I've still got a plate and four screws from my pelvic fracture repair in 2005, and have no plans to have them removed. They don't cause me any issues, and my surgeon said it would be safer to leave it in unless it caused me pain down the road (which he didn't think it would, and he is right). They also don't set off metal detectors in airports.

But Jess, in your case, I might consider having the screws removed. I enjoy doing yoga and Pilates, and it would bug me to no end not to be able to do plows, rolling like a ball, etc. Those are some of my favorite stretches. And not to be able to sit comfortably in all types of chairs. I don't know your age, but I would seriously consider whether I wanted to have that worry for the rest of my life.

Obviously there are risks with any surgery, but if my hardware was bugging me for any reason, and insurance would cover the removal, I'd have it removed, I think.