Gynecological Exams / Tests
First week after IUD insertion: strings, sex and daily life
Week 1 · After-IUD guide
A week has passed. For most women the cramps have become less frequent and the spotting has decreased. The questions on your mind now are more about daily life: can the string be felt, is sex comfortable, how can I be sure?
This page also explains why our clinic sees women checking the strings themselves differently.
Short answer
Should I check the string myself one week after IUD insertion?
According to SoftCare Clinic's doctor, a string check done by the woman herself may not give an accurate result; the position is confirmed by the doctor with ultrasound at the day 15 check-up. After a week, spotting has mostly decreased. There are no restrictions on sex, sport or bathing; if your partner feels the string, this is not a problem.
Where are the strings?
The strings extend a few centimeters from the cervix into the vagina; they are soft and curl up over time.
Cross-section of the uterus; the IUD at the fundus, its strings extending from the cervix into the vagina.The cervix and upper vagina are enlarged; the strings are soft and curl up.
The clinic's rules
- Protection
- Starts the moment it is inserted
- Sex
- No waiting
- Bath, pool, sea
- No restriction
- Sport and heavy lifting
- No restriction
- Tampon and menstrual cup
- Allowed
- Painkillers
- Usually not needed
- String check
- Done by the doctor
- Check-up
- Day 15, with ultrasound
- Bleeding pattern
- Settles in 2–3 months
- Removal
- No time rule
Period
Week 1
Check-up
8 days left
Protection
Ongoing
Bleeding pattern
Settling
What are the strings for?
Two thin strings at the lower end of the IUD extend from the cervix into the vagina. Their job is to show that the IUD is in place and to make removal easier for the doctor. After insertion the doctor trims the strings; over time they soften and curl toward the cervix.
Should I check the string myself?
Many sources teach women a monthly string check. Our clinic's doctor, however, says this can be misleading: because the strings curl up, not finding them does not mean the IUD has come out, and finding them does not guarantee it is exactly in place. That is why at SoftCare Clinic the position check is done by the doctor; it is checked with ultrasound at the day 15 check-up and at later annual examinations.
Can the string be felt during sex?
Your partner may feel the strings; this is not a problem and lessens over time. If the discomfort continues, the doctor can trim the strings a little more at the check-up. There is no waiting period for sex.
Do
- If spotting continues, keep monitoring its amount.
- Mark your check-up appointment (day 15) in your calendar.
Don't
- Don't force your cervix with your finger to find the string.
- Don't pull the string.
Special note
How will I know if the IUD comes out of place?
According to our clinic's doctor, the decisive sign is noticing an object or a hard tip inside your vagina. In that case, let the clinic know; until then, use an additional method of protection.
When should you call?
Call the clinic right away
- Heavy bleeding: Soaking one pad per hour, and this continuing.
- Fever and foul-smelling discharge: Fever, weakness with fever, or foul-smelling discharge.
Call the clinic
- If you have felt a hard tip or an object in your vagina.
- If the bleeding is increasing instead of decreasing.
- You feel a hard tip: If you feel a hard object or the tip of the IUD in your vagina.
- Object in the vagina: If you notice that the IUD has come out of place or there is an object inside your vagina.
- Pain that does not go away: Abdominal pain that lasts beyond the first days and keeps getting worse.
SoftCare Clinic patients can reach the clinic by phone and WhatsApp. Call whenever you are unsure; what your doctor tells you always comes first.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I can't feel the IUD string?
Don't panic. The strings can curl up and may not be felt; according to SoftCare Clinic's doctor, checking it yourself is not reliable anyway. The position is confirmed with ultrasound at the day 15 check-up; if you are worried, call the clinic.
Can a partner feel the IUD string?
It can be felt; this is normal and lessens as the strings soften. If the discomfort continues, the doctor can trim the strings at the check-up.
Can the IUD move out of place?
Rarely, it can slip, most often in the first months and usually during a period. Our clinic's doctor asks you to let us know if you notice an object inside your vagina; the position is also checked with ultrasound at the check-up.
Sources
SoftCare Clinic for your questions
For any question about your IUD, you can reach us by phone and WhatsApp.
This page is for general information only; it does not replace an examination or your doctor's advice. Every woman's uterus and response to the IUD is different. What your doctor tells you takes precedence over this page.
Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Şükrü Sanus, Obstetrician & Gynecologist · Last medical review: