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

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