Missing Coil

[Huntsmell]

I have had a copper coil for 5 years and have had it checked a couple of time during that time. The last time 2 years ago. I have been told to check the threads after each period, admittedly I haven't done this for quite a while. I haven't had any problems at all during this time.

However on Monday I went for coil check and the Doctors could not find the strings. It could have (a) fallen out or (b) moved up into my womb with the threads twisted around it. I have been booked for a scan, the appointment is in 6 weeks.

The doctors gave me the morning after pill and the mini pill as she said that I may be having unprotected sex - this has worried me somewhat. My period finished a week before my check and my husband and I have had sex a couple of times.

Has anyone had any experience of this? I am hoping that it's sitting up in my womb going it's job - however after speaking to the doctor she said that I could rule out being pregnant.

My the way I am 44 so not too much of a spring chick!!

..

I think I would make a coil check appt at the local family planning, they usually have ultrasound machines available on site and check straight away.

:)

Mine went AWOL it had indeed moved up and taken the strings with it, I would have thought that was more likely than it falling out and you not noticing it! I had an ultrasound at my GP practice which showed it was still there, then I had to go to the hospital to the coloscopy dept. where a doctor fished about with the correct tools and whisked it out. It didnt hurt at all. She said she was able to get 2/3rds of lost coils in this way, the other 1/3rd would have to have an op to have it removed. I hope it all goes well for you :)

My Doctor couldn't find mine at all and nor could I when I tried but a scan found it to be in the right place all along.. Still don't know where the threads are though, dreading the day it needs to be taken out!

I have no words of advice except I hope you don't find yourself in my situation. I found out Monday i am pregnant after having the coil last year. I had not checked the strings regularly and have just found out several months later that the ultrasound I had in June showed there was no coil in situ! If they had bothered to tell me I would not be heading for a termination in the next few days. I really hope that all is well for you. If they don't see the iud on the scan the likelyhood is that it has been expelled. If it had been dislodged they will be able to remove it during hysteroscopy (small scope placed through cervix into uterus) Its a relatively quick procedure done under GA. All the very best of luck. x

I think 6 weeks is taking the piss. I had this and was sent to the hospital for a scan pronto. Put pressure on the gp to resolve this quick. There should be no reason for you to go on the pill for 6 weeks just cos they can't pull their finger out for a 2 minute ultrasound appointment.

Ps for those dreading having it removed when the strings are lost, the gp has a special tool for this. It was fine, for me.

Freaking hat.

I am so sorry you have had this experience! That is so awful that they didn't tell you. I really hope things go ok for you in the next few weeks.

The copper iud is really easy to see on the screen, what with it being metallic, so ask the technician to show you the picture, then you know for sure it is there.

If your strings have gone wandering, does it have to come out? Or could you leave it in for the duration?

You can leave it in until it expires, but you have no way of checking it it is still in situ.

I had this, and only discovered when the GP couldn't find it when I wanted to conceive DS3. They gave me a long wait like you, but we were lucky we could afford to go private for the scan. The coil was there, but the gynae still couldn't get it out, so I had it removed under GA. Really straightforward procedure and took 5 minutes apparently. Fingers crossed that it's still there in your case as well.