IUD strings are two plastic threads that dangle down from the Intrauterine device (IUD) and through the cervix.

They are an essential part of the IUD, allowing individuals to check that the device is still in place. 

Checking the IUD strings regularly is important to ensure that the device remains firmly in place and continues to provide effective contraception.

Delve into this informative article on how to check IUD strings the right way to know more. 

How to feel for IUD strings

To feel for your IUD strings, you can follow these general steps:

  • Wash your hands: Begin by cleaning your hands with soap and water to ensure they are free of any impurities
  • Find a comfortable position: You can sit on the toilet with your knees apart or squat down. Some people find it helpful to prop one foot up on the edge of the bathtub or toilet
  • Insert Your finger: Insert your index or middle finger gently into your vagina until you reach your cervix, which feels softer than the tip of your nose
  • Feel for the strings: The IUD strings should feel like thin pieces of fishing line. They are usually around 1-2 inches long. You may need to move your finger around a bit to find them, but they should be fairly close to your cervix
Fact:
The Intrauterine Device (IUD) is widely used for birth control, with 14.5% adoption in developing nations and 7.6% in developed countries among women of reproductive age.

When to check your IUD strings

Strings too short
Copper IUD with strings

According to healthcare providers, the first check of the IUD strings should be done by a healthcare practitioner about four to six weeks after placing the device.

After that, it is recommended to check the strings regularly, such as after each period or once a month, to ensure that the device remains firmly in place and continues to provide effective contraception.  

Checking the IUD strings regularly is important to ensure that the device remains in place and continues to provide effective contraception.

It is also important to determine whether the strings feel the same as they did the last time they were checked.

It may indicate that the IUD has moved if they feel shorter or longer than the last check. 

Likewise, if the hard part of the device itself is felt against the cervix, it has likely slipped out of position.

In these cases, it is important to make an appointment with a healthcare provider right away and use a backup method of contraception. 

If the IUD strings cannot be located, it is important to contact a healthcare provider to determine the reason. 

Warning:
Uterine perforation, a serious complication of IUD use, can occur during insertion or afterward, posing a rare but potentially fatal risk. Incidence stands at 0.12-0.68 per 1000 insertions. Be aware of this rare yet severe concern.

What to do if I can’t find my IUD strings

Woman taking consultation from a doctor
Woman taking consultation from a doctor

If you’re unable to locate your IUD strings, it’s crucial to stay calm and follow these steps:

  • Check again: Try checking again if you can’t feel the strings. It’s common for the strings to move out of reach at certain times during your menstrual cycle
  • Use backup contraception: Until you locate the strings or visit your doctor, it’s advisable to use a backup form of birth control to ensure continued protection against pregnancy
  • Contact your doctor:  If you cannot feel the strings after checking more than once, you must contact your healthcare provider. They can help locate the strings and advise you on necessary next steps
  • Avoid unprotected sex: It’s recommended to avoid unprotected sex until you’ve located the strings or consulted with your doctor. This will help ensure continued contraceptive protection
Recommended Article
To know more about IUDs and how you navigate your concern, read this informative article on Can’t Feel IUD Strings: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention

Reasons for not feeling the IUD strings

There are several reasons why a person may not be able to feel their IUD strings. Some of the common reasons include:

  • Retraction of the strings: The strings may retract into the cervix or uterus, making them difficult to feel. It can occur due to short, broken, or severed strings or uterine enlargement secondary to a tumor or pregnancy
  • Perforation of the cervix or uterus: In rare cases, the IUD can perforate the cervix or uterus, causing the strings to be missing. This can occur due to improper insertion or other factors
  • Curled strings: Occasionally, the IUD strings may coil, becoming challenging to detect. The presence of a fold in vaginal tissue could also conceal the strings
  • Short or cut strings: The strings may be too short or have been cut short enough that they are just out of reach
  • IUD expulsion: Expulsion refers to the IUD falling out of the uterus, a rare event usually occurring within the initial 12 months of use
  • IUD migration: The IUD may have moved from its original position, which can make the strings difficult to locate

If unable to feel IUD strings, contact your healthcare provider for an examination to assess the situation and confirm the IUD’s proper placement.

Conclusion

The Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a highly effective form of contraception, with a failure rate of less than 1%.

Regular self-checks, starting four to six weeks post-IUD insertion and continuing monthly, are vital for effectiveness. 

Checking the IUD strings is a simple process that involves washing your hands, inserting a finger into your vagina until you reach your cervix, and feeling for the strings.

The strings should feel like thin pieces of fishing line and are usually around 1-2 inches long. 

If string issues arise, act fast and recheck, use backup contraception, and contact a healthcare provider.

Understanding reasons, from retraction to expulsion, is crucial. If unsure, consulting a healthcare provider is a must for reassurance. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to check my IUD strings?

Checking IUD strings is important to ensure that the device remains in place and continues to provide effective contraception. It’s important to determine whether the strings feel the same as they did the last time. If they feel shorter or longer, it may be an indication that the IUD has moved.

How often should I check my IUD strings? 

Checking your IUD strings is advised monthly, ideally after each period. This timing, aligned with the menstrual cycle, ensures the cervix is at its lowest in the vaginal canal, facilitating easier and more effective examination.

How do I check my IUD strings? 

To check your IUD strings, wash your hands thoroughly, insert your finger into your vagina until you reach your cervix, and feel for the strings. The strings should feel like thin pieces of fishing line.

What should I do if I can’t feel my IUD strings?

If you can’t feel your IUD strings, don’t panic. It’s common for the strings to curl around the cervix or to be tucked into the cervical opening. If you still can’t feel them after a few tries, it’s best to contact your healthcare provider.

Citations:
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