IUD (intrauterine contraceptive device)

IUD (intrauterine contraceptive device)
A device inserted into the uterus (womb) to prevent conception (pregnancy). The IUD can be a coil, loop, triangle, or T-shape. It can be plastic or metal. An IUD is inserted into the uterus by a health-care professional. Of two types of IUDs approved in the U.S., one can remain in place for 10 years, while the other must be replaced every year. How IUDs prevent pregnancy is not entirely clear. They seem to prevent sperm and eggs from meeting by either immobilizing the sperm on their way to the fallopian tubes or by changing the uterine lining so the fertilized egg cannot implant in it. IUDs have one of the lowest failure rates of any contraceptive method. " In the population for which the IUD is appropriate — for those in a mutually monogamous, stable relationship who are not at a high risk of infection — the IUD is considered a safe and effective method of contraception. However, the IUD's image suffered when the Dalkon Shield IUD, which was associated with a high incidence of pelvic infections and infertility and some deaths, was taken off the market in 1975. Today, serious complication from IUDs are rare, although IUD users may be at increased risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease. Other side effects can include perforation of the uterus, abnormal bleeding, and cramps. Complications occur most often during and immediately after insertion. This is in part based on information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the FDA).

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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  • Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) — A device inserted into the uterus (womb) to prevent conception (pregnancy). The IUD can be a coil, loop, triangle, or T shape. It can be plastic or metal. An IUD is inserted into the uterus by a health care professional. Of two types of IUDs… …   Medical dictionary

  • intrauterine device — n a device (as a spiral of plastic or a ring of stainless steel) inserted and left in the uterus to prevent effective conception called also IUCD, IUD * * * (IUD), intrauterine contraceptive device a plastic or metallic device inserted into the… …   Medical dictionary

  • Contraceptive device, intrauterine (IUD) — A device inserted into the uterus (womb) to prevent conception (pregnancy). The IUD can be a coil, loop, triangle, or T in shape made of plastic or metal. An IUD is inserted into the uterus by a health care professional. Of two types of IUDs… …   Medical dictionary

  • contraceptive device — noun an agent or device intended to prevent conception (Freq. 1) • Syn: ↑contraceptive, ↑preventive, ↑preventative, ↑prophylactic device, ↑birth control device • Derivationally related forms: ↑preve …   Useful english dictionary

  • IUD — abbrev. intrauterine (contraceptive) device: also IUCD …   English World dictionary

  • IUD with copper — This article is about non hormonally based intrauterine contraceptives. For hormonally based intrauterine contraceptives such as Mirena, see Hormonal IUD. IUD with copper Photo of a common IUD (Paragard T 380A) Background Birth co …   Wikipedia

  • intrauterine device — noun Date: 1964 a device inserted into and left in the uterus to prevent effective conception called also intrauterine contraceptive device, IUD …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • IUD with progestogen — IntraUterine System (Mirena) Background Birth control type Intrauterine First use 1990 (Mirena currently available) 1976 (Progestasert discontinued in 2001) Failure rates (first year, Mirena) Perfect use 0.2% …   Wikipedia

  • intrauterine device — IUD IUD, n. An {intrauterine device}, a contraceptive device consisting of a small, usually plastic object placed within the uterus to prevent conception. [PJC] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • IUD — IUD, n. An {intrauterine device}, a contraceptive device consisting of a small, usually plastic object placed within the uterus to prevent conception. [PJC] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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