Secondary infertility caused by the retention of fetal bones after an abortion: a case report

INTRODUCTION Unwanted contraception through prolonged retention of fetal bone is a rare cause of secondary infertility. It is usually associated with a history of abortion, either spontaneous or induced. CASE PRESENTATION We describe a case of intrauterine retention of fetal bone diagnosed 8 years after the termination of a pregnancy. The patient had no complaints of pain, irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge. A hysteroscopy was performed and irregular structures were removed. These fragments were fetal bones, which probably functioned as an intrauterine contraceptive device. After removal of the fetal bone fragments the patient conceived spontaneously within 6 months. CONCLUSION This case report stresses the importance of taking a thorough history and evaluation of the endometrium by transvaginal ultrasound or hysteroscopy in women with secondary infertility.