Can You Freeze or Donate Eggs With An IUD?

Many women interested in egg donation or egg freezing have IUDs for birth control, leading to questions about whether they need to have them removed before starting the process. The good news: research shows that having an IUD doesn't interfere with egg donation or egg freezing. Let's explore why IUDs are generally compatible with egg donation and what you should know if you're considering donating eggs.

Understanding IUDs and egg freezing and donation

IUDs (intrauterine devices) work differently from other forms of birth control. While some birth control methods prevent ovulation, IUDs primarily work by preventing fertilization and implantation. This means they don't affect your body's natural egg production or the ability to stimulate egg development during the donation process.

There are currently two types of IUDs available:

Hormonal IUDs:

• Mirena (releases 20 micrograms of levonorgestrel daily)
• Kyleena (releases 17.5 micrograms of levonorgestrel daily)
• Skyla (releases 14 micrograms of levonorgestrel daily)
• Liletta (releases 18.6 micrograms of levonorgestrel daily)

Non-hormonal IUD:

• Paragard (Copper IUD)

Both hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs are generally compatible with egg donation. However, some doctors may prefer patients to have it removed before a cycle as it may require higher dose of FSH. If you have specific questions about your type of IUD, discuss them with your fertility doctor and how it may relate to your medical history.

A look at the research

A large study from the University of California San Francisco looked at the outcomes of over 1,000 women undergoing egg freezing or donation. The research found no difference in the number or quality of eggs retrieved from women with or without hormonal IUDs. Even more encouraging, when these eggs were used in fertility treatments, the success rates were equivalent - showing that IUDs don't impact egg quality or future pregnancy potential.

The detailed findings showed remarkably similar outcomes:

• Total number of eggs retrieved
• Number of mature eggs
• Fertilization rates
• Pregnancy success rates
• Live birth rates

Because of this research, most doctors are comfortable allowing patients to proceed with egg freezing or donation while keeping an IUD in place. There's generally no need to remove it before starting the process unless you were planning to do so anyway.

Can you do an egg retrieval with an IUD in?

Yes, most doctors do allow you to keep your IUD in during the egg retrieval. When you donate eggs with an IUD:

• Your IUD can stay in place throughout the entire process
• The stimulation medications work normally
• The retrieval procedure isn't affected
• The IUD isn’t impacted
• Recovery remains the same

Read more in Egg Freezing and Birth Control: An Overview

Can I have my IUD removed during the egg retrieval?

If you've been planning to have your IUD removed anyway, you might consider asking your fertility doctor about removing it during the egg retrieval procedure. This can save you an extra appointment and make efficient use of the anesthesia you'll receive for the retrieval.

Can you check your egg count with an IUD?

Yes, you can get your ovarian reserve (egg count) tested while using an IUD. The two main fertility tests - AMH blood testing and antral follicle count via ultrasound - can both be performed with an IUD in place. 

However, one study looked at data from women on various types of birth control and found that hormonal IUD led to a small and temporary 6.7% lower AMH (there was not a significant difference with the copper IUD). 

If you are donating your eggs, most clinics require an AMH of at least 2. If your AMH comes back below that, you may be able to test again after removing the IUD. We have had donors who were able to bring up their AMH to a qualifying level just by removing their IUD.

Read more in Can Birth Control Affect Your AMH Levels?

How soon after getting an IUD can I donate eggs?

The good news is that there's typically no required waiting period between having an IUD placed and starting the egg donation process. Since IUDs begin working immediately after placement and don't interfere with your body's natural egg production, you can begin the donation process right away if you choose to do so. This is true for both hormonal IUDs (like Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla, and Liletta) and non-hormonal IUDs (like Paragard), as neither type affects egg quality or production. While some women may prefer to wait a few weeks to ensure they're comfortable with their IUD, this is a personal choice rather than a medical requirement. Your fertility doctor can help you determine the best timing based on your individual circumstances.

Birth control and the Split program

At Cofertility, we work with many egg donors who have IUDs. Our Split program allows women to freeze their eggs for free by sharing a portion with a family who could not otherwise conceive. The presence of an IUD doesn't affect eligibility for the program or impact the success rates.

Remember:

• No need to remove your IUD before donating unless directed otherwise by your doctor
• Research shows equivalent success rates
• Optional removal during retrieval if desired
• All forms of birth control should be discussed with your medical team

Next steps

If you're interested in egg donation or freezing and have an IUD:

1. Take this quiz to see if you qualify  
2. Learn more about the egg sharing process
3. Discuss any birth control concerns and medical history with your healthcare team

The choice to donate or freeze your eggs while having an IUD is safe and well-studied. Our team can help you understand your options and guide you through the process, whether you choose to keep or remove your IUD during the cycle.

Key take-aways

• Having an IUD does not disqualify you from donating eggs or affect your eligibility for egg donation programs.
• Both hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla, Liletta) and non-hormonal IUDs (Paragard) are compatible with egg donation.
• You will likely not need to remove your IUD before starting the egg donation process - research shows IUDs don't interfere with donation.
• IUDs are not shown to have a negative impact on egg quality or the number of eggs you retrieve in a donation cycle.
• Your IUD stays safely in place during the egg retrieval procedure and isn't affected by the process.
• Hormone testing is okay with an IUD, though hormonal IUDs may slightly affect AMH levels (by about 6.7%).
• There are no known increased risks or complications for egg donors who have IUDs.
• You can start the donation process immediately after getting an IUD - there's no required waiting period.
• If desired, you may be able to have your IUD removed during the egg retrieval procedure while under anesthesia.
• After you complete your egg retrieval, you will get your menstrual cycle about two weeks later.