Dislodged IUD: 7 Symptoms and What to Do Next

Should you’ve got an IUD, you probably rely on it for worry-free contraception—so noticing something feels off can be unsettling. Perhaps the strings suddenly seem longer or you can’t find them at all, or maybe you’re encountering unexpected cramping or heavier bleeding. These could be red flags that your IUD has shifted. Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. Being aware of what to watch for and at what time to act can make all the difference in staying safe and protected.

Signs Your IUD May Have Moved

Several signs can suggest your IUD isn’t sitting right—and being aware of what to watch for helps one catch problems promptly. Should you be unable to feel the strings, which usually hang a couple inches from your cervix, your birth control device may have shifted.

Sharp or persistent abdominal pain, especially should it be sudden, could mean a displaced IUD. Changes in menstrual bleeding, like heavier periods or unexpected spotting, are common symptoms too.

Some notice unusual vaginal discharge or experience painful intercourse—even partners may feel the device during sex, signaling it’s out of place. These signs and symptoms don’t always indicate something’s wrong, but paying attention helps you stay on top of your health.

In cases of uncertainty, trust your body’s signals and reach out to your provider.

How to Check for IUD Displacement

You can check for IUD displacement by feeling for the strings near your cervix with clean fingers.

Should they seem longer, shorter, or missing, your IUD could have moved.

In case you feel the hard plastic of the IUD itself or notice unusual symptoms, contact your doctor right away.

Checking IUD Strings

How often should one check their IUD strings to verify everything’s in place? Start by checking them a few times during the initial month after insertion, then after each period.

To check IUD strings, wash your hands, sit or squat, and gently insert a finger to find your cervix—it feels firm, like the tip of your nose. The strings should hang about 1-2 inches down. Should they feel longer, shorter, or you can’t find them, it could signify a displaced IUD.

Monitoring IUD placement this way helps guarantee the effectiveness of birth control. Any changes in string length or cervical position could signal symptoms of IUD displacement.

In case you’re uncertain, consult a healthcare provider to confirm everything’s okay. Regular checks provide peace of mind.

Signs of Movement

One of the best ways to catch IUD displacement promptly is by comprehending what to look for and checking regularly.

Your IUD strings are your initial clue—should they feel shorter, longer, or missing, it could mean movement.

Here’s how to spot signs of a dislodged IUD:

1. String changes: Should the strings feel unusually long or you can’t find them, your IUD might’ve shifted in your uterus.
2. Unusual symptoms: Sharp cramps, abnormal bleeding, or sudden pain during sex could signal movement.
3. Hard plastic feel: Feeling the IUD itself (not just the strings) at your cervix means it’s likely out of place.
4. Sudden symptom shifts: Should cramps or bleeding worsen after months of stability, check with your medical provider.

Regular checks help you stay ahead of potential issues.

Common Causes of IUD Movement

Your IUD could shift because your uterus contracts after insertion, especially in the initial few days.

Should you have an irregularly shaped uterus, it’s harder for the device to stay in place.

Heavy lifting or intense exercise soon after insertion can also move it.

Uterine Contractions Post-Insertion

Because your uterus naturally contracts, especially during menstruation, these movements can sometimes shift your IUD, particularly in the initial few months after insertion.

Uterine contractions are part of your menstrual cycle, but as they’re stronger, they could nudge the IUD out of place. Here’s what increases the risk:

1. Menstrual changes – Cramps during your period can trigger more intense uterine contractions, raising displacement chances.
2. Insertion technique – Should the IUD not be placed correctly, contractions could move it easier.
3. Uterine shape or fibroids – These can make your uterus more sensitive to contractions.
4. High-impact exercises – Strenuous activities soon after insertion can provoke contractions.

Pay attention to symptoms like unusual cramping or longer strings—they could signal IUD movement.

Should you be worried, check in with your provider.

Anatomical Abnormalities Impact

While uterine contractions can nudge your IUD out of place, structural differences in your uterus could make it even harder for the device to stay put. Should you have anatomical abnormalities like a bicornuate or septate uterus, the irregular shape could increase the risk of IUD displacement. Uterine fibroids can also cause structural changes, creating bumps or uneven surfaces that disrupt proper placement. Insertion after childbirth, before your uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size, raises the chance of movement too. Even congenital deformations—issues you’re born with—can affect stability.

Should you suspect these risk factors apply, talk to your doctor about monitoring your IUD more closely.

Strenuous Activity Influence

Physical activity keeps you strong, but pushing your body too hard can sometimes affect your IUD’s position. Strenuous physical activities, like heavy lifting or intense workouts, could trigger uterine contractions that could dislodge your IUD.

Should you have recently given birth or are a teenager, your body might be more sensitive to these movements. Even your menstrual cycle can play a role, as hormonal changes could make your uterus more active.

Here’s what you should know:

1. Heavy lifting: Straining your core can increase pressure on your uterus, raising the risk of IUD movement.
2. Recent childbirth: Your uterus is still recovering, making it easier for the IUD to shift.
3. Teenagers: Younger bodies might react more strongly to physical stress.
4. Menstruation: Hormonal shifts can cause stronger uterine contractions.

Always talk to your healthcare provider about personal risks before jumping into intense activities.

Risks of a Dislodged IUD

Should your IUD shift out of place, it may not function as intended, raising the risk of unintended pregnancy. A dislodged IUD loses its contraceptive effectiveness, so using backup birth control until a healthcare provider confirms its position is essential.

Symptoms like severe cramping, abnormal bleeding, or pain during sex can signal complications, so don’t ignore them. The risk of displacement is higher in the initial three months, especially when you’ve recently given birth or are breastfeeding.

Uterine abnormalities, like fibroids or a tilted uterus, also increase the chances of movement. Without prompt care, a displaced IUD could lead to heavy bleeding or infections—serious issues needing swift attention.

Always listen to your body and reach out to your provider when something feels off.

Immediate Steps to Take If Your IUD Is Out of Place

Should you believe your IUD could have shifted or isn’t positioned correctly, don’t wait—reach out to your healthcare provider right away. Acting quickly helps prevent complications like heavy bleeding or pain.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Stop sexual intercourse until your provider confirms correct placement to avoid risks like expulsion or discomfort.
2. Check the strings gently with clean hands—if they feel longer, shorter, or missing, your IUD could have moved.
3. Monitor symptoms like sudden cramping or unusual discharge, which could signal a problem needing attention.
4. Don’t try to remove it yourself—improper handling can cause injury or infection.

Stay calm and let your provider guide you. Timely action makes all the difference.

When to Seek Medical Help

Some IUD symptoms can’t wait—should you be managing intense pain, heavy bleeding that soaks through pads or tampons quickly, or cramping that doesn’t ease up with pain relievers, it’s time to call your provider.

Don’t ignore sudden heavy bleeding, especially with hormonal IUDs, as it could signal displacement.

In case you can’t feel your IUD strings or notice they’ve changed length, schedule a check-up—your healthcare provider can confirm proper placement.

Feeling the IUD or strings during intercourse? That’s another red flag to get medical help. Until you’re sure everything’s in place, use a backup contraceptive to stay protected.

Severe cramping or unusual discomfort? Trust your body and reach out. Quick action helps prevent complications, so don’t hesitate—your health comes first.

Treatment Options for a Displaced IUD

Should your IUD have shifted out of place, you’re not alone—it happens, and there are ways to fix it. Treatment depends on how far it’s moved and your symptoms. Here’s what to expect:

1. Ultrasound imaging helps locate the displaced IUD. In case it’s partially expelled, your doctor could remove it gently or guide it back into place.
2. For harder-to-reach IUDs, a hysteroscopy (a tiny camera through the cervix) or laparoscopy (a small abdominal incision) could be needed.
3. Should removal be necessary, you can often get a new IUD inserted right away, unless there’s infection or other complications.
4. Regular check-ups catch displacement promptly, especially in the initial few months.

Should you notice abnormal bleeding or severe cramping, seek medical assistance immediately.

Your doctor will help choose the safest option for you.