Necessity for Short Interval Intrauterine Device String Check [19F]. Issue 1 (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hylton, Jordan; Milton, Sarah; Cheang, Kai; Sima, Adam
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 129:Issue 1(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000514848.43720.ef
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the study was to determine the necessity for the short interval IUD string check that is recommended by most IUD manufacturers. The primary objective was to determine if a routine short interval follow up visit after IUD insertion identifies expelled or malpositioned IUDs. METHODS: The study is a retrospective chart review of data collected from ICD 9 and 10 codes for "IUD placement" at Virginia Commonwealth University from January 2011 to December 2015. One thousand charts were reviewed. In addition to data on malpositioned or expelled IUDs, information was collected regarding symptoms at time of string check, obstetric and gynecologic history, string check intervals and visits related to IUD complaints. Statistical analysis was accomplished using t-tests and chi square tests. RESULTS: There was no difference in identification of malpositioned or expelled intrauterine devices among patients who attended short interval string check visits compared with those who did not, p=0.8269. There were statistically significant differences in breastfeeding status, menstrual bleeding patterns, gravidity and parity between attendees and non-attendees. CONCLUSION: There was not a difference in the incidence of IUD malposition or expulsion in patients who attended the short interval string check visit versus those who did not attend. There were, however, statistically significant differences in the two study groups. The CDC's 2016 U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use sites poor quality and limited data regarding the utility of routine follow up visits following IUD insertion. This study further validates the CDC assertion that routine string check visits are unnecessary.