The intrauterine device, or IUD, is a small T-shaped plastic object with a string attached. There are two types of IUD: one contains copper and lasts about ten years or until it is removed by your doctor. The other uses progesterone to help prevent pregnancy.
The IUD is placed into the uterus by your doctor, and works by preventing the sperm and egg from fertilizing. It also irritates the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation should fertilization occur. While the IUD is a practical method of birth control, like all contraception it is not one hundred percent effective, and pregnancy while using an IUD may occur.
Because the IUD affects the uterine lining to prevent implantation, fertilization results in a higher incidence of ectopic pregnancy. ProgesteroneOne of the two naturally occuring female hormones (the other is estrogen) used to regulate and maintain the pregnancy. Produced first by the corpus luteum in the ovary, production is subsequently taken over by the placenta as it develops. During pregnancy a mother's production of progesterone ten times the level it was prior to conception. Progesterone and estrogen are responsible for giving many mothers a sense of tranquility, shiny hair and glowing skin.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. loaded IUDs are particularly prone to ectopic pregnancy. In reality the incidence of ectopic pregnancy is probably no higher than it is for the general population, but the IUD is so effective at preventing uterine implantation that the incidence of ectopic pregnancy is disproportionately high. Normally the incidence is about 0.5% (1 in 200) but this rises to about five percent (1 in 20) if an IUD is in place. Unfortunately this also means that there is an increased chance of miscarriage.
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If the fertilized ovum implants in the uterine lining the IUD will need to be removed to reduce the risk of uterine infection. If you do become pregnant while using an IUD you should see your doctor without delay. Your pregnancy will need to be managed by an obstetrician, who will monitor you for signs of ectopic pregnancy. The presence of the IUD will indicate that the pregnancy is unplanned, and all necessary precautions should be taken to ensure the health of the mother and baby.
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