IUD problems
Dear Dr Mitchell,
I had the Copper T fitted but kept on getting itching, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections. I went to my private doctor and she treated me but the symptoms came back as soon as my period finished so I kept going back and forth. This continued for over a year. I got fed up went to a gynaecologist and as soon as he looked he asked where I had the Copper T fitted. I told him my health centre and he told me that the string was way too long and my cervix had become infected. He diagnosed me with cervicitis.
I’m still not cured. It is so embarrassing and uncomfortable and the itching is terrible. I have tried most of the creams/treatments that most people are aware of and the problem still persists. I really don’t know what to do. I am tired of spending money and not getting results. Please help me.
The problem that you are having with recurrent vaginal discharge can be dealt with. The problem seems to have started with the insertion of the Copper T intrauterine contraceptive device. If the string is too long it can be readily shortened by your doctor. A high vaginal and Endocervical swab should be done to test for the specific underlying infection. In addition you should also be screened for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. It is quite possible that the problem might not be as simple as bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection and hence the recurrence despite treatment.
A blood test should also be done to screen for the other sexually transmitted infections including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. In the presence of recurrent infections, a blood glucose test should also be done to rule out diabetes mellitus, as this can be an early sign that diabetes mellitus is present.
Recurrent infection is a contraindication to the use of the intrauterine contraceptive device. The device should be removed and another form of contraception used since failure to do so increases the risk of pelvic inflammatory diseases. It is important for your partner to be screened since the recurrent infection is most likely due to re-exposure from your partner. In most instances, men do not show any signs or have any symptoms of the infection despite the fact that it is there. It is always a good practice to use condoms (male or female) to reduce your risk of repeated exposure to infections. Barrier methods go a long way to reduce both minor and major sexually transmitted infections. If you desire to continue using the intrauterine contraceptive device, then use a condom all the time.
You should also get a Pap smear done if you have not done one within the year. Early pre-cancerous changes and also cervical cancer can sometimes present with recurrent vaginal discharge and cervicitis. Once you have been treated repeatedly and the problem is recurrent, then your doctor should recommend doing a colposcopy even if the Pap smear is normal. This will definitely help to pick up abnormal changes in the cervix that can be misdiagnosed as cervicitis. You should also consider getting the vaccine for prevention of cervical cancer. This vaccine protects you against persistent infection from the human papilloma virus and significantly reduces the risk of developing cancer of the cervix. This vaccine is given in a three-dose schedule, the second dose is given after the first, and the final is given five months later. The vaccine is widely available.
There are some general things you should do to reduce your risk of recurrent vaginal infections due to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. You should avoid using scented and coloured soaps, body wash, douching, use of tampons and scented panty liners, and underwear should be allowed to dry in areas where there is good sunshine.
Consult your gynaecologist and take your partner with you so he can be screened and also treated.
Dr Sharmaine Mitchell is an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Send questions via e-mail to allwoman@jamaicaobserver. com; write to All Woman, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Ave, Kingston 5; or fax to 968-2025. Dr Mitchell cannot provide personal responses.
DISCLAIMER:
The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and must not be relied upon as an alternative to medical advice or treatment from your own doctor.
