User:Mr. Ibrahem/Intrauterine device

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, often T-shaped birth control device that is inserted into the uterus, most commonly to prevent pregnancy. There are two types copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs. Effectiveness is greater than 99%; with the copper IUD lasting at least 12 to 15 years and the hormonal IUDs last for at least 3 to 8 years. They can also be used as emergency birth control within 5 to 10 days of sex. They are a form of long-acting reversible birth control (LARC).

Copper IUDs may increase menstrual bleeding or pain in the first six months. Over six months hormonal IUDs may reduce bleeding or stop menstruation altogether. Cramping or bleeding can be treated with NSAIDs. Other potential complications include expulsion (3–22%) and perforation of the uterus (~0.1%). After expulsion they may be reinserted. Once removed, even after long-term use, fertility returns rapidly to normal. Failure with copper devices is about 0.8% while failure with hormonal (levonorgestrel) devices is between 0.1% and 0.4% in the first year. Effectiveness is not affected by obesity. In comparison, failure with birth control pills and male condoms is about 9% and 17% with typical use.

They may be used by adolescents as well as those who have not previously had children. They do not affect breastfeeding and can be placed immediately after delivery. They may also be used immediately after an abortion or miscarriage. Placement of an IUD takes about 5 minutes. Their main underlying mechanism involves prevention of fertilization by killing sperm or thickening mucous at the cervix.

IUDs as a form of birth control dates from the 1800s. Use in the United States increased from <1% in 1995, to 6% in the early 2010s, to 14% in 2016. Female family planning providers choose LARC methods more often (42%) than the general public (12%). And these methods result in the greatest satisfaction among users. A previous model, known as the Dalkon shield, was associated with an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). However, current models do not affect PID risk in women without sexually transmitted infections at the time of insertion. In Canada the copper IUD costs about 80 CAD while the hormonal IUD is about 350 CAD as of 2021.