What should the physician do in the unlikely event that an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) user becomes pregnant?
The possibility of ectopic pregnancy must be excluded first. After confirming an intrauterine pregnancy most physicians recommend removal of the IUCD if possible because of the increased risk of spontaneous abortion. The 1989 study from the UK Family Planning Research Network indicated that 75 percent of pregnancies aborted if the IUCD remained in situ; this figure was significantly reduced if the IUCD was removed, with 89 percent of those women having a live birth. A pregnant woman who retains an IUCD has a two- to four-fold increase in the risk of delivering prematurely and/or developing a severe infection. If the woman wishes to terminate the pregnancy the IUCD may be left in situ until the termination of pregnancy is performed.
Related Questions
- How should the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) be removed in the unlikely event that the patient becomes pregnant with the IUCD in situ?
- When should a perforated intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) be removed if the situation is discovered when a woman is pregnant?
- What follow-up is required after insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD)?
