uhm. is this right? Re:IUD

StingShark425

How long are these things good for?

I just read the chart of a patient who has had it in for 30 years. 30 years.

That can't be right. Is it?

Kind of freaks me out.

nicoleg1982

I think with the non-hormonal IUDs, you *can* have them in for a longer period of time.  However, IDK how medically sound that is in the long run.  

My Mirena is good for 5 years. 

ChangeOfPace

They are not meant to be in for that long.  Are you sure they aren't just noting that they've been using IUDs for 30 years and have had them replaced during that time?  If not, no that's not normal!  I believe they are usually replaced after 5 years or so.

StingShark425

ChangeOfPace:

They are not meant to be in for that long.  Are you sure they aren't just noting that they've been using IUDs for 30 years and have had them replaced during that time?  If not, no that's not normal!  I believe they are usually replaced after 5 years or so.

The patient has also had an IUD placed 30 years ago after the birth of her last child. She says it has not been removed. Ultrasound of the pelvis was done which revealed IUD in place.   - I interpret this to mean it's never been taken out.  

StingShark425

nicoleg1982:

I think with the non-hormonal IUDs, you *can* have them in for a longer period of time.  However, IDK how medically sound that is in the long run.  

My Mirena is good for 5 years. 

It just doesn't seem right to have something like that in your body for 30 years. I mean, maybe today, with the advances in medical care it would be okay.. but 30 years ago? no thanks.

ChangeOfPace

It sounds like this is a person that either got really bad medical advice a long time ago or has avoided going to a gyn for far too long.  Yikes.  I'm guessing that she is probably well past menopause now and can have it removed for good.

StingShark425

ChangeOfPace:

It sounds like this is a person that either got really bad medical advice a long time ago or has avoided going to a gyn for far too long.  Yikes.  I'm guessing that she is probably well past menopause now and can have it removed for good.

People really blow my mind. The stuff they say and do regarding their health is mind boggling.

This patient is a consult for my Dr, I can't wait to hear what he has to say about this situation.

 

InTheSun

I think I hear my uterus screaming.  Make it stop!!

StingShark425

what are they made of that they can last in your body for 30 years?

Mrs.Jason.9.15.07

StingShark425:

what are they made of that they can last in your body for 30 years?

I think they are made of plastic and copper wire.  I think.  I may be wrong.  I am too lazy to Google.  Ha!

I know they also have a 10 year IUD.  When I was thinking of getting one back in Jan of last year my OB offered a 10 year as well as a 5 year IUD.  But I have never heard of a 30 year IUD!! 

BullsBride2009

Holy moly! 30 yrs! That seems a little odd. You have to let us know what the doc says

Temp778367875008010

I just looked up the copper iud on Wikipedia and it said it is only supposed to be in for 3-10 years.  Looks like she may have gotten some bad advice...or just not paid attention.

PinkWillow

I have the non-hormonal one, it's made with plastic and copper. My OB said a max of 10 years. We'll likely be taking it out in a year or so and I've had it in for 4.