Migrated Intrauterine Contraceptive Device: A Case Report

The use of long-term and reversible family planning methods such as intrauterine contraceptive devices is common in Nigeria likely due to the large population, fertility as well as less economic burden of placement, and maintenance of this device. Uterine embedment, perforation, and extrauterine migration of the device is becoming more frequent with the increased number of patients benefitting from the contraceptive technique. Distant abdominal migrations and intrathoracic migrations have been reported. Transabdominal ultrasound is an initial imaging modality used in assessment of such patients; in some cases, however, plain abdominal radiograph also needs to be used. This paper will discuss a 30-year-old female who had intrauterine contraceptive device inserted at a primary healthcare facility about 7 months before presentation that got misplaced and was referred to our facility for radiologic investigations and localization of the device.