An unusual cause of vesical stone: a migrant intrauterine device

Abstract

Intrauterine contraceptives devices have been in use for many years. Although perforation of the uterus by an intrauterine device is not uncommon, intravesical migration with secondary stone formation is a rare complication. We report on a 32-year-old woman in whom an intrauterine contraceptive device (Copper T) migrated from her uterus into the bladder. She had lower urinary tract symptoms for nearly 2 years but sought no treatment. The onset of hematuria and fear of cancer prompted her to seek treatment. On investigation, a vesical stone was discovered that had formed on a copper T contraceptive device. It was removed via suprapubic cystostomy. In any woman in whom an intrauterine device is fitted and who presents with lower urinary tract symptoms, the possibility of intravesical migration of the device should be included in the differential diagnosis.