IUD lost strings- anyone? Update!

[tiptoetulips]

I had my annual GYN appointment today and they couldn’t find the strings.
I haven’t had a period in several years. I think it’s still there.
I have an ultrasound scheduled for next Friday and will likely have it removed at that time. Just worried that it’s lodged in there and will require surgery for removal. Tell me your lovely happy ending stories please!

Update: it was there where it was supposed to be. Had it removed with little issue although I got woozy from all the cervix disruptions.

[nessness]

This happened to me. I had an ultrasound and it was still in place. My OB did say it would probably have to be removed surgically, but I haven't done that yet - I still have 3 years before I need to get it removed. She also said that when I have it removed she would recommend switching to another form of birth control, as there's a pretty high chance it would happen again.

[tiptoetulips]

Jul 10, 2019 18:23:24 GMT -5 nessness said:

This happened to me. I had an ultrasound and it was still in place. My OB did say it would probably have to be removed surgically, but I haven't done that yet - I still have 3 years before I need to get it removed. She also said that when I have it removed she would recommend switching to another form of birth control, as there's a pretty high chance it would happen again.

Ugh I’ve had mine 3.5 years and overall have liked it. She said she could likely remove it with an ultrasound assist I’m hoping that’s the case.

[statgirl]

My strings disappeared at 6 months and showed back up as a loop out of my cervix as my cycle progressed. They had fed back up into it. I had the string ends pulled out and they are still there 1.5 years later. I check a fair amount.

[minniemouse]

I stopped being able to feel the strings within a few months of insertion. the NP told me they had curled up into my cervix. I was a little scared to get it removed last year, after 5 years, but it was no big deal. The NP was able to grab it and pull it out.

[latte]

My strings disappeared into my uterus but an ultrasound showed it was still in place. My OB was able to reach it and get it out, so I didn’t need a surgical removal.

[lilac05]

Jul 10, 2019 19:02:47 GMT -5 minniemouse said:

I stopped being able to feel the strings within a few months of insertion. the NP told me they had curled up into my cervix. I was a little scared to get it removed last year, after 5 years, but it was no big deal. The NP was able to grab it and pull it out.

This was my experience, too.

My OB wasn’t concerned.  She said if I wasn’t getting a period or any other symptoms, it was still where it belonged (or very, VERY likely).  She offered to check via ultrasound, but said it wasn’t necessary.

The strings were too long initially this time, but disappeared after trimming. Considering my last experience, I’m not worried about it.

[joy]

My IUD was embedded in my uterine muscle. One tough pull and it was out.

My current IUD strings are lost to me. Long sigh.

[urbancowgirl]

The NP wasn't able to find the strings when I had my IUD removed a few months ago. She spent FOREVER looking before she used an ultrasound. It was out within a couple of minutes after that.

[DarcyLongfellow]

I've had 3 IUD's (2 Mirena and 1 Paragard), and I've never been able to feel my strings. They always curl up close to my cervix. My Paragard actually expelled on it's own (it just fell out one day ), but I had no difficulties with having my first Mirena removed even though I couldn't feel the strings.

[pooh8402]

I had a Mirena and was never able to feel strings (and I can reach my cervix easily). I never worried about it, and my OB was easily able to pull it out. She never told me to check my strings, and I never heard/read about it until I read about it here.

My vote is to not worry about it unless you have concerning symptoms (pain, bleeding more than usual, etc.).