Rates of Intrauterine Device Expulsion Among Adolescents and Young Women

Study objective: The objective of our study was to determine the rate of intrauterine device (IUD) expulsion and risk factors for expulsion among adolescents and young adults.

Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: IUD insertions were performed at a single children's hospital.

Participants: Eligible adolescent and young adult patients who underwent IUD insertion between August 2009 and March 2019.

Interventions: IUD insertion.

Main outcome measures: Primary outcome was the incidence of IUD expulsion in adolescents and young women. Secondary outcomes were risk factors for IUD expulsion including heavy menstrual bleeding, abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), anemia, or a bleeding disorder diagnosis.

Results: Six hundred forty-two eligible patients underwent IUD insertion. The incidence of first IUD expulsion in this population was 58/642 (9.03%). Among those who chose to have a second IUD placed (n = 29), 8/29 (27.6%) had a second expulsion. Patients who expelled their IUD were more likely to have a history of AUB, heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, or a bleeding disorder. When controlled for body mass index and age at insertion, history of AUB and anemia remained significant risks for IUD expulsion.

Conclusion: This study similarly showed a higher risk of primary and secondary IUD expulsion in adolescents and young women. A history of AUB, anemia, bleeding disorder, and elevated body mass index are associated with higher risk for IUD expulsion. This population should be counseled that these conditions might place them at higher risk for expulsion.