Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
06:24
Fertility Sparing Procedure using Carbon Dioxide Fiber Laser Vaporization of Ovarian Endometrioma
Published on: July 6, 2022
5.7K
Fertility after intrauterine device removal: a pilot study.
Amy M Stoddard1, Hanna Xu, Tessa Madden
1* Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California , Los Angeles, CA , USA.
Summary
Fertility returns quickly after discontinuing intrauterine devices (IUDs), with no difference in pregnancy rates compared to other birth control methods. However, African American women experienced reduced fertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Contraception Research
- Fertility Studies
Background:
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are highly effective contraceptives, yet their use remains low in the U.S. (7.7%).
- Limited contemporary data exists on fertility rates post-IUD discontinuation, particularly for nulliparous women and hormonal IUD users.
- Understanding fertility recovery is crucial for informed contraceptive choices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate fertility rates and time to pregnancy after IUD discontinuation.
- To compare fertility outcomes between former IUD users and users of other contraceptive methods.
- To identify factors influencing fertility recovery post-contraception.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study recruited 69 former IUD users (copper and levonorgestrel) and 42 former non-IUD users aged 18-35.
- Participants were sexually active women desiring pregnancy.
- Pregnancy rates at 12 months and time to pregnancy were analyzed using Cox regression.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in 12-month pregnancy rates was observed between former IUD users (81%) and non-IUD users (70%) (p = 0.18).
- Time to pregnancy did not differ between the groups (Adjusted Hazard Ratio [HRadj] 1.19, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.74-1.92).
- African American race was significantly associated with reduced fertility (HRadj 0.40, 95% CI 0.24-0.67).
Conclusions:
- Discontinuation of IUDs does not appear to impact subsequent fertility or time to pregnancy.
- Fertility recovery is comparable between former IUD users and users of alternative contraceptive methods.
- A significant reduction in fertility was noted among African American women, warranting further investigation.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
152
Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...
152
01:28Infertility in Females
5.1K
Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse and affects about 10–15% of couples worldwide. The primary cause of female infertility is ovulatory disorders, which hinder the release of eggs. These disorders can be classified as hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemic anovulation disorders.
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of...
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of...
5.1K
01:24In Vitro Fertilization
1.5K
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology where an egg is fertilized with sperm in a controlled laboratory environment before transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus. This process is designed to help individuals and couples experiencing difficulties conceiving.
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
1.5K
01:22Birth Control Methods
7.4K
Vasectomy is a surgical form of male sterilization that involves severing and sealing the vasa deferentia, preventing sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation. Because a vasectomy does not impact the testes' ability to produce testosterone, hormone levels, libido, and sexual function generally remain unchanged. While vasectomy is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate near 99.85%, rare cases of recanalization (spontaneous reconnection) can occur. Although...
7.4K
01:23Infertility in Males
710
Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
710
01:57Meiosis II
211.2K
Meiosis II is the second and final stage of meiosis. It relies on the haploid cells produced during meiosis I, each of which contain only 23 chromosomes—one from each homologous initial pair. Importantly, each chromosome in these cells is composed of two joined copies, and when these cells enter meiosis II, the goal is to separate such sister chromatids using the same microtubule-based network employed in other division processes. The result of meiosis II is two haploid cells, each...
211.2K