What To Expect During an IUD Insertion (ParaGard IUD or Mirena IUD)

It is especially important to check the IUD strings every few days for the first few weeks and to feel for the string ends between periods to make sure that the IUD is still properly in place. After your first period (or at least no longer than three months after insertion), schedule a checkup to make sure your IUD is still where it is supposed to be.

Some woman may ask their doctor to have the strings cut shorter (during this checkup) if they are felt by the woman’s sexual partner. If this is the case, sometimes the strings are cut so short that the woman cannot actually check for the strings any more. After this doctor’s visit, regular IUD checkups can be done at the same time as a woman’s periodic gynecological exam.

That being said, one of the greatest advantages of both the IUD is that, for the most part, once it has been inserted, a woman doesn’t have to really do anything.

• How To Prevent IUD Failure
  
  
• Share Your Reason: What Led You to Choose an IUD?
  
  
• Have an IUD Story? Please Share: What Is Your IUD Experience?
  
  
• Watch a Short Video: What is an IUD?

_Sources:

_{Chi, I.C, Galich, L.F., Tauber, P.F., Wilkens, L.R., Waszak, C.S., Siemens, A.J., & Lippes, J. (Nov. 1986). “Severe pain at interval IUD insertion: A case-control analysis of patient risk factors”. Contraception, 34(5): 483-495.}

_{Johnson, B. A. (Jan 1, 2005). “Insertion and removal of intrauterine devices”. American Family Physician, 71(1): 95-104.}

Robertson, E.M., ed. (Mar. 1988). “Proceed with caution during difficult IUD insertion”. Contraceptive Technology Update, 9(3): 25-28.