intrauterine device
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A small, flexible, T-shaped contraceptive device that is inserted into a woman's uterus by a healthcare professional to prevent pregnancy. It is a long-term, reversible birth control method.
Usage
The term "intrauterine device" is a formal, medical noun. It is most commonly used in healthcare, family planning, and scientific contexts. Its abbreviation, IUD, is very frequently used in both spoken and written English.
Examples
- Noun:
- Her doctor recommended an intrauterine device for effective, long-term contraception.
- There are two main types of intrauterine devices: hormonal and copper.
- The intrauterine device (IUD) is one of the most reliable forms of birth control.
Advanced Usage
- "to have an IUD inserted/fitted": This is the standard phrase for the medical procedure of placing the device.
- She had a hormonal intrauterine device inserted last month.
- "to have an IUD removed": This is the standard phrase for the medical procedure of taking the device out.
- She is planning to have her intrauterine device removed when she decides to try for a baby.
Variants and Related Words
- IUD (noun): The standard and most common abbreviation for "intrauterine device."
- She chose to get an IUD.
- Copper IUD (noun): A specific type of non-hormonal intrauterine device that uses copper to prevent pregnancy.
- The copper IUD can be effective for up to ten years.
- Hormonal IUD (noun): A specific type of intrauterine device that releases progestin to prevent pregnancy.
- The hormonal IUD often makes periods lighter.
Synonyms
- Contraceptive device: A general term for any device used to prevent pregnancy.
- Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC): A broader category of birth control methods that includes the IUD.
Related Phrases
- Intrauterine system (IUS): A term sometimes used specifically for hormonal IUDs, particularly in some medical literature or regions.
- The intrauterine system releases a low dose of hormone.
Noun
- contraceptive device consisting of a piece of bent plastic or metal that is inserted through the vagina into the uterus