Can I get pregnant with an IUD?

I'm sure some of you guys have just about heard every myth there is out there in reference to IUD's and if you can become pregnant while using the IUD as a form a contraception. Yes, you can get pregnant while using an IUD — but it’s rare. IUD's are a "T' shaped intrauterine device that's placed into your uterus by a certified obgyn, certified midwife, or family nurse practitioner that is used a form contraception for women of all ages.

How does the hormonal IUD prevent pregnancy?

In order to get pregnant, sperm must enter your vagina*, swim up into your uterus and fertilize an egg that has been released from your ovaries during ovulation. Having an IUD in your uterus changes the chemistry of the uterus and makes it hard for sperm and eggs to survive and meet. The progestin released from the IUD, thickens the mucus on your cervix (the opening to your uterus), which makes it harder for sperm to get into your uterus and fertilize an egg. It also thins the lining of your uterus (the endometrium). This makes it harder for a fertilized egg to implant in your uterus and become a pregnancy. A thin lining will cause problems with implantation. A thick, receptive, nourishing uterine lining is whats needed for implantation, and the ideal lining is at least 7 to 8mm.

How does it happen?

people — between 2 and 10 percent — the IUD can slip partly or completely out of the uterus. If that happens, you can get pregnant. You might not realize the IUD has fallen out of place. In some cases, pregnancy can happen because the IUD hasn’t started to work.

The copper IUD, Paragard, protects against pregnancy immediately. But hormonal IUDs, such as Mirena and Skyla, can take up to seven days to become effective. You could get pregnant if you have sex without a condom or other form of protection during this window.

Please Ladies , when considering hormonal birth control, you have a seven day window from the first day of your period up until day seven - to have your IUD/Nexplanon placed. You should call your doctor/midwife office to let then know as soon as your period has started because if these hormonal birth control devices are not placed within the time frame - it can cause irregular bleeding and pregnancy. Please use a back up method birth control just to be safe!

Becoming pregnant while having an IUD in place may be slightly more likely to result in an ectopic pregnancy. This occurs when the embryo implants outside of your uterus.

Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include:

sharp waves of pain in your abdomen, pelvis, shoulder, or neck, severe pain on one side of your abdomen, vaginal spotting or bleeding, dizziness, fainting, or rectal pressure.

An ectopic pregnancy is considered a medical emergency, so seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. If you think you might be pregnant, take a home pregnancy test. You can take an OTC test on the first day of your missed period. These tests are available over the counter or you can visit your doctor's office to have a blood pregnancy test drawn.