Intrauterine devices and risk of uterine perforation: current perspectives

Abstract

Sam Rowlands,1 Emeka Oloto,2 David H Horwell3 1Centre of Postgraduate Medical Research and Education, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Dorset, UK; 2Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Partnership NHS Trust, Leicester, UK; 3Spire Harpenden Hospital, Harpenden, UK Abstract: Uterine perforation is an uncommon complication of intrauterine device insertion, with an incidence of one in 1,000 insertions. Perforation may be complete, with the device totally in the abdominal cavity, or partial, with the device to varying degrees within the uterine wall. Some studies show a positive association between lactation and perforation, but a causal relationship has not been established. Very rarely, a device may perforate into bowel or the urinary tract. Perforated intrauterine devices can generally be removed successfully at laparoscopy. Keywords: uterine perforation, intrauterine device, intrauterine system

Keywords

• uterine perforation intrauterine device intrauterine system