Ultrasonically guided retrieval of occult IUD in early pregnancy.

The risk of spontaneous abortion and intra-uterine infections in pregnancies associated with an intra-uterine conceptive device (IUD) is well documented. There is a general agreement regarding the desirability of removing the IUD as soon as the pregnancy is diagnosed. When the string is not visible, the proper management is controversial. This study reports the successful retrieval of occult IUD in early pregnancy under ultrasonic guidance in 8 out of 9 women. In the one case where we failed to remove the IUD, the women chose to terminate the pregnancy by legal abortion. Seven women completed their pregnancy, while one experienced a spontaneous abortion. We consider the removal of the occult IUD in pregnancy under ultrasonic guidance to be a useful procedure.