Spontaneously Expelled Lippes Loop IUD After 40 Years of Use: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE: Intrauterine devices are a widely used method of contraception worldwide. These devices are reliable, cost-effective, long-acting, and reversible. Their placement in the uterus is usually simple and safe. Forgotten IUDs carry some complications and can adversely affect the health of women. Therefore, appropriate counseling during insertion and timely removal is crucial. CASE SUMMARY: We present the case of retained Lippes loop IUD for 40 years in a 75-year-old postmenopausal patient from Western Ethiopia. The patient presented to the hospital with postmenopausal pelvic pain. Speculum exam showed part of loop at external cervical os. The loop was easily removed with spongy forceps. The patient was discharged with analgesia and doxycycline twice a day for 3 days. CONCLUSION: In the absence of embedment of an IUD into the uterine wall or uterine perforation, spontaneous expulsion of an IUD after prolonged use is possible.