Someone asked us:

Can you wear a tampon if you have an IUD?

Tampons and IUDs are kinda like next-door neighbors. They’re close but they live in different parts of the reproductive system.   

Tampons are inserted into the vagina by you and are used to collect menstrual fluid during a period. They don’t go any further into body than the vagina.

The IUD is a birth control method that is inserted by a health care provider through the vagina and through an opening in the cervix into the uterus. Here’s a helpful diagram and a video of the area in question. Depending upon the brand, it can be left in the uterus for up to 5-10 years before being removed. A string from the IUD may stick out from the cervix into the vagina, but that shouldn’t interfere with using a tampon.

So to answer your question: yep, you can absolutely use both. An IUD and a tampon are separated by the cervix, and don’t interfere with each other’s business.

-Nathan at Planned Parenthood