The forgotten coil.
OBJECTIVE
To raise awareness of forgotten intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs).


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
District general hospital in London.


METHODS
Two women, one with secondary infertility and one with heavy, painful periods, both unaware they had an IUD.


METHODS
Removal of the forgotten IUD.


METHODS
Return of fertility and improvement in gynecologic symptoms.


RESULTS
After the removal of the IUD, the first patient who had had secondary infertility conceived within 1 month. In the second patient, the symptoms of menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea improved after removal of the IUD.


CONCLUSIONS
Although it is rare, a forgotten IUD is a potential cause of unexplained infertility and a differential diagnosis for gynecologic symptoms.
Marcus
Samuel
S
Fertility Service, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, South London Healthcare National Health Service Trust, London, United Kingdom. dr.samuelmarcus@gmail.com
Marcus
Diana
D
D000328:Adult; D020878:Device Removal; D004412:Dysmenorrhea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D007434:Intrauterine Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014599:Uterus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging