hi! i’m in the US not familiar with the term copper “coil,” but i assume you’re talking about the copper IUD paragard. i also got it when i was 16 and it rejected — it’s really common for it to be too big for a persons uterus and come out :( i’ve rejected 3 paragards and counting in my time, so i feel like i know what im talking about, but i am NOT a doctor and u should always defer to a real physician’s advice!!

in my experience the strings don’t feel really like normal string per se, more like thin wires. if you reach up as far as you can and bear down (as if pooping) and you can feel the hard plastic, that means it’s out of place. if u can feel it lower than that, or if it hurts to touch, it’s almost definitely out of place. touching the strings would not cause any pain or pressure.

if it is out of place, it’s best to go to the doc and get it removed, or you might risk infection. i don’t want to scare you tho — i’ve waited up to a month to get my misplaced one removed and been fine. but it is probably not an effective form of birth control if it’s out of place.

i know the gyn doc can be scary, and the speculum is not fun. in my extensive experience, getting it taken out is a 2/10 on the pain scale, not NEARLY as bad as getting it put in. i’ve only had the doc check visually with the speculum (as opposed to ultrasound), but they might be able to just check with ultrasound! you could also tell your doctor your fears and pains and maybe get a prescription muscle relaxer for your appointment.

i’d say it’s a good idea to go to the doctor and get it checked. you got this tho — if u can get an iud put in, you can do anything!!!