Intrauterine device (IUD) can serve as a contraceptive measure, but long-term use of IUD can produce certain side effects, including increased menstrual flow, uterine perforation, ectopic pregnancy, endometrial fibrosis, or pregnancy with the device, which can cause significant harm to the human body. These conditions should be treated accordingly based on specific situations. If the symptoms do not improve after treatment, the IUD can be removed and anti-inflammatory measures can be taken.
1. Uterine perforation: The mechanism of uterine perforation caused by IUD placement is not clear, but it is generally believed that it may be due to mismatched uterine size or improper operation by the doctor. In addition, when women perform strenuous exercise, the sharp-shaped IUD may cause injury to the uterus due to physical inertia. Unexplained uterine contractions may also squeeze the IUD and cause uterine perforation.
2. Injury to other organs: In rare cases, an IUD that causes uterine perforation may enter the abdominal cavity, resulting in the displacement of the device. The device may be displaced into the bladder, pelvic cavity, or mesentery.
3. Excessive menstrual flow: Some IUDs contain copper ions, which have cytotoxic and hemolytic effects, leading to excessive menstrual flow and non-clotting blood. This is a normal phenomenon.
4. Ectopic pregnancy: If the embryo implants in the fallopian tube instead of reaching the uterus, the result is an ectopic pregnancy. The contraceptive principle of IUDs is to alter the intrauterine environment, causing miscarriage. It only acts locally within the uterus, so it can only prevent normal pregnancy within the uterus but cannot prevent ectopic pregnancy.
5. Endometrial fibrosis: IUDs are essentially foreign bodies within the human body. Foreign bodies within the body can cause mechanical injury and chronic inflammation of local tissues, leading to fibrotic changes, which is a well-known medical fact. After 10 to 12 years of IUD use, endometrial fibrosis may occur.
6. Pregnancy with IUD: Pregnancy with IUD is also known as pregnancy with the device. Since the contraceptive success rate of IUDs is lower than oral contraceptives and sterilization procedures, women should still take preventive measures after IUD placement to prevent pregnancy with the device.
