Abstract
Background The association between tubo-ovarian abscess formation and the presence of an intrauterine device (IUD) is well recognized. It has been suggested that the risk of upper-genital-tract infection is highest during the immediate period following the insertion of an IUD, returning to baseline by 5 months postinsertion. We present 3 cases of women who, 10–21 years after insertion of their IUDs, developed tubo-ovarian abscesses that were not causally related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or actinomycetes. Cases: Three women, ages 39–47 years, presented to our gynecology service for evaluation of abdominal pain. One woman had bilateral tubo-ovarian abscesses and the other 2 had unilateral tubo-ovarian abscesses. All 3 were IUD users, with an interval from IUD insertion to presentation of 10–21 years. In each case, the cervical cultures for gonorrhea and chlamydia were negative at presentation and the sexual history was not consistent with an STD mode of spread. All 3 women initially received broad-spectrum antibiotics, but 2 eventually required definitive surgical therapy. Conclusion Long-term users of IUDs remain at risk for serious, indolent pelvic infections. These women should be counseled by their gynecologists on an ongoing basis as to this persistent risk. Tubo-ovarian abscess should be strongly considered in the differential diagnosis of an IUD user who presents with an adnexal mass, fever, or abdominal pain. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Highlights
The association between tubo-ovarian abscess formation and the presence of an intrauterine device (IUD) is well recognized
Tubo-ovarian abscess should be strongly considered in the differential diagnosis of an IUD user who presents with an adnexal mass, fever, or abdominal pain. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc
KEY WORDS Pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic abscess, salpingitis abscess formation is an uncommon but serious complication associated with the use of an intrauterine device (IUD). 1-3 Recent studies have suggested that the risk of a pelvic infection is greatest during the first several months of IUD use, with the risk returning to baseline at about 5 months postinsertion.[4,5,6]
Summary
The association between tubo-ovarian abscess formation and the presence of an intrauterine device (IUD) is well recognized. It has been suggested that the risk of upper-genital-tract infection is highest during the immediate period following the insertion of an IUD, returning to baseline by 5 months postinsertion. We present 3 cases of women who, 10-21 years after insertion of their IUDs, developed tubo-ovarian abscesses that were not causally related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or actinomycetes. Cases: Three women, ages 39-47 years, presented to our gynecology service for evaluation of abdominal pain. All 3 were IUD users, with an interval from IUD insertion to presentation of 10-21 years. The cervical cultures for gonorrhea and chlamydia were negative at presentation and the sexual history was not consistent with an STD mode of spread. All 3 women initially received broad-spectrum antibiotics, but 2 eventually required definitive surgical therapy
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
