RESUMEN
PIP: An echographic study of IUDs is described for the verification of their presence or expulsion from the uterine cavity. A 3.5-MHz echography was used with a real-time sectorial transductor with an 80 degree angle. Uterine graphics were drawn in three angles: longitudinal, oblique, and transversal. The longitudinal diameter was divided into three portions corresponding to the anatomic parts of the uterus for determining the localization of the IUD: the uterine body, the segment, and the neck. The intermediate positions were defined as uterine and cervical segments. 100 patients using IUDs (TCu 200 B and 380A and Gravigard) were evaluated by means of tocography. They were chosen from patients of the Foundation for Women and from patients referred to special consultations for the localization of IUDs. 1% of the users were under 15 years of age and 4% were aged 40-44, while 35% were aged 25-29, 27% were aged 20-24, and 21% were 30-34 years old. The IUDs used were TCu 380A (58%), TCu 200 B (37%), and Gravigard (5%). 81% of the women were using IUDs for the first time. With regard to parity, 7% were nulliparas, 34% were primigravidas, 35% were secundigravidas, and 4% had had higher-order pregnancies. The duration of use of IUDs was less than 6 months (64%), 6 months to 1 year (14%), 1-2 years (13%), and more than 2 years (6%). 83% of IUD users were aged 20-30 years and the majority had 1-2 previous pregnancies. In the studied population, only 55% had optimal localization of the IUDs in the uterus. Therefore, tocography should be carried out within the first 2 weeks of IUD use in order to determine its correct localization and prevent any subsequent pathology.^ieng