title: Nonpalpable intrauterine device threads: Is it a cause for worry?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Intrauterine contraceptive device is a popular and effective method of contraception. It can be inserted either as an interval procedure or after abortion or delivery. Threads are attached to the vertical limb so that the user can find out the location of the device. Sometimes the threads are not palpable by the user; this study was conducted to find out the reasons for inability to palpate the threads.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The retrospective study was conducted over a period of eight years; 110 female patients who complained of inability to feel the threads were included in the study. In most of the cases the device was in the right place. In four cases the device could not be felt on uterine sounding; this could have been due to subendometrial placement of the device. There was no case of perforation by the device.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Inability to feel the threads is a common complaint by the patients who are using intrauterine contraceptive device. In most of the cases the device was in correct position and could be localized by clinical examination. Ultrasonography can help in localization of the device; if used at the time of insertion it can confirm proper insertion and location of the device. This will reassure the client and the health care providers.
authors.affiliation: Consultant (Obst and Gynae), Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt 110001, India.
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Kathpalia
authors.affiliation: Classified Specialist (Obst and Gynae), Military Hospital, Allahabad, India.
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Classified Specialist (Radiodiagnosis), Military Hospital, Allahabad, India.
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Grewal
keywords: Intrauterine contraceptive device; Perforation; Threads