Can You Feel an IUD During Sex?

If you have an IUD and you’re having sex with someone, can they feel it? Won’t they get poked—and not in the good way? And will you feel it? No one wants to get hurt during sex, so it’s a very common and valid concern.

The good news is that neither you nor your partner(s) should feel the IUD itself during sex. An IUD is a small, T-shaped device that sits inside your uterus (located in the lower part of your belly) and prevents pregnancy by keeping sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg. It can also sometimes prevent ovulation (releasing an egg). It’s not in the vagina, which is why your partner(s) shouldn’t feel it during sex.

However, IUDs do have two thin strings that extend from the device through the cervix and into the top of the vagina. Your provider uses these strings to check the IUD’s placement and to remove it whenever you want. Your partner(s) may feel these strings during sex, but they’re not usually painful. Some people never notice them, while others only notice them occasionally. The strings may be more noticeable when an IUD is brand new, but over time, they tend to soften and curl around the cervix, making them harder to feel. But if you or a partner can feel the hard plastic part of the IUD, it may have moved out of place. Use a backup method like condoms and contact your provider.

If you’re concerned about someone feeling your IUD strings during sex, you can try feeling them yourself. With clean hands, reach your finger(s) into your vagina toward your cervix (toward your lower back) and see if you can touch them. Learning what your strings normally feel like can help you notice if something changes. If the strings are uncomfortable for your partner(s), you can also ask your provider whether adjusting the length of them might help. 

Another thing to know is that some positions may make the strings more noticeable. If this becomes an issue, try switching things up. Give yourself plenty of time to get turned on, too, since the vagina lengthens and expands when aroused, which may make the strings less noticeable.

Sex while using an IUD shouldn’t hurt you, either. If you have new or ongoing pain during sex, bleeding after sex, or unusual discharge, make an appointment with your provider to get checked out.

Your IUD is there to help prevent pregnancy (or help with your periods!), not get in the way of a good time. A little communication, some experimentation, and knowing what feels comfortable for you and your partner(s) can help keep the focus where it belongs: on enjoying yourselves. For answers to your specific questions about IUDs, make an appointment to talk to a provider at your nearest The Right Time health center.