| Abstract: | The IUD is a reliable contraceptive. Plastic IUDs can remain in situ for life; copper IUDs must be changed every 3-5 years. If the string of the IUD cannot be seen during a checkup, the following may have occurred: 1) the IUD may have moved to the cavum uteri; 2) it may have been expelled spontaneously; 3) it may have perforated the uterine wall; and 4) pregnancy may have occurred so that the IUD may be in the uterus. Through the use of echoscopy, the IUD, or parts of it, can be detected and removed by hysteroscopic retrieving forceps. The entire procedure takes 5-15 minutes and the patient may go home at once. To avoid unnecessary tests and X-rays, IUDs can even be retrieved from pregnant women in this manner. Copper IUDs generally disappear in 1 piece; plastic ones may break off during removal. |
