Can't feel coil strings

[missrabbitismyidol]

I had the copper coil fitted yesterday. The doctor didn't show me how to feel for the strings but I know you're supposed to. I've tried to feel so I can get an idea of what I'm supposed to be feeling for but I can feel my cervix but no strings. Is it likely that my cervix is swollen from having it fitted (it feels swollen) and that's why I can't feel the strings? Should I just assume it's fine? My boyfriend is coming over tomorrow and if all feels okay I don't know if it's okay to have sex without other protection. Any ideas?

I have a Mirena and have never been able to feel the strings, but at the check up I had six weeks after it was there, hope it still is!
Have you been told to go back for a check?

Yes, like you, I've been told to go back after 6 weeks for a check up. I just don't know what to do in the interim. I definitely can't feel the strings so I don't know if I should use condoms until I've been for the check up? I'm breastfeeding which makes the risk of perforation more likely, although still relatively unlikely. I'm hoping it's just that my cervix is still swollen. I've been waiting ages to have it fitted so would really like to say goodbye to the condoms sooner rather than later if possible!

17 years of coil use (with a break for dd2) & I have only once been able to find the things! Admittedly there is a limit to the amount of rummaging about I’m prepared to do but I can never find them and health care professionals always can. It makes me feel a bit stupid tbh but I always seem to be able to keep track of others things that go in there so I think they’re just hard to identify.

I keep reading they feel like fishing line. As if I'm supposed to know what that feels like!

Pop to your gp - if they can’t find them, they’ll send you for an ultrasound. Happened to me twice - both times my Fibroid hoiked up the mirena for company It’s still there doing it’s job though!

They feel like fishing line which is thin and slightly wiry/plasticky

Doctors sometimes tuck them behind the cervix. Have a rummage around until you can feel the entrance to the cervix (like a tiny hole you will know it when you feel it) and then you should feel the strings. Maybe your cervix tilts back so you can’t feel the entrance. They don’t tend to just leave strings dangling or it can make sex uncomfortable