[scribblerrn]

First of all, let me emphasize I am not asking for med advice. I do not have an IUD, nor do I plan to use one in the future/ I was thinking about IUD's driving home tonight (don't ask me why) and have a simple question. Since the IUD sits in the uterus, is there a risk scar tissue can develop around it and lead to infertility? Is this risk great or very small? I'm a PNP and they really didn't cover that stuff in my progam.

[midwife2b]

Signs of infection or imbedded IUD include fever and pain. These signs usually appear in the first 4 weeks after insertion.
It is a small risk... I believe it is <2%
Have seen a few where the strings were not visible on spec exam and those were removed by MD with ultrasound guidance.
It is a great form of birth control; women must be counseled about the possible side effects.

[traumaRUs]

Here is a decent article about IUDs: Log In Problems

Hope that helps.

[midwife97]

The biggest risk of infertility from an IUD is from STDs. If a woman gets a STD the chances that it will migrate up to the uterus and cause infertility from scarring is great. That is why women are carefully selected...preferably married, monogamous, and at least one child.