Intrauterine device (IUD)

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

An IUD is a rigid â€˜Tâ€™ shaped contraceptive device made from plastic and copper that fits inside the womb (uterus). It used to be called a â€˜coilâ€™. An IUD has two very fine threads that come through the cervix opening and rest on the top of the vagina. Your GP or local family planning clinic or sexual health clinic (GUM) can fit an IUD.

An IUD is usually fitted during the menstrual period. From the moment the IUD is fitted until the time it is taken out, the woman is protected against pregnancy.

The IUD is between 98-99% effective with newer, more efficient models presenting even lower risks of failure. These softer, more flexible IUDs provide an even higher success rate because they are smaller and less likely to be pushed out of the womb. One model has no plastic frame, just the copper tubing and so sits easier in the womb. More recently, a hormone releasing IUD called the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (IUS) has been developed that is more effective. This IUD, however, is larger and thicker and so only really suitable for women who have already had children. This is because women who have not had children have smaller cervixes.

IUDs are more effective in women over the age of 30, because they ovulate slightly less than younger women and are generally less fertile. IUDs are commonly used by women who have already had at least one child.