Abstract

PIP: Dysmenorrhea, uterine pain, metrorrhagia, and menorrhagia are common complaints among women wearing the IUD. Ultrasonography and hysterography were performed in 52 women wearing various types of IUDs; 30 had IUD-related symptoms, and 22 were controls without symptoms. The difference between the symptom group and the control group regarding uterine size and shape demonstrated by hysterography was not significant. Dislocation of the IUD was found in 3 of 30 cases in the symptom group and 5 of 22 cases in the control group (n.s.--not significant). Penetration of the IUD into the uterine wall was found in 15 of 30 cases in the symptom group and 8 of 22 cases in the control group (n.S.). All but 1 of the cases with penetration had a Cu T IUD. The IUD was detected by ultrasonography in all cases. Only 1 of the 4 cases with dislocation of the IUD in the cervical canal and none of the cases with penetration of the IUD into the uterine wall was detected by ultrasonography. There is no certain correlation between uterine size and shape, position of the IUD, penetration of the IUD and occurrence of IUD-related symptoms. Hysterography offers little or no help in managing IUD-related symptoms, but is indicated when uterine perforation of the IUD or uterine abnormality is suspected.