IUD

noun

ˌī-(ˌ)yü-ˈdē 

plural IUDs

: 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 : intrauterine device

Once an IUD is inserted, you don't have to worry about birth control until it's time to replace it (three to 10 years, depending on the brand).

—Cleveland Clinic

… got relief by changing her birth control to a progestin-emitting IUD, which lightened her periods without dramatically adding extra hormones in the rest of her body.

—Laura Beil

If you don't want back-to-back pregnancies, contraception post-childbirth is key. You can go back on some types of birth control, like … hormonal or copper IUDs, immediately after giving birth.

—Anna Medaris

Examples of IUD in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Gallen, the economist whose experiment looked at women with IUD failure, told me researchers have much to learn about children’s life outcomes, including life satisfaction overall. —Rachel M. Cohen, Vox, 9 July 2024

Meanwhile, Democrats in Florida toured the state with an inflatable model of an IUD, a birth control device that is implanted in the uterus, to show support for birth control protections. —Skyler Swisher, Orlando Sentinel, 7 July 2024

Hormonal birth control, like an intrauterine device (IUD) or the pill, overrides the brain's signal to release the hormones that trigger a period. —Kasandra Brabaw, Health, 19 June 2024

Guys, tell me about your symptoms from the copper IUD. —Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 1 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

IUD

noun

ˌī-ˌyü-ˈdē 

: intrauterine device

Medical Definition

IUD

abbreviation or noun

ˌī-ˌü-ˈdē 

: a device inserted into and left in the uterus to prevent conception

specifically : 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

called also intrauterine contraceptive device, intrauterine device, IUCD