Questioni was wandering if it is possible to get pregnant with an iud. what symptoms are there. does the iud cause breast swelling and pain.
AnswerDear Dede,
The IUD possesses a failure rate of less than 1%. This means that about one out of every 100 IUD users will become pregnant during the first year of use. However, you should take a pregnancy test if you are experiencing any pregnancy symptoms. These would include a delayed or missed period, swollen/tender breasts, nausea/morning sickness, headaches, fatigue or tiredness, low backache.
Whether the symptoms can be related to the IUD depends alot on what type of IUD you have. If you have a hormonal IUD (Mirena), the symptoms could be attributed to the IUD. Common side effects related to Mirena use include:
-Lower abdominal pain (cramping)
-Acne or other skin problems
-Back pain
-Breast tenderness
-Headache
-Mood changes
These can last throughout use (hormonally-related), but tend to lessen or disappear with continued use beyond 3-6 months. Other side effects are:
-Cramps, dizziness, or faintness while MIRENA is being inserted. This is common. Sometimes, the cramping is severe.
-Missed menstrual periods. About 2 out of 10 women stop having periods after 1 year of MIRENA use. The periods come back when MIRENA is removed. If you do not have a period for 6 weeks during MIRENA use, contact your health care provider.
-Changes in bleeding. You may have bleeding and spotting between menstrual periods, especially during the first 3 to 6 months. Sometimes the bleeding is heavier than usual at first. However, the bleeding usually becomes lighter than usual and may be irregular. Call your health care provider if the bleeding remains heavier than usual or if the bleeding becomes heavy after it has been light for a while.
-Cyst on the ovary. About 10% (1 out of 10) of women using MIRENA will have a cyst on the ovary. These cysts usually disappear on their own in a month or two. However, cysts can cause pain and sometimes cysts will need surgery.
Again, if you think there is a chance you may be pregnant, make sure to test for pregnancy just to make sure.
I hope that this information has helped you and answered your question. Be well and Happy Easter!
Brenda
