You probably know lots of women who got pregnant despite using the birth control pill, or even while using condoms. Getting pregnant with a Mirena intrauterine system may worry you, not just because unplanned pregnancy is obviously not something you want to deal with, but also because the presence of the device could pose serious dangers to a fetus.
So, what are the chances of getting pregnant while you are using a Mirena coil? Most of the mishaps that happen with the pill are the result of incorrect use, and that is something that is rather hard with the Mirena coil. You can't forget to take it, and the presence of the coil contributes to its effectiveness along with the hormonal reservoir.
According to Bayer, the manufacturer of the Mirena IUS, this hormone-emitting coil is 99.9 percent effective, for up to five years after placement. Because the risk of user error is largely eliminated with Mirena, it is fair to say that this is one of the most reliable birth control methods on the market today.
Yet, some women do get pregnant while they have a Mirena device inserted. The makers of Mirena told journalists that the chances of conceiving a baby with Mirena are two in one thousand. Those who find themselves in this uncomfortable situation have larger problems than an unplanned pregnancy alone. Leaving the Mirena device in place along with a growing fetus presents real risks, but taking it out does the same. This is not a situation anyone wants to be in.
If you are the user of a Mirena intrauterine device, it's best to check that the string that leaves the cervix can still be felt, so that you know the device hasn't "gone walkies" in your uterus, or left the building altogether. Also take note of any pregnancy signs and symptoms and head for your doctor's office as soon as you are suspicious.
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