IUD

abbreviation or noun

ˌī-(ˌ)yü-ˈdē 

plural IUDs

: 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

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

called also intrauterine contraceptive device, intrauterine device, IUCD

Examples of IUD in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Heavier Bleeding Heavier menstrual bleeding is more likely to happen with a copper IUD than a hormonal IUD. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 11 Dec. 2024

Louisiana’s law could also make pharmacists less likely to fill misoprostol prescriptions for people miscarrying at home, or even for non-pregnant patients taking the drug before IUD insertions or diagnostic procedures called hysteroscopies. —Susan Rinkunas, refinery29.com, 28 Oct. 2024

In her comment section, other people commiserated over how their IUD insertions had brought the worst pain of their lives. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 25 Oct. 2024

Some organizations are wising up to pain management around IUD insertion and replacement. —Korin Miller, Flow Space, 9 Aug. 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