Are intrauterine devices (IUDs) compatible with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans?

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Last updated: February 5, 2026 • View editorial policy

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Are IUDs MRI Compatible?

Yes, modern copper and levonorgestrel IUDs are MRI-safe and can be scanned at both 1.5T and 3.0T field strengths without risk of displacement, significant heating, or patient harm.

Standard IUDs (Copper and Hormonal)

Modern copper-containing and levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs are considered MR conditional and safe for MRI scanning at standard field strengths 1, 2, 3.

Safety Profile at 1.5T and 3.0T

  • No displacement risk: A prospective study of 70 women with copper IUDs undergoing 3.0T MRI showed zero IUD displacements post-scan 1
  • Minimal heating: Temperature increases are clinically insignificant, measuring less than 0.6K in phantom studies and approximately 3-5°C at whole-body SAR of 4 W/kg 2, 3
  • Negligible magnetic forces: Copper/gold IUDs show minimal deflection angles of only 7° ± 7° even at worst-case field gradients of 40T/m, with magnetic forces around 0.5 mN 3
  • No torque effects: Standard copper and gold IUDs demonstrate no significant rotational forces during MRI 3

Image Quality Considerations

  • Minimal MRI artifacts: Copper and gold IUDs produce artifacts measuring only 4 mm ± 1 mm diameter on gradient echo sequences at 3T, limited to the immediate vicinity of the device 2, 3
  • CT artifacts more significant: Streaking artifacts in CT can be severe (up to 75.5%) in slices containing the IUD, requiring careful consideration during diagnosis 2
  • One exception: IUDs containing steel-visualizing elements may produce larger MRI artifacts 2

Stainless Steel (Chinese/Ring) IUDs

Stainless steel ring IUDs are MR unsafe and represent a contraindication to MRI scanning 4, 3.

Why They Are Unsafe

  • Extreme magnetic forces: These devices experience magnetic forces exceeding 7.5 N with 90° ± 1° deflection angles, creating significant risk of displacement 3
  • High torque effects: Substantial rotational forces are observed during MRI 3
  • Severe artifacts: Imaging artifacts measure 200 mm ± 10 mm, rendering images non-diagnostic 3

Clinical Context

  • Stainless steel ring IUDs were widely used in China during the 1980s-1990s, with approximately 54 million women using them by 1988 4
  • These devices are still encountered in immigrant populations and aging women who received them decades ago 4
  • Despite being labeled MR unsafe, case series have reported successful 1.5T brain MRI scans in patients with these devices, though this remains off-label and not recommended 4

Practical Recommendations

Pre-MRI Assessment

  • Identify the IUD type through patient history or imaging (ultrasound or plain radiograph can distinguish copper from stainless steel devices)
  • Standard copper and hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Paragard, etc.) require no special precautions 1, 2, 3
  • If a stainless steel ring IUD is identified, MRI should be avoided or the device removed if clinically feasible 3

Scanning Parameters

  • Both 1.5T and 3.0T field strengths are safe for standard IUDs 1, 2, 3
  • Use low SAR settings when possible to minimize any theoretical heating risk 1
  • Standard pelvic imaging protocols do not require modification 5

Patient Counseling

  • Six out of 73 patients (8%) reported new or worsening pelvic pain during or after 3T MRI, though no IUD displacement occurred 1
  • This discomfort is likely related to the MRI procedure itself rather than IUD interaction 1
  • Reassure patients that modern IUDs will not move, heat significantly, or cause harm during MRI 1, 2, 3

References

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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