An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped contraceptive device placed inside the uterus, offering a highly effective and long-term method of birth control. Many individuals choose an IUD for its long-term protection without daily attention. A common question among IUD users is whether they should be able to feel the device, and understanding normal sensations helps ensure correct positioning.
What to Expect When Checking Your IUD
Users should not feel the hard plastic of the IUD itself, but rather the attached strings. These strings are thin, plastic threads that extend from the IUD through the cervix and into the top of the vagina. They serve two primary purposes: allowing a healthcare provider to remove the device when needed and enabling the user to confirm the IUD’s continued presence. They feel like fine fishing line or soft plastic.
To check for the strings, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to prevent introducing bacteria. Find a comfortable position, such as squatting or sitting, and insert your index or middle finger into your vagina until you locate your cervix. The cervix feels firm and rubbery, similar to the tip of your nose. Once located, feel around for the IUD strings, which curl around the cervix. Feeling these strings confirms the IUD is in its proper place.
Check for your IUD strings once a month, ideally after your menstrual period. The cervix may sit lower during this time, potentially making the strings easier to reach. Regular self-checks help establish a baseline for what the strings normally feel like and allow for early detection of any changes.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Contact your healthcare provider if you cannot feel the strings when you normally could, or if the strings feel noticeably shorter or longer than usual. A change in string length can indicate that the IUD may have shifted from its correct position. If you can feel the hard plastic of the IUD itself protruding from the cervix, it has moved and is no longer providing effective contraception.
Other symptoms include new or worsening pain, severe cramping, or discomfort during sexual activity. Heavy or abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual discharge, or a fever are also reasons to contact your provider promptly. These symptoms could indicate an IUD expulsion, where the device has partially or completely moved out of the uterus, or a uterine perforation or infection. Until your IUD’s position is confirmed by a healthcare professional, it is important to use a backup method of contraception.
What Happens at a Clinic Visit
If you have concerns about your IUD, your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough examination. This involves a pelvic exam to visually inspect the cervix and locate the IUD strings. If the strings are not visible or cannot be felt, the provider may use a small brush to check within the cervical canal.
If the IUD’s position remains uncertain, a transvaginal ultrasound is performed to confirm its location within the uterus. This imaging technique uses sound waves to create detailed images of the uterine cavity, allowing the provider to visualize the IUD and determine if it is correctly seated. Based on the findings, the healthcare provider will discuss the next steps, which may include adjusting the IUD, removing it, or inserting a new device if necessary. These procedures ensure your continued health and contraceptive effectiveness.