The intrauterine device (IUD) shown uses copper as the active
contraceptive; others use progesterone in a plastic device. IUDs
are very effective at preventing pregnancy (less than 2% chance per
year for the progesterone IUD, less than 1% chance per year for the
copper IUD). IUDs increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy and
perforation of the uterus and do not protect against sexually
transmitted disease. IUDs are prescribed and placed in the uterus
by health care providers.
Review Date: 03/10/2011
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
