Intravesical Migration of a Copper Intrauterine Device: A Rare Cause of Chronic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Intravesical Migration of a Copper Intrauterine Device: A Rare Cause of Chronic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Case Report Intravesical Migration of a Copper Intrauterine Device: A Rare Cause of Chronic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Javier Alejandro Pérez García, Gilberto Mauricio Suárez, Alejandro García Morua, and 3 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7615861/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 15 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background: Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are widely used and generally safe contraceptive methods. Complications such as uterine perforation and extrauterine migration are rare. Bladder migration is uncommon and is predominantly reported with copper-containing IUDs 1 – 4 Case presentation: We report a 46-year-old woman with a history of copper IUD placement three years prior who presented with chronic dysuria, urinary frequency, and suprapubic discomfort for two years. She had undergone laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in the interim. Noncontrast abdominal computed tomography revealed a hyperdense linear structure within the bladder (Fig. 1). Cystoscopy confirmed that the copper IUD was partially embedded in the bladder wall (Fig. 2). Endoscopic removal was performed successfully without complications, and her symptoms resolved (Fig. 3). Conclusions: Although rare, intravesical migration of copper IUDs should be considered in patients with persistent lower urinary tract symptoms. Imaging and cystoscopy are essential for diagnosis, and endoscopic removal provides safe and minimally invasive treatment 1 – 7 Trial registration This study does not report results of a clinical trial. Copper intrauterine device IUD migration bladder lower urinary tract symptoms cystoscopy CT imaging Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Background IUDs are highly effective and widely used contraceptive methods. Rare complications include uterine perforation and migration into adjacent organs. Bladder migration of IUDs is particularly rare and is predominantly reported with copper-containing devices, which are radiopaque and prone to encrustation 1 – 4 . Early recognition is essential to prevent long-term complications, such as chronic urinary symptoms or bladder stone formation. Case Presentation A 46-year-old woman presented with a two-year history of dysuria, urinary frequency, and suprapubic discomfort. She denied hematuria, fever, or a history of urinary tract infections. Three years prior, she had a copper IUD inserted for contraception. Between IUD placement and presentation, she underwent laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The physical examination was unremarkable. The results of laboratory studies, including urinalysis and urine culture, were within normal limits. Noncontrast abdominal CT revealed a hyperdense linear foreign body within the bladder (Fig. 1 ). Multiplanar reconstruction revealed partial embedding of the copper IUD in the bladder wall (Fig. 2 ). Cystoscopy confirmed the diagnosis, revealing a partially embedded copper IUD with mild mucosal inflammation but without stone formation. The device was removed endoscopically under general anesthesia via a cystoscopic grasper. The removed device demonstrated partial calcification (Fig. 3 ). The procedure was uneventful, and the patient experienced complete resolution of urinary symptoms at follow-up. Discussion Bladder migration of IUDs is rare but increasingly reported, particularly with copper-containing devices, owing to their radiopacity and metallic composition 1 – 4 . Migration usually occurs via uterine perforation at insertion, followed by gradual erosion into adjacent structures such as the bladder 5 – 6 . Pelvic surgery may increase the risk of displacement, as in our patient who underwent bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy after IUD insertion 3 – 7 . Copper IUDs are more frequently associated with intravesical migration and, in some cases, encrustation, leading to bladder stone formation 1 , 2 , 4 , 5 . Reported complications include hematuria, recurrent urinary tract infections, and chronic lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) 1 , 2 , 4 , 6 . In contrast, levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs are less commonly reported to migrate intravesically 3 , 6 . The key clinical points from this case include the following: Chronic LUTS without infection in patients with a history of IUD placement should prompt evaluation for possible migration. Noncontrast CT is highly sensitive for identifying radiopaque foreign bodies within the bladder (Fig. 1 ). Cystoscopy confirms the diagnosis and allows for minimally invasive treatment (Fig. 2 ). Endoscopic removal is safe and effective and results in rapid symptom resolution (Fig. 3 ) 1 , 2 , 4 . Early recognition prevents complications such as bladder stone formation, mucosal injury, or recurrent infections and reinforces the importance of IUD follow-up, particularly after pelvic surgery 1 – 7 . Conclusions Intravesical migration of copper IUDs is rare but clinically significant. High clinical suspicion is warranted in patients with persistent LUTS and a history of IUD placement. Noncontrast CT combined with cystoscopy enables timely diagnosis, and endoscopic removal provides safe, minimally invasive management. Early recognition and intervention prevent complications and ensure favorable outcomes. Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate: • Not applicable. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for participation and publication of this case report. Consent for publication: • Written informed consent for publication of this case report and any accompanying images was obtained from the patient. Conflict of interest: • The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest. Funding: The authors received no financial support for this research. Author Contribution CRediT Author Contribution Statement•Javier Alejandro Pérez García: Conceptualization, Data curation, Investigation, Writing—Original Draft, Visualization, Project administration, Corresponding author.•Gilberto Mauricio Suárez: Investigation, Writing – Review & Editing, Methodology.•Alejandro García Morua: Formal analysis, Writing – Review & Editing, Investigation.•Carlos Jorge Aguilar Otero: Surgery, supervision, validation, writing – review & editing.•Jaime Efrén Salado Quintero: Surgery, Visualization, Investigation.•Daniel Quintanar Reynoso: Investigation, Data curation, Writing – Review & Editing. Acknowledgments: • We thank the medical and nursing staff of the Urology and Radiology Departments at the Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad “Ignacio Morones Prieto” for their support in the management of this case. References Malki EG, Sbeih D, Bael P, Alsarabta H, Alzawahra A. The rolling stone: migration of an intrauterine device leading to bladder stone formation nine years after insertion: a case report. BMC Urol. 2025;25:93. 10.1186/s12894-025-01780-0 . Rasekhjahromi A, Chitsazi Z, Khlili A, Zarei Babaarabi Z. Complications associated with intravesical migration of an intrauterine device. Obstet Gynecol Sci. 2020;63(5):675–8. 10.5468/ogs.19105 . Houmaid H, Harou K, Fakhir B, et al. Migration of an intrauterine contraceptive device into the bladder complicated by stone formation: an exceptional complication: case report and literature review. Contracept Reprod Med. 2024;9:42. 10.1186/s40834-024-00302-x . Ghanem MA, Adawi EA, Ghanem AA, Zanaty FM. Double intravesical migration of intrauterine devices: presented with vesical stone formation. World J Nephrol Urol. 2018;7(2):60–2. 10.14740/wjnu353w . Verim L, Akbaş A, Erdem MR. Intravesical migration and calcification of intrauterine device: a case report and review of the literature. J Urol Surg. 2015;2(4):197–9. 10.4274/jus.568 . Salih MA, Alhassan A, Alhassan A, et al. Gross hematuria caused by intravesical migration of a forgotten intrauterine device: a case report. Res Rep Urol. 2022;14:1–5. 10.2147/RRU.S364889 . Christodoulides AP, Karaolides T. Intravesical migration of an intrauterine device. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Reviews received at journal 17 Nov, 2025 Reviews received at journal 12 Nov, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 09 Nov, 2025 Reviews received at journal 06 Nov, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 06 Nov, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 05 Nov, 2025 Reviews received at journal 04 Nov, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 29 Oct, 2025 Reviews received at journal 25 Oct, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 25 Oct, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 24 Oct, 2025 Editor invited by journal 30 Sep, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 27 Sep, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 27 Sep, 2025 First submitted to journal 14 Sep, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-7615861","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Case Report","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":539728857,"identity":"3114dbdc-8c23-4532-8759-9652bea0eab1","order_by":0,"name":"Javier Alejandro Pérez 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1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":350266,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eAxial noncontrast CT image showing a hyperdense linear structure within the bladder, which is consistent with a migrated copper IUD.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7615861/v1/8560579e3b3b8e9267dfa591.png"},{"id":95263113,"identity":"0ad0cafd-a3b4-4ee3-80a1-a3442574b157","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-06 05:20:38","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":243127,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eMultiplanar reconstruction revealing partial embedding of the copper IUD in the bladder wall.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7615861/v1/40b2f8567798f076aa0919ba.png"},{"id":95313026,"identity":"83e8f244-9d42-47f5-8548-43d5286e35b7","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-06 15:50:46","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":954495,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePhotograph of the removed copper IUD, showing partial calcification.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7615861/v1/dd7c5629740d62afbc37d762.png"},{"id":95315682,"identity":"2ff4c02d-f30d-4118-bacf-d4ed1fa5fa98","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-06 15:56:35","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1832400,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7615861/v1/09202789-bcec-44fb-927e-6fcc7220e92b.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Intravesical Migration of a Copper Intrauterine Device: A Rare Cause of Chronic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms","fulltext":[{"header":"Background","content":"\u003cp\u003eIUDs are highly effective and widely used contraceptive methods. Rare complications include uterine perforation and migration into adjacent organs. Bladder migration of IUDs is particularly rare and is predominantly reported with copper-containing devices, which are radiopaque and prone to encrustation\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR2 CR3\" citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Early recognition is essential to prevent long-term complications, such as chronic urinary symptoms or bladder stone formation.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Case Presentation","content":"\u003cp\u003eA 46-year-old woman presented with a two-year history of dysuria, urinary frequency, and suprapubic discomfort. She denied hematuria, fever, or a history of urinary tract infections. Three years prior, she had a copper IUD inserted for contraception. Between IUD placement and presentation, she underwent laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe physical examination was unremarkable. The results of laboratory studies, including urinalysis and urine culture, were within normal limits.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNoncontrast abdominal CT revealed a hyperdense linear foreign body within the bladder (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Multiplanar reconstruction revealed partial embedding of the copper IUD in the bladder wall (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). Cystoscopy confirmed the diagnosis, revealing a partially embedded copper IUD with mild mucosal inflammation but without stone formation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe device was removed endoscopically under general anesthesia via a cystoscopic grasper. The removed device demonstrated partial calcification (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). The procedure was uneventful, and the patient experienced complete resolution of urinary symptoms at follow-up.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eBladder migration of IUDs is rare but increasingly reported, particularly with copper-containing devices, owing to their radiopacity and metallic composition\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR2 CR3\" citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Migration usually occurs via uterine perforation at insertion, followed by gradual erosion into adjacent structures such as the bladder\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Pelvic surgery may increase the risk of displacement, as in our patient who underwent bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy after IUD insertion\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR4 CR5 CR6\" citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCopper IUDs are more frequently associated with intravesical migration and, in some cases, encrustation, leading to bladder stone formation\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Reported complications include hematuria, recurrent urinary tract infections, and chronic lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In contrast, levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs are less commonly reported to migrate intravesically\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe key clinical points from this case include the following:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eChronic LUTS without infection in patients with a history of IUD placement should prompt evaluation for possible migration.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eNoncontrast CT is highly sensitive for identifying radiopaque foreign bodies within the bladder (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eCystoscopy confirms the diagnosis and allows for minimally invasive treatment (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eEndoscopic removal is safe and effective and results in rapid symptom resolution (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e)\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEarly recognition prevents complications such as bladder stone formation, mucosal injury, or recurrent infections and reinforces the importance of IUD follow-up, particularly after pelvic surgery\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR2 CR3 CR4 CR5 CR6\" citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusions","content":"\u003cp\u003eIntravesical migration of copper IUDs is rare but clinically significant. High clinical suspicion is warranted in patients with persistent LUTS and a history of IUD placement. Noncontrast CT combined with cystoscopy enables timely diagnosis, and endoscopic removal provides safe, minimally invasive management. Early recognition and intervention prevent complications and ensure favorable outcomes.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Not applicable. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for participation and publication of this case report.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Written informed consent for publication of this case report and any accompanying images was obtained from the patient.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConflict of interest:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFunding:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe authors received no financial support for this research.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCRediT Author Contribution Statement\u0026bull;Javier Alejandro P\u0026eacute;rez Garc\u0026iacute;a: Conceptualization, Data curation, Investigation, Writing\u0026mdash;Original Draft, Visualization, Project administration, Corresponding author.\u0026bull;Gilberto Mauricio Su\u0026aacute;rez: Investigation, Writing \u0026ndash; Review \u0026amp; Editing, Methodology.\u0026bull;Alejandro Garc\u0026iacute;a Morua: Formal analysis, Writing \u0026ndash; Review \u0026amp; Editing, Investigation.\u0026bull;Carlos Jorge Aguilar Otero: Surgery, supervision, validation, writing \u0026ndash; review \u0026amp; editing.\u0026bull;Jaime Efr\u0026eacute;n Salado Quintero: Surgery, Visualization, Investigation.\u0026bull;Daniel Quintanar Reynoso: Investigation, Data curation, Writing \u0026ndash; Review \u0026amp; Editing.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgments:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; We thank the medical and nursing staff of the Urology and Radiology Departments at the Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad \u0026ldquo;Ignacio Morones Prieto\u0026rdquo; for their support in the management of this case.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMalki EG, Sbeih D, Bael P, Alsarabta H, Alzawahra A. The rolling stone: migration of an intrauterine device leading to bladder stone formation nine years after insertion: a case report. BMC Urol. 2025;25:93. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.1186/s12894-025-01780-0\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1186/s12894-025-01780-0\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRasekhjahromi A, Chitsazi Z, Khlili A, Zarei Babaarabi Z. Complications associated with intravesical migration of an intrauterine device. Obstet Gynecol Sci. 2020;63(5):675\u0026ndash;8. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.5468/ogs.19105\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.5468/ogs.19105\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHoumaid H, Harou K, Fakhir B, et al. Migration of an intrauterine contraceptive device into the bladder complicated by stone formation: an exceptional complication: case report and literature review. Contracept Reprod Med. 2024;9:42. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.1186/s40834-024-00302-x\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1186/s40834-024-00302-x\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGhanem MA, Adawi EA, Ghanem AA, Zanaty FM. Double intravesical migration of intrauterine devices: presented with vesical stone formation. World J Nephrol Urol. 2018;7(2):60\u0026ndash;2. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.14740/wjnu353w\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.14740/wjnu353w\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVerim L, Akbaş A, Erdem MR. Intravesical migration and calcification of intrauterine device: a case report and review of the literature. J Urol Surg. 2015;2(4):197\u0026ndash;9. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.4274/jus.568\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.4274/jus.568\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSalih MA, Alhassan A, Alhassan A, et al. Gross hematuria caused by intravesical migration of a forgotten intrauterine device: a case report. Res Rep Urol. 2022;14:1\u0026ndash;5. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.2147/RRU.S364889\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.2147/RRU.S364889\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChristodoulides AP, Karaolides T. Intravesical migration of an intrauterine device.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-urology","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"buro","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Urology](http://bmcurol.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/buro/default.aspx","title":"BMC Urology","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Copper intrauterine device, IUD migration, bladder, lower urinary tract symptoms, cystoscopy, CT imaging","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7615861/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7615861/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIntrauterine devices (IUDs) are widely used and generally safe contraceptive methods. Complications such as uterine perforation and extrauterine migration are rare. Bladder migration is uncommon and is predominantly reported with copper-containing IUDs\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR2 CR3\" citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCase presentation:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe report a 46-year-old woman with a history of copper IUD placement three years prior who presented with chronic dysuria, urinary frequency, and suprapubic discomfort for two years. She had undergone laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in the interim. Noncontrast abdominal computed tomography revealed a hyperdense linear structure within the bladder (Fig.\u0026nbsp;1). Cystoscopy confirmed that the copper IUD was partially embedded in the bladder wall (Fig.\u0026nbsp;2). Endoscopic removal was performed successfully without complications, and her symptoms resolved (Fig.\u0026nbsp;3).\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusions:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlthough rare, intravesical migration of copper IUDs should be considered in patients with persistent lower urinary tract symptoms. Imaging and cystoscopy are essential for diagnosis, and endoscopic removal provides safe and minimally invasive treatment \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR2 CR3 CR4 CR5 CR6\" citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTrial registration\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study does not report results of a clinical trial.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Intravesical Migration of a Copper Intrauterine Device: A Rare Cause of Chronic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-11-06 05:20:33","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7615861/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-11-17T08:53:31+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-11-12T20:08:42+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"198179880033789318806615799472530213148","date":"2025-11-09T11:49:17+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-11-06T10:16:51+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"339816072265345822189456641803719708930","date":"2025-11-06T09:51:35+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"160422618439763592209085560913060067277","date":"2025-11-05T09:20:51+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-11-04T10:12:25+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"21365421764668008267347799796647758556","date":"2025-10-29T23:09:52+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-10-25T16:18:08+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"200428982402101947525893889164940415355","date":"2025-10-25T04:10:27+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-10-24T21:58:27+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2025-09-30T19:43:18+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-09-27T07:13:53+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-09-27T07:13:47+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"BMC Urology","date":"2025-09-15T03:23:06+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-urology","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"buro","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Urology](http://bmcurol.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/buro/default.aspx","title":"BMC Urology","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"ca858809-10a9-49e3-b6cc-3d43522fafec","owner":[],"postedDate":"November 6th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-11-06T05:20:33+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-11-06 05:20:33","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7615861","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7615861","identity":"rs-7615861","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}