The "forgotten" intrauterine device.

It is essential to ascertain that women who had an IUD inserted at some time have indeed had the device removed. It is also important to ensure that the whole IUD was removed and that no parts were left in the uterine cavity. This is especially true in cases of infertility and should be ascertained before invasive investigations such as hysterosalpingography or laparoscopy commence. An accurate history and ultrasonography can easily rule out a forgotten or fragmented IUD, thereby preventing considerable unnecessary suffering and expense.