intrauterine device

(IUD), variously shaped birth controlbirth control,
practice of contraception for the purpose of limiting reproduction. Methods of Birth Control

Male birth control methods include withdrawal of the male before ejaculation (the oldest contraceptive technique) and use of the condom, a rubber sheath
..... Click the link for more information. device, usually of plastic, which is inserted into the uterusuterus,
in most female mammals, hollow muscular organ in which the fetus develops and from which it is delivered at the end of pregnancy. The human uterus is pear-shaped and about 3 in. (7.
..... Click the link for more information. by a physician. The IUD may contain copper or levonorgestrel, a progestin (a hormone with progesteronelike effects; see progesteroneprogesterone
, female sex hormone that induces secretory changes in the lining of the uterus essential for successful implantation of a fertilized egg. A steroid, progesterone is secreted chiefly by the corpus luteum, a group of cells formed in the ovary after the follicle
..... Click the link for more information. ). Apparently the IUD creates a hostile environment for the fertilized egg.

intrauterine device

device

[de-vīs´] something contrived for a specific purpose; usually a simple mechanical apparatus.assisting d's (assistive d's) tools and implements that aid a person with a disability in carrying out mobility or activities of daily living.intrauterine device see intrauterine device.left ventricular assist device a circulatory support device consisting of a pump connected to an external pneumatic power source and control circuit; it has afferent and efferent conduits attached respectively to the left atrium or ventricle and the ascending aorta. Each conduit contains a porcine valve to ensure unidirectional blood flow and maintain systemic circulation when the heart is unable to do so. The device is used as a bridge to transplantation.mobility device a device such as a wheelchair, motorized scooter, cart, or stroller that permits the disabled individual to move about and have greater access to the environment.terminal device the end piece of a prosthesis for the upper limb; it may be a hook or a mechanical or cosmetic hand.

intrauterine

[in″trah-u´ter-in] within the uterus.intrauterine device (IUD) (intrauterine contraceptive device) a mechanical device inserted into the uterine cavity for the purpose of contraception. These devices are made of metal, plastic, or other substances and are manufactured in various sizes and shapes. Their effectiveness is based on their alteration of the endometrium and consequent disruption of implantation; there is generally no effect on the menstrual cycle.
After the IUD has been inserted, the patient is instructed to have yearly follow-up examinations. Contraindications to insertion include recent pelvic infection, suspected pregnancy, cervical stenosis, myoma of the uterus, and abnormal uterine bleeding. IUDs are not recommended for women who have never been pregnant because of the severe pain and bleeding that they produce in the majority of these patients.
The IUD is not 100 per cent effective and its use carries some risks. The device does not prevent ovulation or extrauterine implantation; therefore, ectopic pregnancy must be suspected when irregular bleeding or pelvic pain develops in a patient with an IUD. Four to five per cent of all pregnancies occurring in women with IUDs are likely to be outside the uterus. The increased risk for pelvic inflammatory disease is from three to five times that of women who do not use an IUD. Because pelvic inflammatory disease frequently leads to an inability to conceive as a result of scarring and narrowing of the fallopian tubes, the IUD also increases the chances for infertility. Many experts advise against the use of IUDs in women under 25 years of age and in those who hope to have children later in life.
Other possible adverse effects associated with the use of IUDs include uterine perforation, which is rare, and severely increased menstrual flow. Increased dysmenorrhea and intermenstrual bleeding are common in women who have an IUD in place.

Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD). From Nichols and Zwelling, 1997.

in·tra·u·ter·ine device (IUD),

a plastic or metal device to be inserted into the uterus to exert a contraceptive effect; can be designed in a variety of shapes (for example, coil, loop, bow, "T"). Synonym(s): intrauterine contraceptive device

intrauterine device

n. Abbr. IUD A usually T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy, often wrapped in copper or containing a progestin.

in·tra·u·ter·ine de·vice

(IUD) (in'tră-yū'tĕr-in dĕ-vīs') Pieces of plastic or metal of various shapes (e.g., coil, loop, bow) inserted into the uterus to exert a contraceptive effect.

Intrauterine device (IUD)

Contraceptive device consisting of a piece of bent plastic or metal that is inserted through the vagina into the uterusMentioned in: Emergency Contraception, Transvaginal Ultrasound

intrauterine device

intrauterine device

intrauterine device

intrau′terine device`

IUD

intrauterine device

intrauterine device

intrauterine device

device

intrauterine

in·tra·u·ter·ine device (IUD),

intrauterine device

in·tra·u·ter·ine de·vice

Intrauterine device (IUD)

intrauterine device

Synonyms for intrauterine device

noun contraceptive device consisting of a piece of bent plastic or metal that is inserted through the vagina into the uterus

Synonyms

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