Over a decade ago, a report by medical researchers K.K. Roy et al. was published in International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics describing the case of a woman in whom a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) perforated the uterine wall and migrated to the pelvis.
Intrauterine contraceptive device migration is a well-known complication of IUD use.
Other complications related to the use of intrauterine contraceptive devices such as Mirena® (manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals) are ectopic pregnancy, loss of pregnancy, loss of fertility, and IUD expulsion. For more information, the Mayo Clinic website has a great deal of information regarding the risks of Mirena® use.
The Roy et al. (2000) piece describes the case of a woman, aged 42 years and otherwise healthy, who had decided to use an intrauterine contraceptive device after the birth of her second child.[1] This, in fact, is the time in life at which the Mirena® device is intended to be used.
After using her intrauterine contraceptive device for only 15 days, she came back to her doctor complaining of mild pelvic pain. Upon examination, the removal strings of the device could not be located, and X-ray was required to locate the device. Found to have torn through the uterine wall, the device was resting in front of the sacrum. Using laparoscopy, a surgical procedure aided by the insertion of a tiny camera aboard surgical equipment, the device was removed and the woman recovered without injury.[2]
Due to the fact that the manufacturers of Mirena® IUD and other similar products have time and again failed to make clear the risks associated with the use of their products, a number of Mirena® lawsuits are currently being filed.
[1] Roy, K.K. et al. “Laparoscopic removal of translocated retroperitoneal IUD” International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics 71 _2000. 241]243
[2] Ibid.