We hear a lot about some of the drawbacks to intrauterine devices (IUDs). Although IUDs are one of the most effective forms of birth control, a big deterrent can be the pain of insertion and removal, which was only recently addressed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Others talk about unpleasant side effects like cramping, mood swings, and irregular bleeding. All of these are important factors when deciding what kind of birth control is best for you, but one of the more ambiguous considerations that isn’t talked about as much is whether or not an IUD can be felt during sex.
The truth is, every body is different and there are pros and cons to every birth-control option. But because IUDs are placed inside the uterus through the cervix, it’s worth asking how that might affect your sex life. To better understand if you can feel an IUD during sex, we checked in with an ob-gyn. Read on to get the expert-approved rundown, and see how it might affect you in the long-run.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Alyssa Dweck, MS, MD, FACOG, is a practicing gynecologist and chief medical officer of Bonafide Health.
How Does an IUD Work?
First, let’s establish the basics. An IUD is a small T-shaped device that’s placed inside the uterus through the cervix. You can choose between a copper IUD, which prevents pregnancy and does not release hormones, and a hormonal IUD, which prevents pregnancy by releasing estrogen. Regardless of which type of IUD you choose, the IUD will have a long set of strings attached to it, explains Alyssa Dweck, MS, MD, FACOG. These strings are “smooth, mobile, and very thin,” she tells PS (think: like fishing line.) The strings are there so your doctor can easily confirm that the IUD is in the proper position, and they’re also used to remove the IUD when it expires or if you choose to have it taken out, Dr. Dweck says.
When the IUD is inserted into the uterus, the strings are cut so that they come out of the cervix and extend slightly into the vaginal canal. The exact length may vary based on the individual and the medical provider performing the procedure. Typically, they hang out of the cervix into the vaginal canal, curve around the outside of the cervix, or curl up inside the cervix canal, Dr. Dweck says.
Can You Feel an IUD During Sex?
It is possible to feel an IUD during sex, but the only part of the IUD that you or a partner should ever be able to feel are the strings – not the IUD itself. During penis-in-vagina intercourse, partners with male sex organs may feel or notice the IUD strings if they are “pointing” out of the cervix canal at a specific angle, Dr. Dweck says.
“While there is no medical danger to a male partner feeling IUD strings during sex, it may be slightly uncomfortable,” she explains. “The string is a soft plastic monofilament but, at times, can give a ‘poking sensation’ to a male partner. This is easily remedied by trimming the strings,” which can be done by a medical professional. However, she says sexual partners feeling IUD strings is “an almost nonissue” with her patients. Your doctor can help you make the call on if your IUD strings need to be trimmed. (And, for the record, your IUD strings should only ever be trimmed by a trained and certified medical professional.) It’s also possible your IUD strings may be felt during finger-in-vaginal-canal intercourse, but Dr. Dweck says the partner would really need to try in order to feel it.
How to Tell If Your IUD Has Moved
If you or your partner are experiencing pain during sex that you think could be related to the IUD (and it’s more than just a little poke from the strings), it could be because the IUD has moved. Cramping, pain, and bleeding are among some of the most common symptoms, but Dr. Dweck also recommends patients check for their IUD strings every month to make sure it hasn’t moved out of place. To do this, Planned Parenthood suggests putting your fingers into your vagina and reaching up toward the cervix, where your IUD strings should be – just don’t tug on the string.
It’s worth noting that some people can’t feel their IUD strings, due to the length of the string or their anatomy. Generally speaking though, if you regularly check your strings and they feel longer than usual, this might indicate your IUD has shifted position, Dr. Dweck says.
When to See a Doctor
If you can’t feel the strings but were previously able to, there’s a chance the IUD has fallen out or penetrated the uterine wall (although Dr. Dweck says this is very rare). In either circumstance, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor for a checkup, especially if you’re experiencing any sort of pain, or you or your partner are feeling the IUD strings more than usual during sex.
– Additional reporting by Alexis Jones and Chandler Plante
Victoria Moorhouse is a beauty content director for Vox Media, where she oversees content for L’Oréal’s Makeup.com and Skincare.com. She was previously a senior editor for PS, where she worked with partners to cover health, fitness, and wellness. She’s also contributed many beauty articles to the site.
Alexis Jones is the senior health and fitness editor at PS. Her passions and areas of expertise include women’s health and fitness, mental health, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining PS, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women’s Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more.
Chandler Plante is an assistant editor for PS Health & Fitness. Previously, she worked as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributed to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. In her free time, she overshares on the internet, creating content about chronic illness, beauty, and disability.
