Letting intrauterine devices lie.

Lippes Loop intrauterine device left in the uterus for 50 years: case report

“…Lippes Loop intrauterine device was first introduced in 1962. It was a plastic double “S” loop, a trapezoidal shaped IUD that closely fit the contours of the uterine cavity, thereby reducing the incidence of expulsion [ 1 , 7 ]. This IUD was commonly used from the 1960s to the 1980s [ 1 ].…”

“…This IUD was commonly used from the 1960s to the 1980s [ 1 ]. Some authors states that this IUD can be left in the uterine cavity for an indefinite amount of time [ 7 ]. Prolonged use of this device was common, however, it was associated with some complications like uterine bleeding during post-menopausal period and inflammatory pelvic disease [ 1 , 4 - 7 ].…”

“…It is noted that infection is most common during the first year after insertion of the device but may occur at any time. This is caused by microorganisms’ migration from the vagina and cervical canal along the threads of the uterine device [ 7 ]. To address these concerns, the authors (Farley TM, Rosenberg MJ et al) have reviewed the World Health Organisation’s IUD clinical trial data to explore the incidence and patterns of the pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) risk with use of an IUD [ 9 ].…”

“…The use of the IUD is associated with some complications, including the risk of uterine perforation, malposition and expulsion of the device, abnormal bleeding and infections [ 3 - 6 ]. There have been reported cases of some women with expired IUD’s [ 4 , 6 , 7 ].…”