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Original poster

I can't feel my coil strings

42 replies

Travelisfun · 21/04/2023 15:28

Sorry if this is the wrong category.
I have had the mirena coil fitted for about 9 months now, I last checked for the strings about 6 months ago and could feel them. I have just tried again but can't anymore. I have looked up online and have read that it may have fallen out or punctured the uterus, however, I have not had any symptoms. I have been really bloated lately but put that down to side effects of the coil (and eating more).
Thank you for any help!

OP posts:
Ttcmumma · 21/04/2023 15:32

Your cervix moves a lot during different parts of the cycle. Can you definitely feel your cervix? To know for sure you can't feel the strings. If you definitely can't feel them then please get the doctor to check. It may well have fallen out and you not realised. Best to get checked incase it's in the wrong place/ if you are trying to prevent pregnancy!

Original poster
Travelisfun · 21/04/2023 15:34

I can definitely feel my cervix, and have tried again but they have gone!! I definitely used to be able to feel them... surely I would notice it it fell out though right?

OP posts:
Ttcmumma · 21/04/2023 15:38

Do you still have periods with your coil? Apparently it's quite easy for it to come out during a period and not notice. Also I think even if it has moved into your uterus more it doesn't have to have done any damage. Just gone too far up, but definitely get doctor to check as the sooner they find it the less likely it would have done any damage. I think it's a good sign you have no bad symptoms

Original poster
Travelisfun · 21/04/2023 15:40

Thank you! No I haven't had a period in about 5 months with it, so hopefully that means it is just further up as you mentioned... thank you!

OP posts:
MogTheMoogle · 21/04/2023 15:47

I've never felt mine, but then it sounds like my cervix is a little tricky to get to!
If you could feel them and they've gone, it is a concern, but I imagine it gets more difficult to find them the more frantically you're looking.

In absence of any other symptoms, I'd give it a couple of days and try again, perhaps in a different position if that's feasible, then if still failing, give the doctors a call, or a gum clinic if you have one.

Sendouttheclowns · 21/04/2023 15:58

Well, you must have very long fingers or a short vagina!

When I had a coil fitted I couldn't feel the 'strings', ever but was assured they were still there.
Sometimes they can get pulled up into the uterus so best get an appointment with your FP advisor.

Original poster
Travelisfun · 21/04/2023 16:04

Sendouttheclowns · 21/04/2023 15:58

Well, you must have very long fingers or a short vagina!

When I had a coil fitted I couldn't feel the 'strings', ever but was assured they were still there.
Sometimes they can get pulled up into the uterus so best get an appointment with your FP advisor.

Hahah I will go for a combination of them both 😅
I will try qgain tomorrow and if I can't feel them I will get it checked out!
Thank you

OP posts:
AHobbyaweek · 21/04/2023 16:13

Definitely get it checked out as they can come out or be sucked up.
I can feel my strings and try and remember to check each month

Original poster
Travelisfun · 21/04/2023 16:25

AHobbyaweek · 21/04/2023 16:13

Definitely get it checked out as they can come out or be sucked up.
I can feel my strings and try and remember to check each month

If they are sucked up can you get pregnant?
Starting to worry slightly... for the past few months I have been getting so bloated (I look about 4 months pregnant at the end of the day), and when I squeeze my nipple milk comes out ( I haven't breastfed for 2 years).

OP posts:
Original poster
Travelisfun · 21/04/2023 16:34

That is my bloated belly that I have just taken a photo of.

OP posts:
aberlot · 21/04/2023 16:40

Have you done a pregnancy test?

Original poster
Travelisfun · 21/04/2023 16:41

No, it really didn't cross my mind until I have started to read into it more.

OP posts:
aberlot · 21/04/2023 16:42

Well, you must have very long fingers or a short vagina!

Really? I was always led to believe it was normal to be able to feel your cervix

aberlot · 21/04/2023 16:42

Travelisfun · 21/04/2023 16:41

No, it really didn't cross my mind until I have started to read into it more.

I think your should probably go get one

allinonenight · 21/04/2023 16:44

Sendouttheclowns · 21/04/2023 15:58

Well, you must have very long fingers or a short vagina!

When I had a coil fitted I couldn't feel the 'strings', ever but was assured they were still there.
Sometimes they can get pulled up into the uterus so best get an appointment with your FP advisor.

I have always been able to feel mine, and was told by the nurse that I should always be able to and should check them every couple of months.

I definitely second getting a pregnancy test OP

dementedpixie · 21/04/2023 16:55

When I couldn't feel my strings and the nurse couldn't find them I had to go for a scan and xray to check it was still there. I had to take the mini pill until my appointment just in case the coil had come out.

My scan showed it was still in place so I could stop taking the pill again. I did need it removing under general anaesthetic when it expired as the strings still weren't able to be found

FirstTimeBuyersHelp · 21/04/2023 16:56

If this is for real then honestly I think a pregnancy test needed asap. That's some very defined bloat!

Ttcmumma · 21/04/2023 16:59

aberlot · 21/04/2023 16:42

Well, you must have very long fingers or a short vagina!

Really? I was always led to believe it was normal to be able to feel your cervix

It is very normal to feel your cervix lol, some people use it to check for ovulation etc

Ttcmumma · 21/04/2023 17:01

Travelisfun · 21/04/2023 16:34

That is my bloated belly that I have just taken a photo of.

Without sounding rude you definitely look pregnant Hun!! If it was more 'fattty' and less defined I'd say just weight but it looks too rounded and defined. Go get a pregnancy test!!

FourBoysAndAFeline · 21/04/2023 17:25

Is it solid or soft?

Doesnt it kind of make sense to do a pregnancy test? Im sure you did think of that really.

Crabwoman · 21/04/2023 17:37

Travelisfun · 21/04/2023 16:34

That is my bloated belly that I have just taken a photo of.

This is some defined bloat. I'd recommend a pregnancy test.

I lost my strings and had to have the coil removed by general anaesthetic.

ChequeredPastel · 21/04/2023 17:47

Following for the pregnancy test results…

Original poster
Travelisfun · 21/04/2023 18:33

I didn't expect so many to say to take a test!! I thought bloat like that was a common side effect from the coil. I will do one tomorrow. Thank you for the replies.

OP posts:
AHobbyaweek · 21/04/2023 18:42

You can't necessarily get pregnant if the strings have been sucked in but if it has come out then yes.

Test and check is way to go

Original poster
Travelisfun · 21/04/2023 18:43

FourBoysAndAFeline · 21/04/2023 17:25

Is it solid or soft?

Doesnt it kind of make sense to do a pregnancy test? Im sure you did think of that really.

It is quite hard when I press it...
I honestly didn't think anything of it as I have seen online bloat is an issue for lots of women. I am so busy with work and children I didn't think any more into it until today where I couldn't feel the strings.

OP posts: