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This object has been forgotten in a woman's body for 20 years.
And that's what happened
An intrauterine device is considered a very effective and safe method of contraception, but it also carries a risk.
A case of a 54-year-old woman who left the device in her body far beyond what is allowed is a warning to other women
Tags
Contraception
inflammation
Intrauterine device
Walla!
health
Sunday, 12 September 2021, 07:43 Updated: 08:10
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Even today, 60 years after the birth control pill was invented, women are the ones who carry the bulk of the burden of using contraception.
And yes, that burden can also be dangerous.
One such risk came true for a woman whose intrauterine device was left in her body for 20 years, leading to a serious infection known as actinomycosis.
After suffering from abdominal pain and fever, doctors discovered that her body had an old intrauterine device, which was infected and surrounded by abscesses, which are activated by Actinomyces israelii bacteria.
Fortunately, the infection can be treated with antibiotics - but the case report, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrates the importance of replacing intrauterine devices before the expiration date.
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To the full article
Intrauterine devices are the safest contraceptives and their effectiveness is 99-99.8 percent, depending on the type of device - a particularly high figure compared to data of about 91 percent effectiveness in pills (due to forgetfulness, effects of various drugs, vomiting, diarrhea and more).
The devices are divided into two types: hormonal intrauterine device - a device that secretes progesterone, and non-hormonal intrauterine device.
Despite their effectiveness they also carry certain risks.
The device removed from the woman's uterus after 20 years (Photo: Official Website, New England Journal of Medicine)
The woman in question was 54 years old and suffered from weight loss, pain, fever and difficulty walking for several months before arriving at the emergency room.
A physical examination led to the discovery of a lump in the lower left quarter of her abdomen that was soft to the touch, so doctors ordered a CT scan.
The test showed a collection of abscesses around the device, which was still in the uterus.
Blood test results supported the presence of infection as the number of white blood cells - fighting the infection - increased.
The infection has spread beyond the pelvis and left hip joint.
Actinomyces israelii bacteria are also found in the vagina of healthy women, but under certain conditions they can create an active infection known as actinomycosis.
The bacteria are characterized by a kind of sulfur-colored granular structure and although this condition can be dangerous and chronic, it can be treated with the help of massive antibiotic treatment.
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After all the tests confirmed that these were bacteria, the woman received extensive antibiotic treatment and was reported to have recovered with no lasting complications.
The device in question was made of plastic, and had to be removed after five years, meaning it was present in its body for 15 years beyond what was allowed.
Of course beyond the increased risk of infections such as actinomycosis, invalid devices are also becoming ineffective as a preventative measure.
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