liner to shed every month. If you experience spotting early on, this simply means that the progesterone is doing its job. However, if it persists after the initial few months, it might indicate that there is something else going on.
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Can You Still Get Pregnant With Mirena
Mirena is reported to be effective at preventing pregnancy over 99% of the time. If pregnancy occurs, however, the presence of hormones may damage a developing fetus which may result in miscarriage and may cause the uterus to become infected or septic, resulting in a septic abortion, an extremely dangerous condition. If pregnancy is allowed to proceed, there is a high risk of premature birth. If a pregnancy occurs during Mirena use, it is recommended that the woman undergo surgical zygote removal.
Though pregnancy is rare with Mirena use, an estimated half of Mirena-related pregnancies are ectopic pregnancies. An ectopic pregnancy is often called tubal pregnancy as it often involves fertilized egg implantation in one of the fallopian tubes but may occur in the cervix or other areas outside of the uterus.
An ectopic pregnancy is generally considered a medical emergency and often requires surgical removal of the fallopian tube which can result in infertility. Women who have had a previous ectopic pregnancy are at higher risk and should not use Mirena.
What Is Spontaneous Abortion?
What Is a Septic Abortion?
What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancies are not considered viable and most often require surgical removal. If discovered early enough, surgical termination may be performed through laparoscopy, but emergency cases will usually require abdominal surgery.
What Are the Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy?
- Rapid heart rate
- Abdominal swelling
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What Copper Iud Side Effects Should I Expect
The copper IUD has no hormones, so you dont have to deal with any of the risks or side effects that can sometimes happen with hormonal birth control methods.
But copper IUDs often cause more bleeding and cramps during your period, especially in the first 3-6 months. For many people, this gets better over time.
Paragard side effects can include:
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spotting between periods
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heavier or longer periods
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more or worse cramping during your periods
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pain when your IUD is put in, and cramping or back aches for a few days after
Over-the-counter pain medicine can help with IUD cramps. And the cramping and bleeding usually get better after a few months, once your body gets used to your IUD. You can keep track of any side effects you may be having with our birth control app.
Birth control shouldnt make you feel uncomfortable. If you have bleeding or pain that really bothers you, talk with your nurse or doctor. They may need to check and make sure your IUD is in the right place, or they might recommend a different method of birth control for you. Some people try a few different birth control methods before finding the right one for them.The copper IUD has been around for decades, and millions of people have used it safely, though there are some possible risks, like with any medical device. You can always call a nurse or doctor, like the ones at your local Planned Parenthood health center, if you have any concerns.
What You Should Know About Breakthrough Bleeding With Birth Control
Breakthrough bleeding rarely signals a health problem. But your ob-gyn can help.
Breakthrough bleeding is a common concern among women using hormonal birth control. Its usually a small amount of spotting at a time when youre not expecting your period, though some women have heavier bleeding. Most often, my patients come in saying they feel fine, but are noticing a little spotting when they use the bathroom. Should they be worried?
I reassure them that breakthrough bleeding rarely signals a health problem. And it doesnt mean your birth control isnt effective at preventing pregnancy. But there are ways we can try to fix it.
Heres what I tell my patients about birth control and breakthrough bleeding.
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Taking Steps If You Think You’re Pregnant
Did You Know? While home pregnancy tests are most effective once youve missed your period, some are accurate 4 or 5 days before your period is due.
Foreign Body Reactions: The Iuds Last Line Of Defense
While the primary methods of action for IUDs are outlined above, both types of IUD also have a secondary line of defense known as a âforeign body reaction.â
So, what exactly is a foreign body reaction? It may sound serious, but itâs actually a process that keeps bodies healthy. And in this case, it works to prevent pregnancy. When a foreign object is inserted into the human body, the body responds by causing inflammation in the area .
The body sends white blood cells into the uterus to prevent infection from the IUD .
The result is inflammation. Theoretically, this inflammation inside the uterus makes it difficult for an embryo to implant inside the lining of the uterus . However, this serves as a last possible line of defense against pregnancy, because IUDs greatly reduce the risk for fertilization in the first place by preventing sperm from reaching an egg as well as making cellular changes to the egg the fertilization process .
Further, there is evidence that even if an egg is fertilized, it doesnât undergo normal developmental processes and thus wonât develop into an embryo .
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Are There Iud Removal Side Effects
You may have some spotting for a little while after your nurse or doctor takes out your IUD, but otherwise you should feel totally normal.
When you stop using an IUD, your body will eventually return to the way it was before you got it. So if your period got heavier on the copper IUD, it will go back to what was normal for you before you got the IUD. If you stopped getting your period on the hormonal IUD, your period will eventually come back after the IUD is out. It can take a few months for your period to go back to whats normal for you.
An important thing to note: you can get pregnant right away once your IUD is out, even if your periods arent regular or havent come back yet. So if you have your IUD removed but you dont want to get pregnant, make sure to use another birth control method.
Everyones body is different, and our bodies also change over time. So theres no way to know exactly how your body will react to going off the IUD. But any side effects that you may have will go away within a few months as your body gets used to not having an IUD anymore.
If youre really worried about the side effects of going off the IUD, talk with your nurse or doctor. They may be able to give you more specific information about what to expect based on your personal medical history.
What Happens If I Get Pregnant While Im Using An Iud
If you become pregnant while you are using an IUD, it is important that you see a doctor or nurse as soon as possible and have the IUD removed. The doctor or nurse will also need to rule out a pregnancy in your fallopian tubes .
If the IUD is removed, you can choose to continue or terminate the pregnancy . If the IUD is not removed and you continue with the pregnancy, there is a higher risk of losing the pregnancy or delivering the baby early.
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Is It Normal To Have Bleeding After Iud Insertion
The IUD is one of many contraceptive methods available today. It is a T-shaped device which is inserted into the uterus in order to prevent the sperm from reaching the eggs. Women prefer IUD because it offers protection for a long period of time, between 3 to 12 years depending on the type you choose. Anytime you decide to get pregnant, you can just remove the IUD. However, some women report bleeding after having IUD insertion.
Taking A Pregnancy Test
If you suspect youre pregnant, consider taking an at-home pregnancy test. These tests claim to be up to 99% effective. In most cases, the tests provide accurate results, but their reliability depends on following the instructions and not testing too early after conception.
Its also recommended to discuss your concerns and symptoms with your healthcare provider to ensure the IUD is working correctly. They may also perform a pregnancy test in the office to confirm whether you are pregnant.
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Myth: Health Risks And Side Effects
Some women do not want to use the IUD because they incorrectly believe that IUD causes side effects or health risks such as cancer, sexually transmitted infections, or birth defects.
Fact: IUDs are safe!
Infection related to IUD insertion probably occurs because the instruments or IUD carry with them organisms from the lower genital tract. If the organisms are bacteria normally present in the genital tract, then it seems that some mechanism automatically eliminates this contamination from the uterus soon after the insertion process without infection occurring. Risk of infection can be further reduced by following routine infection-prevention procedures including the no-touch insertion technique .
The IUD never travels to the heart, brain, or any other part of the body outside the abdomen. The IUD normally stays within the uterus like a seed within a shell. Rarely, the IUD may come through the wall of the uterus into the abdominal cavity. This is most often due to a mistake during insertion. Proper insertion technique can help prevent many problems, such as infection, expulsion, and perforation. If uterine perforation is suspected within 6 weeks after insertion or if it is suspected later and is causing symptoms, refer the client for evaluation to a clinician experienced at removing such IUDs. Usually, however, the out-of-place IUD causes no problems and should be left where it is. The woman will need another contraceptive method.
How Does It Happen
There are a few reasons pregnancy could occur in people with an IUD. In some cases, a person could become pregnant before the IUD is effective since not all types are effective immediately.
Copper IUDs, like Paragard, protect against pregnancy immediately because the copper changes the environment in the uterus, making it toxic to both the sperm and the egg. This prevents the sperm from reaching the egg and the egg from attaching to the uterine wall.
Hormonal IUDs, like Mirena or Kyleena, take about seven days to start working. These types are generally considered effective immediately if inserted during your period because of where you are in your menstrual and ovulation cycles.
If you have a hormonal IUD inserted, its recommended to use a backup contraceptive method or abstain from intercourse for seven days.
In other cases, pregnancy could occur if the IUD shifts its position. In a small number of people, the IUD may slip partially or entirely out of the uterus . If the IUD shifts, even partly out of position, it will no longer be fully effective at preventing pregnancy.
Another potential way pregnancy can occur is if the IUD remains in your body longer than its recommended expiration date. The amount of time an IUD can stay in and remain effective depends on the type of IUD. The manufacturer recommendations for a few IUDs are:
- Skyla: Up to three years
- Kyleena: Up to five years
- Mirena: Up to seven years
- Paragard: Up to 10 years
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How Is Bleeding During Pregnancy Treated
Your healthcare provider will want to perform an ultrasound and physical evaluation to determine the cause of your bleeding. They may order blood or urine tests and perform additional imaging tests like MRI .
Some treatments for vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can include:
- Relaxing and staying off your feet.
- Hospitalization or surgery if the bleeding is severe.
What To Expect From Insertion To 6 Months
For the first three to six months after your IUD is placed, expect the unexpected when it comes to your periods. They may not come as regularly as they once did. You could have some spotting in between periods or heavier-than-usual periods.
The length of your periods may also increase temporarily. About 20 percent of people bleed for more than eight days in their first few months after insertion.
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How Much Does An Iud Cost
The cost of an IUD can vary depending on your health insurance and the type of IUD. Many health insurance plans cover the costs, and family planning clinics may charge less, particularly for teens and young adults.
Because an IUD lasts for many years, the cost works out to about the same as monthly birth control methods, such as the Pill or ring.
Learn More About Paragard
- Dont use Paragard if you are or may be pregnant, have fibroids, a pelvic infection including pelvic inflammatory disease , get infections easily, certain cancers, unexplained bleeding, Wilsons disease, or a copper allergy. IUDs, including Paragard, have been associated with an increased risk of PID.
- Pregnancy with Paragard is rare but can be life threatening and cause infertility or loss of pregnancy.
- Paragard may attach to or go through the uterus and cause other problems.
- Tell your healthcare provider if you develop severe pain or fever shortly after placement, miss a period, have abdominal pain, or if Paragard comes out. If it comes out, use backup birth control.
- Tell your HCP you have Paragard before having an MRI or a medical procedure using heat therapy.
- At first, periods may become heavier and longer with spotting in between.
- Additional common side effects include anemia, pain during sex, backache, and vaginal discharge.
- Paragard does not protect against HIV or STDs.
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