- Author:
Kristina M NOWITZKI
1
;
Matthew L HOIMES
;
Byron CHEN
;
Larry Z ZHENG
;
Young H KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords: Intrauterine devices; Contraceptive devices, female; Ultrasonography
- MeSH: Contraception; Contraceptive Devices, Female; Hemorrhage; Humans; Intrauterine Devices*; Pelvic Pain; Recognition (Psychology); Ultrasonography*
- From: Ultrasonography 2015;34(3):183-194
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: The intrauterine device (IUD) is gaining popularity as a reversible form of contraception. Ultrasonography serves as first-line imaging for the evaluation of IUD position in patients with pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or absent retrieval strings. This review highlights the imaging of both properly positioned and malpositioned IUDs. The problems associated with malpositioned IUDs include expulsion, displacement, embedment, and perforation. Management considerations depend on the severity of the malposition and the presence or absence of symptoms. Three-dimensional ultrasonography has proven to be more sensitive in the evaluation of more subtle findings of malposition, particularly side-arm embedment. Familiarity with the ultrasonographic features of properly positioned and malpositioned IUDs is essential.