Expert: Diane Cheryl - 5/30/2008

Question
I recently had a Paraguard IUD placed during the end of my period. I have never been pregnant, and had to be manually dilated in order to get the IUD in place. Two weeks later, today, the doctor ordered a sonogram for me to check the IUD was still in place. He said that the positioning in terms of being in the uterus and being far back enough was great. The problem was that the arms of the IUD had turned. So instead of the arms facing hip to hip, they are now tummy to back - turned. He said that it is not a problem as far as effectiveness of the IUD but rather if it will give me problems with cramping because the arm is on the muscle. I am more scared of the IUD being expelled or puncturing my uterus. He said right now he does not see any problems. I am a little reluctant and would like some reassurance and am having a difficult time finding information on the internet about the IUD turning but still remaining in the uterus. If you could give me some information regarding this, I would appreciate it. It was painful to put it in and I do want children in the future, I'm just nervous something is going to happen to make me infertile in the future.

Answer
Hi Bianca,

Thanks for your question. I have never heard of this happening. I'm not a medical doctor but personally, I don't recommend any kind of birth control that has serious side effects. In my opinion, I think that the IUD in general is not healthy for a woman's body. I believe in natural things and keeping things the way are bodies are designed. There is a chance that you could have a side effect such as you mentioned. Is it possible that you could have it removed and go with Natural Family planning? Do you need to have any kind of birth control right now the way your life is? Just let me know the answers to these questions and maybe I can give you more advice. I would talk to your doctor or get a 2nd opinion on what has happened and if it should be removed. Please let me know what happens. You can email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com and we can talk more.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl