[Posplacenta intrauterine device. Guide wires not visible]

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Contraception
• Gynecology

Background:

• Limited data exists on the follow-up of postplacental intrauterine device (IUD) strings.
• Visible IUD strings are expected after postpartum involution when 10 cm strings are used.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of visible IUD strings after postplacental insertion.
• To establish follow-up guidelines for cases with non-visible IUD strings.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study involving 530 women with postplacental T Cu 380-A IUD insertion.
• Follow-up at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, including string visualization and expulsion/removal questioning.
• Analysis of cumulative incidence of visible strings and localization procedures for non-visible strings.

Main Results:

• At one year, 75.1% of women had the IUD in situ.
• IUD strings were visible in 90.2% of women with the IUD in place.
• Pelvic ultrasound successfully located the IUD in 31 of 33 cases where strings were not seen.

Conclusions:

• Postplacental IUD strings are visible in the majority of women at one year.
• Avoid interventions to locate the IUD if pregnancy is reasonably ruled out.
• Pelvic ultrasound is the recommended initial procedure for locating IUDs with non-visible strings.