Delayed Period After IUD Removal: Causes & What To Do

Question
At the beginning of February I had to have my IUD removed when I noticed it was coming out. At the time I was 5 days late with my period and they tested me told me I was not pregnant. It's now 3 weeks later and I still don't have my period and as of last Friday a pregnancy test still came back negative. BTW I had the ParaGuard (copper) one. Do you know what could be wrong. I've never been this late before and not been pregnant, my breasts have also gotten bigger and I'm irritable and smells make me nauseous.

Answer
Dear Brandie,

Unfortunately, the symptoms you describe are hormonal in nature and can also be related to hormone fluctuations within your cycle. That is why it so difficult to "diagnose" a pregnancy based on symptoms alone.

If you had sex before realizing that the IUD was partially expelled, then you may have been at risk for pregnancy. However, your body may simply be adjusting to the Paraguard not being in place as well.

My suggestion would be to continue to test for pregnancy every 7-10 days or until you have a period. If you have not had a period for two complete cycles and continue to test negative for pregnancy, I would then suggest getting a quantitative blood pregnancy test (serum beta hCG) at your doctor's office. That test will give an actual amount of hCG in your bloodstream rather than just a positive/negative result. Any amount of 25 mIU/ml or more would be considered positive for pregnancy. Typically, the general recommendation is that if you miss three consecutive periods and pregnancy is not the reason, you should see a doctor so that a cause can be determined.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda