Can You Have Sex Before Getting an IUD?

Your healthcare professional will insert your IUD during an office visit. They will first check the size and position of your uterus.

You might be able to feel your IUD’s strings when you or a sexual partner puts fingers into your vagina. However, they’re not likely to be bothersome and shouldn’t cause discomfort during penetrative sex.

How long does it take to get an iud?

If you choose to get an IUD, the procedure will likely be quick and relatively painless. First, your doctor will give you a pelvic exam to determine the size, shape, and health of your uterus. They will also check the heaviness of your menstrual cycles. Based on this information, they will recommend which type of IUD is best for you. The copper IUD works by releasing copper ions into your uterus, which makes the environment hostile for sperm and eggs. This can cause lighter periods, and some women have no period at all. The hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Skyla, Kyleena, and Liletta) contain the hormone levonogestrel. This thins out the inner lining of your uterus, impairing implantation and giving you lighter periods.

Once your provider has determined the proper type of IUD for you, they will clean your cervix with an antiseptic solution and use a tool to hold it steady while they insert it. You may feel a strong cramping during this process, similar to menstrual cramps. Once the IUD is inserted, your provider will test it to make sure it is in place. If you can no longer feel the strings, or they feel shorter than normal, contact your healthcare provider to make an appointment to see if your IUD has moved.

Your physician can trim your IUD strings for you during a regular office visit. Your partner might feel your IUD strings during penetrative sex, but it shouldn’t be painful or uncomfortable. However, it is important to continue using a backup method of birth control if you have an IUD in case it moves or falls out (which is called expulsion). A displaced IUD can increase your risk for pregnancy and infections, so it’s always good to be prepared with a backup plan.

Can my partner feel my iud?

When you have an IUD, one or two thin strings of plastic similar to fishing line hang down into the top of your vagina. They’re usually about 2 inches long. They shouldn’t hurt, bother you or interfere with your daily activities, but it’s a good idea to check them every now and then. That way, you can make sure the IUD is still in place and doesn’t have any issues with its placement.

If you have a hormonal IUD, it may take time for it to become effective depending on where you are in your cycle when it’s inserted. You’ll need to use alternate forms of birth control until then. A copper IUD, on the other hand, is immediately effective and can be used as emergency contraception.

In some cases, your partner can feel the IUD strings during sex. This is because cervical mucus creates a slippery layer between the strings and your partner’s penis. However, most of the time, your partner shouldn’t be able to feel the strings at all — especially during finger-in-vaginal canal intercourse.

Your ob-gyn can trim the IUD strings if they’re poking or irritating you. They can also make them shorter if you’re concerned about your partner feeling the strings during sex.

While an IUD is incredibly effective for preventing pregnancy, it doesn’t prevent STIs. If you’re nonmonogamous, it’s a good idea to continue using condoms.

Can my partner feel my cervix?

The cervix is an essential part of the female reproductive system. It keeps unwanted bacteria and viruses out of your uterus, opens and closes to let sperm in and menstrual blood out, and even produces its own lubrication. It also contains nerve pathways that respond to sexual stimulation. However, the cervix can be sensitive and uncomfortable for some people. It’s important to communicate with your partner and go slow. It’s also good to use a medically-safe dildo with a hand grip, minimise scratching at all costs and wear latex gloves.

Some women find exploring their cervix pleasurable and enjoy cervical orgasms, but it’s not for everyone. Some women also have a harder time with this kind of stimulation than others, and deep penetration can hurt or cause a bruised cervix (as it can any other sensitive area of the body). If you’re new to this type of sexual activity, go at your own pace, take lots of lube, and back off if it becomes too intense or painful.

Cervical bruising can feel like cramping with a dull or achy pain that comes and goes. It’s not permanent, but you should see your doctor if the injury or pain lasts more than a week. You may need an antibiotic if you have a severe injury, such as a ruptured cyst, or you may need to change your birth control.

Because an IUD sits in your uterus, it’s unlikely to move or fall out during penetrative sex. However, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor if you have an IUD to make sure it’s still in place. They’ll be able to confirm this for you during a quick appointment. They’ll also be able to trim the strings on your IUD if they’re poking you or your partner in an uncomfortable way during sex.