Dimensional analysis of the endometrial cavity: how many dimensions should the ideal intrauterine device or system have?

Figures & data

Table 1 Endometrial cavity and volume relationshipsa

Volume (mL)	Length (mm)	Width (mm)	AP (mm)	Comments
5	25	20	19.12
5	40	38	6.29	AP much smaller than length and width
10	25	20	38.24
10	40	38	12.61
7.5	32.5	29	15.22

Note:

a AP diameter calculated from the prolate ellipsoid formula using known volume, length, and width measurements.

Abbreviation: AP, anteroposterior.

Figure 1 Severe distortion causing bleeding and pain¹³ due to incompatibility of the large T-shaped IUD and the narrow uterine cavity.

Note: Figure provided courtesy of Dr Wildemeersch.
Abbreviation: IUD, intrauterine device.

Figure 2 2D sagittal ultrasound of uterus with IUB (arrow) in lower uterine segment and upper part of the cervical canal.

Notes: Forceful uterine contractions displace the IUD in the cervical canal prior to expulsion. Figure provided courtesy of Dr Wildemeersch.
Abbreviation: IUD, intrauterine device; IUB, intrauterine ball.

Figure 3 Transverse arms embedded in the side wall of the uterus caused by disharmony of the IUD with the uterine cavity.

Note: Figure provided courtesy of Dr Wildemeersch.
Abbreviation: IUD, intrauterine device.

Figure 4 3D of frameless IUD in uterine cavity with maximal width of 15.07 mm.

Note: Figure provided courtesy of Dr Wildemeersch.
Abbreviation: IUD, intrauterine device.

WildemeerschDRowePJAssessment of menstrual blood loss in Belgian users of the frameless copper-releasing IUD with copper surface are of 200 mm2 and users of a copper-levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systemContraception20047016917215288224

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