Sometimes after an Intrauterine device (IUD) is inserted, the string cannot be located in the cervix.
The string normally extends outside the cervix so that it can be found easily and used to pull out the IUD in order is to exchange it for another IUD either as part of regular IUD renewal or just to remove it when necessary.
Occasionally the IUD may move position and slip higher into the cervical canal. In these situations it is more difficult to extract as the strings are less (or not) accessible.
With the aid of a hysteroscopy procedure the clinician can view the interior of the cervix, locate the IUD and the strings, and then successfully remove the IUD, all without recourse to anesthesia (given that hysteroscopy procedures are painless).
With this procedure the patient can avoid general anesthesia.
