Uterine perforation by copper intrauterine device.

Sixteen cases with uterine perforation by a copper intrauterine device (IUD) are presented. In 13 cases the IUD had been inserted within 5 months following delivery, and in 6 cases the insertion had been painful. Missing string was the first sign in most cases. Laparatomy was performed in all cases to remove the IUD. The IUD was adherent to omentum or sigmoid in 10 cases. There is an increased risk of uterine perforation if the IUD is inserted postpartum during lactation and involution of the uterus. Therefore a painful IUD insertion and a missing string demand investigation of a partial or complete perforation.