Pregnancy After IUD Removal: What You Need to Know

Question
Hi, I am a pretty healthy 25 year old woman with two children ages 5 and 3. I am writing from Washington, DC. I currently have a copper IUD as birthcontrol. I have had it in for a little more than three years now (since I had my youngest child). My husband and I are thinking about having another baby and I would really like for the baby to be born in March, April, or May 2012. As far as I know the copper IUD shouldn't affect my ability of getting pregnant after I have my doctor remove it and I didn't have any problems getting pregnant with my other two kids. My question is during what month should I have my IUD removed inorder to get pregnant and give birth during these months. And should I have the IUD removed before or after I get my period that month?

Answer
Hello Yanet from the U.S.,

I usually will recommend that the IUD be pulled when you are on your period.  Becuase there is flow, the uterine cavity is more expanded and removing the IUD is easier at that time.  You can then begin trying for pregnancy with that month.  So, if March is the earliest you want to get pregnant, then you can remove it with your period nearest March (end of February or beginning of March).

Good Luck

Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com

Monterey, California, U.S.A.

for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf