Current:Home > FinanceCan you get pregnant with an IUD? It's unlikely but not impossible. Here's what you need to know. -DollarDynamic
Can you get pregnant with an IUD? It's unlikely but not impossible. Here's what you need to know.
View
Date:2025-04-19 06:04:20
More than 65% of women in the U.S. between the ages of 15 and 49 used some form of contraception between 2017 and 2019, according to the most recent National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) analysis.
More than 10% of them used an intrauterine device (IUD) or other kind of long-term contraceptive implant. For context, that's less than those who used oral contraceptive pills (14%) but more than the amount who used condoms (8.4%).
As lawmakers across the United States attempt to ban or limit contraception options, medical experts are hoping to clear up misinformation.
Intrauterine devices, or IUDs, are a long-term, reversible form of birth control that lessens the ability of sperm to reach and fertilize an egg. The small T-shaped device inserted through the vagina into the uterus and can remain in the body for three to 10 years depending on the type, according to Yale Medicine.
Here's what medical experts want you to know about IUDs.
Can you get pregnant with an IUD?
IUDs are "one of the most effective birth control methods," gynecologist Karen Tang, M.D., tells USA TODAY, noting that they're more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. That makes it one of the most effective forms of birth control alongside hormonal implants and permanent sterilization, per statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Of course, there's always that 1% chance of getting pregnant. It's unlikely, but if the IUD happens to move or start to fall out, pregnancy is possible, adds Tang, author of the upcoming book “It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (But Were Never Told)."
Can anything make an IUD less effective?
There aren't any known medications, foods or other substances that would lessen the efficacy of an IUD.
It's also worth noting that hormonal IUDs start to work within a week of insertion, while copper IUDs work immediately, according to Yale Medicine.
What is IVF?Explaining the procedure in Alabama's controversial Supreme Court ruling.
What are signs of pregnancy while on IUD?
If you do happen to become pregnant while on an IUD, regular pregnancy symptoms including missed periods, cramping or light spotting may arise. Unfortunately, many of those are also side effects of having an IUD, which can make it more difficult to decipher.
If the IUD begins falling out, or if you have any other reason to believe you may be pregnant with an IUD in place, Tang stresses that you should call a gynecologist "immediately." It's important in these cases to take a pregnancy test and get an ultrasound to determine whether the IUD is still in place.
In the meantime, she suggests you either abstain from sex or use another form of birth control, such as condoms.
Vegan birth control:What is it and does it work?
veryGood! (8)
Related
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Arizona counties won’t be forced to do citizenship checks before the election, a judge rules
- Emily Osment Reveals Role Brother Haley Joel Osment Had at Her Wedding
- Los Angeles Archdiocese agrees to pay $880 million to settle sexual abuse claims
- Backstage at New York's Jingle Ball with Jimmy Fallon, 'Queer Eye' and Meghan Trainor
- Nebraska high court to decide if residents with felony records can vote
- Jill Biden is out campaigning again — but not for her husband anymore. She’s pumping up Harris
- FEMA resumes door-to-door visits in North Carolina after threats tied to disinformation
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Opinion: Tom Brady’s conflict of interest reflects superstar privilege in NFL
Ranking
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- Are chickpeas healthy? How they and other legumes can boost your health.
- 'In da clurb, we all fam' social media trend: What is it and where did it come from?
- USDA launches internal investigation into handling of deadly Boar's Head listeria outbreak
- Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
- 'We Live in Time' review: A starry cancer drama that should have been weepier
- ReBuild NC Has a Deficit of Over $150 Million With 1,600 People Still Displaced by Hurricanes Matthew and Florence
- Montana Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte to debate Democratic rival
Recommendation
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Most overpaid college football coaches include two from SEC. Who are they?
Lawyers for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs ask judge to release identities of his accusers
These 5 Pennsylvania congressional races could determine House control
'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
FEMA resumes door-to-door visits in North Carolina after threats tied to disinformation
What’s behind the widening gender wage gap in the US?
Tom Brady’s purchase of a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders is approved by NFL team owners