When this happens, don’t panic.
Curled strings may fall back in place during your next period.
This article explains how and why your IUD strings may feel like they’re missing.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
The IUD strings allow your healthcare provider to pull the IUD out of your uterus when the time comes.
IUD strings also allow you to check that your IUD is in place.
When you first have your IUD inserted, you should be checking for your IUD strings every few days.
Keep doing so for the first few weeks.
You should also check for your IUD strings between periods.
In some cases, you may be certain that your IUD has come out.
This will typically happen during the first few months of IUD use.
Your IUD is most likely to slip out of place during your period.
What Strings Feel Like
Each IUD string is typically 1 to 2 inches long.
IUD strings are made of very thin plastic that softens and may curl over time.
What do IUD strings feel like for your partner?
Your partner may be able to feel your IUD strings during intercourse.
The IUD strings should not hurt them, however.
If they bother you or your partner, let your healthcare provider know.
Common Reasons for Missing Strings
There are two very common reasons for missing IUD strings.
One is that the IUD has come out of the uterus.
The other is thatperforationhas occurred during IUD insertion.
Another common reason for missing IUD strings is the strings get pulled up into the cervix or uterus.
Should I use backup birth control?
This is because of the higher risk that it may be expelled during that time.
The images will help to ensure your IUD is still in place.
This is called expulsion.
Signs
If your IUD has been expelled, you may not have any symptoms.
A study of 10,747 people in India found that 4% had IUD complications.
Three-fourths of this group reported the problem as either expulsion or missing IUD strings.
Often, there are no symptoms and the missing IUD strings are the only sign of a problem.
Perforation
This means that the IUD has been pushed through the uterus wall.
This can be a serious complication.
Generally, though, it is quickly noted and it can be corrected right away.
Perforation is uncommon, occurring in fewer than 1 out of every 1,000 insertions.
Healthcare providers use a special brush called acytobrush.
If the cytobrush doesn’t work, there are other options.
Your healthcare provider may use various tools to dilate (open) the cervix and measure your uterus.
When an IUD is in the process of expulsion, the strings tend to become more visible.
IUD strings can also become twisted and out of view, though.
If the IUD has been partially expelled into the cervix, the healthcare provider will typically remove it.
They can replace it with a new IUD at the same time.
At this time, it’s possible for you to also get a newIUD insertedif you wish.
An X-ray may reveal that perforation has happened.
There are other reasons why IUD strings might “go missing.”
If the IUD is missing, your healthcare provider can place a new one.
If the IUD is still there but is not inserted properly, they can remove it and replace it.
Jatlaoui TC, Riley HEM, Curtis KM.The safety of intrauterine devices among young women: a systematic review.Contraception.
2017;137(3):309-313. doi:10.1002/ijgo.12130
Gov.uk.Intrauterine contraception: uterine perforationupdated information on risk factors.
Prabhakaran S, Chuang A.In-office retrieval of intrauterine contraceptive devices with missing strings.Contraception.
2011;83(2):102-106. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2010.07.004
