After diligently raising a son and a daughter, Mrs. Liu made the decision to use an intrauterine device (IUD) shortly after the birth of her youngest daughter due to family planning considerations. However, as time passed unnoticed, 16 years went by, and Mrs. Liu never expected that the choice she made out of love and responsibility would turn into a physical burden.
As time went on, Mrs. Liu occasionally felt discomfort in her lower back and legs. Initially, she thought it was just a sign of aging. However, the pain gradually intensified, making it impossible for her to ignore this discomfort.
After seeking medical help, the doctor’s diagnosis shocked her: the IUD, which was once used for contraception, had quietly embedded itself in her flesh, becoming the culprit of her pain.
The successful surgery brought unexpected relief to Mrs. Liu. After removing the foreign object from her body, she felt a sense of unprecedented ease, and the long-standing back and leg pain that had troubled her miraculously disappeared.
Here, the doctor kindly reminds: IUDs should typically be removed and checked 5 to 15 years after placement. If there is a need for continued contraception, reinsertion can be considered.
Importantly, to prevent the IUD from embedding or shifting, and to avoid increasing the difficulty and risk of removal, every family should have sufficient knowledge and care about contraception methods to ensure the health and happiness of every mother.
“Overdue IUD” Harms Women’s Health
Since the 1980s, hundreds of millions of Chinese women have chosen long-term contraceptive methods to comply with the family planning policy. However, due to a lack of in-depth popular science education, some women misunderstand “long-term” as “permanent,” leading them to leave the IUD inside their bodies for decades.
According to the “2019 China Health and Health Statistics Yearbook,” there were approximately 346 million IUD insertions performed nationwide from 1980 to 2018, while removal surgeries were only around 106 million times.
This data reflects a stark disparity between the number of insertions and removals. Studies show that Chinese women wear IUDs for an average of 20.96 years, far exceeding the recommended duration.
This phenomenon highlights a serious issue: the prolonged use of IUDs poses a potential threat to the health of hundreds of millions of Chinese women. Therefore, increasing popular science efforts and correctly guiding women to understand and use IUDs have become a matter of urgency.
“What happens if the IUD is not removed after expiration?”
IUD Displacement
As time passes, the IUD may shift within the uterus. Displacement of the IUD may cause abdominal pain, bleeding, and even become embedded in the cervix or perforate the uterine wall, requiring surgical treatment in severe cases.
IUD Fracture
After expiration, the risk of IUD fracture increases due to material aging. Fragments of a broken IUD may remain in the uterus, leading to symptoms such as uterine bleeding and infection. In severe cases, uterine removal may be necessary.
Uterine Perforation
Prolonged presence of an IUD in the uterus may gradually thin the uterine wall, increasing the risk of uterine perforation. Uterine perforation is a severe complication that requires immediate surgical treatment.
Chronic Inflammation
An overdue and unremoved IUD may serve as a pathway for pathogen invasion, leading to bacterial growth within the uterus and triggering chronic inflammation. Prolonged inflammatory stimulus may cause uterine shrinkage, tubal obstruction, and even affect fertility.
Irregular Bleeding
The long-term presence of an IUD in the uterus can cause continuous irritation of the endometrium, resulting in irregular bleeding. This bleeding may manifest as irregular menstrual cycles, increased or decreased flow, causing inconvenience in women’s lives.
IUD Embedment
An overdue IUD may become embedded at the cervix, causing symptoms such as pain and bleeding. Embedded IUDs may require surgical removal.
“The Hidden Dangers of IUDs – At What Age Should They Be Removed?”
Zhou Wenjing, an artist who studied at the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, conducted in-depth interviews with 50 women who wore IUDs for her art project. Among them, 8 had to undergo hysterectomy due to IUD-related issues.
So, how much of a potential threat do IUDs pose to our physical health?
In an article titled “Investigation of Adverse Reactions to Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices and Related Response Strategies,” a survey of 662 reproductive-age women with IUDs inserted was conducted, revealing that 186 cases experienced adverse reactions, with a high rate of 28.1%.
For women already wearing IUDs, the timing of IUD removal becomes a question.
Generally, stainless steel IUDs can be inserted for 15 to 20 years; whereas silicone, plastic, or other types may be used for 5 to 7 years. Once the IUD exceeds its service life, it may bring many safety risks.
Additionally, removal should be carried out in the following situations:
1. Menopause or irregular menstruation after perimenopause: Due to decreased reproductive immunity and increased infection chances, it is recommended to remove the IUD within a year after menopause.
2. Symptoms like lower abdominal discomfort, lumbar pain, irregular vaginal bleeding during IUD placement: Prompt medical attention and removal are necessary.
To mitigate the potential negative effects of IUDs, it is recommended that women undergo annual follow-ups to understand the intrauterine conditions and detect any issues early for timely treatment.
Precautions and Preparation for IUD Removal
Pre-removal Precautions
1. Choose an appropriate time: Avoid removal during menstruation, postpartum, or immediately after an abortion. It is generally recommended to remove the IUD 3-7 days after a clean menstrual period.
2. Pre-op examination: Detailed gynecological examination should be conducted to understand the size and position of the uterus and the condition of the IUD. If there are issues like inflammation or bleeding, they should be treated before removal.
3. Adjust mindset: Women may experience anxiety or fear before IUD removal. To alleviate psychological pressure, women should adjust their mindset and maintain a relaxed and optimistic attitude.
4. Pre-op preparation: Avoid sexual activity two days before removal to prevent infection. Thirty minutes before the procedure, a sedative can be taken to reduce pain and nervousness.
5. Understand the removal process: During removal, a doctor will use specialized tools to extract the IUD from the uterine cavity. Normally, the removal procedure takes 5-10 minutes. After removal, a check-up will be conducted to confirm the complete retrieval of the IUD.
Post-removal Precautions
1. Rest: Women should rest for a period after removal, avoiding vigorous activity and strenuous labor. Within two days post-surgery, it is advisable to rest in bed to facilitate recovery.
2. Diet: Consume nutritious foods like chicken, fish, tofu, and increase intake of vitamins and minerals to aid in recovery.
3. Maintain outer genitalia hygiene: Keep the external genital area clean by washing daily with warm water to prevent infection.
4. Observe bleeding: Pay attention to vaginal bleeding post-removal. If bleeding is excessive or prolonged, seek medical attention promptly.
5. Contraceptive measures: After removal, women should adopt reliable contraceptive measures to prevent unintended pregnancy.
In conclusion:
IUD removal is an important step in women’s contraceptive processes. Pre-removal precautions are significant in reducing risks and ensuring a smooth surgery. Women should thoroughly understand relevant knowledge, prepare adequately before removal to safeguard their health. Additionally, post-operational care should be observed to avoid complications.
