Question:

I recently had an IUD placed and then removed a week later due to a constant itching sensation and a stinging/poking pain in my vaginal area.

Now that it’s been removed, the area is still itchy and very sensitive and not in a fun way. What is causing this?

Answered by Katie Lessman, MD:

Without knowing which kind of IUD it was or doing an exam, I can't say for sure what happened, but I suspect that the itching and sensitivity is a reaction to the soap that was used to protect against infection. Betadine is the soap that is usually used and can be irritating, especially if much was left behind. If that's the case, you likely would have had some orange or brown discharge. It can be directly irritating or can also change the pH of the vagina for a little while. If that's the cause, there are a few ways to help with that:

1. RepHresh vaginal wash can help with pH balance .
2. Put coconut oil in the vagina. Seriously. A dollop of coconut oil on the back of your (clean) fingernail, as high as you can reach, can help soothe the vaginal mucosa as it melts.
3. If the irritation is also on the vulva (outside the vagina), then soaking in an inch or two of lukewarm water with baking soda mixed in can also be soothing.

As for the stinging/poking pain, my best educated guess without an exam to go with it would be that skin irritation from the soap made the strings feel way more intense than they should have. When skin is angry, a feather can feel like a knife!

I'm sorry the IUD experience was such an unpleasant experience for you. I would tread cautiously with betadine in the future. For your skin, alternatives are better whenever possible.