IUD retrieval??

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Specializes in CCU MICU Rapid Response.

Hey to all, just a question... In the event that a pt's IUD strings are not palpable or visible (and IUD placement is confirmed via ultrasound) and she wishes to have it removed, what's the general procedure that you have seen?

~Cheers, Ivanna

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Wow! I don't know, but when I had my IUI, they used a long forcep type instrument to pry my cervix open. (ouch)

If she is closer to her ovualtion, then her cervix will be mostly open anyway. They can probably retrieve it via ultrasound then.

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

The general procedure i've heard of is to contact the doc that put it in and go from there.

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Specializes in L/D, and now Occupational Health.

In my nursing experience, they will wait toward the end of her period, because the cervix is slightly dilated at this point, use an ultrasound to visualize and go in with a forcep type instrument to pull it out.

Pretty much the same experience personally, I have had 3 of them, and this was the case with 1 of them.

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If the IUD is still in the uterus, the strings might just be sitting up in the cervix where you can't see them. In that case, you can try using a cytobrush (I use the same one as for paps) and see if you can snag the strings and bring them down. Otherwise, you can do a hysteroscopy and find the IUD and get it out.

I've also seen an OB blindly go in with a small ring forceps and try to feel around for it to pull it out. Didn't work in that case - but the IUD actually was up in the abdomen, so we ended up going to the OR to remove it.

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Specializes in CCU MICU Rapid Response.

Thank you for all of your responses!

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Specializes in ER; HBOT- lots others.

I worked as a CMA in a family clinic for 6 yrs before i started full on core nsg classes. I did many many a pap with the nurse pracitioner i worked with, as well as standing in with other MD's.

From my experience, when my NP would do the pap, of course showing me things that were just awesome as heck to see!!!!!!, loved that job!!, anyhow...it looked like a piece of tampon string was hanging out of the cervix. pretty dang awesome.. when they put them it, they would dilate the cervix and put it in, right in the office. only known of a couple that were taken out and also right in the office, same way as insertion. never heard of the u/s, but each place you go is always different.

-H-

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Specializes in neuro, med/surg/, cardiac care.

Thanks for all the posts, makes me want to run out and get one!! NOT!!

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Specializes in Peds, ER/Trauma.
Thanks for all the posts, makes me want to run out and get one!! NOT!!

I have an IUD, and haven't had a problem with it yet- most people who have them DON'T have complications with them...... I like it because there are no synthetic hormones involved, and I don't have to think about birth control for 10 years, and when I DO want to have kids, I can just get it removed, and get pregnant right away- I don't have to wait months for synthetic hormones to get out of my system...

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.
Thanks for all the posts, makes me want to run out and get one!! NOT!!

You couldn't pay me enough to get one.

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Specializes in CCU MICU Rapid Response.

Hmmm. This thread wasnt intended to spark a debate. :(

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Specializes in Peds, ER/Trauma.

I don't think anyone's really debating.... just discussing IUD's

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