Best Birth Control Options

What are the chances of becoming pregnant with IUD still in place as the choice of birth control? There is a .6% chance of getting pregnant even when using an IUD, also called an intrauterine device.

The IUD which is inserted by a healthcare provider as a safe and effective birth control method is a small device that is formed in the shape of "T". Once properly inserted into place, the IUD has a 99.4% rate of effectiveness against unwanted pregnancy by working to prevent any incoming sperm from successfully joining with a woman's fertile egg. For every 100 women using an IUD as their chosen birth control method, less than one woman gets pregnant while the IUD device is still properly in place.

Any woman using an IUD who suspects she might be pregnant should immediately make an appointment with her obstetrician because there is a higher risk for a ectopic pregnancy developing. Most women are concerned if the IUD presents any danger to the fetus. A vaginal ultrasound can usually confirm if a pregnancy exists, and then the decision can be made on whether or not to remove the IUD.

It is best if the IUD is removed by the obstetrician if the woman wants the pregnancy to continue safely. Once an IUD is removed from a pregnant woman, the chance for miscarrriage is highest in the week following the IUD removal. Once a woman passes that deadline, she may still be concerned in the weeks ahead that the IUD may have in some way harmed the pregnancy. A follow-up ultrasound or asking the gynecologist any questions related to the health of the fetus or the pregnancy is often the best route to go and in virtually all cases the IUD or its removal does not affect the pregnancy negatively.

Many women who get pregnant while using an IUD have mixed feelings about relying on this birth control method after delivery. This is a good time to talk with your healthcare provider regarding the kinds of IUD devices available and the types of hormones they emit. Some may prove more effective for some women than others, but the IUD overall still is proven as the birth control method with the second highest rate of success next to complete abstinence. Sometimes a switch to a different brand of IUD is all a woman needs to eliminate her fears about getting pregnant again with an IUD still in place.

Getting pregnant with an IUD in place requires calm and rational discussion about the options available, whether or not the woman chooses to continue the pregnancy.