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Why does my husband feel discomfort due to my IUD?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had an IUC inserted for the last year, and now my husband is complaining that whenever we have sex, he can feel it and is not comfortable. Currently, I am on SLE medications. What steps should I take to manage this?.

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Vandana Andrews

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vandana Andrews is a dedicated General Practitioner and Family Physician specializing in General Medicine. She has expertise in managing acute and chronic illnesses, preventive healthcare, and patient education. Skilled in treating conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory infections, Dr. Andrews is known for her compassionate, patient-focused care. She is committed to delivering comprehensive, evidence-based medical services to individuals and families across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

If your husband is able to feel the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) during intercourse, the most common reason is that the intrauterine contraceptive device strings are longer, stiffer, or positioned in a way that makes them noticeable. Normally, the strings soften and curl around the cervix over time and should not cause discomfort to the partner. In some cases, however, the strings may need to be trimmed slightly by a gynecologist, which is a simple outpatient procedure and often resolves the issue.

Another possibility is partial displacement or low positioning of the intrauterine contraceptive device, which can also cause discomfort and should be evaluated with a pelvic examination and, if needed, an ultrasound to confirm proper placement.

Since you have systemic lupus erythematosus and are on long-term medications, it is especially important not to ignore this and to have the intrauterine contraceptive device position checked rather than attempting any self-adjustment. Until you are reviewed, it may help to try different positions during intercourse that cause less cervical contact.

I would strongly advise a gynecologic review to assess the strings and intrauterine contraceptive device position and manage it appropriately, as a well-positioned intrauterine contraceptive device should not cause pain or discomfort to either partner.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At April 4, 2026
Reviewed At April 4, 2026

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vandana Andrews is a dedicated General Practitioner and Family Physician specializing in General Medicine. She has expertise in managing acute and chronic illnesses, preventive healthcare, and patient education. Skilled in treating conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory infections, Dr. Andrews is known for her compassionate, patient-focused care. She is committed to delivering comprehensive, evidence-based medical services to individuals and families across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vandana Andrews is a dedicated General Practitioner and Family Physician specializing in General Medicine. She has expertise in managing acute and chronic illnesses, preventive healthcare, and patient education. Skilled in treating conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory infections, Dr. Andrews is known for her compassionate, patient-focused care. She is committed to delivering comprehensive, evidence-based medical services to individuals and families across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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