An IUD may sometimes shift out of place and dislodge partially or fully from the uterus. IUD displacement may be more likely in the first 3 months after getting one.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a long lasting form of birth control. An IUD is a small device that sits in the uterus to prevent sperm from fertilizing with an egg. Iud No Hormone
People may have the copper IUD, a nonhormonal form of birth control, or the hormonal IUD which contains the hormone progestin.
This article looks at signs of a displaced IUD, how to check, and what to do if an IUD has come out of place.
People may not experience any symptoms if an IUD is out of place, but signs may include:
An IUD will have a thin string that hangs down from the uterus and cervix into the top of the vagina, usually around 1–2 inches long.
People will be able to feel for these strings to check that the IUD is still in place.
To do this, people should first clean their hands. They should then sit or squat and insert the index finger or middle finger into the vagina until they touch the cervix. The cervix feels firm, similar to the tip of the nose.
A person should be able to feel the strings. It is important to avoid pulling on the strings, as this could move the IUD out of place.
If people are on their period and cannot feel the string, they may want to check any period products for the IUD.
People may want to check their IUD is still in place a few times throughout the first month of getting an IUD, and then after every period after that.
An IUD may have fallen out of place if a person cannot feel the strings, or if the strings feel longer or shorter than usual.
If an IUD has fallen out of place, a person no longer has protection against becoming pregnant. People may need to use a different type of birth control or seek emergency birth control if they think they could be pregnant.
If people have located a displaced IUD, it is important they do not try to replace it themselves. People will need to contact a doctor as soon as possible if an IUD has fallen out of place. A doctor will be able to check if the IUD is displaced.
Learn more about what to do if you cannot feel IUD strings here.
If an IUD falls out of place, it most commonly happens during the first 3 months after insertion, although it may happen at any time. It is also more likely to fall out during a period.
Risk factors that may make IUD displacement more likely include:
Every method of contraception has pros and cons. A person may wish to speak with a doctor about the best form of contraception for them.
According to Planned Parenthood, IUDs:
Cons of an IUD may include:
People can speak with a doctor about which option of birth control may be best for them. They may want to ask a doctor questions such as:
IUDs do not protect against STIs, so people will need to use additional protection, such as condoms or another barrier method, to reduce the risk of STIs.
The following are frequently asked questions about the IUD.
In rare cases, an IUD may move out of place and cause damage to the uterus through perforation. If an IUD passes through the outer lining of the uterus, it may cause damage to surrounding blood vessels or affect nearby organs.
It is possible for an IUD to fall out, which healthcare professionals call expulsion. It is more likely for an IUD to fall out during the first 3 months after insertion.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the rate of expulsion for IUDs in the first year is 2–10%.
People may feel anything if an IUD falls out. However, physical symptoms of IUD displacement include abdominal pain or discomfort, severe cramping, and pain or bleeding during sex.
Sometimes an IUD may fall out of place. This may be more likely to occur in the first few months after insertion.
After IUD insertion, people can make sure to attend a follow-up appointment to that the device is still in the correct place.
If people think an IUD has fallen out of place, it is important they use a backup method of contraception and see a doctor as soon as possible.
Last medically reviewed on February 8, 2023
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