Gynecological Exams / Tests
What Is an IUD and How Is It Used
IUD (Intrauterine Device)
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are flexible, bendable devices, typically made of polyethylene (a plastic-based material), designed to fit inside the uterine cavity to prevent pregnancy without harming the body.
Modern IUDs came into use in the 1960s. Their shape and structure have evolved considerably since then.
Today, the IUD is a widely used, long-acting form of birth control.
According to the 1998 Turkey Population and Health Survey, 19.8% of women in Turkey used this method. By 2005, usage among married women had risen to about 23%.
While there were 3 types of IUDs available in the 2000s, today there are many different types and materials used worldwide:
- Inert (plain) IUDs
- Copper-containing IUDs
- Silver-containing IUDs
- Gold-containing IUDs
- Platinum-containing IUDs
- Hormonal IUDs
References
- Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use (5th edition). World Health Organization (WHO), 2015.
- IUD (intrauterine device) or copper coil. NHS (UK National Health Service).
Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Şükrü Sanus, Obstetrician & Gynecologist · Last medical review: