A woman said she accidentally pulled her IUD out with a menstrual cup. A gynecologist explains how it happens and how to prevent it.

• A woman said she accidentally pulled out her IUD when it got hooked to her menstrual cup.
• IUDs, a form of birth control, have a string at the bottom for easy removal.
• While uncommon, it's possible for an IUD to become dislodged if this string gets tugged or the suction of the cup pulls it out.

A TikToker said she accidentally pulled her IUD out after it got stuck on her menstrual cup.

The user, @salmoncomplex, said she was trying to take out her DivaCup when her IUD became dislodged by the suction. After 30 minutes of tugging, out came the cup along with her Paragard copper IUD.

"There was some pressure, and I didn't know if that was the DivaCup sucking too much or if it was the IUD being pulled out of me, but it was a very general pressure so I couldn't tell what was poking me," she said in a follow-up to the viral video. "But I can say it wasn't as painful as getting a pap smear."

What is an IUD and how can doctors remove it?

IUDs, or intrauterine devices, are a type of birth control that gets placed into the uterus. Because there is no pill to remember to take or object to insert before sex, IUDs are considered one of the most effective forms of birth control, according to Planned Parenthood.

Depending on the type of IUD, the device can prevent pregnancy anywhere from three to 12 years.

Dr. Gillian Dean, Senior Director of Medical Services at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, told Insider the IUD comes with a thin string attached that is usually one or two inches long.

"The string is there so a nurse or doctor can remove the IUD later, or so you can do it yourself, if you feel comfortable," Dean told Insider.

"Getting your IUD taken out is pretty quick and simple. A health care provider gently pulls on the string, and the IUD's arms fold up, and it slides out."

The removal should be fairly painless, with only some pressure when the string is pulled.

How does an IUD get stuck to a menstrual cup?

According to Dean, it's rare to dislodge an IUD, but it is possible in some instances. It is most likely to happen in the three months after you first get your IUD.

Dean said though it isn't common, menstrual cups can remove IUDs partially or fully because they use suction to anchor themselves in the vagina. The suction can pull out the IUD when the cup is removed.

DivaCup's website suggests people wait three months after they've gotten their IUD inserted before using the product. It's crucial to release the seal of the cup before removing it from the vagina, as the suction can pull out your IUD.

"While rare, it's possible that your IUD can move out of place or get pulled out completely when you remove your menstrual cup," Dean said. "While this isn't normally dangerous, it likely means that your IUD is not effectively preventing pregnancy."

"That's why tampons, pads, and period underwear - methods that don't use any suction - are better options for people with IUDs."