Many individuals who have used an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception eventually consider conceiving. Fertility can return rapidly following the removal of either a hormonal or copper IUD. Understanding the mechanisms of these devices helps clarify why this return to fertility is often immediate.
Immediate Fertility After IUD Removal
Hormonal IUDs, such as Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla, and Liletta, release a localized progestin hormone. This hormone primarily works by thickening cervical mucus, blocking sperm, and thinning the uterine lining to prevent implantation. While some hormonal IUDs can suppress ovulation, this effect is localized and does not significantly delay the return of a regular menstrual cycle. Once a hormonal IUD is removed, progestin release ceases, and ovulation typically resumes quickly, often within the first month.
Copper IUDs, such as Paragard, are non-hormonal and prevent pregnancy through a different mechanism. The copper creates an inflammatory reaction within the uterus, which is toxic to sperm and eggs, preventing fertilization and implantation. Fertility is restored immediately upon removal, as copper IUDs do not interfere with the body’s natural hormonal cycle or ovulation. Studies show a high percentage of individuals who had a copper IUD removed for conception were able to become pregnant within one year. The IUD itself, whether hormonal or copper, does not cause a long-term delay in fertility for most individuals.
Factors Beyond IUD Affecting Conception
While IUDs do not typically delay fertility, other factors can influence conception time. A person’s age is a significant factor, as female fertility naturally declines with increasing age, particularly after 35, due to a decrease in both egg quantity and quality.
Overall health conditions can also play a role. Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which often leads to irregular or absent ovulation, can make conception more challenging. Endometriosis, where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, can also impact fertility by causing inflammation or structural changes in the reproductive organs. Thyroid disorders can also affect a person’s ability to conceive.
Lifestyle factors further contribute to conception chances. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and significant weight issues (being either overweight or underweight) can negatively affect reproductive health for both partners. Male fertility factors, such as sperm count and quality, are also important considerations for conception. These factors are general considerations for anyone trying to conceive and are not caused by previous IUD use.
Next Steps for Conception and When to Seek Advice
Tracking the menstrual cycle can be beneficial to identify the fertile window. Methods include monitoring basal body temperature (BBT), where a slight rise typically occurs after ovulation. Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) detect a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), making them a precise tool for timing intercourse. Observing changes in cervical mucus can also provide clues about fertility.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle supports reproductive health. This includes a balanced diet, regular moderate exercise, and taking prenatal vitamins, which often contain folic acid. These practices contribute to a healthy environment for conception and early pregnancy.
Consult a healthcare provider if conception does not occur within a certain timeframe. For individuals under 35, medical advice is recommended after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. For those aged 35 and older, seeking advice after six months of trying is suggested, given the natural decline in fertility with age. Earlier consultation may be appropriate if there are known underlying health conditions that could affect fertility, such as PCOS or endometriosis.