my new IUD...

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
my new IUD...
4
Wed, 11-03-2004 - 10:24am
Hi all,

I have to tell you first I am SO happy I made this decision. I have had virtually no discomfort with this so far, though I realize I may next time af rolls around.

Now, I need some affirmation...

Honestly, I have some "concern" about the checking for the string thing. I just have never been sure about finding my cervix . I tried to check this morning, and I know the strings may be not so easy to find (the Paraguard info even says so)...I could not find them. I do NOT think anything is wrong...I just would love some input as to how others do this...is it easy for most, or difficult? After my insertion the last thing the doc did was confirm by feel the strings location and she had to feel around a bit. Said they were sort of laying over and "wrapped around" the cervix...she said that was just what she wanted. I'm just not sure I can reproduce her skill level in doing this.

I am going to have my DH help me with this...and he is completely willing. It's just that this whole process has been SO easy, I'm letting myself be distracted by this necessesary but low key step. I want to feel completely confident.

TIA

Sandy

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-11-2004
In reply to: momsandy6
Wed, 11-03-2004 - 10:46am
I guess it's just my anatomy, but I can reach my cervix fairly easily most of the time. If you can't feel it at all, then it might be too far back for you to reach. You can try bearing down and see if that helps. There's a little indention in the middle of your cervix, and this is where the strings should be coming out. Even if they're tucked behind your cervix, if you or your husband can feel the indention, then you should be able to feel the strings too. I have the Mirena IUD so the strings might be different, but they felt a little like fishing wire.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
In reply to: momsandy6
Wed, 11-03-2004 - 11:14am
Thanks:)

I hate to be so funky (dumb) about being able to do this. I know I'm goofy but it just feels odd to me to be digging around down there...lol! They did let me feel the string pieces they cut off...makes it harder to imagine I can't find/feel them...since they are sort of stiffish. Still don't feel there's an issue...just need to figure out how to best do this process.

Thanks again:)

Sandy

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
In reply to: momsandy6
Wed, 11-03-2004 - 12:00pm
I've only had a time or two that I couldn't feel my strings.I can feel more of them at different times of the month depending on the position of my cervix.It's not too technical...I just reach in until my finger brushes the tips of the strings--you'll know it when you feel them--my dh hasn't been able to feel them....good luck!!!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
In reply to: momsandy6
Wed, 11-03-2004 - 12:29pm
Hi Sandy,

Your cervix is low, firm and closed at the beginning and end of your cycle and high (deeper inside you), soft and open during mid cycle when you are fertile. If you can’t reach it with your fingers try squatting and pushing down as though you were having a bowel movement. That will force your cervix toward the entrance to your vagina where it’s easier to reach. The strings should soften and wrap around your cervix.

Locating your cervix:

http://www.ivillagehealth.com/experts/womens/qas/0,,166934_151452,00.html

I’m glad things are going so well for you! Please keep us posted.

Good luck,

      Jill