Updated Terminology for Multidisciplinary Management of Intrauterine Devices: A Proposed Lexicon

There are numerous terms used to describe variant locations of intrauterine devices (IUDs) in US reports, such as displaced, low lying, and malpositioned. These vague terms are frequently misinterpreted by providers and patients, which may lead to an incorrect inference of inadequate contraception. Current consensus guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) indicate that the greatest risk of unintended pregnancy may be due to the unnecessary removal of a nonfundal IUD. Many providers now advocate leaving an IUD in place if it is located entirely above the internal os, as the device still provides effective contraception. The ACOG recommends counseling for patients, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, before removal of the IUD. The authors outline a simple lexicon to describe the location of IUDs in US reports that includes terms understood by obstetrics and gynecology providers and that better align with current gynecologic literature. ^©RSNA, 2026 Supplemental material is available for this article.