What Happens If a Mirena IUD Moves Out of Place?

By Your Health Magazine Contributor

Your Health Magazine Contributor

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What Happens If a Mirena IUD Moves Out of Place?

If a Mirena IUD moves out of its intended position, it may become less effective at preventing pregnancy and can sometimes cause pain, bleeding, or other complications. A displaced IUD may need to be checked by a healthcare professional and, depending on its position, removed or replaced. It should not be pushed back into place at home.

Knowing the Mirena IUD moved out of place symptoms can help you recognize when something may be wrong. Symptoms can vary, and some people may have no noticeable symptoms at all. Mirena is a medical device regulated by the FDA, and federal law, including 21 U.S.C. § 360c, provides the framework for classifying and regulating medical devices.

What Does It Mean When Mirena Moves?

A Mirena IUD is designed to sit inside the uterus in a specific position. Sometimes, an IUD can shift lower into the uterus, move into the cervix, become partially expelled, or, more rarely, perforate the uterine wall.

Movement does not always mean that a serious injury has occurred. However, an IUD that is not positioned correctly may not provide the expected protection against pregnancy and should be evaluated.

What Are Common Signs of a Displaced IUD?

Some people notice changes when an IUD moves, while others do not have obvious symptoms.

Possible warning signs include:

• New or worsening pelvic pain
• Unusual cramping
• Unexpected vaginal bleeding
• Pain during sex
• Changes in menstrual bleeding
• Feeling the hard plastic part of the IUD
• Strings that suddenly seem much longer or shorter
• Being unable to feel the strings when you previously could

These symptoms do not automatically mean that Mirena has moved. Similar symptoms can occur for many other reasons.

What If You Cannot Feel the Strings?

Mirena has thin strings that extend through the cervix into the vagina. Some people regularly check them to make sure they can still feel them.

If you suddenly cannot feel the strings, do not panic. The strings can sometimes curl around the cervix or move slightly without the IUD itself being displaced.

However, a missing or noticeably changed string can be a reason to contact your healthcare provider. They may perform an examination and, if necessary, use imaging to determine where the IUD is located.

Can a Displaced IUD Cause Pregnancy?

A misplaced or partially expelled IUD may not provide the expected contraceptive protection.

If you think your Mirena has moved, contact your healthcare provider promptly and ask whether you should use another form of birth control while it is being evaluated.

If you have had unprotected sex and believe the IUD may have moved or been expelled, ask a healthcare professional about your pregnancy risk and whether emergency contraception may be appropriate.

Can Mirena Perforate the Uterus?

Uterine perforation is a rare complication in which the IUD passes through the uterine wall.

Perforation can sometimes happen during insertion, although symptoms may not always be immediately obvious. Severe or persistent pelvic or abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, dizziness, fainting, or other concerning symptoms should receive prompt medical attention.

A healthcare professional may use an ultrasound or another imaging test to determine the IUD’s location.

What Should You Do If Mirena Moves?

Do not attempt to reposition the IUD yourself.

If you suspect that Mirena has moved, contact your healthcare provider. They can determine whether the device is properly positioned and discuss what should happen next.

If the IUD has partially come out, do not pull on it unless a healthcare professional specifically instructs you to do so.

Your provider may recommend removal, replacement, or monitoring depending on the location of the device and your individual circumstances.

When Should You Seek Urgent Care?

Some symptoms require prompt medical attention.

Seek urgent medical care if you experience severe pelvic or abdominal pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, fainting, significant weakness, fever, or other symptoms that feel serious or rapidly worsen.

A healthcare professional can determine whether the symptoms are related to the IUD or another medical condition.

Can a Displaced IUD Be Prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent an IUD from moving or being expelled.

Following your provider’s instructions after insertion and attending recommended follow-up appointments can help identify problems early. You can also discuss any unusual bleeding, pain, or changes in the IUD strings with your healthcare provider.

Remember that checking the strings cannot confirm the exact position of the IUD. Only an appropriate medical examination or imaging can determine its location when displacement is suspected.

Key Takeaways

• A Mirena IUD can sometimes move from its intended position.
• Possible signs include pelvic pain, unusual bleeding, cramping, or changes in the strings.
• Some people may have no symptoms.
• Do not attempt to reposition a displaced IUD yourself.
• A misplaced IUD may affect pregnancy protection.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you suspect Mirena has moved.
• Severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, or fever warrants prompt medical attention.
• A healthcare professional may use an examination or imaging to locate the IUD.
• Follow-up care can help identify positioning problems and determine the appropriate next step.