Retained intrauterine device, Lippes loop intrauterine device, for 40 years as unusual cause of chronic pelvic pain in 70 years old woman in Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) is defined as chronic or persistent pain perceived in structures related to the pelvis for at least 6 months. This condition accounts for 10% of all outpatient gynecology visits and it significantly affects patients' health. Etiologies of chronic pelvic pain are multifactorial in nature and vary with patients' age. But retained intrauterine device in the uterus beyond its expiry date was not reported as the cause of chronic pelvic pain in postmenopausal age group. This case is presented to show that retained (expired) intrauterine device left in situ in postmenopausal woman could cause chronic pelvic pain. In conclusion, intrauterine devices in situ should be remembered at menopause and removed per the guideline before it causes problems and unnecessary interventions.

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

“…1,6,7,10 Another possible cause of pelvic pain is uterine contraction, which is aimed at expelling foreign bodies from the uterine cavity. 16 In our case, the intermittent uterine contraction resulted in the expulsion of the IUD to the external cervical os. This was possible because the patient did not suffer embedment or perforation, which is more commonly reported.…”

“…This was possible because the patient did not suffer embedment or perforation, which is more commonly reported. 1,6,7,16 Though our case was visiting several health facilities with pelvic complaints, the diagnosis of retained IUD was not made until her current visit to this specialized hospital. In general, when patients report a history of IUD use and pelvic symptoms, diagnosis of retained IUD is usually established by speculum and pelvic US examination.…”

“…This was possible because the patient did not suffer embedment or perforation, which is more commonly reported. 1 , 6 , 7 , 16 …”