These cervical photos are from a 25 years old woman who has never given birth. She has a copper Paraguard IUD which was placed inside her uterus about a year ago. This is not a hormonal form of birth control, so she ovulates, which you can tell from the changes in her discharge. You can see the strings of the IUD protruding through the os in the photos. The IUD sometimes causes her occasional cramps or heavier bleeding.
Her cycle has been somewhat erratic since she stopped birth control pills about a year ago. Before she went on birth control pills (sometime in her late teens) she was fairly regular with cycles about every 30 days or so. She has always had normal pap smears.
The notes about each day are below each picture.
Day One
Minor cramps
Moderate flow
Day Two
More bleeding
No cramps
Used a tampon today
Day Three
Used a tampon today
Day Four
Feeling good
Moderate Bleeding
Used a pad today
Day Five
Light Flow
Used a Diva cup
More tired today
Day Six
Spotting
Feeling well
Partner/photographer says cervix is deeper in the vagina today
Day Seven
Minimal spotting
Tired
Day Eight
White/yellow scant discharge with no odor
Day Nine
Feeling well
No discharge
Day Ten
Had sex 10 hours before photo was taken
Day Eleven
Some milky discharge at end of the day
Day Twelve
Slight amount of white discharge
Day Fourteen
Day Fifteen
Day Seventeen
Watery discharge
Day Eighteen
Cervical fluid is eggwhite consistency
Day Nineteen
Cervix appears lower in vagina today
Day Twenty
Day Twenty-One
Day Twenty-Two
Day Twenty-Three
Day Twenty-Four
Day Twenty-Five
Day Twenty-Six
Day Twenty-Seven
A few minutes of very heavy pressure in vagina, some pain, then tingling for about 5 minutes
Day Twenty-Eight
One minute in morning of feeling pressure and crampy like yesterday morning, otherwise normal
Slightly fishy vaginal odor
Day Twenty-Nine
One pang of crampy pain today
Good & Clear picture
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Comment by Desy — September 3, 2009 @ 2:08 am
thank you very much for your post. It is very helpful, also. i have one question, i also have on an IUD, i usually feel the stings as soon as my finger gets as far inside, but this month, i feel the string way back as if the cervix turned backwards and the opening is facing my anus instead of the vagina. my question is, is that normal? and sometimes when im having sex i feel as if the cervix gets in the way of the penis. and that usually cause an uneasy feeling. thanks for your time.
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Comment by Rosie Dest — September 4, 2009 @ 10:45 am
I had the Para Gard IUD ( for 3 years) This is really WONDERFUL information. Each Time I check the strings(monthly) they were within reach.
With My Husband I could almost feel the strings each time after Sex. I’m also plan on getting another Para Gard in a few weeks.
Thank You for Sharing
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Comment by Talisha — September 12, 2009 @ 10:07 pm
I just got an IUD today and this is extremely helpful to me, thank you!!! I can really visualize what I should be checking for now.
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Comment by Karen — September 16, 2009 @ 2:19 pm
Ah, so that’s what an implanted IUD looks like. I’ve had mine for two years and I’ve always wondered how it looked. Cervix doesn’t like it though, every now and then I’ll get horrible stabbing pains as if it’s falling out. Ah well, it can deal.
I told my gyno about your website and they were very impressed. Keep up the good work
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Comment by scarygirl — September 23, 2009 @ 5:47 am
I also have an IUD placement called maraina. I had this placed after having an exploratory laporoscopy searching for the cause of my extreme contraction like pain. Nothing was found so they just placed my IUD and I went on with my life. A couple weeks after my surgery the mysterious pain has returned. my obgyn doctor says my pain very closely resembles contractions which is very odd seeing as I am 20 and have never been pregnant. I still have breakthrough bleeding as well. This project makes me wonder if I could “give birth” to my IUD through my “fake contractions”?
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Kay Reply:
February 27th, 2011 at 1:47 am
I had the same contraction like pain, and was also prescribed a Mirena IUD. It did not help and I ended up having a hysterectomy at 25 to end the pain because I could not function. I also had unpredictable bleeding as well.
I’m wondering how your story worked out.
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Nikki Reply:
December 16th, 2011 at 2:35 am
Absolutely! Essentially, I “gave birth” to the IUD I had. The docs told me that some people’s bodies just reject it. In fact, I tried twice to use Paraguard, as it is the only non-hormonal birth control out there and hormones really mess with me. The second time I tried was 6 years after the first and I thought time may make a difference…no such luck. After about a month of having the Paraguard, I started cramping severely and spotting. Both times, my clinics have opted to remove them. Now, I just chart my cycles and don’t mess with any birth control aside from condoms.
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Ashley keller Reply:
January 1st, 2012 at 12:48 pm
For the girl number 6 that commented on this I have the same thing and the doctors dont know what it is they are now trying this now so if u find anything out please let me know! Also me and my hubby can feel the strings if u like slightly pull on them like with normal sex will it mess up the placement of my iud?
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Comment by mm — September 28, 2009 @ 7:48 pm
I’m 27 and I have the mirena IUD, I’ve had it for just over 4 years now. My monthly periods are so scant that I could wear a panty liner for the whole day and that would be the end of it for that month. It doesn’t come regularly like it would if you were on the pill and I do feel a lot more cramping and mood swings around that time of the month. When I first looked into this IUD it said the benefits were light menstral cycles, decreased cramping and low hormones put into your body. I’ve also found that I have more hair growth in areas that I didn’t have before. Example on my chest just between my breasts there is a small darker area of hair growing a bit longer than normal and a few on my chin. I should be getting the IUD out next year as it is supposed to last 5 years. My doctor told me once I notice my periods becoming heavier the hormone is wearing off and the it’s almost time to take it out. About fake contractions, I had those when I did a trial on the Birth control patch just before I got my IUD. I’m not sure if this form of birth control is still out but I would wake up in the middle of the night and each night I would have sexual dreams and would wake up just before orgasming in my dream and have what my mom though sounded like contractions. I would wake up screaming but eventually it would go away…needless to say the patch didn’t work out.
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maggie Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:59 pm
hi, I have had mirena for about 2 yrs now and I’ve noticed that I have the same problem with hair growing in places it hasnt and darker too. How did you deal with this? and also, for a few months now I havent been able to feel the strings but I’ve felt like a flap(I guess you could say) of skin and it feels like maybe the strings got caught in the vaginal tissue because it feels almost hard in some areas. Will I need surgery?
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Sarah Reply:
August 20th, 2011 at 10:47 am
I have felt exactly what you are describing, after about a week of having the IUD i felt for my strings as instructed by obgyn and could not feel them but instead felt something hard and got scared thinking it was my IUD, i went back for an appt because of this and even had an ultrasound and everything was in place an later that day i finally felt my strings but now im having the same problem. Yesterday I felt the hard thing in my cervix but no strings whatsoever. After having intercourse and felt again in the shower and did not feel the hard part and still no strings. I am going to wait a bit longer before i go in for an appt and just feel everyday and if i still cant feel the strings ill be going back.
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Ellie Reply:
September 2nd, 2011 at 2:49 pm
How did that turn out for you?
I got a mirena 9 days ago. I have been checking the strings every day because I am told the time when they expel is in the first while. Anyway, today there was a hard part on my cervix. I can feel the strings and they are not in the same spot as the hard part… Is it just normal to have a hard section of your cervix? I got a pap before it was put in..
Thanks!
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Micaela Reply:
September 11th, 2011 at 9:15 pm
Have you felt your cervix before? It may just be that you’re feeling your cervix…
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Ellie Reply:
September 12th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
Yea, I have. I think there is maybe a time when there are harder parts. I went to the doc and she said it was fine. She said the cervix is cartilage, and is most like the end of your nose, but it moves. It could just have a harder part in the cartilage that can’t be felt all of the time.
Jessie Reply:
January 17th, 2012 at 11:57 pm
Hi I’ve had my iud for almost 2yrs now I got the 10yr none hormonal one, b/c the hormones make really ill. I get really horrible cramping it feels like I’m going in labor all over again. I also get a sharp pain the shoots up my left side of my in thigh as well as up under my ribbs my gyn doctor says it’s normal and when I feel like this to take pain killers. To be honest I’m tired of taking pills and the pain just comes back. Is this normal? I’m in pain right now 2 midols later and I’m still in pain.
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maggie Reply:
January 23rd, 2012 at 3:05 pm
actually, I have taken out my IUD and am just using a fertility monitor because i’m tired of hormones and fertility monitors are 99% accurate too, so all the benefits and no bad! you can look it up, its called lady comp fertility monitor and its around 400 dollars but I heard if you purchase it directly from the company you can make payments. the way it works is you take your temp right after you wake up and it will let you know if your ovulating by a light. green is no, yellow is maybe, and red is yes. so basically, no sex on yellow and red days or use barrier method. good luck!
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Micaela Reply:
January 23rd, 2012 at 9:03 pm
Have you tried taking the ibuprofen right when you started to get cramps, rather than waiting until the cramps get so bad? That might help.
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Comment by megan — September 30, 2009 @ 9:58 pm
yes i had para guard IUD inserted in me and i missed my period. early this year and had it removed. i only use condoms now.
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DeeMcC Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:02 am
Hey why did you decide to get it taken out after?
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Comment by lisa — October 3, 2009 @ 12:01 am
Hi ..Im a 52 year old woman who had a minera iud put in a year ago..at the three month check up she said my strings had went inside she said lots of womens do this…when it was inserted i had extreme pain and a blood pressure reaction…low…low ..low she said i scared her…she said i had scar tissue on my cervix..i wonder when i get it removed how it will be done with no strings showing…also since insertion my face is broken and and i have a strange taste in my mouth…could these be from the iud….she says no to all …the dr…ty
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Comment by michelle — October 14, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
JUST TO LET ANYONE KNOW THAT I WENT TO THE DOCTOR THIS PAST THURSDAY (10-23) . I HAD THE IUD TAKEN OUT AND A CHECK UP . IT WENT GREAT EXCEPT THAT THE STRING FOR THE IUD WAS UP IN MY CERVIX AND HAD TO HAVE IT TAKEN OUT .
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Comment by Tara — October 26, 2009 @ 12:37 pm
Wanted to thank everyone for sharing their stories but to also remind everyone that people have such different experiences with all forms of birth control. I personally appreciate the IUD a great deal and would suggest that anyone interested in exploring this option to ask their physician about it. (I do get minor cramps but for me, they’re bearable with ibuprofen.) IUDs are fine for women who haven’t had children and for younger women – this is a misconception that many physicians share. (There’s now much literature about this.)
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Kay Reply:
March 5th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
My doctor told me the only reason why most don’t recommend the IUD to those who haven’t had a child is that insertion process can be more painful and cause more cramps. ect.
With paraguard, it usually causes more cramps during your period.
So, not big issues. but, worth mentioning.
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Ashley Reply:
January 1st, 2012 at 12:55 pm
Let me tell you for being 18 and having this put in …. With No kids at all it painfully sucked! My Bp dropped I puked 2x and I can deal with some pain due to stomach pain in the past if ur going to get it and in my boat make sure u don’t work that day and you have a heating pad
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Comment by S. — October 27, 2009 @ 6:45 am
Wow, thankyou soooo much for the day by day pictures. Totally helps us ladies out here.
I had Paragard inserted 4 days ago. So, far so good. Day of insertion, no cramps, no heavy bleeding, and didn’t feel a thing.
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Comment by IUD74 — November 1, 2009 @ 1:50 pm
I’ve have a Paraguard IUD for 3 years now, and I love it. The strings are a little too far up for me to feel them, but my OBGYN says everything is okay. I love the Paraguard, and I love knowing what it looks like inside my vagina now! Thanks for the photos, and the website in general!
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SAMANTHA Reply:
September 8th, 2011 at 9:55 pm
hi i have a question i am supposed to start my period saturday and i tried to fill the strings of my paraguard and couldn’t do you know if that is normal? cause i have also been spotting for the past couple of days and have never done that before it kind of scares me what do you think i should do?
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SAMANTHA Reply:
September 9th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
i started my period
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Micaela Reply:
September 11th, 2011 at 9:26 pm
Hey Samantha,
Couldn’t tell if you’re still worried and if so, about what. Let us know!
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Comment by Heather — November 19, 2009 @ 12:14 pm
i have the mirena iud for a yr now, since insertion it has been UTI’s, trich, cervititis, vaginitis, and one bacterial infection after another. Doctor says iud makes my body more suceptible.. i enjoy the very light periods with the iud but i cant seem to get rid of the bacterial infections, my partner shows no symptoms and im wondering if i cant get completly treated and cured.. will it lead to infertility? ironically a permanent form of birth control due to another long term method…
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sally jane Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 10:46 pm
This may be due to having unprotected sex with your partner or multiple partners who carry these infections. Upon the insertion of my Mirena IUD I was clearly informed to always use a condom with sexual partners as the IUD does NOT protect from STIs and STDs. You should use a condom with your partners/partner. Your partner should also get checked. My IUD has been good to me. Minimal cramping (mind you I had extreme period cramping and pms pre-iud to the point I would be absent from school/work for the first day or two of it) My only complaints would be that during sex sometimes it hurts but I have also had mine “pushed back up” as it had slipped down my cervix. I’m currently experiencing pregnancy symptoms right now and I’m worried it may have slipped down again. Overall: LOVE my IUD (when used right) but not too fond of the slippage. I’ve never had children and it was very painful to insert but the good outweighs the bad since now I can fully function during my period and not lay in bed in the fetal position.
MIRENA HELPS CRAMPS but apparently the copper paraguard makes them worse.
This is my own generalization. Certain things work for certain people. I hate these anti-IUD crusaders. There are always chances for failures but the overall good outcomes outweighs the bad.
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Comment by sara — November 23, 2009 @ 2:49 am
Amazing!
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Comment by Nichole — November 24, 2009 @ 8:43 pm
Thank you for the pictures. I’m in nurse practitioner school and we practiced on models & 1 live volunteer. Didn’t get to see much in the 5 minutes we had to look. This was so helpful. I feel more confident about performing pelvic exams now.
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Comment by Nicole — December 11, 2009 @ 1:03 am
This website was extremely helpful to not only see clear pix of wats going on inside there but in reading others expierence, Im currently researching weither or not i want to do it, I’m 25 and dont want kids til I’m truly ready financially and mentally, and this website answered all my questions and concerns, so thank you!
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Comment by Jen — January 19, 2010 @ 10:15 am
Thank you so much, I am a 29 year old woman. I have had mirena for almost a year and a half now with no noticable side effects aside from longer lighter cycles. I think this is amazing and incredibly helpful on so many levels.
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Comment by Melissa — January 25, 2010 @ 12:00 am
I just want to tell you a big thank-you! I just had an IUD put in 2 days ago and I’d never felt my cervix or had any idea what the darn thing looked like. Your website is greatly educational. I know now what the heck I’m supposed to feel for!
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Comment by Dominique — February 19, 2010 @ 3:48 pm
This is such a helpful site. For some reason seeing the discharge is gross to me but I need to get a grip.
I’ve had a Paragard since 2004 and this year I can feel the strings a lot lower than before. I wonder at what point does a lowering cervix become a possible prolapsed uterus? I always worry mine will fall out completely. I do Kegels and I have a Kegelmaster but I don’t use it as much as I should because i have a fear of grabbing the strings and pulling out the IUD.
Is it normal to think so much about your reproductive organs? Apparently I’m not alone because people here have actually taken pictures. At least I know I’m not as weird as I thought I was in that aspect.
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Comment by Aimee — February 23, 2010 @ 10:00 am
Thanks for the pictures! I had a copper T inserted almost a week ago and have had minor cramps, but it seems to have made my period start early. When I feel for the string my cervix is hard and round – is it supposed to be that way?
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Comment by Gail — March 2, 2010 @ 11:22 pm
These pictures are great. I had Mirena inserted in DEC 07. I had to have it surgically removed in AUG 09 because it porferated my uterus and was in my abdomen!! It was the most horrible experience ever. Not so much the pain, as the whole ordeal of getting a dr to believe me when I told them that the IUD was still in my body even though I had an ultrasound done and they did not see it in my uterus so they told me that it came out and I flushed it. I know a few months after having it put in that something wasn’t right…it took me almost 2 years to get them to listen to me and finally semd me for an xray to find the damned thing. I know that this is just my experience….but I did want to share it.
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Comment by Misty — March 6, 2010 @ 12:32 pm
Thank you for posting this–very helpful! I had a Paragard IUD placed a couple weeks ago and my cervix is too far back for me or my partner to feel for the strings. So instead, I just bought a speculum from Amazon and will have to start doing a visual exam to make sure the strings are still there & the right length. It’s nice to know how it ought to look!
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Comment by Kami — April 15, 2010 @ 11:57 pm
These photos were really helpful. I just had a paragard inserted this morning and did a self-exam with a speculum and mirror. I was worried that the speculum may have pulled on the strings because when I used my finger I felt one but after looking inside I saw two. After seeing these pictures, I’m less worried about the speculum pulling the strings and now know that the strings move around and what I saw was normal. Thanks for posting these.
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Comment by Joanne — April 22, 2010 @ 1:39 pm
I had gone to have my IUD removed and they weren’t successful. They only pulled out the strings without the IUD coming out. I am scheduled to see another doctor to have my IUD removed without the strings. What does this mean? Help!!!
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Comment by Phyllis — May 12, 2010 @ 12:39 pm
I had no IUD.
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Comment by Priya Anjali Rai — June 3, 2010 @ 12:30 am
Very wonderful photos! I am so grateful that you took the time to document this for all to see. I have had a paraguard for a few months and I am worried that I can feel the hard IUD protruding slightly, and now I will have a reference when I look w/ a speculum to find out if it really is. Thanks again for making this available!
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Comment by laurie — June 6, 2010 @ 12:34 am
I am 28 yrs old, married, never pregnant. I got the copper T 1 year ago. I love to be worry free of getting an unplanned pregnancy. Lately, I have gotten my period twice a month, more cramps, spotting and less intercourse; because I am scared of pain. I have scheduled for my pap smear. Thanks, these are:”Fabulous Pictures”, but still I find myself afraid of doing a self-examination!!! I scheduled for my pap smear.
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Comment by Lezty — June 8, 2010 @ 2:20 am
Thank you so much for posting these photos. I am on my first week of an IUD, and when feeling for the strings for the first time, I realized, I don’t even know what my anatomy down there should feel like, let alone what it looks like. This makes what I have felt so much more clear to me.
Thank you again.
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Comment by shelly — June 11, 2010 @ 11:27 pm
These pictures are great I got my iud 3 weeks ago but my problem is I can’t feel the strings what am I suppose to look for? Help
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Comment by 3 lil daisy — June 20, 2010 @ 2:22 am
I am a mother of 5 and I had enough children so I got an IUD put in, the plastic kind, that’s when I found out I had a herniated cervix. I can’t find any info on it but I guess it’s from having a LEEP done before my last baby and having to push through the scar tissue. When I got the IUD put in my uterus was barely small enough and my first period was over 7 days long and very heavy! After that nothing was normal cause I have a teen who started menstrating and throwing my schedual off so I’m not sure what is supposed to be normal. Good luck! and thanks for the info!
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Comment by Rebecca Quiriarte — June 29, 2010 @ 2:12 pm
I just had my mirena removed by surgery. My big issue is what are they trying to hide. Is anyone else having this problem that if its surgically removed the Doctor will refused to take it out of your body unless you agree to let them keep it. My Dr. refused to even hold onto it until I woke up, so I could see it and make sure all parts are there. I wanted to do this because I had 4 scans to find it and I was told by I Dr. strings missing, next Dr. said he found them but they were in 2 diff places, next Dr. said strings were curled up around the mirena inside my uterus, Then the Dr. that did surgery told me that it was fully intact. HOW THE HECK DO I TRUS. ARE THEY HIDING SOMETHING. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT I CAN DO TO FIND OUT THE TRUTH. IS THIS HAPPENING TO OTHERS PLEASE LET ME KNOW PLEASE I AM SO UPSET. MacD51@live.com
I am stressing out so bad any idea’s ladies please.
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Comment by Sharon MacDonald — July 6, 2010 @ 10:40 pm
[...] clarification about (I think) the difference between the vagina and the uterus. We talked about the cervix and how in TV shows when someone is in labor and they say “she’s dilated to three [...]
Pingback by Sexual Education of a sort « Reconcile — July 19, 2010 @ 6:22 am
It is a beatiful project and it gives a lot of information. I like this project.
Plz send me the complete set of Pics as my PC cannot display them all. i would be very thankful to your good self if you plz send me these pics. Thanks.
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Comment by Sajad — August 20, 2010 @ 4:54 am
I had the IUD fitted about 5 years ago and have just had it removed today and a 10 year copper IUD fitted. I have not had any children and are not planning to for at least 3 years. I have personally found this to be the best form of birth control although I did find it painful when inserted (didn’t really hurt when removed) and for about 2 weeks after, but obviously not too painful otherwise I wouldn’t have done it for a second time. The only complaint I have is about 10 days following the last day of my period I get cramping pains (similar to period pain)for couple of days with slight bleeding, had it checked out, no problems,only thing they think it could be is when ovulating? I do find my periods are slightly heavier and slightly more painful but on the whole it’s a good option and mostly forget it is there. The pictures on this website are very useful as wasn’t sure if type of discharge I was having was normal, but can see it is and interesting to see what it actually looks like! My partner says he has felt the threads before but not that much – he doesn’t seem that worried about it.
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Comment by marie — September 17, 2010 @ 4:42 pm
inserted an IUD bout a month ago and have been bleeding slightly ever since and also some minor cramps off and on,asked my obsgyn & he said its normal but am getting kind of worried ! anybody experienced this b4?
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Comment by scosco — October 10, 2010 @ 4:44 pm
I’ve had the ParaGard for the past 4 years and I’ve pretty much liked it. The only thing that I don’t like is that I get really heavy periods that sometimes last up to 7 days. Also I get cramps and feel so exhausted I even feel my knees and back hurt before and while I’m on my period. Other than that I’m very happy with it specially because it doesn’t contain any hormones. These pictures have helped alot in getting a picture on what it looks like inside. I had an idea of how it was placed but now I see why I sometimes get pain during intercourse and see that the discharge is normal. Thanks alot I can’t wait to show it to my husband.
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Comment by Lilian — October 13, 2010 @ 10:50 pm
very beautiful.
thanks.
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Comment by prashant — October 22, 2010 @ 4:45 am
So would you say the smell is normal? Because I am 18 and got an IUD in May (It’s now October) and had the fishy smell. It comes and goes and I had a massive infection and now that the infection is gone, the smell still comes and goes.
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Micaela Reply:
February 21st, 2011 at 4:44 pm
If you’re still having the smell, definitely go in to see your doctor! It may be nothing, but a fishy smell could indicate an infection.
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Comment by Jessi — October 31, 2010 @ 1:10 am
Wow! Just had the para guard placed today. I’m so lucky my friend told me about this website. I’ve never seen my cervix (like most women) and now feel so much more educated and comfortable. I am a doula in training, thank you very much for the photos!
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Comment by KC — November 23, 2010 @ 12:15 am
Gezz hummm Day 15 it looks like a baby face
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Comment by Heather — December 6, 2010 @ 12:23 pm
I had my copper iud removed yesterday due to having some sort of allergic reaction to the copper, well at least i hope its for that reason! i had it fitted 5 wks ago an about 2 an half wks ago started feeling a burning sensation down there with frequant urination at first i thought maybe its a spout of thrush or another uti but doc took swobs & urine culture no infection present i was going out of my mind with worry to what it could be i am in a long term relationship with 2 beautiful children & just recently married…. after reading forum after forum i came across allergic reactions to copper or nickel so decided its not for me! i still dont know if this is the cause as its only been 1 day but do feel a little better after removal has anyone else suffered from this with the paragard.
GREAT PICS THO, VERY INTERESTING TO SEE HOW IT ACTUALLY LOOKS INSIDE! XX
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Comment by Jody — December 18, 2010 @ 1:06 pm
I am a mother of four and thanking that I’m going to go for an iud for birth control but after I saw this website I don’t want the iud anymore. It’s a good thing that I saw this website first before I start. Thanks for the pix. All of the picture that I have seen makes me don’t want another babe. This site is very helpful but scared me.
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Micaela Reply:
February 21st, 2011 at 4:42 pm
Chong, I’m really curious what scared you about these photos. Personally, I think an IUD is an excellent form of birth control. I’d love to address any fears you had, but I first need to understand what are your fears.
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Comment by chong lee — January 7, 2011 @ 11:40 am
So, a couple years ago I had the mirena iud put in. After a couple months, I had intense Sharp pain during the time of the month when i was naturally cramping. I would be sitting at work get flushed, vision tunnels, and a little bead of sweat would pour down. It was awful, no one believed me when I was saying I’m in extreme pain. I now know I was experiencing contactions. But then I got so scared I went to the er. No answers there. When I had the mirena taken out I was told it came out too easy. No other explanations provided. Now on the nuva ring and I have low sex drive. From now on I will be condom friendly to see if I can start to “reboot” my system and get off all the extra hormones. Wish me luck!
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Comment by jennifer — February 14, 2011 @ 11:23 pm
[...] Beautiful Cervix Project -Age 25 – Entire Cycle, IUD »These cervical photos are from a 25 years old woman who has never given birth. She has a copper Paraguard IUD which was placed inside her uterus about a year ago. This is not a hormonal form of birth control, so she ovulates, which you can tell from the changes in … The notes about each day are below each picture. [...]
Pingback by Iud picture | EquestrianOptions — March 4, 2011 @ 11:40 pm
In the Netherlands the stings of the IUD are coloured blue (better visible) instead of white.
Very nice site!
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Comment by Renske — March 6, 2011 @ 1:11 am
Hi this is so amazing I too have always wondered what the heck cervix looks like.I am a mom of two and have had a copper T iud for 2 months now.Its the greatest thing ever.No hassle just effortless birth control.I just hate the discharge which is more than its ever been,yellowish need panty liner sometimes how can I reduce it as sex is sometimed too wet!Please advise its driving me crazy!Ilove the iud though!b
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Comment by chipsy — March 24, 2011 @ 1:18 pm
Thankyou so much for doing this, I have recently has a mirena inserted and not really having a good visual understansing of where it was actually inserted I was struggling to determine changes in the strings but now i so much clearer. Mines been in for 2 weeks now and was quite painful insertion followed by a near fainting event, ive prob blead for 2 weeks now but was due for my period on the day of insertion. Just want to remind people that your periods are expected to be erratic for the first 3 months while the body gets used to the new hormones. Stick it out till your 3 month check up at least everyone I know that has one loves it
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Comment by simone — March 30, 2011 @ 6:41 am
so glad to see the photos-I was advised today by the doctor to examine my cervix myself (which I’d never done before) to get used to the feel of it…was alarmed to find it like a big hard lump as I never thought it was like that…till your pictures put my mind at rest! I’d been to see a pelvic floor physio as feeling pressure pain in intercourse as if my vagina has become shorter-was told this likely to be because the progesterone in the merina coil causes the cervix to be lower…has anyone else had this problem?
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Comment by Sarah — March 30, 2011 @ 4:40 pm
I’ve had the paragard since the fall of 2007, it is the easiest form of birth control I’ve ever used! However, I felt placement was painful, I had severe cramps for about a half an hour after insertion with spotting. After a few months I developed reoccurring bacterial vaginosis, I was convinced that my partner must have been reinfecting me, but my gyno said that bv was not sexually transmitted, so it must have had something to do with the iud, right? Also, my periods are alot heavier, longer in duration, and now I suffer from menstrual cramps and occasional spotting and cramping in between periods, which I never had prior to placement of my iud! And the weirdest thing that has happened was that somehow several strands of my long head hair got into my vagina, most likely during a bath or during sex, anyhow, I did not notice it because I had become used to the slightly scratchy feeling I had due to the iud strings, make a long story short, next time I checked the string placement I discovered the hairs, wrapped around the end of the strings of the iud in a small matted clump! Gross! I tried to pull it off, but I couldn’t get a good grip on it, even while squatting and bearing down, and I was also afraid of pulling too hard and accidentally pulling my iud out! So, I called my gyno and had to explain this unbelievably embarrassing situation, and my gyno couldn’t believe it as he had to cut my strings shorter in order to remove the ‘hairball’ lol, he said that it was the strangest thing he had ever seen! The hairball was a combination of tangled hair matted around what appeared to be a small piece of a tampon from my last period! No joke! Thank goodness I caught it in time before an infection or toxic shock syndrome
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Cal Reply:
April 4th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
Has this ever happened to anyone else before having their strings trimmed???
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Satmayr Reply:
September 8th, 2011 at 11:33 pm
Omg I just had the same thing I thought this clump was the iud coming down and went to the doctor who said everything was fine but failed to see or feel this hairball! I ended up fishing if out and pulled out my iud the day after I saw the doctor! I’m a bit nervous to go back as I didn’t think a tiny pull would make my iud come put!
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Comment by Cal — April 4, 2011 @ 10:01 pm
i am confused because this woman is not pregnant right and she is having the changes in discharge. it looks similar to when u r pregnant. so unless u confirm your pregnancy observing discharge is not enough. this was great. thank you. is it possible to do one with a person who is pregnant to show the changes in that discharge.
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Christina Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 5:38 pm
Discharge changes with the menstrual cycle.
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Comment by helen — April 14, 2011 @ 10:28 am
THANK YOU SO MUCH !! I’m 32 TTC my 1st child so I’m trying to get all the help I possible can. The pictures truly helped me to detect the differences in CM. Thanks a bundle!
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Comment by Denise7878 — April 15, 2011 @ 9:46 pm
Just want to add my mirena story to others on here. I had the mirena placed in fall of 2005. I had horrible pain when the cervix was clamped, excruciating pain when my cervix was measured, and was in horrible pain the rest of the day/night after it was placed. I had not been pregnant before it was placed. I didn’t always have a period with the mirena but when I did bleed, it was heavy. I had cramping every now and then, sometimes pretty painful, sometimes they were definite contractions. My strings disappeared, OB couldn’t find them even in the uterus! We had to do an ultrasound to find the IUD and make sure it hadn’t gone through the uterine wall. In July 2007, I was having full blown contractions–knocking me down to the floor, able to pinpoint the start, peak, and end of each contraction. This went on for a day and I finally called my OB and was scheduled for an emergency for the IUD’s removal. It had lodged itself on my uterine wall and was almost through. Thankfully it didn’t mess with my chances of having children as I became pregnant in 2009 and had my son January of 2010. I let women know my story as it seems to be somewhat common, especially for women who have not had children. I know each woman is different and one should not base their condition off of another, but sometimes it helps to know other women have had something similar happen. I do not plan to have any form of birth control; hormonal or non, and have been successful with Natural Family Planning. Also, before I had the mirena put in I had tried so many different types of birth control–the Nuva Ring, the Patch (which was recalled due to stroke, death to name a few!), many different types of pills, and I’m allergic to latex. These forms never helped with my cycle, made it worse actually, and my acne never cleared like it said it would. I had a reaction to Yazmin which has a small amount of antidepressant which my OB didn’t tell me about. We went with the mirena as a last choice because my OB (which I no longer see) believed that NFP is another name for unexpected pregnancies.
This site is amazing!! I am so happy I looked it up!
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Comment by Jer — April 23, 2011 @ 10:26 pm
Hi, i am 17 and just got the IUD Mirena about a week ago. Today i just checked myself and it seems that the strings are pretty far down. I dont know if this is normal. As soon as i start to feel i find it. its not far up at all. Is this normal? I am thinking maybe its my body pushing it out.?
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Micaela Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 3:31 am
Hey Victoria,
Many doctors choose to leave the strings long because they can curl up in the vagina. Sometimes, if you cut the strings too short, they can be prickly. As long as you can feel the strings, rest assured the IUD is in there. If you’re worried though, call your doctor.
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Comment by Victoria — May 10, 2011 @ 5:01 pm
Same question as #54 ; feels really low low low.not sure if it’s coming out or??
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Micaela Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 3:32 am
See my answer above!
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Comment by Lexxie — June 1, 2011 @ 10:37 pm
hi, i’m curious to know of which IUD to decide upon. I’m 17 and found out my insurance pays for it fully and it’s a lot cheaper for my mom, I get severe cramps when my period starts and was wondering which one would you say is the best for that? I never had too many problems with birth control as long as it was lo, and I also want to thank you for the images they really helped me feel more comfortable now about going to my first visit for the gynecologist(still nervous though) and actually knowing what it looks like is also helpful! and was anyone able to use tampons for when they had their period?
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Micaela Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 3:35 am
Hey Elizabeth,
Your doctor can definitely help you decide which IUD to use. In short, the copper IUD (paragard) has no hormones, which many women like. However, it does cause menstrual cramping and longer periods, so if you have severe cramps already, this may not be the one to use. The Mirena is a low dose of hormones – many women actually have improvement of their menstrual cramping and some women have only spotting and stop having long periods. With either IUD, you can definitely still use tampons. The IUD goes in your cervix and into your uterus, and the tampon stays in your vagina. Good luck at the doctor! Tell your doctor it’s your first time, so the doctor will know to explain everything s/he is going to do.
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Elizabeth Reply:
July 16th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
That was unbelievably helpful thank you:)
I have my appointment on Monday and a tiny bit nervous. but you information helped me decide a little bit easier
thank you again Micaela!
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Comment by Elizabeth — June 19, 2011 @ 6:31 pm
I’ve had an IUD for about four months and I’ve always wondered if it was normal that the string kinda tangled around the cervix, thank you for these pictures they were extremely good help and now I feel better about this. Great job!
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Comment by Kenia — June 27, 2011 @ 8:14 pm
I hav had the mirena since feb 24th..it has taken my periods completly away.i dont kno if i should be worried or not..my last period was may 22nd im kinda worried about it..my cervix i can feel kinda feels hard n low..i cant sumtimes feels the strings..but not all the time..should i be worried or is that just normal??
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Micaela Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 3:37 am
Hey Mandy,
For many women with a Mirena, they will not get regular periods. (It’s something that some women really like and another advantage of that IUD.) However, if you’re still worried you might be pregnant, go to your doctor and get a pregnancy test. The Mirena is >99% effective (better than oral contraceptives and much better than condoms), but it’s still possible to get pregnant, even on the IUD.
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Comment by mandy — July 5, 2011 @ 4:34 pm
UPDATE!
I went to the doctor a few days later, and in fact it was 2cm in my canal!! I had to have a new one inserted.. And no it feels sooo much better. Relief!! When in doubt just go to the doctor!!
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Micaela Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 10:05 pm
So glad it’s feeling better.
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Comment by Lexxie — July 16, 2011 @ 1:31 am
I just wanted to know is this a healthy IUD or not? To me this looks scare especially since i got it today. Does anyone use tampons and is it dangerous to use it in two days?
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Micaela Reply:
August 25th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
Hey, yes, this is definitely a healthy IUD. I don’t know if you can use tampons right away (I don’t see why not), but you can definitely use tampons while you have an IUD. You don’t really ever see the IUD, unless you choose to buy a speculum to look at the inside of your vagina. You can feel the strings, if you put your fingers inside your vagina.
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Comment by maria — July 21, 2011 @ 7:47 pm
Hello,
I had the Paragard inserted feb 2011 and since the insertion; I had heavy long periods( 2 1/2 weeks), more cramps, fatigue, bruising, dizziness and really irritable. I have an appointment next week but if anyone had the same experience please do share. Thanks!
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Micaela Reply:
August 25th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Yep, a possible side effect of the Paragard is longer and heavier periods. However, if you’re bruising and dizzy, I wonder if you are anemic? Hope the doctor was helpful!
If you still want an IUD but the bleeding is too much, a side effect that many women like of the Mirena is LESS bleeding. Some women just spot and don’t bleed much at all on the Mirena. (And many women get less cramps.)
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Comment by Mary — July 26, 2011 @ 10:53 pm
may i ask what exactly this is?
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Micaela Reply:
August 25th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
An IUD is an intrauterine device that helps prevent pregnancy. For more information, see: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/iud-4245.htm
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Comment by Jenny — July 29, 2011 @ 9:42 pm
OH I get it know I SEE YAYAYA. Learn something new everyday how cool!!! But why didnt I ever feel that hole before??? So can I get pregnante now that I have been able to feel the hole???
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Comment by LORETTA — July 31, 2011 @ 12:29 pm
I have had the paragard a little over 9 months now and in the last 2 cycles my periods are almost non exsistant where before id go through 2 boxes of the strongest tampons… what could be causing this?
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Micaela Reply:
August 25th, 2011 at 6:32 pm
Not sure – sometimes on the Paragard, women may bleed really heavily at first and then somewhat less as time goes on. Probably worthwhile to just check with your doctor, though, to make sure everything’s ok.
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kara Reply:
November 26th, 2011 at 11:48 am
Now its so heavy on one day i cant even get to work. My biggest concern is i have a posterior cervix and cant feel my strings…. Even when i first had it in…. Is there any other way to tell its in position? Can the iud break a condom?
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Micaela Reply:
November 26th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
Hey Kara – how many times do you soak a pad or tampon in an hour? If it’s at least two pads in 1-2 hours, call your doctor now.
An IUD cannot break a condom.
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Comment by kara — August 4, 2011 @ 8:53 pm
now this morning it decided to be so heavyi need a super tampon every 30 minutes…… thinking of getting it removed….. I cant call out every month….
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Micaela Reply:
August 25th, 2011 at 6:33 pm
Have you considered using a Diva Cup for periods? You can go longer without changing them. (Google Diva Cup).
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Comment by kara — August 5, 2011 @ 1:58 pm
beautiful images……
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Comment by VAGINA MANIA — August 5, 2011 @ 10:59 pm
Cal – I just had the same hair clump experience. I removed my tampon but felt something else. I tugged on a bunch of hair that was tangled around my strings. I was able to get it off but it was soo gross. I check my strings regularly so I cant believe it was there long ..but how would that happen in a few weeks time?? I also have long hair. I considered it could be anyones hair?? Wtf so gross I am going to the doctor to make sure I do not have an infection. This seems pretty dangerous if it stuff just gets caught in me? I have had the paragard since 2007 and I love it. I never had my strings trimmed and theyve stayed out of the way..
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Comment by Mel — August 7, 2011 @ 4:02 am
Hi I’m 29 &I have had my Para guard iud since 2008 so far everything was as expected(the heavier periods,and cramping) but recently I been spotting alot and instead of my 5 day cycle(which 3 days are heavy)its been 10 days of bleeding slowly not even enough to wear a tampon but enough for a panty liner. My string feels longer also, does this mean my iud has moved? Is this another side affect after some years of use or do I have reason to go to my doctor? Confused please help
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Micaela Reply:
August 25th, 2011 at 6:34 pm
Not sure! May be worthwhile to just check with your doctor. (Let us know what your doctor says!)
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Comment by gina — August 11, 2011 @ 4:26 pm
I love this website! I had gotten Paragard in April 2011 and definitely get the longer periods. No cramping, but it’s a 2 weeks on/ 2 weeks off of bleeding. It’s annoying but I was told it should go back to “normal” in about 2 more months. Even if it lasts a year like this, I’ll be pleased of the 9 more years of normal periods and no additional hormones! I was previously on Nuvaring for 3.5 years so I attribute it all to my body still adjusting without hormones after so long.
Anyone that has Paragard: does the longer periods really subside after 6 months to a year after insertion? Thanks!
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Comment by Jmarie — September 3, 2011 @ 11:43 pm
Hello,
thank you for the pictures they are helping me slightly!
I had a copper iud fitted yesterday morning, found the fitting absolute agony. Have had the most painful cramp like sensations since then, they come in waves of pain & I cant sleep.
I am getting very worried, I spoke to the nurse that fitted it, she told me to ‘persevere’, she said to check for the strings. I have never felt my cervix before, I have tried to reach & find them, but i can’t seem to find an ‘end’ as such to my vagina – does anyone have any pointers or ideas?
i am in a lot of pain, so have called my doctor to see if they can spare 5 mins to check on me – typical, no one answers the phone!
any help would really be appreciated.
thank you – Hannah
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Micaela Reply:
September 11th, 2011 at 9:24 pm
I really hope the pain is getting better by the time I write this!! Yes, the fitting can hurt badly (like horrible cramps) – especially if you haven’t been pregnant before (meaning nothing has been into/out of your cervix before). Generally, I suggest taking ibuprofen about half hour before having the IUD inserted. Afterwards, continue to take ibuprofen for about 1-2 days because the crampy feeling feels bad but is normal.
Hannah, has the pain improved by this point? Does ibuprofen help? If not, call your doctor again.
Also, this may be helpful for you to better visualize in your head the internal anatomy: http://www.scarleteen.com/article/body/anatomy_pink_parts_female_sexual_anatomy
Write back if you have more questions!
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Comment by Hannah — September 9, 2011 @ 10:44 am
I’ve been using the copper T Iud for 15 years now. The first one i had it replaced after 5 years but the second one i already had it for 10 years now. I am 45 years old and I am wondering if I could just let it last until i get to menopause, maybe 5 years more. Is it just safe? It never bothered me since I started using it.
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Erica Reply:
September 29th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
no.
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Comment by marissa — September 13, 2011 @ 4:24 pm
I am so thankful for this website. I just had a Mirena IUD put in today. The cramping while insertion was pretty bad but within an hour or so it subsided almost completely.
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Comment by Kristal — September 22, 2011 @ 6:28 pm
I had the paraguard inserted on wed. They said spotting was normal but I have been bleeding as if its a light day on my period since. When can I expect this to stop? And it id normal correct?
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Comment by Nicki — September 24, 2011 @ 9:10 am
informative pictures
thanks to the girl who posted it thanks
sait
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Comment by saitpradhan — September 26, 2011 @ 7:26 am
HI, I HAVE HAD AN IUD FOR 36 YEARS. AFTER THE FIRST YEAR MY HUSBAND WANTED ME TO GET A NEW ONE JUST TO BE SAFE. WHEN I WENT TO THE DR. HE SAID IT WASN’T NECESSARY TO CHANGE IT OR DO ANYTHING UNLESS I WANTED TO GET PREGNANT. LONG STORY SHORT, I AM NOW HAVING SYMPTOMS OF A PID FROM THE IUD I ASSUME. I HAVE A SLIGHT DISCHARGE WITH A FOUL ODOR, SLIGHT BLEEDING, PAIN IN MY LEFT HIP & LOW BACK PAIN, THE PAIN HAS BEEN THERE FOR A LONG TIME, BUT I THOUGHT I HURT MY BACK. I AM 62 & NOW HAVE TO GO THROUGH HELL TO FIND THE PROBLEM & FIX IT AND PAY FOR IT ALL!(NO INSURANCE) SO BEWARE AND MAKE SURE THE DR. GIVES YOU ALL THE INFORMATION NECESSARY, MINE DIDN’T. AND NOW I FEEL REALLY STUPID!
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beautifulcervix Reply:
November 25th, 2011 at 4:58 pm
If you are 62, you are most likely post menopausal and not at risk of pregnancy anymore, so your should definitely get the IUD out (I couldn’t tell from your comment if it was still in), especially if you are having symptoms of PID
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Comment by LINDA — October 22, 2011 @ 2:15 am
hi,
please excuse me for trying to enter into female territory,?
very interesting job done by you all,being male these things have always attracted me,specially in India ladies don’t talk on sexual issues to any male(even their husbands).
please tell me how can i take photographs of my wife’s cervix and what are the hardware requirements for it ?
can you mail me the series of pictures of planting copper Para guard IUD ?
thank you,
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beautifulcervix Reply:
November 25th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Please check out the participate page for info on how to take photos if your wife agrees to it.
http://www.beautifulcervix.com/participate/
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Comment by prav — October 22, 2011 @ 2:15 pm
Hi I had my iud put in on Friday the 21st. We had intercourse last night and afterwords I checked for the strings. I can only feel one string. Is this normal or has someone had this happen to them. Tryn to make a appointment at my docters is a pain and a very long wait. Thank you
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Micaela Reply:
November 26th, 2011 at 6:46 pm
If you can feel one string, it’s probably fine! (And the strings may be stuck together.)
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Comment by Tosha — October 23, 2011 @ 11:27 pm
My girlfriend had IUD but the pain for her was quiet unbearable, we’ll still hold hands as we wait to find out how she’ll cope. we hope it’ll all workout for us.
Thanks for the pics, they really encouraged us.
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Micaela Reply:
November 26th, 2011 at 6:46 pm
What kind of pain? Has she tried ibuprofen?
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Comment by Styv — October 27, 2011 @ 9:35 pm
Thank you for those pictures, i’ve searched for internal pictures forever to see what going on in there! 21, no kids. long term relationship. Had it inserted july 2009, I am one of the lucky ones that haven’t had a period since!! Thank Goodness! when i first got it, the first 2 wks to a month, were miserable. i mean, fetal position, screaming into a pillow. But after that, it’s been great. The first year I had it, sometimes during sex, I would have sharp, stabbing, eye watery pains that completely killed any passion i had. Also, i’ve always had a slight smell and discharge but since mirena, the smell has been strong and discharge heavy. my bf doesn’t mind but its embarrassing! i find myself wearing pantyliners or using lite tampons to keep the smell/discharge away. What should I do? there you see the pros and cons–no period, no baby. but smell and discharge, that 90% of men wouldnt put up with. Make your own decision ladies, personally, i would do it all over again in a heartbeat. pros outweigh the cons.
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Comment by Leah — November 1, 2011 @ 7:22 pm
I’ve had an IUD for 10 months now, and i love it. Only down fall to having the copper IUD is cramp now are stronger than previous to having it. I have a question about my IUD at the opening of the cervix where the strings come out it tends to be sore and have a slight sting or pinching sensation to it. Is this a normal? this is not all that often that it happens, but when it does it usually lasts for two or three days?
thanks for the pictures of the cervix, its so help full to see what you are feeling when checking for IUD strings.
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Micaela Reply:
November 26th, 2011 at 6:48 pm
Hmmm…. I’m not exactly sure about that. I might just have your doctor check them and make sure that the IUD is up high enough in the uterus. Do specific things/times bring on this feeling? Are you feeling it when you press against the cervix with your finger?
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Comment by kate — November 2, 2011 @ 6:12 pm
I’ve had an IUD for 10 months now, and i love it. Only down fall to having the copper IUD is cramps are now stronger than previous to having it. I have a question about my IUD at the opening of the cervix where the strings come out it tends to be sore and have a slight sting or pinching sensation to it. Is this a normal? this is not all that often that it happens, but when it does it usually lasts for two or three days?
thanks for the pictures of the cervix, its so help full to see what you are feeling when checking for IUD strings.
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Comment by kate — November 2, 2011 @ 6:15 pm
Oh, so that’s what the bottom of a cervix looks like.
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Micaela Reply:
November 26th, 2011 at 6:49 pm
Yep! And I’ve been told the tip of the cervix feels like the tip of your nose.
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Comment by Lou — November 6, 2011 @ 2:14 pm
This is my second paruad IUD. I got it put in yesterday. Today I’ve noticed this really musty strong odor aling with blood. Is the odor normal. U cant remeber if I had this prob with the 1st iud please help?
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beautifulcervix Reply:
November 25th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
A foul odor can be a sign of infection – Please call your health provider
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Comment by Mrsrojas — November 9, 2011 @ 8:00 pm
Had my iud for almost 5yrs never once had a period now i am spotting is that my bodys way of saying its time to come out??
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beautifulcervix Reply:
November 25th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
Please call your health practitioner if you are concerned.
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Comment by Mindy — November 10, 2011 @ 8:27 am
Hiya!! I’m so worried as I had my mirena fitted yesterday. I’ve had the cramps ect.. But I just felt for the strings and couldn’t feel anything nor can my partner! When the mirena was fitted it was so painful I wouldn’t have it again lol. And I’m terrified of it having to come out . Did anyone else have trouble feeling it the following day? Thankyou x
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Micaela Reply:
November 26th, 2011 at 6:51 pm
It probably did not come out – but just for safety (and because I assume you don’t want to become accidentally pregnant right now!), I would just have your doctor quickly check it. Alternatively, you can buy a cheap speculum (try a sex toy shop, for example) and have your partner look for you.
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Comment by hay — November 11, 2011 @ 1:10 pm
I’m 29 and had the IUD put in about 7 months ago at my 6 weeks checkup after giving birth to my 5th child. Insertion was painless, light cramping for a few days afterward. I continued to bleed normally for about 4 or 5 weeks (spotting mostly the last 2 weeks). So, no period or spotting this entire time…until yesterday…I started what looked like spotting and now i’m bleeding it looks like my period…is this normal? Should I be checked for cysts or pregnancy? I’ve also had an ectopic pregnancy in the past and had my entire left fallopian tube removed but I still have my left ovary. I’m not cramping but have been feeling very gassy and bloated…???? What should I do, please help?
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beautifulcervix Reply:
November 25th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
If you are concerned, call your doctor or go in for an appointment.
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Comment by Kim — November 14, 2011 @ 11:57 am
iv been wondering what is an IUD?
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beautifulcervix Reply:
November 25th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
Check out
http://www.birth-control-comparison.info/iudinfo.htm
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danielle Reply:
December 8th, 2011 at 3:06 am
its an intrauterine device and it provides birth control to women who want a more “long acting” provider for bc. it also relieves manstrual cramps in some women. I’ve had mine for 5 years and I think it is great, I have endomeetriosis and it has helped amazingly with the pain.
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Comment by oliver — November 14, 2011 @ 12:18 pm
I just wanted some advice, as I cannot find it anywhere. I had mirena put in last week. I switched from the patch, as I wanted to try and get off hormones ( I need some due to cystic ovaries-according to my doc). Since the procedure, my cramping has slowly lessened, but I feel off. Is this normal? I assume/hope this is my body coming off of the hormones. Also I felt for the strings today, and when I felt my cervix, on the back, I could a hard spot, that felt like the iud itself (inside, not coming out) should I be feeling it? Or is it possibly too low? I would really appreciate the advice. I am concerned!
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Micaela Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 8:33 pm
Hey Elaine,
In terms of feeling off, can you wait a few weeks and then see how you feel? You’re right – it may just be that your body is transitioning. As for feeling the cervix, an IUD would feel like a sharp poke if it was really protruding from the cervix – pretty unlikely. (If it was protruding, it would actually be more likely to just fall out completely.) I’m wondering whether you’re either feeling your cervix or a (usually normal) polyp on your cervix? If you’re super concerned, either go to your doctor or buy a plastic speculum and a flashlight and check inside for yourself.
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Comment by Elaine — December 13, 2011 @ 12:15 am
hi im 21 years old i’v had mirena iud in now for about 6 weeks, my period has finally stopped but now im having pains in mt left hip kinda were my tube would be and i use to be able to feel the tip of my string and now i cant i have a appointment in two days but idk if u have had this happen
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Micaela Reply:
January 17th, 2012 at 6:44 pm
Hi Kara,
What ended up happening at the doctor’s?
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Comment by karaday — January 1, 2012 @ 1:52 am
I got my copper IUD on the 28th of December. I’m 23 and have never been pregnant. The cramps I get are still sometimes as bad as the day it was inserted. My doctor said it was normal because I’ve never been pregnant but I’m so scared somethings wrong. Its mainly at night when I get contraction like pain. Has anyone experienced this? I’ve used motrin and even percocet and it doesn’t take them away.
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Micaela Reply:
January 23rd, 2012 at 9:02 pm
Yep, it’s normal with the copper IUD. Actually, ibuprofen will work better than percocet. Keep attention to your body and note when you think you’re going to start getting cramps – then take ibuprofen as soon as possible, rather than waiting until the cramps get so bad (you don’t want to have to play “catch up” with the pain.) In my personal experience, the cramps started to get much much better a few months after the IUD insertion.
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Comment by Amber — January 19, 2012 @ 4:09 pm
I see nabothian cysts? When you feel around your cervix are there a couple bumps?
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Comment by VIICXX — January 23, 2012 @ 12:32 am
this is very good information for us with picture
i can understand what happen in a month with my wife
thnx like
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Comment by john — January 23, 2012 @ 1:15 pm
IS IT POSSIBLE FOR RUFF-SEX TO CAUSE ANY COMPLICATIONS WITH AN IUD? I’m 25 years old, with no children, and have had my IUD in for one year. In 3 days my IUD will be taken out,and IT CAN’T HAPPEN SOON ENOUGH! About 95% of the time we have sex, my boyfriends penis will ends up hurting from him hitting the strings of the IUD. I’ve never experienced any discomfort myself until about 1 month ago, now I get extremely sharp pain from him hitting the IUD. I’m scared the IUD isn’t correctly in place and that it might cause infertility. Any type of insight or help on the matter would be grealty appreceaite.
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Comment by Kim — January 29, 2012 @ 6:43 am
thank you for information about pap smear
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Comment by lowongan kerja — January 30, 2012 @ 10:48 pm
I have had my Mirena for almost 4 years. I have a lot of cramping on regular basis. And now I can’t find my strings. I have been experiencing nausea like no other which is always a tell-tell sign that I’m knocked up. I don’t know what to do. I keep hearing of people getting pregnant on Mirena, and I’m scared!
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beautifulcervix Reply:
February 2nd, 2012 at 7:45 pm
Call your healthcare practitioner!
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Comment by shelley — February 1, 2012 @ 1:55 am