An IUD is placed high in the uterus, so chances are that a partner would not feel it during sex. Even if they do, it isn’t likely to be painful for either partner, and sex cannot cause the device to move out of place.

couple spooning in bedShare on Pinterest
Cavan Images/Getty Images

An intrauterine device (IUD) sits pretty high up there — in the uterus, to be exact — with only the strings hanging into the vagina. Even if your partner’s penis leans to the bigger end of the spectrum, they shouldn’t feel the IUD during sex.

And, if they can feel something, it’s usually NBD. What they’re feeling is most likely the strings.

Cervical mucus creates a nice slippery layer between the IUD strings and your partner’s D, which does a good job of masking the strings. The strings, BTW, are made from very thin plastic that’s similar to fishing line and aren’t very long.

Chances are, the tip of their D will be too busy honing in on the slippery, wet goodness that is your vagina to notice a bit of string.

Your partner’s more likely to feel the strings during a finger sesh. A finger’s main job is to feel stuff, after all. Still, feeling the strings is NBD and certainly won’t put a damper on sexy time the way an unwanted pregnancy might.

IUDs might look like tiny torture devices, but they’re made to be inserted into your tender parts and worn for the long haul.

Even if your partner’s penis manages to brush up against it during an especially enthusiastic pound sesh, it shouldn’t hurt.

The strings curl and soften over time. And, even if they can feel the strings, it’s usually nothing more than a slight tickle. Unless it’s really psyching them out and interfering with your pleasure, it’s not worth worrying about.

FYI: There’s no recorded cases of penis injuries incurred from an IUD during sex.

The shape and size of IUDs are designed with the internal reproductive organs in mind.

When inserted properly, the IUD sits all comfy and cozy inside your uterus. You shouldn’t feel it at all, no matter what you’re up to. And it definitely isn’t supposed to hurt.

If you’re feeling pain in there during sex or otherwise, it’s probably not the IUD.

Let’s start with the good stuff, which is obviously the peace of mind that you’re protected against unwanted pregnancy.

Having a reliable birth control method can be liberating AF, especially if you’ve had a pregnancy scare, missed birth control pills, had a condom break, or played the roulette that is the pull-out method.

Reliable birth control can translate to some carefree canoodling, no doubt, but an IUD can sometimes impact your sex life in some not-so-sexy ways.

IUDs can cause side effects — especially in the first few months — like:

  • cramping
  • low back pain
  • spotting or bleeding between periods

An irregular bleeding pattern can be a bummer in the bedroom if you or your partner is squeamish about period sex.

There’s also a possibility that using a hormonal IUD can affect your mood. Though research is mixed, some evidence suggests that using a hormonal IUD can increase the risk of depression.

There’s no reason you should take discomfort during sex lying down. If your IUD is making you or your partner(s) uncomfortable, talk with the healthcare professional who inserted your IUD.

After insertion, IUD strings — also called retrieval strings — are usually cut. There should be 1 to 2 inches hanging out of the cervix, so it can be, well, retrieved by a professional. Your physician should be able to trim them down if they’re getting in the way of your good time.

An IUD sits in the uterus, not the vaginal canal.

Since cervix penetration is impossible, and your cervix is sort of the gatekeeper guarding your uterus, no way, no how, is a penis going to get in there or dislodge it — not even during a super deep/rough/acrobatic sesh that gives your reproductive bits a real jostling.

On your back or front, butt up or down, feet behind your ears or theirs: It’s all good!

Have at it in any position your horny heart desires. Your IUD won’t stop you.

Sex can’t cause your IUD to move and become displaced. Though it’s rare, other things can.

IUD displacement is most common in the first few months after it’s inserted.

Here’s what can do it:

  • strong uterine contractions during your period
  • having a tilted uterus
  • having a small uterine cavity
  • having your IUD inserted by a doctor who’s not experienced in the procedure

The chances of having your IUD move increases if:

  • you’re under 20 years old
  • you had the IUD inserted immediately after giving vaginal birth
  • you’re breastfeeding or chestfeeding

Unless your sheets look like a crime scene, bleeding after sex if you have an IUD is probably nothing to worry about.

The IUD is likely still in place. This could just be a typical side effect or stem from another cause. For instance, rough or dry sex can cause irritation and tiny skin tears down there.

Bleeding between periods is common in the months after IUD insertion, so that’s another possibility.

If bleeding after sex happens on the regular or is accompanied by pain, a trip to see a healthcare professional is in order. They can make sure your IUD hasn’t shifted and rule out or diagnose any underlying health conditions.

Complications, like dislodgement and perforation (of your uterus, not their dick), are rare and not any more likely to happen because of sex.

That said, it’s important to know what symptoms to watch for.

See your doctor right away if something feels off down there, or if you:

  • are unable to feel the IUD strings with your fingers (unless you’ve never been able to and have discussed this with your physician)
  • think the strings feel shorter or longer than before
  • can feel the IUD itself
  • are told by your partner that they can feel the IUD during sex — and not just the strings
  • experience heavy vaginal bleeding
  • bleed between periods
  • have severe pain in your lower abdomen
  • experience severe cramping — worse than what’s normal for you during your period
  • have unusual vaginal discharge
  • think you might be pregnant

If you’re otherwise happy with your birth control choice, try not to let the possibility of your partner feeling your IUD strings rain on your pleasure parade.

Your IUD shouldn’t interfere with sex, even if you like it rough. And a little string tickle is really NBD if that’s the only issue.


Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a Canada-based freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. When she’s not holed-up in her writing shed researching an article or off interviewing health professionals, she can be found frolicking around her beach town with husband and dogs in tow or splashing about the lake trying to master the stand-up paddle board.