Management of the lost intrauterine contraceptive device

In order to establish that a lost IUD is within the uterine cavity, a special hook-type instrument was designed to enable removal of the device when it was located within the uterine cavity. This instrument was 100% successful in removing 17 IUDs with no visivle tails and which were within the uterine cavity. Failure to remove a lost IUD by this method in 4 other patients indicated the device's absence from the uterine cavity. The technic is simple and has not been associated with any patient discomfort or complications. X-ray procedures or operative manipulations may thereby be avoided. Therefore, when the tail of an IUD is no longer visible, immediate removal can be attempted in order to establish the intrauterine location of the device. If the patient wishes to continue using this form of contraception, a new device should be inserted.