Management of Intrauterine Device-Associated Actinomycosis

OBJECTIVE To assess various methods of management of actinomyces-like organisms associated with intrauterine devices. METHODS A retrospective chart review of 173 patients with intrauterine device-associated actinomyces- like organisms detected on Pap smear was performed. The patients were managed by IUD removal with or without antibiotic therapy, antibiotic therapy alone, or no treatment at all. RESULTS The success rate as reflected in negative follow-up smear was 100% for IUD removal combined with antibiotics, 97.4% for IUD removal alone, and 36.8% for antibiotics therapy alone. CONCLUSIONS The best way to manage intrauterine device-associated actinomyces-like organisms is removal of the device with or without antibiotics.