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

One center mismanaged an IUD placement in a patient, leaving her with months of sharp pain and bleeding. —Susan Bane, National Review, 25 Feb. 2025

China rolled out a series of initiatives—culminating in the infamous one-child policy—that included punitive fines, obligatory IUD insertions, and unwanted abortions. —Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025

In the 1960s and 70s, doctors placed IUD contraceptives in young Inuit girls without their or their parents’ consent as a means of population control. —Donie O'Sullivan, CNN, 9 Feb. 2025

According to Planned Parenthood, an IUD is one of the most effective contraceptives, regardless of an individual's weight. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 5 Feb. 2025

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