Missing intrauterine contraceptive device string: Diagnosis and management at federal medical center Bida, Northcentral, Nigeria

Background: Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) is a widely accepted method of contraception. Displacement of this device is an important complication of this method of family planning. Objective: This study aims to determine the biosocial characteristics of patients with missing intrauterine devices (IUDs), complication of missing IUD, the diagnostic and management modalities at Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida. Materials and Methods: This is a 5-year retrospective study of all cases of missing IUDs that were managed at both the family planning and gynecological clinics of the FMC, Bida, between January 1st, 2010, and December 31st, 2014. A list of clientele that had IUD inserted during the study was compiled from the family planning record book, and the case files were retrieved from the medical records section. Data were collected using a pro forma and analyzed. Results: A total number of 1540 IUDs were inserted within the period under review while 21 of the inserted IUD were missing hence a prevalence rate of 1.4% of missing IUD. Within the 5 years' review, 4854 clients were seen at the family planning clinic for various family planning services out of which 1540, used IUD giving a 31.7% of total contraceptive use thus making IUD the third-most commonly used method of contraception after norethisterone-enanthate and depomedroxyprogesterone acetate at FMC, Bida. Associated with the missing IUD were a lower abdominal pain, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, and co-existing pregnancy. There was no ectopic pregnancy or death recorded. Conclusion: IUCD is an acceptable and common form of contraception worldwide and is the third-most commonly used contraceptive method at FMC, Bida. It requires minimal effort at follow-up; and missing IUD, one of the complications associated with its use could be a source of psychological disturbance to the client and also an indication for major surgery among IUD users.