IUDs (intrauterine devices) are an effective contraceptive option for women. They’re highly reliable and can last up to 10 years, but the process isn’t exactly pain-free. One common complaint from users is that they experience discomfort due to the hard strings of the device inside them. In this article, we’ll offer some easy tips on softening IUD strings and making your experience as comfortable as possible.
How Does an IUD Work?
Let’s start with a quick overview of what an IUD is and how it works:
- An IUD is a small, T-shaped plastic or copper device inserted into your uterus by a healthcare provider.
- It prevents fertilization through several mechanisms:
- Thickening cervical mucus
- Inhibiting sperm movement
- Affecting implantation
- There are two types of IUDs available in the US:
- Hormonal: releases progestin over time to prevent pregnancy
- Examples include Mirena and Skyla
- Copper: creates an inflammatory environment that kills sperm
- Example includes Paragard
- Hormonal: releases progestin over time to prevent pregnancy
Now that you have a basic understanding of what happens when you get an IUD fitted let's dive into softening those pesky strings.
Why Do My Strings Feel Hard?
The first thing you should know about why your strings feel hard is completely normal! The material used in most IUD stings doesn't soften quickly enough after insertion which causes minor complications like minor cramping/irritation in certain individuals. Don't fret! We've got some ninja moves sure to make all problems disappear!
Since most people don't stop having sex once they have gotten their perfect match-fit contraception let's talk about ways to keep your partner feeling fully satisfied while ensuring you don't experience discomfort.
Tip 1: Wait before having intercourse
Sometimes inserting something foreign can be uncomfortable so it's best to wait till your body readjusts. Give yourself a few days post fitting before jumping back into the sack with bae, and then double-check that they don't feel any poking or unwanted friction from the IUD (ouch!).
Tip 2: Get comfy
We know that finding comfortable sex positions is paramount but since we are talking about softening those strings there may be some positions which take priority till things soften up:
- Spooning
- Cowgirl position both of these help prevent acute penetration whilst giving plenty of pleasure
Tip 3: Prepare for points
When it comes down to those pesky abrupt stops caused by unduly prolonged strings in areas where they ought not linger try using vaginal dilators which come in different sizes all aimed at helping make penetration smoother than expected! Make sure though that this isn’t hindering anything.
The following solutions aren't necessarily endorsed by doctors or healthcare professionals (use at own risk), instead, we have compiled suggestions from experienced users who shared their expertise on social media platforms like Reddit and Twitter.
Think outside the box; plumbing section anyone? With these unique ideas everyone has a fighting chance against hard string woes!
Solution 1: Use dental flossers/chewing gum/microfiber cloth/nylon thread/fishing line
Yep, you're reading this right - several users found success with items such as dental flossers due to its obvious flexibility capabilities. Alternatively chewing gum has unsuspectingly worked wonders due to its resilience providing near-instant results albeit temporary relief.
You might also want to check out micro-fiber cloths, nylon thread or even fishing lines,tried and true! Many women are raving about their effectiveness across different online forums.
Solution 2: Apply coconut oil or lubricants
With this solution, you will use simple supplies found at home such as coconut oil to soften the strings. It's a viable solution that gets rid of hard strings fairly quickly without requiring any physical changes to your device. No pain, no gain couldn't find a better idiom for this one folks!
On the flip side, some users prefer sticking with more traditional methods like lubricant which has also been shown to be effective with frequent usage (Also makes things smooth for parties involved wink).
Solution 3: Warm sitz bath
Soaking in warm water is soothing but not just when you had rough day- it turns out that soaking solutions could help alleviate string discomfort too! One quick way would be using warmed salt-water; although there aren’t scientific studies backing up its efficiency it doesn’t hurt trying right? So why not give it a shot?
Remember how much we love feeling secure and saving ourselves from unplanned parenthood? We have learnt that getting an IUD fits our needs perfectly especially if strong hormones are undesired - but admittedly sometimes they can affect our sex lives negatively though very few discourse options talk such straight inhibitions. In order to make things better try any or all these DIY techniques first before reaching out necessarily to professional aid and then go ahead enjoy safer birth control whilst enjoying every moment of intimacy –you got it now Buffy-esque badassery awaits!