Intrauterine device

An intrauterine device is a small contraceptive device placed inside the uterus. Copper devices and hormone-releasing devices prevent pregnancy through different mechanisms.

Copper IUD: A nonhormonal intrauterine device that releases copper ions and prevents pregnancy. Copper ions impair sperm function, distinguishing this device from hormone-releasing IUDs.
Contraception: Methods used to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are long-acting, reversible methods within the broader range of contraception.
Combined oral contraceptive pill: A daily oral contraceptive containing estrogen and progestin. Unlike an IUD, it requires regular dosing and acts systemically.
Ernst Gräfenberg: A German physician who developed an early intrauterine contraceptive device in the twentieth century. His ring-shaped device helped establish the modern history of intrauterine contraception.
Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system: An intrauterine device that releases the progestin levonorgestrel. Its hormone thickens cervical mucus and alters the uterine lining.
Long-acting reversible contraception: Contraceptive methods that provide extended protection and can be discontinued without permanent loss of fertility. IUDs are a central example of this method class.
Condom: A barrier contraceptive worn over the penis or inserted into the vagina. Condoms can reduce sexually transmitted infection transmission; IUDs do not.
Lippes Loop: A polyethylene intrauterine device introduced in the 1960s. Its flexible plastic design became a widely used early modern IUD.
Sperm capacitation: The changes sperm undergo in the female reproductive tract that enable them to fertilize an egg. Copper interferes with sperm processes needed for fertilization.
Contraceptive implant: A small rod placed under the skin that releases progestin to prevent pregnancy. Like an IUD, it is long-acting and reversible, but it is placed in the arm.

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