Doctors Remind Families: No Birth Control is 100% Effective

IUDs are among the most reliable forms of contraception, with copper devices like Queidy’s carrying a failure rate of just 0.6%. They work by creating conditions inside the uterus that make it difficult for sperm to survive or for a fertilized egg to implant. Hormonal IUDs provide additional protection by releasing hormones that thicken cervical mucus and thin the uterine lining.

Despite their high effectiveness, experts stress that no contraceptive method is completely guaranteed. “No contraceptive method is 100% certain,” Dr. Rodrigues said after the birth.

In Queidy’s case, removing the IUD once pregnancy was confirmed would have posed serious risks to the baby. Doctors decided it was safest to leave it in place, even though the pregnancy came with complications, including bleeding and partial detachments.

Against the odds, Matheus was born healthy. His father, who had been waiting for a vasectomy procedure, joked after the birth: “The factory is now closed.”

An IUD, often called a “coil,” is a small T-shaped device that can remain in place for five to ten years depending on the type. Fertility typically returns immediately after removal.

While Matheus’s birth is rare, it serves as both a lighthearted story and a serious reminder of the limits of contraception. His first moments in the world—clutching the very device that was meant to prevent his existence—have now become a symbol of resilience, humor, and the unpredictability of life.