An IUD was left in a woman's body for 20 years. Here's what happened

• Author: Walla!
• Published date: 02 October 2021
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Even today, 60 years after birth control pills were first marketed, women are the ones who must be responsible for contraception. This burden can be dangerous. One such risk came true for a woman whose IUD was left in her body for 20 years, leading to a serious infection called actinomycosis.

When this woman started to suffer from abdominal pain and fever, doctors found a very old IUD, infected and surrounded by abscesses that were triggered by bacteria called Actinomyces israelii.

cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: '36af7c51-0caf-4741-9824-2c941fc6c17b' }).render('4c4d856e0e6f4e3d808bbc1715e132f6'); });

>

Fortunately, the infection can be treated with antibiotics but the case study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, emphasizes the importance of replacing an IUD before the expiration date.

IUDs are the most effective contraceptives, with a success rate of 99%-99.8% in preventing conception, depending on the type of device. This is a particularly high figure compared to data that show that hormone pills are 91% effective.

These rates take into account risks of experiencing forgetfulness, effects of various medications, vomiting, diarrhea and more. The devices are divided into two types: a hormonal IUD that secretes progesterone, and a non-hormonal device. Remember, although they prevent conception in most cases, these devices come with certain risks.

The woman in this case was 54 years old and suffered from weight loss, pain, fever and difficulty walking for several months before she went to...