Question for those who have expelled IUD

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Question for those who have expelled IUD
5
Thu, 08-05-2004 - 7:28pm
I've had the mirena for 1 year.So far so good....My periods were lighter (basicly spotting) and I am pretty much happy....Let me see if I can explain my situation....For 9 weeks I didn't have a period (normal for some women with the mirena I know-fine by me)....I started on 7-26 and am still going....This evening I can feel something in the "tampon area" if that makes any sense--kind of like when a tampon's in wrong and you have do take it out and put another one in....slightly cramping and slightly heavier bleeding.I just did a string check a few minutes ago to see what I could feel and I just feel string-no other parts of it like I would expect if it was coming out...What did it feel like when you expelled the IUD?? Thanks for any input!


Edited 8/5/2004 7:30 pm ET ET by mrs_frazier
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2003
Thu, 08-05-2004 - 9:14pm
I've expelled two IUDs. The first one I didn't feel anything until I started having intense cramps (more like contractions than cramps, actually). I could feel pressure on my cervix and it felt like it was dilating like during labor, presumably from the IUD pushing on it. I saw a doctor and he was able to see the end of the IUD coming out, so he pulled it the rest of the way. With the second one, I first started feeling a pinching sensation sometimes while walking, other times when I sat down. It was pretty infrequent, but started to get worse. I also started to feel like something wasn't quite right in there. Sort of like something was hanging low or falling out - maybe this is similar to the tampon analogy, don't know, I don't use tampons. If I did a Kegel exercise it felt like it helped, but a few minutes later the feeling would be back. When I felt for my strings, it felt like the tip of the IUD was protruding from my cervix, but it was hard for me to tell. I definitely noticed that the strings were longer. The doctor confirmed it was coming out, and pulled it out. The fact that things feel different is not a great sign. Maybe it's a large blood clot trying to pass, as you did mention that you've been bleeding a long time. You may want to have it checked out by your doctor, though. Good luck, I'm hoping for the best.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Fri, 08-06-2004 - 9:12am
Thanks for the info...I'm going to see if my dr things I should come in or not today...I don't feel that way this morning...it feels back to "normal"...It lasted a few hours last night and then went away as soon as it started...
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-14-2004
Fri, 08-06-2004 - 3:40pm
Oh man you guys are scaring me now! I don't know why I am so wigged out over this. Well yes I do. I don't want to become pregnant thats why! Anyone know what the odds of expulsion are? I have also read on another board that a lady & her sister both became pg with an iud. One had had it for 7 yrs. I don't want to have to use back up b/c. I was all ready to go get one, now I'm scared to death. I go in on 8/26 so I guess I have some time to change my mind. I need some words of encouragement. Normally I am not a wimp at all. B
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2003
Fri, 08-06-2004 - 5:36pm
Expulsion occurs in about 5% of women in the first year. I can't imagine that you wouldn't notice the IUD falling out, so as long as you are aware of it and use backup birth control, you shouldn't have to worry about pregnancy. My doctor suggested emergency contraception when I expelled my first IUD as it occurred right around ovulation, but I decided not to use it and I was fine. IUDs are one of the most effective methods available, so you should be able to feel confident about using one. Be sure ask your doctor lots of questions if you have any. You can also check out the IUD information in the FAQs folder. Good luck with your decision. I thought the IUD was great, and it's too bad that I wasn't able to keep one in.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-22-2004
Mon, 08-09-2004 - 11:28am
i just got a paragrad iud last week & so far it's been great! my doctor told me that in the past 10 years, only 3 of his patients who have an iud have expelled it. good luck!