MRI Is Safe in Women With IUDs and Contraceptive Implants

Background: Metal-containing medical devices in the body can shift or overheat in the strong magnetic fields of MRI (up to 3.0 T). IUDs and contraceptive implants are increasingly used as highly effective contraception, necessitating consideration of the safety of MRI in women with these devices. Objective: To review available information on the safety of MRI in women with contraceptive devices or implants. Design/Methods: Review of medical literature published between 1985 and 2010, information on components of the devices, and classification of the safety of medical devices by the FDA and other organizations. Results: Levonorgestrel IUD (Mirena®) and etonorgestrel contraceptive implant (Implanon®) are safe in MRI of any strength, as they are made of plastic and contain no metal. Copper IUDs (ParaGard®) contain a non-ferromagnetic metal and are considered safe in MRI of any strength. Four studies (3 in vitro, 1 in vivo) found no movement of copper IUDs when exposed to magnetic field more...