The Expulsion Warning: How to Tell if Your IUD Has Moved (And What to Do)

An IUD (intrauterine device) is one of the most effective and convenient forms of birth control available today. Once placed, it can work for years with very little daily effort. Still, like any medical device, an IUD can sometimes shift out of place or be partially or fully expelled from the uterus. While this is uncommon, it’s important to know the warning signs so you can act quickly and safely.

This guide explains how to tell if your IUD has moved, what symptoms to watch for, what increases the risk of expulsion, and what to do next—using clear, practical language and medically sound information.

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What Does It Mean When an IUD “Moves”?

An IUD is designed to sit inside the uterus, with two thin strings extending through the cervix into the vagina. When an IUD “moves,” it usually means one of the following:

• Partial expulsion: The IUD has shifted lower in the uterus or into the cervix
• Complete expulsion: The IUD has come out of the uterus entirely
• Malposition: The IUD is still inside the uterus but not in the correct position

A moved IUD may not work as well to prevent pregnancy and can sometimes cause discomfort or other symptoms.

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How Common Is IUD Expulsion?

IUD expulsion is relatively uncommon. Large medical studies show that:

• About 2–10% of people experience expulsion at some point
• Most expulsions happen within the first 3–6 months after insertion
• Risk is slightly higher in people who:
  • Had the IUD placed soon after childbirth
  • Have very heavy periods
  • Are younger or have never been pregnant

Most people with an IUD never experience expulsion—but being informed helps you stay protected.

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Signs Your IUD May Have Moved

Some people notice clear symptoms, while others have none at all. Checking in with your body and knowing what’s normal for you is key.

Common Warning Signs

You may want to check your IUD or speak to a clinician if you notice:

• Strings feel shorter or longer than usual
• You can’t feel the strings at all
• You feel hard plastic at the cervix or in the vagina
• New or worsening cramping, especially after the first few months
• Unexpected bleeding or much heavier periods than usual
• Pain during sex
• Lower back or pelvic pain that doesn’t improve

Less Obvious Signs

Sometimes symptoms are subtle, such as:

• A general sense that “something feels off”
• Changes in bleeding patterns that don’t settle over time
• Pregnancy symptoms (which require urgent evaluation)

It’s important to remember: not feeling strings doesn’t always mean the IUD has moved. Strings can curl up inside the cervix. Still, it’s worth getting checked.

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How to Check Your IUD Strings (Safely)

Many clinicians recommend checking your IUD strings occasionally, especially in the first few months after insertion.

How to do it:

• Wash your hands well
• Insert a clean finger into your vagina
• Feel for the cervix (it feels firm, like the tip of your nose)
• See if you can feel the thin strings

Do not:

• Pull on the strings
• Use tools or objects to check
• Panic if you can’t find them right away

If you’re unsure, a clinician can check quickly and painlessly.

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What to Do If You Think Your IUD Has Moved

If you suspect your IUD has shifted, take these steps:

1. Use backup contraception (such as condoms) until you’re evaluated
2. Avoid trying to fix or remove it yourself
3. Schedule a medical appointment for an exam or ultrasound
4. Seek urgent care if you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or signs of pregnancy

If you’re unsure how urgent your symptoms are, you might consider doing a free, online symptom check for Medically approved LLM Symptom Checker Chat Bot to help guide your next steps. This should never replace medical care, but it can help you decide how quickly to act.

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What Happens at the Doctor’s Visit?

A healthcare professional may:

• Ask about your symptoms and bleeding patterns
• Perform a pelvic exam
• Use ultrasound imaging to confirm IUD position

Depending on what they find, they may recommend:

• Leaving the IUD in place if it’s still effective
• Removing and replacing the IUD
• Choosing a different form of contraception

Most of these visits are straightforward, and removal or replacement is usually quick.

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Can a Moved IUD Be Dangerous?

Most of the time, a moved IUD is not life-threatening, but it can lead to problems if ignored.

Possible risks include:

• Reduced pregnancy protection
• Unplanned pregnancy, including ectopic pregnancy
• Pain or ongoing bleeding
• Rarely, uterine injury or infection

These complications are uncommon, especially when symptoms are checked early. This is why it’s important to speak to a doctor about anything that could be serious or life-threatening.

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How to Lower Your Risk of IUD Expulsion

You can’t prevent all expulsions, but a few steps may help:

• Attend your follow-up visit after insertion
• Monitor changes during your first few cycles
• Check strings occasionally, not obsessively
• Report severe pain or bleeding early
• Follow your clinician’s guidance after childbirth or miscarriage

If you’ve expelled an IUD before, your clinician can help you decide whether another IUD or a different option is best for you.

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When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Get urgent medical help if you experience:

• Severe or worsening pelvic pain
• Heavy bleeding (soaking pads every hour)
• Fever or chills
• Positive pregnancy test
• Dizziness or fainting

These symptoms deserve prompt evaluation and should not be ignored.

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Reassurance: Most IUD Users Do Very Well

An IUD remains one of the safest and most reliable contraceptive options available. The vast majority of users never experience expulsion, and those who do are usually able to resolve it quickly with medical care.

Knowing the signs is not about creating fear—it’s about staying informed and empowered.

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Final Takeaway

• An IUD can occasionally move or be expelled, most often early on
• Changes in strings, pain, or bleeding are the most common clues
• Don’t try to manage it alone—speak to a doctor if something doesn’t feel right
• Use backup contraception until you’re checked
• Consider a trusted symptom checker to guide next steps, but always prioritize professional care

If you’re ever unsure, it’s better to ask and get reassurance than to wait. Your health and peace of mind matter.