What to do when the thread is not felt?

When the doctor inserts the IUD (Intrauterine device) or spiral birth control, there will be one or two thin strands of thread that hang into the vaginal canal. A thin thread about 5 centimeters (cm) in length can be felt with the fingertips. However, not all women can feel the position of these threads, even though you have inserted your finger into the vagina. If you have this, what should be done? Check out the explanation below.

Conditions that can cause the IUD strings to not be felt

There are several conditions that can cause the IUD strings inside the vagina not to be felt or felt. Some examples are as follows.

The IUD strings cannot be felt because the thread is too deep in the vagina

One of the reasons why the IUD strings are not felt in the vagina is because they are too deep in the vagina. This could be due to the IUD string being cut too short, or your hand not being long enough to reach the string.

The IUD strings are not felt due to tangles in the cervix

Another reason that the IUD strings cannot be felt by your fingers is that they are tangled, so instead of dangling into the vaginal canal, the threads get deeper and deeper until they are in the cervix or cervix.

In fact, it is not uncommon for the IUD string not to be felt because it is hidden in the folds of vaginal tissue. If you experience this condition, you really don't need to worry. The reason is, the threads will return to their original position after you finish menstruating. Make sure you check it one more time after you finish your period.

The IUD falls out of the uterus

Another reason the IUD strings cannot be felt by your hand is because the IUD loosens on its own and falls out of your uterus. Actually this is a very rare thing, but usually occurs in the first year of insertion of the IUD. In some cases, the IUD doesn't fall completely, so the IUD doesn't come out of your vagina.

That way, even if the IUD falls out of the uterus, it doesn't mean the IUD can come out of the vagina and find it in your underwear or on the toilet. However, this is also possible. Therefore, when you see the IUD in your underwear or it falls into the toilet, immediately contact your doctor for a reinsertion.

There is perforation of the uterus

Did you know that during the insertion of the IUD, there is a chance that the contraceptive will penetrate the uterine wall? Yes, it is possible that the IUD is in the uterus making a hole in the wall. This condition is called uterine perforation. This is very rare indeed, but it is susceptible to occur in women who have just given birth or are breastfeeding.

The characteristics of the IUD position are shifted so that the IUD thread is not palpable

Generally, if you use a hormonal IUD, your periods will usually get lighter with time. This means that the menstrual blood that you excrete every time you have your period will not flow profusely as in general.

Therefore, if you are experiencing more and more menstrual periods over time, you should suspect that the position of your IUD has shifted so that it cannot work effectively to prevent pregnancy. Therefore, you need to immediately consult a doctor to be sure about this condition. Before the IUD is in its original position, you will need to use backup contraception if you don't want to break it.

If you check the IUD strings and you can't feel them, you could have problems such as uterine perforation or a hole in the uterus, or infection. There are several symptoms that you should be aware of and discuss with your doctor, for example:

• high fever to chills.
• prolonged stomach cramps.
• an unnatural odor from the vagina.
• abnormal bleeding until the discharge comes out of the vagina.

Then, what to do when the IUD string is not palpable?

First, you don't need to panic when the IUD strings are not felt or felt. Your cervix or cervix will naturally move during the menstrual cycle. This can affect the position of the IUD thread. If you don't find this thread, you can try checking it after your next period.

However, if after menstruation the IUD thread is still not felt, you should see your obstetrician to help you determine the position of the IUD. Reporting from Verywell Health, there are several methods of examination that will be chosen by the doctor to ensure the position of the spiral birth control in your uterus when the IUD thread cannot be felt.

1. Using cytobrush

One of the ways doctors look for the presence of an IUD string that is not palpable is by using a device called a cytobrush .

This tool actually resembles a mascara brush, but with an even longer size. The purpose of using this device is to try to move any IUD strings that may have become tangled, or stuck. This method is one of the basic methods that are usually successful.

2. Using the colposcope

Another way doctors check the position of the IUD strings that are not palpable is to use a colposcope. This tool is a magnifying device that can help the doctor see clearly inside your cervix. That way, the doctor can see whether the IUD thread is in the cervix or not.

3. Using ultrasound

If the inspection method uses cytobrush and the colposcope is done and the IUD strings are still not felt, the doctor will use ultrasound to confirm the presence of the IUD, is it still in your uterus. If your doctor can't find the IUD using this method, this is a sign that the IUD has completely fallen out of your body without you knowing it.

4. Perform X-rays

To make sure that your IUD is not making a hole in your uterus and out of it, your doctor will need to do an X-ray. The reason is, if the IUD goes into another part of the stomach, of course this is dangerous for your health.

However, if it turns out that from this process the IUD makes a hole in your uterus, which can also be called a perforation of the uterus, the doctor must immediately perform an operation to remove the IUD from your body. However, if only part of your IUD is not in place, the doctor will help remove it without having to go through a surgical procedure.

First of all, the doctor will open your cervix. Usually, this is done using a drug called misoprostol. This medicine will be inserted into the vagina before this procedure is performed. The doctor will also give you pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, to help prevent stomach cramps.

If pain medication is still needed during your IUD removal surgery, the doctor will inject a pain reliever medication through the cervix or apply a gel that can relieve the pain. When the cervix is ​​open, the doctor will use several methods to remove the IUD.

Normally, when the doctor removes the old IUD, you can immediately use the new IUD, if you still want to use the IUD to prevent pregnancy.

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