Forms of Contraception

An IUD or IUCD is a —-

reversible form of contraception

— is placed in the uterine cavity and prevents implantation of the fertilized ovum

An IUD

—, a small plastic T-shaped IUD, distorts the uterine cavity and also releases small amounts of progestin to impede implantation and produce lighter menstrual bleeding.

the Mirena

— is another T-shaped IUD, although it utilizes copper in its composition to inhibit sperm transport, or to prevent fertilization or transplantation

The ParaGard

Intrauterine devices create posterior shadowing and have been described as producing an — on a sonogram

“entrance and exit echo”

IUDs should be located within the —

fundal portion of the endometrium

Patients who have an IUD that has perforated into the uterine wall will often complain of —

irregular or heavy bleeding and cramping.

The use of IUDs has been linked with —

PID, ectopic pregnancy, and spontaneous abortions

sonorgaphic findings of Copper 7 IUD

Shadowing number “7”-shaped device

sonographic findings of Copper T IUD

Shadowing letter “T”-shaped device

sonographic findings of a Lippes Loop IUD

Five equally spaced shadowing structures

sonographic findings of a Dalkon shield IUD

Shadowing ovoid shape device

sonographic findings of a Mirena IUD

Shadowing letter “T”-shaped device (M)

sonographic findings of a ParaGard IUD

Shadowing letter “T”-shaped device (P)

The ParaGard is a copper-releasing IUD (approved life span, 10 years)

The Mirena progestin-releasing IUD (approved life span, 5 years) are available in the United States.

Although sonographers may encounter these devices, the flexible polyethylene Lippes loop is used throughout the world except in the United States. IUD, intrauterine contraceptive device.

Intrauterine device. Transvaginal image of an intrauterine device in sagittal (A) and coronal (B).

Intrauterine device and coexisting intrauterine pregnancy. Transabdominal image revealing an intrauterine device (small arrows) adjacent to an intrauterine gestational sac (long arrow) containing an embryo (arrowhead).

— is a popular form of birth control, and it is highly successful if the manufacturer guidelines are strictly followed

The pill

Birth control pills produce an —

anovulatory cycle.

— is a permanent form of birth control that uses small coils placed into the proximal isthmic segment of the fallopian tubes.

The Essure device

Bilateral Essure devices are seen in the uterine horns (arrows) in this transverse transabdominal pelvic image.

Essure device placement