An intrauterine device (IUD) is a highly effective, long-acting reversible contraceptive placed inside the uterus by a healthcare provider. The IUD is a T-shaped piece of plastic, often with copper or hormones, featuring thin strings that extend through the cervix into the top of the vagina. These strings serve two important functions: they allow the user to perform monthly checks to confirm the device is in place, and they are the mechanism for removal. Because the strings are a new physical presence, their texture and feel are a common source of questions for new users.
Understanding the Initial String Texture
Immediately following IUD insertion, many users notice that the strings feel surprisingly firm, almost like thin fishing line. This initial stiffness is a result of the material composition and the way the strings are cut during placement. The strings are typically made from monofilament polymers, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, which are chosen for their strength and durability.
When the IUD is inserted, the healthcare provider trims the strings to a specific length, usually about two to three centimeters past the cervix. This fresh, clean cut leaves the tips of the strings straight and relatively sharp. The combination of the stiff material and the straight ends contributes to the distinct, firm texture experienced in the first few weeks after the procedure.
How the Strings Change Over Time
IUD strings do soften over time due to a natural physical process that takes place inside the body. The primary mechanism for this softening is the constant exposure to the warm, moist environment of the upper vaginal canal and the cervix. Over time, the monofilament material absorbs small amounts of moisture, which causes the material to become more pliable and flexible.
The strings also physically change their position. Initially straight, the strings naturally begin to curl and wrap themselves around the contour of the cervix. This curling action is crucial because it eliminates the straight, pokey ends that caused the initial discomfort. Users typically notice the strings becoming softer within a few weeks to a couple of months, with many reporting a noticeable difference by the six-week mark.
Addressing Partner Comfort
The initial stiffness of the strings can sometimes lead to a partner feeling them during intercourse, which may cause temporary discomfort. This sensation is usually described as a light scratch or poke, particularly during deep penetration, and is most common in the early weeks before the strings have fully softened and curled. This issue is almost always a temporary one that resolves as the strings settle.
As the strings soften and curl around the cervix, they become significantly less noticeable to a partner. The pliability of the material and its curled position mean the strings lie flatter and are less likely to be felt. If a partner continues to feel the strings and it causes ongoing concern, a healthcare provider can often trim the strings slightly shorter, which can solve the issue without compromising the IUD’s function.
When String Sensation Requires Medical Review
While the softening and curling of IUD strings are normal changes, any sudden or significant alteration in string sensation warrants a medical review to confirm the device’s position. Users are advised to check the strings monthly, and they should feel roughly the same length each time. A sudden feeling that the strings are much longer than before could indicate that the IUD has begun to move downward or shift out of the uterus.
Conversely, if the strings feel significantly shorter or cannot be located at all, this could signal that they have retracted into the cervical canal or, in rare cases, that the IUD has expelled. The ability to feel the hard plastic or copper tip of the IUD itself at the cervix also requires immediate medical attention. In any of these situations, use a barrier method of contraception until a healthcare professional can perform an examination and confirm the IUD remains correctly in place.