IUCD

abbreviation or noun

ˌī-ˌyü-ˌsē-ˈdē 

plural IUCDs

: 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

Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) provide long-acting, reversible contraception …

—Jennifer Reeves and Carrie Cwiak

The effectiveness of the IUCD as a contraceptive method is approximately 99.2% to 99.8%.

—Menglu Ouyang et al.

called also intrauterine contraceptive device, intrauterine device, IUD

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

IUCD

abbreviation or noun

ˌī-ˌyü-ˌsē-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, IUD