IUD – Intrauterine Device

The letters IUD stand for “intrauterine device.”

IUDs are small, “T-shaped” devices made of flexible plastic. A health care providerinserts an IUD into a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two brands of IUD available in the United States – ParaGard and Mirena. The ParaGard IUD contains copper. It is effective for 12 years. The Mirena IUD releases a small amount ofprogestin, a hormone. It is effective for five years.

To learn more watch the video with Mayra Contreras, M.D.