Guide

IUD Fell Out or Moved? Here's What to Do

Quick Answer

If your IUD has been expelled or moved out of place and you've had unprotected sex, you need emergency contraception immediately. IUD expulsion removes your pregnancy protection entirely. Take EC and see a healthcare provider to confirm IUD status.

Signs Your IUD May Have Moved

Watch for these signs: - **You can feel the IUD** - Plastic at your cervix or vaginal opening - **Strings feel different** - Longer, shorter, or absent - **During your period** - You found the IUD - **Pain or discomfort** - New cramping or pain during sex - **Changed bleeding patterns** - Unexpected heavy bleeding If you notice any of these, check with a healthcare provider.

What to Do Right Now

If you think your IUD has moved:

Don't try to reinsert it yourself - This can cause injury
Take EC if you've had sex - Protection was compromised
Use backup contraception - Condoms until IUD status is confirmed
Schedule a provider visit - They can check IUD placement
Bring the IUD if you have it - Helpful for your provider to see

Emergency Contraception Options

Both Postinor and Mifestad work well if your IUD has been expelled:

- Choose based on timing since unprotected sex
- If within 24 hours: Either option is highly effective
- If 48-72 hours: Mifestad preferred
- If 72-120 hours: Mifestad is your only pill option

Note: If you had a copper IUD for emergency contraception, a new one can potentially be inserted as EC replacement.

After Taking EC

After addressing the immediate concern:

1. Confirm IUD status - Healthcare provider should check placement or confirm expulsion
2. Discuss replacement - You can get a new IUD inserted
3. Consider alternatives - If this isn't your first expulsion, discuss other methods
4. Pregnancy test - Take one in 3 weeks if your period doesn't come

Reducing Future Expulsion Risk

While expulsion can't always be prevented, you can:

- Check your strings monthly (after each period)
- Know the warning signs
- Attend follow-up appointments
- Report any unusual symptoms promptly

Note: If you've had multiple expulsions, you may want to consider a different contraceptive method.

IUD issues? Get EC delivered fast while you arrange a provider visit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you found the IUD outside your body or can feel the hard plastic (not just strings) at your cervical opening, it has likely been expelled. A healthcare provider can confirm with an exam or ultrasound.

No, never try to reinsert an IUD yourself. This can cause infection or injury. If the IUD has moved, it needs to be properly removed and replaced by a healthcare provider.

Expulsion is more common in the first few months after insertion, during periods, and in people who haven't been pregnant. Sometimes there's no identifiable cause. The expulsion rate is about 2-10%.

Yes, you can try another IUD. However, if you've had multiple expulsions, your provider may suggest a different type of IUD or an alternative contraceptive method.

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