Mirena (IUD) - strings - sex

JadaBlue · May 2016

Hey ladies, I'm contemplating birth control options and an IUD seems like the best choice for me since I sure don't want any more babies. In reading about the IUD apparently there would be strings coming out of one's vagina that you're supposed to check once a month?? This seems weird to me, although I assume the strings are much smaller than tampon strings?? Can you (or your partner) feel them during sex? My husband is willing to get a vasectomy but the IUD seems like an easier fix (hah hah) except for this string thing. I would love to hear anyone's experience with this aspect of having an IUD. Thank you!

k3brad · May 2016

The strings are tiny like fishing string tiny. Here's a visual. https://www.newkidscenter.com/images/10406251/image001.jpg (eta: and the dr can trim the strings too so they're shorter than this)

I had it before baby and I never felt the strings but my husband swears he could. I think he was lying though lol.

WBORDERS · May 2016

I've the mirena iud twice. The first time DH says he could feel them, but not the second time so it probably depends on the length of the string. It seemed like over time the strings just sorta curled up by my cervix and were hard to notice even if I was looking for them. I've only ever checked for the strings the first few months each time when the risk of it falling out are greater, but it can come out or move at any time as far as I know, so I guess you really should be checking each month. I'm going to get another one placed at my pp checkup.

loveymay · May 2016

I had Paragard for 5 years before getting pregnant with LO, and Im getting it again next week. My DH couldnt feel the strings, and if your DH can, then your Doctor can trim the strings, no big deal. I only checked for my strings a few times after I first got mine. Then I never checked, just never thought about it. Checking is fast and easy though, just squat while in the shower and you'll be able to feel them. I loved having an IUD, never had to think about BC for 5 years, it was awesome!

RoseShadow873 · May 2016

I didn't know about this but it sounds weird to me too!

AGK2015 · May 2016

The strings come out of the cervix , NOT your vagina; it's all internal. You personally won't ever notice then if you don't go looking for them. Your partner might, although as prior posters have said you can always have the doc trim them down a little if he does.

rebelone · May 2016

I had mirena last time and my husband felt the strings all the time. He couldn't stand it, even after they were trimmed. He said it felt like fishing wire on his d**k, and you can imagine how unpleasant that must feel.

cmjenkies · May 2016

I had Mirena for 4 years and DH could never feel the strings. Like PP said, mine softened over time and curled around the edge of my cervix. I only checked periodically, but it was very easy. I tenatively plan to get it again this time around.