Pelvic abscess in association with intrauterine contraceptive device
Scott, W.C.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 131(2): 149-156
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9378 PMID: 645795 DOI: 10.1016/0002-9378(78)90657-9Document Number: 436435
Pelvic abscess in association with intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) is reviewed. An analysis of 5 years' experience at the Arizona Health Sciences Center is included. 34% of 169 patients had an IUCD in place at the onset of infection. 24 of the patients were under 20 years of age and 35% were nulliparous. 11 of the nulliparous were rendered sterile following surgical extirpative therapy. 66 patients developed pelvic and tubo-ovarian abscesses. 38% of the abscesses were related to IUCD usage. The evidence presented documents the serious infection potential that IUCD usage entails, the antibiotic and surgical management, the infertility that results, and the mechanism assumed responsible. The high risk patient appears to be young, nulliparous, sexually active, and of the lower socioeconomic strata.