An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped form of birth control inserted into the uterus. While some sensations are normal during and immediately after insertion, the IUD is generally not felt by the user once it has settled. Understanding typical sensations can help alleviate concerns.
Immediate Sensations After Insertion
Immediately following IUD insertion, it is common to experience a range of sensations as the body adjusts. Many individuals report cramping, which can feel similar to menstrual cramps, varying from mild to moderate intensity. This cramping results from the uterus contracting in response to the insertion procedure and the presence of the new device.
Light spotting or bleeding is also a frequent occurrence in the hours and days after the procedure. This is due to minor irritation of the uterine lining during insertion. Any discomfort, including cramping and spotting, typically subsides within a few hours to a few days as the uterus acclimates. Healthcare providers often recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage these temporary sensations.
What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Feel Long-Term
Once the IUD has settled within the uterus, individuals should generally not feel the device itself. The IUD is designed to sit high inside the uterine cavity, an area that does not typically have nerve endings that transmit tactile sensations like external body parts. Its small size and flexible material allow it to remain in place without causing constant awareness.
The only part of the IUD some individuals might become aware of are the thin threads, or strings, that extend through the cervix into the upper part of the vagina. These strings are typically 1 to 2 inches long and are used by a healthcare provider to check the IUD’s position and for removal. Individuals are often advised to periodically check for these strings to confirm the IUD remains in place, usually by inserting a clean finger. Feeling these soft strings is normal and differs significantly from feeling the hard plastic or copper of the device itself.
Feeling the actual hard component of the IUD within the uterus or cervix is not a normal sensation once the device has settled. Its design ensures it conforms to the uterine shape without causing direct tactile perception. If an individual feels the solid part of the IUD, it may indicate a change in its position and warrants further investigation.
Signs of IUD Displacement or Complication
While the IUD should generally not be felt, certain sensations or symptoms can indicate displacement or other complications. Feeling the hard plastic or copper part of the IUD itself, either in the vagina or within the lower uterus, is a significant sign that the device may have moved. This sensation is distinctly different from feeling the soft IUD strings.
Persistent or severe pelvic pain, especially if it worsens over time, can also signal a problem. This pain might be a dull ache or sharp, debilitating cramps that are unlike typical menstrual discomfort. Unusual or heavy bleeding that is not part of a regular menstrual cycle, or a significant change in bleeding patterns, could also indicate IUD displacement or embedment. Pain during sexual intercourse for either partner can occur if the IUD has shifted.
The complete expulsion of the IUD, where it falls out of the uterus, may present with a sudden gush of fluid, heavy bleeding, or the noticeable presence of the device in undergarments or the toilet. These symptoms suggest the IUD is no longer providing effective contraception. Any new or worsening symptoms after IUD insertion should be evaluated.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Contacting a healthcare provider is important if you suspect your IUD has moved or experience concerning symptoms. If you can feel the hard part of the IUD itself, or if the strings feel significantly shorter or longer than usual, medical evaluation is necessary. These changes can indicate the IUD has shifted position or been expelled.
Seek medical attention for severe or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain, especially if accompanied by fever, chills, or unusual vaginal discharge. Unexplained heavy or prolonged bleeding, or a significant change in your menstrual pattern after IUD insertion, also warrants a visit. If you suspect the IUD has fallen out, or if you or your partner experience pain during intercourse, consult a healthcare professional. Do not attempt to reinsert or adjust the IUD yourself.