Table of contents:
- What is an IUD thread?
- How do I check the position of the IUD thread?
- How often should I check the IUD thread?
- What if you can't find the IUD string?
- Tangled thread
- The thread is too short
- IUD fell off
- Perforation of the cervix or uterus
- What are the signs if the IUD strings slide?
- How often should you go to the doctor to check for an IUD?
One of the problems that often arise in users Intrauterine device (IUD) or often referred to as the spiral IUD, which is the IUD position that can be shifted even though it is in the uterus. That is why it is necessary to check the IUD thread regularly to find out the IUD position is in the same position or has changed. However, how do you check the IUD thread? Come on, see the information about the IUD below.
What is an IUD thread?
Before you learn how to check threads from contraception, you should first understand what is meant by IUD strings. This thread is the thread that attaches to the IUD itself. Usually, when an IUD is inserted into the uterus, a thread is left behind in the vagina. The goal is that you can use the thread if you want to check the position of the IUD itself.
Unfortunately, the thread shifts a lot and this is due to a variety of conditions. One of them is pregnancy. Yes, even if you use a spiral contraceptive such as an IUD, there is still a very slim chance that you will get pregnant. Therefore, you must regularly check the IUD thread to find out the position of the IUD you are using.
How do I check the position of the IUD thread?
Before you check the IUD thread, there are a few things you must do first. First of all, wash your hands thoroughly. Then, find a comfortable place to sit or squat. If so, insert your middle finger into the vagina until you touch the end of the cervix or cervix.
Feel the end of the thread as it will come out of the cervix. If you can feel the threads, the IUD's position in the uterus still hasn't changed. This indicates that the IUD is still effective at preventing pregnancy.
If you feel the thread is longer or shorter than the last time you examined the string, or if you can touch the IUD directly without touching the string first, this is a sign that the position of the IUD in your uterus has changed.
One of the things you need to keep in mind is that you should only be able to touch the threads when checking the IUD thread, not the IUD directly. You should contact your doctor immediately to help you correct the position of the IUD back to normal.
How often should I check the IUD thread?
Usually, the IUD has the possibility of changing its position at the start of use right after it is inserted into your uterus. Therefore, it is best if you check the IUD strings in the first few weeks after using them.
In addition, the ideal time to check these threads is once a month after menstruation is over. The reason is, there is the possibility of a change in the position of the IUD when you are menstruating. Therefore, check your pads to make sure that the IUD you are using does not come out.
What if you can't find the IUD string?
There are a number of times when you cannot locate the IUD position, including being unable to find the IUD thread at the time of the examination. In fact, normally when the IUD is still in the same position as when the contraceptive was inserted, there will be one or two strands dangling into the vagina.
At least, you can still feel the end of the thread with your finger inserted into your vagina. However, there are some conditions where you cannot feel the presence of the thread, for example as follows.
Tangled thread
One of the reasons you can't find thread is because it is tangled. When tangled, the thread is not straight and dangling. Instead, the thread will be pulled up so that it may be inside the cervix so that when you put both hands into the vagina, you can't feel it.
Not only that, the folds of tissue in the vagina can also cause you not to find the threads because the threads become tangled in the vagina. This means that when the thread is tangled, you will have a hard time finding it. Even so, tangled threads do not have any particular side effects.
The thread is too short
Apart from tangled threads, there are some situations where the thread you are using may turn out to be too short. This of course makes it difficult for you to check the position of the IUD thread. This condition could be caused by a medical professional who has cut the thread too short or your finger may not be long enough to reach the thread.
However, as with tangled threads, you don't need to worry because threads that are too short won't cause any symptoms or side effects.
IUD fell off
Although it is not a common thing, the IUD can come off and fall into the cervix, either partially or completely. If this happens, the IUD you are using may not fall completely because the IUD only comes out of the uterus, not the body.
However, this condition actually causes pain, stomach cramps, and bleeding. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), an IUD that falls usually occurs in the first year of use. If this happens, you should immediately contact the doctor and ask him to return this contraceptive tool back to its place.
Perforation of the cervix or uterus
Although this is rare, an IUD can cause a hole in the uterus or cervix. Usually, this condition is more susceptible to experienced by women who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding. Perforation, or the presence of a hole in the cervix and uterus, causes abdominal pain, bleeding, and pain during sex.
What are the signs if the IUD strings slide?
There are not many signs that the position of the IUD is shifting in plain view. The position of the IUD thread is the most reliable way to ensure that the IUD is still in place. If it is difficult to reach with your fingers inside your vagina, this could be a sign of actually sliding.
If you are using a type of IUD such as Mirena, Liletta, Kyleena or Skyla, then your periods become shorter or change, consult a doctor. This change may have occurred because the IUD was moved out of place.
Other symptoms that can also indicate a problem with your IUD include:
- There are severe cramps in the stomach that persist.
- Fever and chills.
- Blood and smelly discharge from the vagina.
How often should you go to the doctor to check for an IUD?
Apart from doing self-examination, you also need to go to the gynecologist regularly. Ideally, the IUD contraceptive device has its condition checked six weeks after insertion, then after that it can be done every month when you have finished your period.
However, if you have no problems and you can still feel the threads of your IUD, then you shouldn't. If you have any of the following problems, see your doctor immediately:
- You don't feel the thread even checking it every month.
- You feel unwell, along with a fever a few weeks after inserting the IUD.
- You experience unusual lower abdominal pain.
- You haven't had your period for one month.
- You experience vaginal bleeding in between your supposed menstrual schedule.
- The vagina feels uncomfortable.
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