“Is it Normal for Your Partner to Feel Your IUD During PIV?”

An IUD is placed high in the uterus, so chances are that a partner would not feel it during sex. Even if they do, it isn’t likely to be painful for either partner, and sex cannot cause the device to move out of place.

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An intrauterine device (IUD) sits pretty high up there — in the uterus, to be exact — with only the strings hanging into the vagina. Even if your partner’s penis leans to the bigger end of the spectrum, they shouldn’t feel the IUD during sex.

And, if they can feel something, it’s usually NBD. What they’re feeling is most likely the strings.

TBH, they’re more likely to feel it with their fingers

Cervical mucus creates a nice slippery layer between the IUD strings and your partner’s D, which does a good job of masking the strings. The strings, BTW, are made from very thin plastic that’s similar to fishing line and aren’t very long.

Chances are, the tip of their D will be too busy honing in on the slippery, wet goodness that is your vagina to notice a bit of string.

Your partner’s more likely to feel the strings during a finger-to-finger session. A finger’s main job is to feel stuff, after all. Still, feeling the strings is NBD and certainly won’t put a damper on sexy time the way an unwanted pregnancy might.

If their penis brushes up against it, it shouldn’t hurt

IUDs might look like tiny torture devices, but they’re made to be inserted into your tender parts and worn for the long haul.

Even if your partner’s penis manages to brush up against it during an especially enthusiastic pound sesh, it shouldn’t hurt.

The strings curl and soften over time. And, even if they can feel the strings, it’s usually nothing more than a slight tickle. Unless it’s really psyching them out and interfering with your pleasure, it’s not worth worrying about.

FYI: There’s no recorded cases of penis injuries incurred from an IUD during sex.

It shouldn’t cause any pain or discomfort for you either

The shape and size of IUDs are designed with the internal reproductive organs in mind.

When inserted properly, the IUD sits all comfy and cozy inside your uterus. You shouldn’t feel it at all, no matter what you’re up to. And it definitely isn’t supposed to hurt.

If you’re feeling pain in there during sex or otherwise, it’s probably not the IUD.

Other ways an IUD could impact your sexual life

Let’s start with the good stuff, which is obviously the peace of mind that you’re protected against unwanted pregnancy.

Having a reliable birth control method can be liberating, especially if you’ve had a pregnancy scare, missed birth control pills, had a condom break, or played the roulette that is the pull-out method.

Reliable birth control can translate to some carefree canoodling, no doubt, but an IUD can sometimes impact your sex life in some not-so-sexy ways.

IUDs can cause side effects, especially in the first few months, like:

  • cramping
  • low back pain
  • spotting or bleeding between periods

An irregular bleeding pattern can be a bummer in the bedroom if you or your partner are squeamish about period sex.

There’s also a possibility that using a hormonal IUD can affect your mood. Though research is mixed, some evidence suggests that using a hormonal IUD can increase the risk of depression.

If you or your partner(s) are uncomfortable, talk with a healthcare professional

There’s no reason you should take discomfort during sex lying down. If your IUD is making you or your partner(s) uncomfortable, talk with the healthcare professional who inserted your IUD.

After insertion, IUD strings — also called retrieval strings — are usually cut. There should be 1 to 2 inches hanging out of the cervix, so it can be, well, retrieved by a professional. Your physician should be able to trim them down if they’re getting in the way of your good time.

Rough or deep PIV sex can’t dislodge it

An IUD sits in the uterus, not the vaginal canal.

Since cervix penetration is impossible and your cervix is sort of the gatekeeper guarding your uterus, no way, no how, is a penis going to get in there or dislodge it — not even during a super deep, rough, or acrobatic session that gives your reproductive bits a real jostling.

Your sex position doesn’t matter

On your back or front, butt up or down, feet behind your ears or theirs: It’s all good!

Have at it in any position your horny heart desires. Your IUD won’t stop you.

All of which is to say: Sex can’t move your IUD, but these things can

Sex can’t cause your IUD to move and become displaced. Though it’s rare, other things can.

IUD displacement is most common in the first few months after it’s inserted.

Here’s what can do it:

  • strong uterine contractions during your period
  • having a tilted uterus
  • having a small uterine cavity
  • having your IUD inserted by a doctor who’s not experienced in the procedure

The chances of having your IUD move increases if:

  • you’re under 20 years old
  • you had the IUD inserted immediately after giving birth
  • you’re breastfeeding or chestfeeding

If you bleed afterward, it likely isn’t cause for concern

Unless your sheets look like a crime scene, bleeding after sex if you have an IUD is probably nothing to worry about.

The IUD is likely still in place. This could just be a typical side effect or stem from another cause. For instance, rough or dry sex can cause irritation and tiny skin tears down there.

Bleeding between periods is common in the months after IUD insertion, so that’s another possibility.

If bleeding after sex happens on a regular basis or is accompanied by pain, a trip to see a healthcare professional is in order. They can make sure your IUD hasn’t shifted and rule out or diagnose any underlying health conditions.

There are a few symptoms to watch for

Complications, like dislodgement and perforation (of your uterus, not their dick), are rare and not any more likely to happen because of sex.

That said, it’s important to know what symptoms to watch for.

See your doctor right away if something feels off down there, or if you:

  • are unable to feel the IUD strings with your fingers (unless you’ve never been able to and have discussed this with your physician)
  • think the strings feel shorter or longer than before
  • can feel the IUD itself
  • are told by your partner that they can feel the IUD during sex — and not just the strings
  • experience heavy vaginal bleeding
  • bleed between periods
  • have severe pain in your lower abdomen
  • experience severe cramping — worse than what’s normal for you during your period
  • have unusual vaginal discharge
  • I think you might be pregnant

IUD and Sex: Your Essential Guide

Can your partner feel your IUD?

While unlikely, your partner might feel the IUD strings during sex. It’s usually nothing to worry about and shouldn’t cause pain.

What are IUD strings and why can they be felt?

IUDs are T-shaped devices placed in the uterus for birth control. Thin, plastic strings hang down from the IUD into the vagina for removal. These strings are what your partner might feel.

Why shouldn’t you worry if your partner feels the strings?

  • IUDs are positioned high in the uterus, making them difficult to feel during sex.
  • Cervical mucus lubricates the vagina, masking the strings.
  • Strings are soft and flexible, causing minimal sensation.

When is it more likely your partner will feel the strings?

  • During manual stimulation, fingers are more sensitive than the penis.

Can sex dislodge the IUD?

No. IUDs sit within the uterus, protected by the cervix. Rough or deep sex cannot move them.

Can IUDs affect your sex life?

Positively:

  • Peace of mind from reliable birth control can enhance sexual enjoyment.

Potentially negatively:

  • Side effects like cramping or spotting might impact sex drive.
  • Hormonal IUDs may affect mood in some cases.

What to do if the IUD or strings cause discomfort?

Talk to your doctor. They can trim the strings if necessary.

Can certain factors increase IUD displacement?

  • Age under 20
  • Recent childbirth
  • Breastfeeding
  • Tilted uterus
  • Inexperienced doctor performing insertion

What are signs of IUD displacement?

  • Difficulty feeling the strings
  • Feeling the IUD itself
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Severe pain or cramping
  • Heavy bleeding

When to see a doctor?

  • Any concerning symptoms after IUD insertion
  • Suspected pregnancy

The bottom line

If you’re otherwise happy with your birth control choice, try not to let the possibility of your partner feeling your IUD strings rain on your pleasure parade.

Your IUD shouldn’t interfere with sex, even if you like it rough. And a little string tickle is really NBD if that’s the only issue.

3 Comments

  1. I can’t speak with any insight or formation from a medical expert, but to answer your question, it’s normal as long as it doesn’t hurt during sex.

  2. It’s worth seeing a doctor to check the IUD is in the right place or if it’s not causing any excessive discomfort.

  3. It’s difficult to give conclusive advice on whether it’s normal since every case and body is different.

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