Coil check up/string

[CRP1999]

I had my coil fitted in January of this year (2019) but I haven’t been for a check up at all since I’ve had it done as I’m so scared because it caused me a lot of pain when fitting. Is it painful getting it checked out??

Also should your partner be able to feel the string bit when having sex? He’s says it’s only occasionally not every time

[Galen70]

Hi CRP,

A coild check just involves passing a small plastic instrument ( speculum ) like when the coil was inserted ( unless it was when you were in theatre after a procedure ). - so like a smear. The person just looks to see the threads are coming out of the opening of the cervix ( os ) and to make sure they are a reasonable length. As for feeling the threads, some men do report that, but they are really really tiny and are usually bound up in the mucus from the cervix- so very difficult to feel. I think some men , if there partner says " can you feel the coil threads" are going to say yes - or focus on the area more. If they are very long they can be trimmed, but not too short as this could can more sensation. Many clinics have scrapped "coil checks " completely now and just advise a woman to return if there are issues.

[StripySpoonie]

I used the coil for many years and the strings would disappear. Sometimes my hubby could check they were there. Other times the nurse with just the speculum. A couple of times when the nurse couldn't see them I had an ultrasound, the internal like in early pregnancy, to check it was still positioned correctly. Slightly uncomfortable but never painful x