Will An IUD Change My Sex Life?

If you recently got an intrauterine device (IUD), you may be wondering how it affects your ability to be a freak in the sheets. The little T-shaped birth control buddy is inserted into your uterus and hangs around for the long haul. And once it’s in, you don’t have to worry about bringing a baby on board for 3 to 10 years.

But because an IUD is kind of in the sex zone, should you be worried about losing or even poking it? We have the answers to your IUD sex questions.

How does an IUD even work?

Even though IUDs are really popular globally — an estimated 168 million women have one — they’ve only recently become popular in the United States. There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and copper.

Hormonal IUD

The hormonal IUD releases the hormone progestin, which helps prevent fertilization and implantation. It also inconsistently stops ovulation. Hormonal IUDs need to be replaced every 3 to 5 years. The most common U.S. brands are Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena.

You may have some irregularities in your cycle at first, due to the hormones. But your cycle should regulate once your body adjusts to the IUD. Your periods might even get lighter after the first 6 months!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the hormonal IUD is 99.8 percent effective at keeping your eggo from getting preggo.

Copper IUD

The copper IUD is also extremely effective. The failure rate is about 0.1 percent. (A 99.99 percent success rate is a damn sexy stat.) The only copper IUD brand in the States is Paragard. It works by destroying sperm and disrupting sperm motility.

Because this type of IUD doesn’t contain hormones, your period should stay on schedule. But there is a downside: Expect heavier bleeding for 6 months or more after insertion. You may also have worse cramps than usual. These side effects should go away within a year.

A major perk of the copper IUD is that it can last up to 10 years. Birth control that has the same shelf life as a passport? Glorious.

Can I have sex right after IUD placement?

According to Planned Parenthood, you can go to pound town right after you get your IUD. But you may not want to.

Insertion pain varies from person to person. One vagina’s “It was just a little pressure” is the next vagina’s “A MURDER HORNET HAS ENTERED MY CERVIX. OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN.” The great news is that the procedure is super-duper fast. It usually takes 5 to 15 minutes and you’re good to go.

Cramping and discomfort are totally common in the days after insertion. So if you’re not feeling up to it, give your vajayjay a break and avoid sex till you’re ready.

If you do wanna bang it out right after insertion, be careful about pregnancy. Hormonal IUDs take time to kick in. You should use alternative forms of birth control for the first 7 days after insertion.

The copper IUD is immediately effective — in fact, it can be used as emergency contraception in lieu of Plan B.

Can my partner feel the IUD strings?

Cervical mucus does a good job at masking the feel of the IUD strings, but your partner may still feel them. If your partner has a penis, they probably won’t feel the strings too intensely. They’re easier to notice during a finger-bang sesh.

Your IUD strings may soften over time. But if you’re worried about them poking your partner, talk to your doctor about making the strings less noticeable. They may be able to curl the strings back or trim them.

Can an IUD cut my partner?

The chance of your IUD actually hurting your partner is really low. If your partner complains of a little tickle, feel free to remind them of the following:

  • It’s your body.
  • You have consciously decided to stay baby-free, which is personal AF.
  • Their slight tickle is definitely nothing compared to having a device pushed through your cervix and into your womb.
  • *mic drop*

Now, if your partner pulls out and finds that the strings have punctured their penis (meaning it’s been poked by a fishing line-esque string, not stabbed through), that’s a different story. But that story is extremely rare and definitely not life threatening.

Should my IUD cause pain after sex?

Sex shouldn’t hurt — during or after. If your IUD is positioned correctly, you shouldn’t be in pain. If you start experiencing cramping, aching, or a stabbing sensation during or after sex, call your doctor. There’s a chance the IUD has shifted.

What if I like it rough? Like… really rough?

“Hey, doc, I love getting railed. Hard. Is that gonna make my IUD go AWOL?” Your gyno has heard it all, so this really isn’t an awkward question to bring up mid- pap smear. When in doubt about anything sexual health-related, ask away! OB/GYNs are here to help answer all your burning (vaginal or not) questions!

Thankfully, the chance of rough sex moving an IUD is super slim. Your IUD is actually tucked away inside your uterus, not in your vagina, so it’s out of the penetration zone.

Is it normal to bleed after sex?

It’s unlikely you’re bleeding after sex just because you have an IUD. Bleeding between periods is common in the months after IUD insertion. But if this bleeding pattern sticks around for a long time, there’s a chance the IUD is in the wrong position or has been partially dislodged.

That’s why it’s important to check your IUD strings on the reg. If you normally can feel the strings and suddenly can’t, call your doctor. They can do an exam to make sure the IUD is still sitting pretty inside your uterus.

Are any sex positions off-limits?

Doggy-Style, Reverse Cowgirl, Standing Wheelbarrow, Missionary… If you can dream it, you can do it. Your IUD won’t limit your ability to enjoy any sexual position you please.

When to call your gyno

You know your body best. Call your gyno A-S-A-P if you feel like something is off or if you experience any of these issues:

  • symptoms of a blood clot
  • pain during sex
  • extreme cramping
  • bleeding after sex
  • heavy spotting between periods
  • any changes in your menstrual bleeding
  • inability to find your IUD strings
  • feeling the IUD sticking out of your cervix
  • pregnancy symptoms

Your mojo is fine, so enjoy the ride

IUDs are super effective. Once an IUD is inserted, you don’t have to worry about baking a bun in your oven for years. And if you change your mind, removal is a breeze.

If you want an IUD, don’t worry about the device killing your mojo. It may actually give your love life a beautiful boost. When you know you’re protected, you can enjoy the ride even more.

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