The short explanation
Not being able to feel the threads does not always mean something is wrong. The threads can curl up or move higher into the cervix, making them hard to feel. However, it can also mean the device has come out without you noticing, or, rarely, moved out of place or through the wall of the womb. Until it is checked, you may not be protected from pregnancy. Use condoms or avoid sex, and see a doctor soon. They will look for the threads with a speculum examination, and if they cannot see them, an ultrasound will usually show where the device is.
What depends on your situation
The parts of this that change from woman to woman. Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.
- If you have had unprotected sex since you last felt the threads, ask about emergency contraception and do a pregnancy test.
- Expulsion is more likely in the first year, during periods, and if inserted soon after childbirth.
- Check your pads or cup during periods for the device.
What this answer cannot determine
The boundary of online education. These need a clinician who can see you.
- This answer cannot tell where your Copper T is. An examination and possibly a scan are needed.
Questions for your clinician
Take these with you. You can add any of them to an appointment card.
- Can you check whether my Copper T is still in place?
- Do I need an ultrasound?
- Do I need emergency contraception?
- Should it be replaced?
When to seek help
Clinician-approved guidance for this topic. When in doubt, being seen is never the wrong choice.
Emergency — call 112 now
- Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have severe belly pain with fever or fainting.
Get help the same day
- Get care the same day if you have pain, bleeding or a positive pregnancy test with missing threads.
Book an appointment soon
- See a doctor within a few days if you cannot feel the threads, and use condoms until checked.
Sources
The evidence this explanation is built on.
Who wrote and reviewed this
Every AskHer answer names its author. A clinically reviewed answer also names the clinician who signed it off — if no clinician is named below, it has not been clinically reviewed.
- Author
- AskHer Editorial (AI-assisted draft) AskHer's editorial team — not an individual clinician Works in English, தமிழ், हिन्दी
- Clinical reviewer
- Nobody yet No clinician has signed this answer off, and no person on the editorial team has read it yet. That is what the “Written with AI assistance” label means. It is queued for an editor to read, and then for a clinician who works in this area. The sources it was drafted against are listed above.
- Review status
- Written with AI assistance — not yet reviewed by a person
- Last reviewed
- Not yet reviewed by a person
- Version
- 1
Correction history
Substantive changes are listed, not quietly edited away.
No corrections have been made since this answer was first published.
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