intrauterine contraceptive device

noun

plural intrauterine contraceptive devices

: 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

Senate Bill 280 … would require hospitals to have on hand intrauterine contraceptive devices, commonly known as IUDs, which birthing women can then request be inserted during their hospital stay. … They are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and safe for women, including those who are currently breastfeeding.

—April Corbin Girnus

Stephanie Small, a nurse practitioner who works in family planning, pointed out that she can prescribe medications, manage pregnancy miscarriages, place intrauterine contraceptive devices and perform endometrial biopsies.

—Kevin Miller

called also intrauterine device, IUCD, IUD

Examples of intrauterine contraceptive device in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Greenlanders’ disaffection with Denmark was heightened two years ago after revelations emerged about Danish doctors fitting thousands of Indigenous women and girls with intrauterine contraceptive devices in the 1960s and 1970s, often without their knowledge. —Maya Tekeli, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

intrauterine contraceptive device

noun

: 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 device, IUCD, IUD