The forgotten coil

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.