Yes, you can get pregnant with an IUD, but it is very rare. Most sources put the chance at under 1% per year, meaning more than 99 out of 100 people using an IUD will not get pregnant each year.

How likely is pregnancy with an IUD?

IUDs (both copper and hormonal) are among the most effective birth control options available. Typical effectiveness is usually quoted as “more than 99%,” which translates to fewer than 1 pregnancy per 100 users per year.

  • Many medical sources estimate IUD effectiveness at about 99–99.6%.
  • That means pregnancy can happen, but it is uncommon compared to pills, condoms, or the patch.

If seeing lots of “I got pregnant with an IUD” stories online makes it feel common, remember that people are more likely to post when something goes wrong than when everything is normal.

When can an IUD fail?

Pregnancy usually happens when something is off with the device or its placement.

Common scenarios include:

  • IUD moved or slipped down
    If the IUD shifts from the top of the uterus toward the cervix, it may not work as well.
  • IUD falls out (expulsion)
    Sometimes an IUD can come out partly or completely, especially in the first months after insertion, often without being noticed.
  • Not inserted correctly
    Very rarely, insertion problems can mean the device isn’t in the ideal position from the start.
  • Past its “expiration” time
    Each IUD has an approved number of years; using it longer than recommended may reduce effectiveness.

If you cannot feel the strings anymore (or feel more of the plastic part), or your partner feels the hard plastic during sex, that can be a sign it moved and should be checked.

What if you get pregnant with an IUD?

Pregnancy with an IUD in place needs prompt medical attention because certain risks are higher.

Possible issues include:

  • Higher chance of ectopic pregnancy
    If pregnancy occurs with an IUD, the probability that it is ectopic (outside the uterus, often in a tube) is higher, and that can be dangerous.
  • Higher risk of miscarriage, infection, or preterm birth if the IUD stays in
    Keeping an IUD in during pregnancy can increase complications, so many clinicians try to remove it if the strings are reachable.

If you suspect pregnancy:

  1. Take a home pregnancy test (an IUD does not affect test results).
  1. Call a doctor or clinic as soon as possible and mention you have an IUD.
  1. If you have sharp pelvic pain, shoulder pain, dizziness, or heavy bleeding, seek urgent or emergency care because those can be signs of ectopic pregnancy.

Signs to watch for while using an IUD

Even though your risk is low, it is reasonable to stay alert to changes.

Pay attention if:

  • Your period suddenly changes in a way that is unusual for you (missed period, much lighter or heavier than your typical IUD pattern).
  • You have pregnancy-like symptoms: nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, frequent urination.
  • You cannot feel the strings anymore and you previously could, or the strings suddenly feel much longer or shorter.
  • You feel strong one-sided pelvic pain or pain with dizziness or faintness.

Any of these are reasons to test and/or contact a healthcare provider.

Copper vs hormonal IUD and pregnancy risk

Both types are very effective, and the overall chance of pregnancy is similarly low.

Here is a simple overview:

[7][3] [5][7][3] [7][3] [3][7][9] [5][7][3] [7][3]
IUD type How it works Typical effectiveness Key note about pregnancy
Copper IUD Releases copper that makes it hard for sperm to move and fertilize an egg.More than 99% effective; approved up to about 10 years depending on brand.Does not stop ovulation, so pregnancy is still possible but very rare if placement is correct.
Hormonal IUD Releases a progestin that thickens cervical mucus, may thin the uterine lining, and often reduces ovulation.Also more than 99% effective; duration varies by brand (often 3–8 years).Ovulation may still occasionally happen; if the device is misplaced or expelled, pregnancy can occur but remains rare.

Forum vibes & “trending” fears

Online forums and social media often have many powerful personal stories about pregnancy with an IUD.

Common themes people post about:

  • Anxiety that “it’ll happen to me,” especially before or right after getting an IUD.
  • Reassurance from long‑term users saying they have used IUDs for years without getting pregnant, but don’t usually post unless someone asks.
  • People reminding others that forums overrepresent unusual or scary experiences, not the quiet majority for whom the IUD just works.

So even though “can I get pregnant with an IUD” is a trending question, the real‑world risk remains very low.

When to talk to a doctor

Consider reaching out to a healthcare provider if:

  • You are constantly worried about pregnancy despite using an IUD.
  • Your bleeding pattern suddenly changes or you notice pain, new discharge, or fever.
  • You are thinking of trying to get pregnant and want the IUD removed.

A clinician can check placement, answer personal questions, and help you pick the method that makes you feel safest and most comfortable.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.