Forgotten Intrauterine Device Contributing to Infertility

Abstract

The aim of the study is to show that long standing forgotten intrauterine device contributes to infertility, reporting three cases presented at Central Hospital Warri, Nigeria, a government tertiary health center. Three cases of forgotten intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) contributing to infertility were seen. Two were inserted for contraceptive reasons while one was inserted while being managed for uterine synechae. Health care providers should ensure proper documentation of all procedures carried out, adequate counseling which should include taking an informed consent and also ensuring both short and long term follow up of their clients. Also all patients being evaluated for infertility and clients with past history of intrauterine device must have a speculum examination and ultrasound scan carried out.

Spontaneously Expelled Lippes Loop IUD After 40 Years of Use: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…1,4,17 One of the main reasons why IUDs were forgotten in the uterus more than the expected time is poor counseling during insertion and failure to document the procedure performed. 4,9 Our case was not adequately counseled and informed of what to do with the device.…”

“… 5 Some authors stated that this IUD can be left in the uterine cavity for an indefinite amount of time. 1 , 9 Other works of literature recommend removal. 8 Prolonged use of this device is common; however, it is associated with some problems, such as uterine infection, uterine bleeding, uterine perforation, bowel perforation, and pelvic abscess.…”

“…4 Retained IUDs beyond the required time are related to numerous complications. [5][6][7][8][9][10] However, there are cases with no symptoms though kept for many years. 1,5 There are controversies about whether to remove or conservatively managed dislocated or retained IUDs without complaints.…”

Lippes loop intrauterine device left in the uterus for 40 years as a rare cause of postmenopausal pelvic pain: a case report and review of the literature

“…Management of retained or dislocated IUDs is controversial [ 5 ]. Some authors stated that this IUD can be left in the uterine cavity for an indefinite amount of time [ 1 , 9 ]. Other works of literature recommend removal [ 8 ].…”

“…IUD can be retained or forgotten in the uterus or outside the uterus for several reasons ranging from 22 to 50 years [ 1 , 4 , 14 ]. One of the main reasons why IUDs were forgotten in the uterus more than the expected time is poor counseling during insertion of the device and documentation [ 4 , 9 ]. Our case was not adequately counseled and informed what to do with the device.…”