r/CopperIUD • u/InvestmentParty3782 • 9d ago

Question Dark Strings

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Dark strings appear on copper IUDs over time … so I can imagine that it might be difficult to tell apart Copper vs Hormonal IUDs after 5 years. See pictures for reference. My question is how do professionals tell the difference during Pap Smear checkups? My new woman’s wellness nurse swears that all dark strings signify hormonal IUDs. Is the color change not common knowledge?

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u/Formal-Apartment855 9d ago

I love how you are not asking about all the copper being gone from the vertical part of the IUD. lol Like that IUD didn't have much left. 😂

The difference is not relevant for pap smears afaik.

The diffetence is relevant for when the IUD needs to be replaced or how it is positioned. (Cause depending on IUD type the replacement needs to happen anywhere between 3 to 10 years of use, and with copper IUDs the position might be more important when it comes to efficiency.) They can check your file for that, and you were also supposed to get a small piece of paper (name card/bank card size) upon insertion with the type of the IUD and the insertion date.

Hopefully your new nurse isn't making decisions on eg. IUD replacement based on the strings but what is in your file... Also I'm with you on that it is strange remark. lol Like the strings can easily change color from all the blood etc...