Earlier this year, my IUD perforated through my uterus shortly after insertion. As this is extremely rare, I wanted to share my story to help others. This is strictly my experience, and I highly recommend talking to your doctor because you know your body and your needs best. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn commissions on qualifying purchases.

Trigger Warning: I have included pictures taken during my IUD removal surgery, which may be considered graphic to some.

My IUD Insertion

After being cleared at my 12-week appointment for an IUD, I got a Mirena inserted about 4 months post-partum. This was my third IUD and I had two previous IUDs without issue. I had smaller versions inserted before, but I thought after childbirth insertion of a larger and longer acting IUD would be a lot easier. One of the perks, right?

The insertion was done quickly and with minimal pain compared to my previous experiences. A technician performed an ultrasound following my insertion to make sure all was appropriately placed and, according to their review, it was, and my uterus looked healthy.

I was scheduled for a routine post-insertion appointment to check that everything was good for one month later.

Piercing Pain after IUD Insertion

I took it easy to recover and stayed restful as much as possible. I had just given birth – which is a very medically humbling experience! – and I did not want to push myself. I decided to give myself space and grace to heal completely. Despite resting, for several days following insertion I experienced random stabbing, piercing pains.

On the third day, I woke up around 4 am with the baby and while I was walking in my hallway a searing, piercing pain struck me in my lower abdomen. It literally stopped in my tracks, and I hunched over waiting for the intense pain to end.

Of course, I would be silly at this point not to call my doctor’s office, so I did! I explained the pain I was experiencing and that this was absolutely nothing like a period cramp. The doctor explained to me that unless I had a fever, or I had the pain for another week that it was most likely just my body adjusting to the IUD. I could call back if anything changed, I got a fever, or I still had the pain a week later.

Fine, ok no problem. The pain actually did stop that day, most likely because my IUD had perforated looking back, but I felt I had no reason to call back.

IUD Insertion Follow Up

My post-insertion appointment day came and here I am in the stirrups. The nurse who inserted the IUD initially is performing her checkup and tells me she can’t see the IUD. It could have fallen out, but she said the likelihood of this happening without me seeing the IUD was very rare. She says it probably moved up into the uterus and they would do an ultrasound to make sure. So, back I go to the ultrasound technician. Low and behold- no IUD! Where has it gone?

They explain that it’s most likely fallen out unbeknownst to me, but they schedule an x-ray just to make sure. At this point, I feel generally relieved thinking the most likely outcome is that the IUD is somewhere in my septic tank, and I won’t have to have it removed for baby number two.

I go in for my x-ray and then head home waiting for the radiologist to review. As my birth control method had been potentially shaky if the IUD moved, I made sure to ask for a pregnancy test before the x-ray to be on the safe side.

That night I get a call from the OB/GYN office. The radiologist sees an IUD. Since we know it’s not in my uterus from the ultrasound…. it’s in my abdomen somewhere! I’m panicked at this point and the doctor explains I’ll need laparoscopic surgery to remove it. They’ll essentially need to search my abdomen for the IUD. I ask if they’ll do an x-ray on the day of surgery to find its location, but they say no, they’ll just go in and search. Hmm, ok.

Laparoscopic Surgery Preparation

They schedule me for a laparoscopic surgery as soon as they can fit me in. It ends up being several weeks after learning about my perforation. During this time, I stay as inactive as possible by not working out, doing little household chores, etc. They told me I don’t have to change any of my activity, but I choose to change my habits anyway. I have a medical device floating in my abdomen, I’d like to take as few chances as possible!

My mind was racing that if it can perforate my uterus, what else can it go through? It’s pretty hard not to be nervous about the situation while just waiting for your surgery date to come. At times I would get random, dull pains in my lower abdomen and felt like I knew exactly where the IUD was (I actually told the doctor where I thought it was before surgery and she told me I was correct!).

Here are some questions I asked my doctor to feel more comfortable with surgery:

• How many laparoscopic surgeries have you performed?
• Have you ever performed this surgery before?
• How will the operation proceed if other organs have been damaged by the IUD? Will other specialists be brought in, if needed?
• What will my surgery recovery period be like?

My IUD Removal Surgery

WARNING: Graphic pictures of my uterus and the actual IUD puncture wound follow.

Finally, surgery day comes and luckily, they find and remove the IUD quickly. They did not identify any other organs damaged by the loose IUD, thankfully. Here are some of the images taken during my surgery. The first image you can actually see the IUD in the bottom right corner. The large red dot is where the IUD went through my uterine wall.

Post Partum Surgery Recovery

To help me recover, I got myself a few goodies to feel better:

• BODYARMOR drinks. I already enjoy these from trying to keep my breast milk supply high, so I made sure to stock up pre-surgery.
• Coma Inducer Comforter – These comforters are so, so, so comfy and have a nice weight to them. I literally wrapped myself in one of these and laid on my couch for my whole rest period!
• My Elvie Breast Pumps. I was anticipating not feeling great post-surgery and your breasts can feel really sensitive! Elvies are so gentle to begin with, and now they even have a more gentle SmartRhythm available. When I am sick, Elvies are my go-to pump.
• Every season of Desperate Housewives! This is my comfort show and helped me happily stay still while I was healing. Treat yourself to something that’s going to keep you busy while sitting still.

Potential Long Term IUD Perforation Issues

Unfortunately, an IUD perforation does not come without it’s future challenges even after removal. I went to my post-op appointment with my doctor and tried to get as much information about how this may affect me and my fertility long term.

My doctor shared that I should try to avoid pregnancy for a few months to allow my uterus to heal as thoroughly as possible. Although very rare, I am now at risk of my uterus rupturing during childbirth. The doctor said that, while not necessary, she would be supportive of a future cesarean section if it made me more comfortable.

I plan on visiting a new OB/GYN office completely following this situation and getting a second opinion.

Lessons Learned

From this situation I learned most of all that I have to advocate for myself medically. Stay strong in your feelings and your assertions if you think something is wrong. Spend time writing down your questions before meeting with your doctors and nurses. It’s so easy to forget once you’re in the actual appointment and keeping a list helps you make sure you’ve covered your bases.

If I had been more adamant about my pain when I called, maybe things would have been different. There’s no way to tell now, but I’ll be carrying this awareness with me into future medical situations. You know best what feels normal and what doesn’t- don’t be afraid to share it and seek help! Although this situation is rare, I am a relatively healthy person and it still happened to me.

Personally, I plan to never get another IUD again after this situation. What have been your experiences with IUDs? What are some other questions you would recommend asking your healthcare professional?