How to Have Sex With an IUD — What You Need to Know

Understand the intersections of contraception and sex so you can enjoy both safely and without worry.

Dear reader, if you’ve opted for an intrauterine device (IUD) as your choice of birth control, you may be wondering how it might impact your sex life. While your primary concern might be contraception, it’s completely normal to ask: Can you still have great sex with an IUD? The good news is: absolutely! An IUD is designed to sit quietly in your body and do its job without getting in the way of your sexual enjoyment.

Still, there are some points to consider when it comes to sex with an IUD—both for comfort and confidence. Let's break down what having sex with an IUD involves, how it might (or might not) impact sensation, and what you and your partner need to be aware of to keep the experience pleasurable.

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First, let’s get clear on what an intrauterine device is. An IUD is a small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. It’s one of the most effective, low-maintenance forms of birth control available, with both hormonal and non-hormonal (copper) options. Depending on which type you choose, an IUD can prevent pregnancy for anywhere from 3 to 12 years.

The device works by either thickening the cervical mucus to block sperm (hormonal IUDs) or by utilizing copper to create a sperm-hostile environment (non-hormonal IUDs). What makes it particularly appealing for many people is that it’s “set it and forget it”—once inserted, you don’t have to think about it daily, weekly, or even monthly, unlike other forms of contraception.

However, If you're reading this, you're probably not too worried about the medical aspects of the IUD—you want to know how it affects your sex life.

Will You or Your Partner Feel the IUD During Sex?

One of the most common concerns that both IUD users and their partners have is whether they’ll "feel" the IUD during sex. The IUD sits inside the uterus, quite a distance from your vaginal canal, so neither you nor your partner should be able to feel the actual device. That said, your IUD does have strings attached that hang down through the cervix into the upper part of your vagina. These strings make removal easier when it comes time and tend to soften and "curl up" over time.

The strings might be noticeable in some cases, particularly early on after insertion. On very rare occasions, partners (especially those with penises) might claim to feel the strings during penetration. If this happens, don’t panic—it’s not harmful. But if it’s uncomfortable or a persistent issue, your healthcare provider can trim the strings slightly so they’re less noticeable.

Will It Affect Your Sexual Pleasure?

Here’s the bottom line: having an IUD shouldn’t diminish your sexual experience. Many IUD users report an improvement in their sex life simply because they feel less anxious about unintended pregnancy, which allows for more freedom in the moment. The hormonal versions of the IUD can have secondary benefits, such as reducing menstrual cramps, making periods lighter, or even skipping periods altogether—another potential boost to a person's sex life.

However, it’s important to note that your body may take some time to adjust after inserting the IUD. Spotting, cramping, and a bit of initial discomfort during sex are common in the first few months. But once your body has adapted to the device, sex with an IUD should feel no different than sex without it—except much more protected against unwanted pregnancy, of course.

Can It Fail or Move During Sex?

While IUDs are highly effective at preventing pregnancy (over 99%), it's natural to worry about "what if" scenarios. Rest assured that it's very rare for an IUD to be dislodged during intercourse. Your cervix does a great job keeping it in place, and the IUD itself is small and securely positioned.

However, in very rare instances, IUDs can migrate or fall out (known as "expulsion"), particularly during the first few months after insertion or after childbirth. If you ever experience unusual pain or find the strings have dramatically changed in length (or can't feel them), it might be a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before you have sex with an IUD.

Do keep in mind that while an IUD is a highly effective form of contraception, it does NOT protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). So, if STIs are a concern, using condoms in addition to the IUD is still a wise move.

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