Time at Home To Check Your IUD Strings, but Do You Need To?
March 13, 2026
All IUD manufacturer’s instructions listed on the FDA approved package inserts , and the IUD websites tell you as the patient to check your strings!
In fact the instructions the company gives instructions for how your gyno should teach you.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and CDC does not feel that women need to check your strings
You only have a 1% chance of having your IUD expelled from your uterus in that first month after insertion, about 4% chance in the first year. After that expulsion rates are very low.
About 46% of women who ‘try’ can actually feel their strings.
Although presence of strings means the IUD is present, it doesn’t really give you advice on ‘how it’s working’ in terms of cycle control or other information if you are experiencing symptoms of pain or discharge
It is not harmful to check your IUD strings, you will not dislodge the device.
Missing strings only occurs in about 5% of IUD users.
If you cannot feel your strings, and you previously could feel your IUD strings, a medical visit to your gyno can help you determine if the IUD is still in place and functioning.
