Is Your IUD Out? What to Do After Unprotected Sex

I found my IUD dislodged when I woke up in the morning?

If you had unprotected intercourse (with ejaculation) the day before and noticed that the contraceptive ring has partially come out the next morning, it is important to assess the situation.
The effectiveness of the contraceptive ring may be compromised if it has been out of place for more than three hours.
In this case, you should consult a healthcare provider for advice on whether you need to use emergency contraception.
It is advisable to take action as soon as possible to ensure your contraceptive needs are met.

Gong Wan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/10

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, if you're feeling uncertain, you can take emergency contraception just in case.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/10/10

More Info

When it comes to the use of an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception, it is crucial to understand how it functions and what to do if it becomes dislodged or expelled. An IUD is designed to prevent pregnancy by either releasing hormones (in the case of hormonal IUDs) or creating a hostile environment for sperm (in the case of copper IUDs). If you notice that your IUD has partially come out, it is essential to take immediate action.

First and foremost, if you had unprotected sex the day before and then discovered that your IUD is not properly positioned, there is a risk of pregnancy. The effectiveness of the IUD diminishes significantly if it is not correctly placed within the uterus. If the IUD has moved out of position, it may not be able to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg effectively.

In this situation, you should consider the following steps:
1. Check the IUD Position: If you can, gently feel for the strings of the IUD. If they are shorter than usual or if you cannot feel them at all, it may indicate that the IUD has moved or expelled.

2. Consult a Healthcare Provider: It is crucial to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can perform an examination to determine whether the IUD is still effective or if it needs to be repositioned or replaced. They can also provide guidance on what to do next regarding contraception.

3. Consider Emergency Contraception: If you had unprotected sex and the IUD is not in place, you may want to consider taking emergency contraception (EC). EC is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but some forms can be taken up to five days later. Discuss this option with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

4. Follow-Up Care: After addressing the immediate concern, it is essential to have a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider to ensure that your IUD is correctly positioned and functioning as intended. They can also discuss other contraceptive options if necessary.

5. Monitor for Symptoms: If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as severe pain, heavy bleeding, or fever, seek medical attention immediately, as these could indicate complications related to the IUD.

In summary, if you discover that your IUD has partially expelled after unprotected sex, it is vital to act quickly. Check the position of the IUD, consult with a healthcare provider, consider emergency contraception, and ensure follow-up care. Understanding the importance of proper IUD placement and being proactive in addressing any issues can help prevent unintended pregnancies and maintain reproductive health.

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