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intrauterine device

File:Mirena_IUD_with_hand.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons

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intrauterine device

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Also known as IUD, intrauterine contraceptive device, IUCD, ICD, intrauterine devices, coil

T-shaped birth control device placed in the womb

Key facts

Type
Intrauterine
First use
1800s
Synonyms
Intrauterine system
Perfect use
<1%
Typical use
<1%
User reminders
None
Sti protection
No
Periods
Depends on the type
Weight
No effect

via Wikipedia infobox

Research

16,910 papers

via PubMed

Wikidata facts

Subclass of
birth control
Image
Mirena IntraUterine System.jpg
Show 5 more facts
Commons category
Intrauterine devices
discoverer or inventor
Ernst Gräfenberg
ICPC 2 ID
W12
used by
female
Sources (2)

via Wikidata · CC0

~20 min read

Encyclopedic overview

The intrauterine device (IUD), also known as an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD or ICD), is a small, T-shaped birth control device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are a form of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).

IUDs are a safe and effective birth control method that can be divided into two major categories based on the mechanism the device uses to prevent pregnancy: hormonal (levonorgestrel) IUDs and copper IUDs. Both types of IUDs can be used in most women, including adolescents, those who have never been pregnant, and those who have previously had children. They do not affect breastfeeding and can be inserted immediately after delivery. They may also be used immediately after an abortion. Globally, 19.4% of women of reproductive age use intrauterine contraception according to 2019 data. The IUD has a more invasive insertion procedure than other birth control methods. However, among birth control methods, IUDs, along with other contraceptive implants, result in the greatest satisfaction among users.

Excerpted from Wikipedia’s “intrauterine device” article, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.

Gallery (5)