Current:Home > StocksCan you get pregnant with an IUD? It's unlikely but not impossible. Here's what you need to know. -BeyondWealth Learning
Can you get pregnant with an IUD? It's unlikely but not impossible. Here's what you need to know.
View
Date:2025-04-17 19:35:27
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! (2155)
Related
- Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
- Safety lapses contributed to patient assaults at Oregon State Hospital, federal report says
- Congressman praises heckling of war protesters, including 1 who made monkey gestures at Black woman
- Woman wins $1 million scratch-off lottery prize twice, less than 10 weeks apart
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Ex-government employee charged with falsely accusing co-workers of joining Capitol riot
- Ex-government employee charged with falsely accusing co-workers of joining Capitol riot
- China launches lunar probe, looking to be 1st nation to get samples from far side of moon
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- Alaska judge grants limited stay in correspondence school allotments decision
Ranking
- See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
- NYC man pleads guilty to selling cougar head, other exotic animal parts to undercover investigator
- Could two wealthy, opinionated Thoroughbred owners reverse horse racing's decline?
- The Idea of You Author Robinne Lee Has Eyebrow-Raising Reaction to Movie's Ending
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Bryan Kohberger's lawyer claims prosecution has withheld the audio of key video evidence in Idaho murders case
- 2024 Tony Awards nominations announced to honor the best of Broadway. See the list of nominees here.
- California man who testified against Capitol riot companion is sentenced to home detention
Recommendation
Woman dies after Singapore family of 3 gets into accident in Taiwan
Police defend decision not to disclose accidental gunshot during Columbia protest response
Who is favored to win the 2024 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs?
A shooting over pizza delivery mix-up? Small mistakes keep proving to be dangerous in USA.
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Distressed sawfish rescued in Florida Keys dies after aquarium treatment
'You can't be gentle in comedy': Jerry Seinfeld on 'Unfrosted,' his Netflix Pop-Tart movie
Republicans file lawsuit to block count of Nevada mail ballots received after Election Day