Intrauterine device

An Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a small, often T-shaped birth control device that is inserted into a woman's uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are long-term, reversible, and one of the most effective birth control methods available.

Error creating thumbnail:

Mirena IntraUterine System

Multiload CU-250

Types of IUDs

There are two main types of IUDs: copper IUDs (such as the ParaGard) and hormonal IUDs (like Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla). The copper IUD releases copper into the uterus, which works as a spermicide. Hormonal IUDs release progestin into the uterus, which thickens the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching or fertilizing an egg.

IUD with scale

Effectiveness and Side Effects

IUDs are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Side effects can include irregular bleeding, headaches, nausea, depression, and acne. In rare cases, the IUD can puncture the uterus upon insertion or can be expelled from the uterus.

History of IUDs

The concept of an IUD dates back to the early 1900s. The first effective and widely used IUD was the Grafenberg ring, developed in the late 1920s. Modern IUDs have been in use since the 1960s.

Summary

Intrauterine device is a device inserted into the uterus that helps to prevent pregnancy

See also

• Birth control
• Hormonal contraception
• Emergency contraception

References

Intrauterine device Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? WikiMD's DocFinder can help find general and specialist physicians.	Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials.