Samuel Marcus1, Diana Marcus. 1. Fertility Service, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, South London Healthcare National Health Service Trust, London, United Kingdom. dr.samuelmarcus@gmail.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To raise awareness of forgotten intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs). DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: District general hospital in London. PATIENT(S): Two women, one with secondary infertility and one with heavy, painful periods, both unaware they had an IUD. INTERVENTION(S): Removal of the forgotten IUD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Return of fertility and improvement in gynecologic symptoms. RESULT(S): After the removal of the IUD, the first patient who had had secondary infertility conceived within 1 month. In the second patient, the symptoms of menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea improved after removal of the IUD. CONCLUSION(S): Although it is rare, a forgotten IUD is a potential cause of unexplained infertility and a differential diagnosis for gynecologic symptoms.
OBJECTIVE: To raise awareness of forgotten intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs). DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: District general hospital in London. PATIENT(S): Two women, one with secondary infertility and one with heavy, painful periods, both unaware they had an IUD. INTERVENTION(S): Removal of the forgotten IUD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Return of fertility and improvement in gynecologic symptoms. RESULT(S): After the removal of the IUD, the first patient who had had secondary infertility conceived within 1 month. In the second patient, the symptoms of menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea improved after removal of the IUD. CONCLUSION(S): Although it is rare, a forgotten IUD is a potential cause of unexplained infertility and a differential diagnosis for gynecologic symptoms.