Does the Intrauterine Device Interrupt Fallopian Tube Function?
There is no evidence that the IUD speeds up or slows down the movement of an oviduct or fertilized egg through the fallopian tubes. The incidence of pregnancies are significantly decreased. Chemical pregnancies occur in .9% of patients who have an IUD in place. Not only does the IUD decrease the number of pregnancies, but the incidence of ectopic pregnancy rate with the IUD in place is less than 1% which is less than the overall incidence of ectopic pregnancies in national studies of between 1.24% and 1.97%. This does not show that IUDs prevent normal movement of the fertilized ova through the fallopian tube.
