Maybe you’ve seen the commercials or talked with a friend, convincing you to give an intrauterine device (IUD) a try. Perhaps you’re just tired of popping a pill each morning. Or maybe you are breastfeeding and need a safe birth control option. IUDs may be the answer for you. Because pregnancy complications with IUD are possible, you should talk with your doctor and partner before choosing this option.
Pregnancy Complications With IUD
Ectopic Pregnancy
IUDs are T-shaped copper or plastic devices that are inserted into the uterus. They prevent pregnancy either by killing sperm or by making the uterus lining too thick to harbor a fertilized egg. Since the fertilized egg cannot attach to the uterus because of the mucus, it may attach to the fallopian tubes or other areas outside the uterus, causing an ectopic pregnancy. Unfortunately, a fetus cannot survive outside the uterus. Usually, surgery is required. While the IUD decreases the risk of all pregnancies, the pregnancies that do occur have a higher chance of being ectopic. According to a Canadian Medical Association document on IUDs, ectopic pregnancies have a .0025 percent chance of happening each reproductive year. The University of Washington reports that of all the pregnancies that occur in women with IUDs, 5 percent are ectopic.
Ruptured Uterus
The T-shape of the IUD makes it susceptible to poking or tearing tissue in the cervix or uterus. A Family Health International site on IUD safety explains that only 4 in every 10,000 women experience uterus tearing and only 6 in every 10,000 women have tearing in their cervix. The best way to reduce the risk of such tearing is to let a physician do the insertion and removal of the IUD. If you feel any pain, during the procedure or any time of the month, tell your doctor immediately.
Miscarriage
If you do become pregnant with an IUD, you need to have it removed immediately, If you have it taken out as soon as you find out you are pregnant, no more than 13 weeks along, your risk of miscarriage is about the same as any other pregnancy. However, if you do not, you significantly increase the chance of losing the baby.
