RESUMO
PIP: Reasons for IUD removal are described in a study carried out in Santa Maria, Brazil. 148 IUD users were studied. The principal reason for removal was excessive bleeding, principally related to the Lippes Loop IUD. 50% of the patients were between 40 and 45 years of age; 30.8% between 15 and 19. 4.7% of the removals were due to pelvic complications and among them, 9.3% were using Lippes Loop, and only 0.8% the Copper T. The following were concluded: IUD is a contraceptive method with an acceptable number of complications; The Lippes Loop IUD provoked excessive bleeding, being the main reason for removal; the acute pelvic inflammation could be treated with the IUD in situ; dysmenorrhea was not a significant reason for removal; the Copper T device proved to be less prone to complications.^ieng