intrauterine device
noun
plural intrauterine devices
: a device inserted into and left in the uterus to prevent conception
specifically
: a T-shaped device containing either progestin or copper that is inserted into and left in the uterus to prevent conception by blocking ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, or interfering with sperm motility
Women can choose from a variety of contraception options such as pills, patches, implants and intrauterine devices. —
Sarah Barton
Sarah Barton The most effective types of birth control, like an intrauterine device, tend to come at the highest upfront cost … —The Canadian Press
The Canadian Press called also intrauterine contraceptive device, IUCD, IUD
Examples of intrauterine device in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The supply destined to be destroyed included contraceptive implants and pills as well as intrauterine devices to help prevent unwanted pregnancies, although a spokesperson told Reuters that no condoms or HIV medications would be incinerated.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
More serious – but rare – complications of some types of birth control include blood clots or risk of uterine perforation from an intrauterine device.
—Katia Riddle, NPR, 11 Aug. 2025
The contraceptives are mostly long-lasting types of birth control, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and injectables, a US congressional aide told CNN.
—Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 29 July 2025
In August last year, the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S., finally communicated what many women have claimed for years: pain during gynecological procedures, especially intrauterine devices (IUD) insertions, is often underestimated and poorly managed.
—Lisa Falco, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
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Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
More serious – but rare – complications of some types of birth control include blood clots or risk of uterine perforation from an intrauterine device.
—Katia Riddle, NPR, 11 Aug. 2025
The contraceptives are mostly long-lasting types of birth control, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and injectables, a US congressional aide told CNN.
—Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 29 July 2025
In August last year, the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S., finally communicated what many women have claimed for years: pain during gynecological procedures, especially intrauterine devices (IUD) insertions, is often underestimated and poorly managed.
—Lisa Falco, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for intrauterine device
Cite this Entry
“Intrauterine device.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intrauterine%20device. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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