intrauterine device

noun

variants or less commonly intrauterine contraceptive device

plural intrauterine devices also intrauterine contraceptive devices

: a T-shaped device containing either progestin or copper that is inserted into and left in the uterus to prevent conception by blocking ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, or interfering with sperm motility : iud

Women can choose from a variety of contraception options such as pills, patches, implants and intrauterine devices.

—Sarah Barton

The most effective types of birth control, like an intrauterine device, tend to come at the highest upfront cost …

—The Canadian Press

Examples of intrauterine device in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And millions of them use methods that contain hormones, including birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), rings, implants, injections, and patches. —Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 3 Apr. 2024

In addition, the administration has worked to expand access to reproductive health services, including family planning and providers, emergency contraception and long-acting reversible contraception such as intrauterine devices. —Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2024

Indiana’s birth control bill was getting attention some weeks ago because a popular form of birth control - intrauterine devices or IUDs - was omitted from the bill. —Subramaniam Vincent, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

Notes by his colleagues show that caregivers had not tried a hormonal intrauterine device, or IUD, which can shorten periods. —Sarah Hurtes, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2023

Family planning: Prescription birth control methods such as pills, patches and vaginal rings are HSA eligible, along with intrauterine devices. —Martha C. White, wsj.com, 7 Dec. 2023

There are two main categories of intrauterine devices: the copper IUD and the hormonal IUD. —Erica Jackson Curran, Parents, 4 Oct. 2023

Other, less likely but possible, causes of PID include intrauterine devices (IUDs), which can disrupt the cervix and cause bacteria to form. —Amanda Gardner, Health, 29 Oct. 2023

The scandal came to light when Danish broadcaster DR reported last year that records showed that, between 1966 and 1970, 4,500 intrauterine devices were fitted into women and girls as young as 13, without their knowledge or consent. —Reuters, NBC News, 3 Oct. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

intrauterine device

noun

: a small plastic or metal device inserted into the uterus and left there to prevent pregnancy

called also IUD

Medical Definition

intrauterine device

noun

: a T-shaped device containing either progestin or copper that is inserted into and left in the uterus to prevent conception by blocking ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, or interfering with sperm motility : iud

called also intrauterine contraceptive device