The Intrauterine Device (IUD) is one of the best contraceptive methods you can get to protect yourself from an unwanted pregnancy. However, this does not mean that it is perfect. Although experts indicate that it is more than 99% effective, This device that is inserted into the uterus can be expelled involuntarily.
According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), IUD expulsion refers to partial or complete loss of the IUD, a situation that occurs in 2% to 10% of cases.
The Institution also points out that They are generally “asymptomatic” expulsions, that is, they do not experience pain or other discomfort.. “They may result in an unwanted pregnancy,” ACOG warned.
5 reasons why the IUD can be expelled
An investigation published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology He stressed that the expulsion of the IUD is more likely in women under 20 years of age or who have never been pregnant. The study even specified that adolescents between the ages of 14 and 19 are more likely to suffer from the case.
Dr. Kecia Gaither, director of perinatal services at NYC Health + Hospitals /Lincolng, in the Bronx, specified what are the reasons that can expel the IUD from the uterus.
Both the quality of the device and its placement, in the hands of a specialist, are fundamental requirements for the IUD to fulfill its contraceptive functions.
Malpractice can cause it to come out of the uterusraising the possibility that sperm reach an egg and conception occurs.
Although it is not that common to happen, Dr. Kecia Gaither says that heavy or painful periods, as well as strong contractions during menstruationcan displace the IUD, causing it to lose effectiveness in its functions.
The specialist also mentioned the possibility that you have an “anteverted” uterus, when it tilts forward in the cervix, or a “retroverted”, when it tilts backwards. These natural, but peculiar, shapes of the uterus would also cause the expulsion of the IUD.
Dr. Taraneh Shirazian, a gynecologist at New York University, said: the presence of fibroids or polyps can cause your uterus to expel the IUD.
Insert the intrauterine device after having gone through a vaginal birth or abortion also increases the chances of expelling the material. In fact, a 2018 study revealed that 8% of 162 women with a copper IUD had experienced the case.
Before inserting an IUD, or after doing so, you should ask your doctor for information about the possible reasons that may lead you to expel the device. Remember that not all bodies work the same way.