Live Life Team
An IUD is an intrauterine device that is used to prevent pregnancy. The device works by disrupting the normal chemical patterns in the reproductive system of women. These types of devices carry one of the highest overall satisfaction rates of the many forms of birth control available. This device also carries some very serious health risks due to the internal nature of the device.
If there is a problem with the device itself or if there is a problem caused by the device, there are generally some warning signs. One of the warning signs is that the string hanging in the vagina is too short. A woman’s partner should check this for her on a monthly basis, following her period. If the string is too short or cannot be found, the woman should see her health care provider immediately.
A woman who does not have her period or has a late period may also be having problems with the IUD. Clotting, heavy bleeding, spotting or any unusual type of bleeding between periods is usually a symptom that there may be a problem with the IUD.
Other symptoms of a problem with the IUD include fever, chills, abdominal pain or a change in the vaginal discharge, such as having a foul odour. Women who experience any of these symptoms should check with their health care provider immediately as these can all be signs of a serious problem with the IUD, such as an internal infection.
