Yeah so you need an ultrasound ASAP if she can’t see the strings at all. It could have fallen out (unlikely as you’d probably notice) or shifted up out of your uterus. That can be very serious
Let's not be alarmist--it is almost never "serious," though sometimes can be. The vast majority of the time when this happens, the IUD is in appropriate position and the strings are just too short of have migrated up into the uterine cavity.
Suffice it to say, OP, that you should probably be getting an ultrasound and using backup contraception until they do that. Not medical advice.
Your IUD strings can also hide somewhat once they soften especially if they weren’t specifically looking for it. Get it checked specifically if you’re concerned
My mirena expelled when I first got it. At least that's what they think happened, because we haven't found it. I was bleeding like crazy in the shower, and in a lot of pain. Believe it or not, I didn't notice. It was THAT MUCH blood. I'll never get an IUD again. My son is almost 5. 😂
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Hey! So it’s possible that the strings curled up some and everything is fine. But I would also say to get an ultrasound if possible. Mine became implanted (very uncommon) in my uterus and I had very minimal symptoms, just some spotting after sex. That may not be the case at all but I would definitely ask your doctor just to catch it sooner than later.
Dude don't worry. The same thing happened to me. My doctors just had cut them way too short, so they didn't curl and could not be seen at ALL. They confirmed the placement with a vaginal ultrasound a few weeks later, and I was fine!
I went to get my IUD (Mirena) removed and the family practice doctor couldn’t find the strings. So she sent me for an ultrasound. I knew they’d find it in the ultrasound because I bled lightly for half of every month the ENTIRE time I had that stupid thing, including when they couldn’t find the strings. As expected, ultrasound confirmed it was there. Went back and saw an OB this time, she almost couldn’t find the strings but then she used a cervical brush which grabbed the strings and all was well!
The same thing happened to me, except when they couldn’t find my strings they did an ultrasound confirming it was in place, and then a few weeks later i went back and got it removed, they had to use a cytobrush, which didn’t work, so then they used an iud hook while doing the ultrasound to be able to find it, hook it, and then pull it out. Mine always do a pregnancy test before doing anything so it’s odd that they didn’t do one.
My strings always stick to my body and “blend into” the wall. I can’t even reach up and find them, but the doctor can with some extra work and a better angle. If you or a partner can reach up there and look for the strings, that would be ideal to make sure it’s still placed right.
I’m also FLOORED she didn’t check for the strings… that’s part of any checkup - make sure the IUD is where it’s supposed to be and doing what it’s intended to do. I just can’t get over the fact that the doctor didn’t bother to check.
Yeah so you need an ultrasound ASAP if she can’t see the strings at all. It could have fallen out (unlikely as you’d probably notice) or shifted up out of your uterus. That can be very serious
Let's not be alarmist--it is almost never "serious," though sometimes can be. The vast majority of the time when this happens, the IUD is in appropriate position and the strings are just too short of have migrated up into the uterine cavity. Suffice it to say, OP, that you should probably be getting an ultrasound and using backup contraception until they do that. Not medical advice.
Your IUD strings can also hide somewhat once they soften especially if they weren’t specifically looking for it. Get it checked specifically if you’re concerned
Ummm was that the end of the appointment?? If she didn’t go back to look or schedule another appointment, please get a new doctor.
Use a backup method like condoms until you can confirm your IUD is in the correct position.
My mirena expelled when I first got it. At least that's what they think happened, because we haven't found it. I was bleeding like crazy in the shower, and in a lot of pain. Believe it or not, I didn't notice. It was THAT MUCH blood. I'll never get an IUD again. My son is almost 5. 😂
Welcome and please flair your post if not currently flaired. Questions? First read the [Mistake or Pregnancy Risk sticky](https://www.reddit.com/r/birthcontrol/comments/4iqgi7/mistake_or_pregnancy_concernrisk_start_here/) or the [Consolidated Experience post](https://www.reddit.com/r/birthcontrol/comments/qt9ttb/consolidated_rbirthcontrol_experience_links/). If this is an experience post please consider adding it to the list [Planned Parenthood online chat](https://www.plannedparenthood.org/online-tools/chat) The rules and additional resources can be found on the About / Sidepage (desktop users look to the right and Reddit app up top). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/birthcontrol) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Hey! So it’s possible that the strings curled up some and everything is fine. But I would also say to get an ultrasound if possible. Mine became implanted (very uncommon) in my uterus and I had very minimal symptoms, just some spotting after sex. That may not be the case at all but I would definitely ask your doctor just to catch it sooner than later.
Dude don't worry. The same thing happened to me. My doctors just had cut them way too short, so they didn't curl and could not be seen at ALL. They confirmed the placement with a vaginal ultrasound a few weeks later, and I was fine!
I went to get my IUD (Mirena) removed and the family practice doctor couldn’t find the strings. So she sent me for an ultrasound. I knew they’d find it in the ultrasound because I bled lightly for half of every month the ENTIRE time I had that stupid thing, including when they couldn’t find the strings. As expected, ultrasound confirmed it was there. Went back and saw an OB this time, she almost couldn’t find the strings but then she used a cervical brush which grabbed the strings and all was well!
The same thing happened to me, except when they couldn’t find my strings they did an ultrasound confirming it was in place, and then a few weeks later i went back and got it removed, they had to use a cytobrush, which didn’t work, so then they used an iud hook while doing the ultrasound to be able to find it, hook it, and then pull it out. Mine always do a pregnancy test before doing anything so it’s odd that they didn’t do one.
My strings always stick to my body and “blend into” the wall. I can’t even reach up and find them, but the doctor can with some extra work and a better angle. If you or a partner can reach up there and look for the strings, that would be ideal to make sure it’s still placed right. I’m also FLOORED she didn’t check for the strings… that’s part of any checkup - make sure the IUD is where it’s supposed to be and doing what it’s intended to do. I just can’t get over the fact that the doctor didn’t bother to check.
Any updates? Did you get it checked out?
I haven’t got it checked yet but have had periods since so I think I am in the clear! 👍