An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, plastic, T-shaped device used for birth control. It is inserted into the uterus where it stays to prevent pregnancy.
Contraception - IUD; Birth control - IUD; Intrauterine - deciding; Mirena - deciding; ParaGard - deciding
You have choices for what type of IUD to have. Talk with your health care provider about which type may be best for you.
Copper-releasing IUDs:
Progestin-releasing IUDs:
Both types of IUDs prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg.
Progestin-releasing IUDs also works by:
IUDs have certain benefits.
There are also downsides.
IUDs do not appear to increase the risk for pelvic infection. They also do not affect fertility or increase the risk for infertility. Once an IUD is removed, fertility is restored.
You may want to consider an IUD if you:
You should not consider an IUD if you:
Gilner JB, Rhee EHJ, Padro A, Kuller JA. Reproductive genetics. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 2.
Jatlaoui TC, Riley HEM, Curtis KM. The safety of intrauterine devices among young women: a systematic review. Contraception. 2017;95(1):17-39. PMID: 27771475 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27771475/.
Schreiber CA, Barnhart K. Contraception. In: Strauss JF, Barbieri RL, eds. Yen & Jaffe's Reproductive Endocrinology. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2019:chap 36.
Winikoff B, Grossman D. Contraception. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 225.
BACK TO TOPReview Date: 11/10/2022
Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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