Malpositioned IUCD: The menace of postpartum IUCD insertion

Abstract

Use of a postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD) is a highly effective, reversible and long-acting family planning method that can be initiated in the immediate postpartum period, especially in lactating women. PPIUCDs have been inserted in more than 65 000 women worldwide and the numbers are increasing with many countries introducing PPIUCDs as part of their family planning programme. As the numbers of PPIUCD insertions are increasing, we are getting wiser regarding complications of this procedure. One of the less-understood entities is a malpositioned PPIUCD, a situation where the IUCD is present inside the uterus but its placement is eccentric and a part or the whole of it may be embedded in the myometrium. It can present as lost strings or as a failure to remove the intrauterine device. We present a series of cases with malpositioned PPIUCDs and their management.