Just to finish off this thread, I thought I would report back that I was referred to a Professor of Gynecology in Zurich and I will now have a hysterectomy next week to remove my uterus (and fallopian tubes) as he felt that this was the best method to remove my IUD. Uterine perforation from an IUD is uncommon (about one in 1,000), so I have been rather unlucky. It seems it's really caused by incompetence when inserting the device.

If I allow myself to dwell on it, I feel a bit angry that I now have to undergo fairly serious surgery with the incumbent restrictions on my life during the recovery, but have no choice other than to aceept it. I hope that younger women who may be thinking about an IUD are given much better information (and subsequent care) than I was. Luckily I am 61 and obviously not of childbearing age and am post-menopausal, but this would be a complete life changing disaster for a younger woman.

Oh gosh, so sorry to hear this...thinking of you! Wishing you a smooth operation and recovery period.

I also had issues with this IUD, gyn was unable to insert it in the office and scheduled surgery to do so under anaesthesia. She woke me up to inform me that it still was not possible with surgery and that I most likely had a STD that caused scar tissue around my entire uterus and she doesn't even know how I have a period & most likely children would never happen. Since I have been with my husband since I was a teenager, this was very troublesome information to wake up to ... turns out I have endometriosis and not a life changing STD. These doctors ... no bed side manner sometimes.

Oh, Klostersgirl, and you, too, Susie-Q, my heart goes out to you.

Here's wishing for hospital treatment by kind, competent people!

Wishing you all the best with your surgery and recovery, Klostersgirl.

Reading this thread again I am spitting nails anew at the stories of shocking levels of incompetence, insensitivity, and plain wrongness - all of which happen far too often.

Oh hellsteeth Klostergirl. Wishing you as easy and as smooth time as possible.

Susie-Q that is truly shite.

I'm with you, Meloncollie, 1000%.

I hope your surgery goes well, and your care is good. Seems like there is way too much incompetence in medicine.

I guess thats why it's called Dr's 'practice'.

I wish you all the best on the surgery. From watching several friends go through the hysterectomy I would give two pieces of advice 1) go slow and don't under-estimate the time it will take for your body to heal and 2) you'll probably wish you had done it years ago...