Introduction The intrauterine device (IUD) and intrauterine system (IUS) are widely used forms of long-acting reversible contraception. Occasionally, IUD/IUS users have an ultrasound scan that shows a low-lying IUD/IUS or an IUD/IUS is found incidentally on scan to be low-lying within the uterus. No formal guidelines exist on the clinical implications of this scenario or the most appropriate management. We report here on a systematic review of the literature.

Methods A search of the online database PubMed was performed to identify articles relating to low-lying or malpositioned IUD/IUS.

Results A total of 1101 articles was identified, and 15 were determined to be relevant to the research question.

Discussion There is little published evidence to determine the nature and extent of the clinical relevance of a low-lying IUD. We recommend individualised management of these women, with particular caution in younger women and those with a history of previous IUD/IUS expulsion. Consideration may be given to attempting to readjust the IUD/IUS position, but if removal is performed, immediate replacement is essential if provision of alternative effective contraception has not been established.