INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICE (IUD, IUCD)

An IUD (intrauterine device) is a contraceptive which sits in the womb.

Copper T IUD (Intrauterine Device)

An IUD is a small device that is shaped in the form of a "T". Your health care provider places it inside the uterus. The arms of the Copper T IUD contain some copper, which stops fertilization by preventing sperm from making their way up through the uterus into the fallopian tubes. If fertilization does occur, the IUD would prevent the fertilized egg from implanting in the lining of the uterus.

The Copper T IUD can stay in your uterus for up to 12 years. It does not protect against STDs or HIV. This IUD is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. You will need to visit your doctor to have it inserted and to make sure you are not having any problems.

Progestasert IUD (Intrauterine Device)

This IUD is a small plastic T-shaped device that is placed inside the uterus by a doctor. It contains the hormone progesterone, the same hormone produced by a woman's ovaries during the monthly menstrual cycle. The progesterone causes the cervical mucus to thicken so sperm cannot reach the egg, and it changes the lining of the uterus so that a fertilized egg cannot successfully implant.

The Progestasert IUD can stay in your uterus for one year. This IUD is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. You will need to visit your doctor to have it inserted and to make sure you are not having any problems.

Intrauterine System (IUS, Mirena IUD)

The IUS is a small T-shaped device like the IUD and is placed inside the uterus by a doctor. Each day, it releases a small amount of a hormone similar to progesterone called levonorgestrel that causes the cervical mucus to thicken so sperm cannot reach the egg.

The IUS stays in your uterus for up to five years. It does not protect against STDs or HIV. The IUS is 99% effective. You will need to visit your doctor to have it inserted and to make sure you are not having any problems.