ULTRASONIC LOCALIZATION OF INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES

Abstract

Thirty women were examined by ultrasonic B-scanning before and immediately after the insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD). Fifteen women had the Lippes loop inserted, ten the coil (Gynekoil®), and five the steel band (Inhiband®). Both the polyethylene and metallic contraceptive devices were well visualized by ultrasound, and each gave an echo image corresponding to its shape. In addition to this, a woman who had, in spite of the Lippes loop, become pregnant and whose pregnancy was in the eighth week, counted from the beginning of her last menstruation, was examined. The ring-like gestational sac could be seen in the fundus of the normal uterus. Further, the echo image of the Lippes loop was obtained from the inside of the uterus. The uterine size and the size of the gestational sac corresponded to the stage of the pregnancy as indicated by the patient.