The strings on an IUD are very long when it is removed from the package. After insertion of the IUD, a health care provider typically trims the strings so that they're about 3-4 cm long measuring from the opening of the cervix.
If you can't feel the strings, that doesn't mean the Mirena is "lost." See your health care provider for an ultrasound to confirm the IUD is in place. If it's at the top of your uterus and you're happy on the IUD, there's no need to remove it. If the IUD is not in place, then you need to get a new IUD or find an alternate method. If you would like to stop the IUD, your health care provider normally can locate the strings in the endocervical canal without difficulty, usually just by using a q-tip as used during a pap smear. If the strings are missing, be sure to use a backup method of birth control until your health care provider can confirm that the IUD is in place.
Yes, it's possible to feel the IUD strings with your fingers by reaching into your vagina. The strings are typically located at the end of the cervix and are used for checking the position of the IUD. If you feel anything sharp or if the strings seem longer or shorter than usual, consult your healthcare provider.
Some men feel them during intercourse, that is one way - the other is to insert your finger and use a sweeping motion to feel for the string. If you can't feel them, bare down (as if you were having a bowel movement). Never try pulling on them, you could end up with a perforated cervix or uterus. If all else fails go in to see your MD or midwife, they can tell you very quickly if the IUD is in place, it is rare but the IUD occasionally may slip out un-noticed, so if the strings are not where you remember feeling them, see your doctor.
You should be fine as long as you are careful not to pull on the IUD strings , which you should not need to worry about too much since the string of a tampon is outside of your vagina, and the strings of your IUD should be inside the vagina up near your cervix. (If you find that your IUD strings are anywhere near your tampon strings, you should see your health care provider because your IUD might be expelled.) If you want to know more about contraception’s used to prevent pregnancy then visit findmymethod.org. Their team is just an email away and ready to answer your questions.
The IUD is removed in the office by grasping the strings and pilling slowly, gently, and firmly until the IUD comes out. No anesthesia or special medication is required.
If you feel the strings, and don't feel the plastic of the IUD, it is not likely to be expelling. The fact that you feel the strings to the left has no clinical significance. If you have other reason to believe the IUD is expelling -- for instance, if the strings are significantly longer, or if you have pain or bleeding during or after sex, then contact your health care provider for an exam and don't rely on the IUD for prevention of pregnancy until you determine if all is well. As the moisture and warmth in your body soften the IUD's strings, they are often felt most easily not at the cervical opening, but elsewhere in the vagina near the cervix.
If your IUD strings feel longer, it could be a sign that the IUD is not in the correct place and is no longer effective. Take the following steps:Consider emergency contraception if you've had sex in the last five days.If you have sex, use a condom as additional prevention.Get an appointment with your health care provider to evaluate the position of the IUD.
Code the IUD removal CPT with a -53 modifier.
Signs that an IUD is not in the right place include absent strings, longer or shorter strings, bleeding after sex or discomfort during sex, the ability to feel the end or the device at the opening to your cervix, and that old classic, and IUD in your underwear.
The strings are slippery, so the health care provider usually uses ring forceps or something similar to grab the strings after placing a speculum. No other special tools are needed for a normal IUD removal.
As your medical provider explained, you must check for the strings of the IUD on a monthly basis. Generally, if you cannot feel the strings when you do your monthly check, that is an indication that the IUD is out of place. See your doctor as soon as possible and either abstain from sex or use a back-up until you know that it is safe.