Your IUCD will only be able to prevent you from getting pregnant if it is properly fitted. You should arrange an IUCD location scan to check the device if:

• You or your doctor aren’t able to feel the strings of the IUCD, which should pass through your cervix into the top of your vagina. 
• There were any issues with the insertion and you want to check that the IUCD has been fitted correctly.
• You have a condition such as fibroids that might have interfered with the placement of the IUCD.
• You don’t think the IUCD is working because you aren’t experiencing the expected effects or you think you might be pregnant.
• You’re experiencing symptoms such as pain or bleeding that could be due to a misplaced IUCD.

The IUCD location scan is a comprehensive transvaginal ultrasound scan. A thin ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina to enable an assessment of the coil location, uterus, endometrial cavity and ovaries. 

During the IUCD location scan we will check:

• The location of the device, even if it has moved out of place
• The position of the device if it has turned around
• The position of the strings, which may be used to remove the device

If the IUCD has moved out of place, the ultrasound pictures will help if it needs to be removed. We will usually be able to take the IUCD out if there is a problem. It can then be replaced with a new device.

Gynaecological ultrasound scans are routinely performed using a transvaginal probe technique. This technique is used to view the pelvic anatomy optimally, as the ultrasound probe can transmit safe ultrasound waves more directly to the pelvic area. 
There is no clinical risk associated with performing a transvaginal ultrasound scan. Transvaginal ultrasound scans can safely be performed during menstruation and episodes of vaginal bleeding. 

It is important that you understand the procedure that is associated with this examination.

• The ultrasound transducer will be placed in the vagina (the probe is prepared using high grade medical disinfectant)
• The transducer will be introduced with a non latex type covering and sterile ultrasound gel.
• It will be necessary to move the transducer from side to side, up and down and may be swivelled to obtain ultrasound images of your pelvic anatomy.
• If you prefer, you may insert the transducer yourself, otherwise the person conducting the examination will do this.
• A third person may be present during the examination acting as a chaperone, if required by the sonographer or yourself.
• You may request the examination to be stopped at any time during the procedure.

• You should not empty your bladder just before having a IUCD location scan.
• If you require an internal scan we will ask that you empty your bladder.

During the IUCD location scan we will check:

• The location of the device, even if it has moved out of place
• The position of the device if it has turned around
• The position of the strings, which may be used to remove the device

If the IUCD has moved out of place, the ultrasound pictures will help if it needs to be removed. We will usually be able to take the IUCD out if there is a problem. It can then be replaced with a new device.

We can easily arrange an appointment at short notice if you are having problems with your IUCD. We can perform scans on weekends or evenings if necessary. It’s important not to delay if you suspect that your contraceptive implant isn’t working. You should also avoid having sex or use another form of contraception until you know that you are protected.

If the scan confirms that your IUCD is correctly fitted, you won’t need to do anything else until you decide to have it removed. However, if the IUCD location scan shows that there is a problem, you may need to have the device removed right away.

It is sometimes possible to leave the IUCD in place if it is still working and safe to do so. If this isn’t safe, we may be able to use instruments and the information from the ultrasound scan to remove the IUCD. Sometimes it will be necessary to remove the IUCD surgically, which would require a general anaesthetic. We can provide a full report on the

IUCD location scan to help your gynaecologist with this.

Once the IUCD has been removed, you will need to decide if you want another one fitted or to choose another form of contraception. If you have another IUCD put in place, we can check that it has been fitted correctly with another IUCD location scan.