Copper IUD...Can i be pregnant?

[247mom]

HI everyone,

I am in my mid 30's and have had a Copper(Paragaurd) IUD in place for about 4 years and normally my period is like clock work!! Always on time and if it is late the most its ever been late is 2 to3 days, but I am never worried because I have all the symptoms alerting me that my period is on its way. Now this month is very different I have had no usual symptoms to notify me that my period will be arriving, my period is now 10 days late!!! The symptoms I do have are increased appetite, tender breasts, moodiness, fatigue and some clear discharge these are symptoms I would associate with pregnancy!! Soooo I took 4 home pregnancy test and they all came out negative!! That was 2 days ago and still no period or signs of a period!! Can the IUD cause that many false negatives!!!??? if anyone has any insight it would sure help!!

[asraidevin]

When are you testing? Watered down urine can cause a false negative. First thing in the morning is best to test. Or you could get a more sensitive blood test.

I got pregnant with a Copper IUD about 3 or 4 years after having it placed. It was in place during  my ultrasound.

[247mom]

well I took the first two tests mid-day and the other two first thing in the morning, I am really freaking out and it doesn't help that my emotions are out of control I'm crying for every little thing. I have slight tenderness in my abdomen too

[haurelia]

OP, what's the verdict? 

I too have a Paraguard, and am about 10-12 days late for bleeding. Strings feel normal, so I know it's still inside the uterus. Nipple sensitivity up the wazoo (still nursing a toddler, though, who has been sick and wanting more nurses). No sign of the monthly visitor whatsoever.  Thinking back to my first pregnancy, I really had no "symptoms" until about 6-8 weeks, when I got hit with fatigue.  Not sure what to do at this point...I've done two urine PG tests in the last week, both negative. I am going to pee on another stick tomorrow, I think, first urine. If still negative, I am thinking about a visit with my family doctor, to get a blood test and perhaps check the IUD's placement. 

If you're up for sharing, I'm curious about what's happened since your first post. Also, asraidevin, when you got PG with your IUD in place, did you have it removed? Did your pregnancy proceed normally?

Thanks ladies!

:)

[mommy2two babes]

I would like to know too I am almost 20 days late from my normal cycle although I think I oed late.

About 8 negative tests that I have taken ( yes I am obssesed)

I have had the copper iud about a year now.

[Jaimee]

I'm super curious to hear how all you ladies are doing.  I seem to run across so many IUD pregnancy stories that I'm really doubting the efficacy of the copper IUD.  There was even a IUD pregnancy in my due date club (her IUD disappeared).  We CTA, but ended up with two oops kids that way and now have gotten it through our heads that this is not a good form of birth control for us during the postpartum period/breastfeeding cycles, etc.     I was considering the copper IUD, but I heard more negative stories than positive ones at this point.

Please keep us updated! 

[mommy2two babes]

Thought I would update this thread as well.

I am pregnant and have a MIA iud that they think may be floating somewhere in my abdomen.

Unfortunatly they cant xray for it being pregnant.

[haurelia]

Still wondering about the OP, but I did get my period (about 15 days late!).  Thought I'd share...definitely gave me a scare this month!

Best to all!

[The Harpy]

Another one here who had a copper IUD baby. She was born Oct 2009. *sigh*

[mommy2two babes]

The harpy if they knew where your iud was did they remove it?

Trying to get some details and figure out what to do. Apparently they found mine today inside my cervix via ultrosound.

Although I am not entirely convinced as the first 2 ultrasounds failed to see it.

[tjlucca]

Originally Posted by Jaimee 

I'm super curious to hear how all you ladies are doing.  I seem to run across so many IUD pregnancy stories that I'm really doubting the efficacy of the copper IUD.  There was even a IUD pregnancy in my due date club (her IUD disappeared).  We CTA, but ended up with two oops kids that way and now have gotten it through our heads that this is not a good form of birth control for us during the postpartum period/breastfeeding cycles, etc.     I was considering the copper IUD, but I heard more negative stories than positive ones at this point.

Please keep us updated! 

I have had multiple friends who's IUD's have fallen out and didn't know it. Each one of them has gotten pregnant.  Keep us posted! 
 

[DeeD]

Just thought I would share my story since I can't share it with anyone else at this point:)

Just found out last night that I am pregnant.  I have had a copper iud in place for about a year now.  I was very happy with it.  This months period was different from all of the rest.  Had slight nausea and was late about 3 days.  Started with a light flow (instead of heavy which was the norm), and then it would go away for a day and then return. 

I was shopping with my girls (5, and 2) and thought if I could find a cheap pregnancy test I might just buy it......$4 later and in the bathroom with the girls I got a positive result.  Went and bought a $12 one, and that was positive too.  Told my husband and figured I would go in to the Dr. in the morning. 

At this point I am really confused because I still have bleeding and cramping.  Since I had an extra test(it came with 2) I took it with my first morning void.....it was negative.  Now even more confused I decide to go in to see the Dr.  Of course they had me pee in a cup and it this one was positive. (My how pregnancy tests can vary)

Saw the Dr. and he drew for my hCG level which should rise each day.  He said that I could be having a miscarriage so he scheduled an ultrasound and more blood work for Monday.  I am having even more cramping and bleeding tonight. 

What a rollercoaster.  We were not going to have more kids for a good 3yrs. I am a full time nursing student and don't currently have OB coverage.  I love kids and actually have baby fever.  I am ready for another one, but my husband isn't and it would be tough with school.

Right now I am looking to the Lord to handle this and do what is best for us.  I am not concerned about not having coverage or that I am in school.  I think it is a gift from God and I will take a gift  anytime he wants to give us one.  Now I just pray that if it is a viable pregnancy things go well and we can have a healthy pregnancy/delivery.  Boy, would my family/friends be shocked! 

It is hard right now to get excited.  I have read some stories and it sounds like miscarrying is 50%?....even until delivery? with an iud.  Since I am having cramping and bleeding I just feel like I am probably miscarrying but I guess we will find out more on Monday.

I would love to hear if anyone else has any information on iud's and pregnancy!  Thanks

[asraidevin]

Originally Posted by haurelia 
 Also, asraidevin, when you got PG with your IUD in place, did you have it removed? Did your pregnancy proceed normally?

Thanks ladies!

:)

They did not remove it as the dr said it would be more likely to cause a miscarriage. I never saw it when I went into labour or anything, but my water broke. I sometimes have fears of it floating arund inside me somehow.

[UmmRiyam]

I have a copper IUD, and I got pregnant and miscarried the first month I had it.  Now, I'm on the second month, and again, I suspect that I'm pregnant even though we were more careful and also practiced withdrawal.  Hopefully I'll find out tomorrow. 

[Rocsbabygirl]

So confused right now maybe someone can help me decifer what is going on. A couple of months ago I started feeling nausous and had sore breasts...I had AF but it was very abnormal and extremely light. I didn't feel right. So i took two home pregnancy tests and they came back negative. I went to the dr he did a bloodtest..said he would call if anything came up i never heard from him so im assuming all was ok...last period i had was the end of December.. but it was unusually light. I have a copper IUD i have had it for about 6 yrs and never have I experienced what I am right now. Lately During intercourse it hurts to where i feel like something is poking my cervix...that is odd to me because it has never happened before. I have been extremely moody...I have been nausous...very tired...have sore breasts..and the weirdest thing of all is i have major heartburn and indigestion. I have never ever had a prob with heartburn or indigestion except for 8 yrs ago when I was pg....I think that is the weirdest thing to me and what concerns me the most. Ive had it continuous for the last 4 days. I spoke with a friend and she said that maybe before I didn't have enough hormones for my tests to register. She had an ectopic with an iud before. I am just not really sure whats going on the indigestion and sex thing is what is the weirdest to me..I also have sharp pains and cramps from time to time..Do you think I can be pg or is it just in my head? I think im going crazy because i have an iud....what are your thoughts?

[loulou1979]

hi everyone i had my copper iud inserted back in october everything going ok up until feb when my period failed to turn up after 4 neg preg tests and a neg blood test my period still has not arrived it will be 10 weeks this week   my hcg level was 3.13 if im not pregnant then what else could cause this, i have a hosptial app on weds hopefully they can find out.

[momof2kiddos315]

Hey there,

I have been searching for a discussion like this because, like you, I have the copper IUD, my monthly cycle is normally very heavy and lasts a long time and I have had the IUD for about 4 or 5 years now... This month, I started on the 9th, it ended on the 9th, and then it started again on the 10th and ended on the 10th...it has been like this everyday and I am still only just spotting and it is the 15th.  I too am concerned that I may be prego, but my IUD is not MIA....  I am getting concerned that I may not have chosen the right birth control, but anything with hormones makes me exceptionally crazy....  How is everything with you and your pregnancy? (Please forgive me, i did not look at the dates of the posts....). 

I look forward to hearing from you or any other members of this forum! 

Take care

[cecxdoll]

ive had the copper iud for about a year now.  i had unprotected sex with my partner on sept,14&15.2012  i felt something pop. but it didnt hurt about 3days later (18th)  i started to spot . very light pinkish blood . the following day (19th) i started to have cervical discharge coming out . for about a week . then everything was ok . i was suppose to get my period on the 1st of oct and it didnt show i was late for about 2weeks. on the 13th i started to bleed very light blood  it would come and go   then  the 14th i started to bleed  normal flow , (im used to heavy periods ) im cramping  i feel like im bleeding like crazy and im not its just a regular flow , seems different . this month . so idk what to do , should i test ?  my nipples kinda bother me.  my back hurts alot . and im bloated so idk .. im thinking about making an apt. and see if they can do a transvaginal ultra sound .  to make sure everything is ok =]  ill keep ou gus posted ! 

[zombcupcake]

I am having the same problem and symptoms as 247mom, I would like to knw wht happened with ur situation if possible plz thnx.

[ajarvis]

I got a copper IUD inserted October 5th.  Had some bleeding then about a week more a "light" period.  Since then the odd brown discharge, but nothing needing a pad or tampon.  It's now been 49 days since what I'd consider the "light" period.  I'm starting to get concerned I could be pregnant.  Last night I dreamed I was and I just kept taking tests hoping they'd be negative.  After googling it this morning I feel like I should go get a pregnancy test...