If you have an Intrauterine Device (IUD) and are sexually active with a partner who can get you pregnant,  have one simple piece of advice: start taking a pregnancy test once a month—just as a routine. No stress, no overthinking—just a small habit that can help you stay in control of your reproductive health.

What Are IUDs?

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped device that is placed inside the uterus by a healthcare practitioner in order to prevent pregnancy. There are two main types: hormonal IUDs, which release progestin to thicken cervical mucus and sometimes stop ovulation, and the copper IUD, which creates an inhospitable environment for sperm. IUDs are wonderful and reliable contraceptives that last for between 3 and 10 years and are completely reversible.

"But IUDs Are Super Effective, Right?"

Absolutely! IUDs are one of the best birth control options available. The failure rate is typically reported as 0.1% to 0.8%, but newer research suggests real-world failure rates may be closer to 2.4% for hormonal IUDs and 2.99% for copper IUDs​. That means while the risk is low, it’s not zero—and people can get pregnant with an IUD in place.

The problem is that many people with an IUD don't get their period. Most of us rely on our period as a built-in pregnancy test. But with an IUD that’s not always an option.

20% of hormonal IUD users stop getting periods entirely within a year. Many more experience unpredictable spotting, making it hard to track a missed period. If your IUD fails, you might not realize you’re pregnant for weeks, or even months.

Why Catching a Pregnancy Early REALLY Matters

With six-week abortion bans in many states, waiting too long to detect a pregnancy can drastically limit your options

Additionally, it is also worth noting, that if a pregnancy does occur, there’s a higher likelihood that it developed outside the uterus, known as an ectopic pregnancy. This can be life-threatening if not caught early​, so if you happen to detect a pregnancy early you have a much better chance of picking up an ectopic pregnancy and getting the essential care needed before something catastrophic happens. 

Taking a Pregnancy Test  Doesn’t Need to be Scary!

One of the biggest things I hear from my patients—especially younger ones—is that taking a pregnancy test gives them anxiety. They assume it could be positive and associate it with stress, fear, and worst-case scenario. But I want to change that narrative.

Instead of seeing pregnancy tests as something to dread, think of it as a tool for reassurance. If you have an IUD it’s most likely that when taking routine pregnancy tests you’ll see a negative result—and that’s a good thing! You’ve just confirmed that everything is going as expected.

And on the rare chance that you do see a positive? You’ve caught it early enough to take control of your own health. You’ll have options, time to make decisions, and the ability to act on what’s best for you.

Let’s Make Pregnancy Testing Normal

Most people only take a pregnancy test when they feel something is wrong. So let’s flip the script and make it a normal, stress-free habit. Pick a day, and put it on the calendar with a repeating cadence. The first of the month works great! 

So grab pregnancy tests in bulk (they’re cheaper that way!), add it to your routine, and remember: This is about empowerment and options, and you deserve that.

This article was written in partnership with Nikki Sapiro Vinckier, OBGYN PA-C and Reproductive Rights Advocate. Follow her here: @nikkivinck