Intrauterine devices (IUDs) offer highly effective, long-term contraception. These small, T-shaped devices are inserted into the uterus and include small strings that extend into the vagina. While these strings are a normal part of the IUD, some individuals may find them noticeable or experience discomfort, prompting them to seek ways to manage their position.
Understanding IUD Strings
IUD strings are thin, flexible threads attached to the base of the device. After insertion into the uterus, these strings pass through the cervix and extend slightly into the upper part of the vagina. Their primary function is to allow a healthcare provider to verify the IUD’s correct placement and to facilitate safe removal when needed. Typically 1 to 2 inches long, the strings are made of soft plastic that often curls and softens over time.
Reasons for Adjusting String Position
Individuals may consider adjusting their IUD strings for several reasons. One concern is discomfort experienced by a partner during sexual intercourse, as the strings can occasionally be felt. Some users also report personal awareness or discomfort from the strings, especially if they are stiff or positioned in a way that causes irritation. Adjusting them can also be a matter of personal preference for daily comfort.
Safe Self-Adjustment Techniques
To gently reposition your IUD strings, ensure your hands are washed with soap and water to prevent infection. Choose a comfortable position, such as squatting, sitting on the toilet, or lying down with knees bent. This helps you relax and access your vaginal canal.
Carefully insert one or two clean fingers into your vagina until you can feel your cervix, which feels firm like the tip of your nose. Once you locate your cervix, gently sweep your finger around to find the IUD strings, which feel like thin fishing line.
If found, gently guide them to curl higher behind your cervix. Avoid pulling on the strings or attempting to move the IUD itself, as this could displace the device. Stop immediately if you experience pain, resistance, or discomfort, and never use tools or foreign objects.
When to Consult a Professional
There are specific situations where self-adjustment is not appropriate, and consulting a healthcare professional becomes necessary. If your IUD strings feel longer or shorter than usual, or if you cannot feel them at all, it could indicate that the IUD has shifted. Feeling the hard plastic part of the IUD itself is also a sign that the device may be out of place.
Seek medical attention if you experience pain, unusual vaginal discharge, fever, cramping, or abnormal bleeding. These symptoms could suggest an IUD expulsion (partial or complete movement out of the uterus) or, in rare cases, a uterine perforation (pushing through the uterine wall).
A healthcare provider can check the IUD’s position, trim the strings, or address other concerns.