Intrauterine device 15378 225764443 2008-07-15T08:25:54Z Rjwilmsi 203434 gen fixes + link/fix date fields in cite templates (explanation [[User:Rjwilmsi#My_correction_of_dates_in_templates|here]]) using [[Project:AutoWikiBrowser|AWB]] {{about|non-hormonally-based intrauterine contraceptives|hormonally-based intrauterine contraceptives such as Mirena|IntraUterine System}} {{Infobox Birth control |image = IUDCPCopperT380A.gif |width = 150 |caption = Photo of a common IUD (Paragard T 380A) |bc_type = Intra-uterine |date_first_use = 1909–1929 |rate_type = Failure |perfect_failure% = 0.6 |typical_failure% = 0.8 |duration_effect = 5–12+ years |reversibility = Immediate |user_reminders = Check thread position after each period. Have removed shortly after menopause, if not before. |clinic_interval = Annually |STD_protection_YesNo = No |benefits = Unnecessary to take any daily action.<br>[[Emergency contraception]] if inserted within 5 days |periods = May be heavier and more painful |weight_gain_loss = |risks = Small transient risk of [[Pelvic inflammatory disease|PID]] in first 20 days following insertion.<br> Rarely, uterine perforation. }} An '''intra-uterine device''' (''intra'' meaning ''within'', and ''uterine'' meaning ''of the [[uterus]]'') is a [[birth control]] device placed in the uterus, also known as an '''IUD''' or a '''coil''' (this colloquialism is based on the [[coil]]-shaped design of early IUDs). Dr. [[Ernst Gräfenberg]] of [[Germany]] invented an [[Gräfenberg's ring|early IUD]] and was the first person to market these devices. The IUD is the world's most widely used method of reversible birth control,<!-- --><ref name="ined 2006">{{cite web |title=What are the most widely used contraceptive methods across the world? |work=Births / Birth control |publisher=Institut national d'études démographiques (INED) |date=2006 |url=http://www.ined.fr/en/everything_about_population/faq/naissances_natalite/bdd/q_text/what_are_the_most_widely_used_contraceptive_methods_across_the_world_/question/80/ |accessdate=2006-11-16 }}</ref> currently used by nearly 160 million women (just over two-thirds of whom are in [[People's Republic of China|China]] where it is the most widely used birth control method, surpassing [[sterilization (surgical procedure)|sterilization]]).<!-- --><ref name="who 2002">{{cite journal |author=[[World Health Organization]] |year=2002 |title=The intrauterine device (IUD)-worth singing about |url=http://www.who.int/reproductive-health/hrp/progress/60/news60.html |journal=Progress in Reproductive Health Research |issue=60 |pages=1–8}}</ref> The device has to be fitted inside or removed from the uterus by a doctor or qualified medical practitioner. It remains in place the entire time pregnancy is not desired. Depending on the type, a single IUD is approved for 5 to 10 years, and trials have demonstrated the copper T 380A to be effective for at least 12 years.<!-- --><ref name="12 year">{{cite journal |author=[[World Health Organization]] |year=1997 |title=Long-term reversible contraception. Twelve years of experience with the TCu380A and TCu220C |journal=Contraception |volume=56 |issue=6 |pages=341–52 |pmid=9494767}}</ref> ==History== Presenters at a family planning conference told a tale of Arab traders inserting small stones into the uteruses of their camels to prevent pregnancy. Although the story has been repeated as truth, it has no basis in history and was meant only for entertainment purposes.<!-- --><ref>{{cite web |title=A History of Birth Control Methods |work=Planned Parenthood |year=June 2002 |url=http://www.plannedparenthood.org/news-articles-press/politics-policy-issues/birth-control-access-prevention/bc-history-6547.htm |accessdate=2007-10-14 }}, which cites:<br>{{cite journal |last=Thomas |first=Patricia |title=Contraceptives | journal = Medical World News | volume = 29 | issue = 5 |pages=48 |date=1988-03-14 }}</ref> Precursors to IUDs were first marketed in 1902. Developed from stem [[pessary|pessaries]] (where the stem held the pessary in place over the cervix), the 'stem' on these devices actually extended into the uterus itself. Also known as interuterine devices (because they occupied both the vagina and the uterus), they had high rates of infection and were condemned by the medical community.<!-- --><ref name="slides">{{cite web |last=Lynch |first=Catherine M. |title=History of the IUD |work=Contraception Online |publisher=Baylor College of Medicine |url=http://www.contraceptiononline.org/meetings/IUD/lynch/presentation_text.cfm?cme_activityid=47&showmenu=1 |accessdate=2006-07-09 }}</ref> The first intrauterine device (contained entirely in the uterus) was described in a [[Germany|German]] publication in 1909, although the author appears to have never marketed his product.<!-- --><ref name="IUD">{{cite journal |year=2000 | month = February |title=Evolution and Revolution: The Past, Present, and Future of Contraception | journal = Contraception Online (Baylor College of Medicine) | volume = 10 | issue = 6 | url=http://www.contraceptiononline.org/contrareport/article01.cfm?art=93}}</ref> In 1929, Dr. [[Ernst Gräfenberg]] of [[Germany]] published a report on an IUD made of silk suture. He had found a 3% pregnancy rate among 1,100 women using his ring. In 1930, Dr. Gräfenberg reported a lower pregnancy rate of 1.6% among 600 women using an improved ring wrapped in silver wire. Unbeknownst to Dr. Gräfenberg, the silver wire was contaminated with 26% copper. Copper's role in increasing IUD efficacy would not be recognized until nearly 40 years later. In 1934, Japanese physician Tenrei Ota developed a variation of the ''[[Gräfenberg ring]]'' that contained a supportive structure in the center. The addition of this central disc lowered the IUD's expulsion rate. These devices still had high rates of infection, and their use and development was further stifled by World War II politics: contraception was forbidden in both Nazi Germany and Axis-allied Japan. The Western world did not learn of the work by Gräfenberg and Ota until well after the war ended.<!-- --><ref name="IUD" /> The first plastic IUD, the ''Marguiles Coil'' or ''Marguiles Spiral'', was introduced in 1958. This device was somewhat large, causing discomfort to a large proportion of women users, and had a hard plastic tail, causing discomfort to their male partners. The ''Lippes Loop'', a slightly smaller device with a monofilament tail, was introduced in 1962 and gained in popularity over the Marguiles device.<!-- --><ref name="slides" /> The stainless steel single-ring IUD was developed in the 1970s<!-- --><ref>{{cite web |last=Bradley |first=Jeff |title=Ultrasound Interactive Case Study: Ring IUD |work=OBGYN.net |year=August 1998 |url=http://www.obgyn.net/us/us.asp?page=/us/present/9808/bradley |accessdate=2006-07-09 }} (Has pictures of various IUD designs.)</ref> and widely used in China because of low manufacturing costs. The Chinese government banned production of steel IUDs in 1993 due to high failure rates (up to 10% per year).<!-- --><ref>{{cite journal |last=Kaufman |first=J. |title=The cost of IUD failure in China | journal = Studies In Family Planning | volume = 24 | issue = 3 |pages=194–6 |year=1993 May-Jun | pmid = 8351700 | doi = 10.2307/2939234 }}</ref><!-- --><ref name="population" /> Dr. Howard Tatum, in the USA, conceived the plastic T-shaped IUD in 1968. Shortly thereafter Dr. Jaime Zipper, in Chile, introduced the idea of adding copper to the devices to improve their contraceptive effectiveness.<!-- --><ref name="slides" /><!-- --><ref>{{cite web |last=Van Kets |first=H.E. | coauthors = Editors C. Coll Capdevila, L. Iglesias Cortit and G. Creatsas |title=Importance of intrauterine contraception |work=Contraception Today, Proceedings of the 4th Congress of the European Society of Contraception |publisher=The Parthenon Publishing Group |year=1997 |pages=112–116 |url=http://www.contrel.be/IUD%20GENERAL/Mhistory.htm |accessdate=2006-07-09 }} (Has pictures of many IUD designs, both historic and modern.)</ref> It was found that copper-containing devices could be made in smaller sizes without compromising effectiveness, resulting in fewer side effects such as pain and bleeding.<!-- --><ref name="population">IUDs—An Update. [http://www.infoforhealth.org/pr/b6/b6chap1.shtml#top Chapter 1: Background].</ref> T-shaped devices had lower rates of expulsion due to their greater similarity to the shape of the uterus.<!-- --><ref name="IUD" /> The poorly designed [[Dalkon Shield]] plastic IUD (which had a multifilament tail) was manufactured by the A. H. Robins Company and sold by Robins in the United States for three and a half years from January 1971 through June 1974, before sales were suspended by Robins on [[June 28]], [[1974]] at the request of the FDA because of safety concerns following reports of 110 septic spontaneous abortions in women with the Dalkon Shield in place, seven of whom had died.<!-- --><ref name="sivin 1993">{{cite journal |author=Sivin I |year=1993 |title=Another look at the Dalkon Shield: meta-analysis underscores its problems |journal=Contraception |volume=48 |issue=1 |pages=1–12 |pmid=8403900 |doi=10.1016/0010-7824(93)90060-K}}</ref><!-- --><ref name="mintz 1986">{{cite journal |author=[[Morton Mintz|Mintz, Morton]] |month=January 15, |year=1986 |title=A Crime Against Women. A. H. Robins and the Dalkon Shield |journal=[[Multinational Monitor]] |volume=7 |issue=1 |url=http://multinationalmonitor.org/hyper/issues/1986/0115/index.html}}</ref> Robins stopped international sales of the Dalkon Shield in April 1975.<!-- --><ref name="salem 2006">{{cite journal |author=Salem R |month=February |year=2006 |title=New Attention to the IUD: Expanding Women’s Contraceptive Options To Meet Their Needs |journal=Popul Rep B |issue=7 |url=http://www.infoforhealth.org/pr/b7/chap1.shtml#outdated}}</ref> Second-generation copper-T IUDs were also introduced in the 1970s. These devices had higher surface areas of copper, and for the first time consistently achieved effectiveness rates of greater than 99%. Worldwide today, with the exception of the new GyneFix, this is the only type of IUD available.<!-- --><ref name="update1" /> ==Types of IUDs== There are two broad categories of intrauterine contraceptive devices: inert and [[copper]]-based devices, and hormonally-based devices that work by releasing a [[progestogen]]. In the [[United States]], there are two types of intrauterine contraceptive available: the copper [[Paragard]] and the hormonal [[Mirena]]. Both of these contraceptives are referred to as IUDs.<!-- --><ref>{{cite journal |author=Treiman K, Liskin L, Kols A, Rinehart W |year=1995 |title=IUDs—an update |journal=Popul Rep B |issue=6 |pages=1–35 |pmid=8724322 |url=http://www.infoforhealth.org/pr/b6/b6.pdf | accessdate=2006-01-01|format=PDF}}</ref> In the [[United Kingdom]], where seven types of copper-containing IUDs are available, the term IUD only refers to inert or copper-containing devices. [[#Hormonal intra-uterine devices|Hormonal intra-uterine contraceptives]] are considered a different form of contraception from copper IUDs, and they are distinguished with the term [[IntraUterine System]] or IUS.<!-- --><ref name="coils" /><!-- --><ref>{{cite journal |last=French |first=R | coauthors = Van Vliet H, Cowan F, ''et al.'' |title=Hormonally impregnated intrauterine systems (IUSs) versus other forms of reversible contraceptives as effective methods of preventing pregnancy | journal = Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | issue = 3 |date=2004 | pmid = 15266453 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD001776.pub2 }}</ref> Most non-hormonal IUDs have a plastic T-shaped frame that is wound around with pure electrolytic copper wire and/or has copper collars (sleeves). The Paragard T 380a is 32 mm (1.26") in the horizontal direction (top of the T), and 36 mm (1.42") in the vertical direction (leg of the T). In some IUDs, such as the Nova T 380, the pure copper wire has a [[silver]] core which has been shown to prevent breaking of the wire.<!-- --><ref name="coils" /><!-- --><ref>{{cite web |author=[[Schering]] |month= May 13, |year=2003 |title=Nova T380 Patient information leaflet (PIL) |url=http://emc.medicines.org.uk/emc/assets/c/html/displaydoc.asp?documentid=3641 |accessdate=2007-04-27}}</ref> The arms of the frame hold the IUD in place near the top of the uterus. The GyneFix does not have a T-shape, but rather is a loop that holds several copper tubes. The GyneFix is held in place by a suture to the [[Fundus (uterus)|fundus of the uterus]]. All copper-containing IUDs have a number as part of their name. This is the surface area of copper (in square millimeters) the IUD provides. ===Hormonal intra-uterine devices=== {{main|IntraUterine System}} <!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:IUDCPMirena.gif|thumb|150px|Photo of LNG IUS]] --> Hormonal uterine devices do not increase bleeding as inert and copper-containing IUDs do. Rather, they reduce menstrual bleeding or prevent menstruation altogether, and can be used as a treatment for [[menorrhagia]] (heavy periods). Although use of IntraUterine Systems results in much lower systemic progestogen levels than other very-low-dose progestogen-only hormonal contraceptives, they might possibly have some of the same side effects. Progestasert was the first hormonal uterine device, developed in 1976<!-- --><ref name="update2">IUDs—An Update. [http://www.infoforhealth.org/pr/b6/b6chap2_1.shtml#top Chapter 2: Types of IUDs].</ref> and manufactured until 2001.<!-- --><ref name="medpundit">{{cite web |last=Smith (pseudonym) |first=Sydney |title=Contraceptive Concerns |work=medpundit: Commentary on medical news by a practicing physician. |date= [[March 8]], [[2003]] |url=http://www.medpundit.blogspot.com/2003_03_02_medpundit_archive.html |accessdate=2006-07-16 }}</ref> It released progesterone, was replaced annually, and had a failure rate of 2% per year.<!-- --><ref name="Wyoming">{{cite web |title=Birth Control Options: The Progestasert Intrauterine Device (IUD) |work=Wyoming Health Council |date=2004 |url=http://wyhc.org/birth_control_options/Progestasert-IUD.php |accessdate=2006-07-16 }}</ref> As of 2007, the LNG-20 IUS - marketed as Mirena by [[Bayer]] - is the only IntraUterine System available. First introduced in 1990, it releases [[levonorgestrel]] (a progestogen) and may be used for five years. A lower-dose T-shaped IntraUterine System named Femilis is being developed by Contrel, a Belgian company. Contrel also manufactures the FibroPlant-LNG, a frameless IUS. FibroPlant is anchored to the fundus of the uterus as the GyneFix IUD is. Although a number of trials have shown positive results, FibroPlant is not yet commercially available.<!-- --><ref>{{cite journal |title=New Contraceptive Choices | journal = Population Reports, INFO Project, Center for Communication Programs | volume = M | issue = 19 |publisher=The Johns Hopkins School of Public Health |year=April 2005 |url=http://www.infoforhealth.org/pr/m19/ |accessdate=2006-07-14 }} [http://www.infoforhealth.org/pr/m19/m19chap9.shtml Chapter 9: Intrauterine Devices].</ref> ==Contraindications== The [[World Health Organization|WHO]] ''Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use'' and [[Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists|RCOG]] Faculty of Family Planning & Reproductive Health Care (FFPRHC) ''UK Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use'' list the following as conditions where insertion of a copper IUD is not usually recommended (category 3) or conditions where a copper IUD should not be inserted (category 4):<!-- --><ref name="who mec">{{cite book |author=[[World Health Organization|WHO]] |year=2004 |chapter=Intrauterine devices (IUDs) |title=Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use |edition=3rd ed. |location=Geneva |publisher=Reproductive Health and Research, WHO |id=ISBN 92-4-156266-8 |chapterurl=http://www.who.int/reproductive-health/publications/mec/iuds.html}}</ref><!-- --><ref name="ffprhc mec">{{cite web |author=[[Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists|FFPRHC]] | year=2006 |title=The UK Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (2005/2006) |url=http://www.ffprhc.org.uk/admin/uploads/UKMEC200506.pdf |accessdate=2007-01-11|format=PDF}}</ref> Category 3. Conditions where the theoretical or proven risks usually outweigh the advantages of inserting a copper IUD: * [[Postpartum]] between 48 hours and 4 weeks (increased IUD expulsion rate with delayed postpartum insertion) * [[Benign]] [[gestational trophoblastic disease]] * [[Ovarian cancer]] * Very high individual likelihood of exposure to [[gonorrhea]] or [[Chlamydia infection|chlamydial]] [[sexually transmitted infection|STI]]s * [[AIDS]] (unless clinically well on [[antiretroviral drug|anti-retroviral therapy]]) Category 4. Conditions which represent an unacceptable health risk if a copper IUD is inserted: * [[Pregnancy]] * [[Postpartum]] [[puerperal sepsis]] * Immediately post-[[septic]] [[abortion]] * Before evaluation of unexplained [[vaginal bleeding]] suspected of being a serious condition * [[Malignant]] [[gestational trophoblastic disease]] * [[Cervical cancer]] (awaiting treatment) * [[Endometrial cancer]] * Distortions of the [[uterine cavity]] by [[uterine fibroids]] or anatomical abnormalities * Current [[Pelvic inflammatory disease|PID]] * Current [[purulent]] [[cervicitis]], [[Chlamydia infection|chlamydial]] infection, or [[Gonorrhoea|gonorrheal]] [[sexually transmitted infection|STI]]s * Known pelvic [[tuberculosis]] Some concern has been expressed that women with metal sensitivities to copper or nickel may experience adverse reactions from an IUD. The metal used in IUDs is 99.99% copper, with one study finding a maximum nickel content of 0.001%. Because nickel has a relatively high [[allergy|sensitizing]] potential, a few researchers suggested even this tiny amount might be problematic. A few [[case report]]s have attributed [[eczema]]tous [[dermatitis]] and [[urticaria]] in a handful of users of copper-releasing IUDs to [[systemic]] copper or nickel [[Contact dermatitis#Allergic Contact Dermatitis|allergic contact dermatitis]]. However, the daily metal absorption from an IUD is only a fraction of the normal daily absorption from food, and many [[dermatologist]]s are skeptical that the symptoms described in the case reports were actually caused by metal sensitivity.<!-- --><ref name="jouppila 1979">{{cite journal |author=Jouppila P, Niinimäki A, Mikkonen M |year=1979 |title=Copper allergy and copper IUD |journal=Contraception |volume=19 |issue=6 |pages=631–7 |pmid=487812 |doi=10.1016/0010-7824(79)90009-X}}</ref><!-- --><ref name="frentz 1980">{{cite journal |author=Frentz G, Teilum D |year=1980 |title=Cutaneous eruptions and intrauterine contraceptive copper device |journal=Acta Derm Venereol |volume=60 |issue=1 |pages=69–71 |pmid=6153839}}</ref><!-- --><ref name="wohrl 2001">{{cite journal |author=Wohrl S, Hemmer W, Focke M, Gotz M, Jarisch R |year=2001 |title=Copper allergy revisited |journal=J Am Acad Dermatol |volume=45 |issue=6 |pages=863–70 |pmid=11712031 |doi=10.1067/mjd.2001.117729}}</ref> While [[Parity (medicine)|nulliparous]] women (women who have never given birth) are somewhat more likely to have side effects, this is not a contraindication for IUD use. Some doctors prefer to insert the IUD during menstruation to verify that the woman is not pregnant at the time of insertion. However, IUDs may safely be inserted at any time during the menstrual cycle as long as it is reasonably certain the woman is not pregnant.<!-- --><ref>IUDs-An Update. [http://www.infoforhealth.org/pr/b6/b6chap3.shtml#top Chapter 3: Insertion].</ref> Insertion may be more comfortable if done midcycle, when the cervix is naturally dilated.<!-- --><ref name="pp">{{cite web |title=Understanding IUDs |work=Planned Parenthood Federation of America |date=July 2005 |url=http://www.plannedparenthood.org/pp2/portal/files/portal/medicalinfo/Birth control methods/pub-contraception-iud.xml#1103415754536::8998200633989168060 |accessdate=2006-07-22 }}</ref> ==Side effects and complications== Insertion of the IUD may introduce bacteria into the [[uterus]]. The insertion process carries a small, transient increased risk of [[pelvic inflammatory disease]] in the first 20 days following insertion.<!-- --><ref name="farley"/> It is very important that the provider use proper [[infection]]-prevention techniques during insertion.<!-- --><ref>IUDs—An Update. [http://www.infoforhealth.org/pr/b6/B6boxes.shtml#prevent Sidebar: Infection Prevention for IUD Insertion and Removal].</ref> Antibiotics should be given before insertion to women at high risk for [[endocarditis]] (infection of the valves within the heart), but should not be used routinely.<!-- --><ref>IUDs—An Update. [http://www.infoforhealth.org/pr/b6/B6boxes.shtml#procedures Sidebar: Procedures for Providing IUDs].</ref> During the placement appointment, the [[cervix]] is dilated in order to sound (measure) the uterus and insert the IUD. Cervix dilation is uncomfortable and, for some women, painful. Doctors often advise women to take [[Analgesic|painkillers]] before the procedure to reduce discomfort, and some will use a local anaesthetic. After IUD insertion, [[menstrual cycle|menstrual periods]] are often heavier, more painful, or both - especially for the first few months after they are inserted. On average, menstrual blood loss increases by 20–50% after insertion of a copper-T IUD; increased menstrual discomfort is the most common medical reason for IUD removal.<!-- --><ref>IUDs-An Update. [http://www.infoforhealth.org/pr/b6/b6chap2_5.shtml#top Chapter 2.5: Bleeding and Pain].</ref> Complications include expulsion and uterine perforation. Uterine perforation is generally caused by an inexperienced provider and is very rare. Expulsion is more common in younger women, women who have not had children, and when an IUD is inserted immediately after childbirth or abortion. Women should check the string of the IUD at least once per menstrual cycle to verify that it is still in place. The string(s) may be felt by some men during [[sexual intercourse|intercourse]]. If this is problematic, the provider may cut the strings even with the cervix, so they cannot be felt. Shortening the strings does prevent the woman from checking for expulsion, however. The risk of [[ectopic pregnancy]] to a woman using an IUD is lower than the risk of ectopic pregnancy to a woman using no form of birth control. However, of pregnancies that do occur during IUD use, a higher than expected percentage (3–4%) are ectopic.<!-- --><ref>IUDs-An Update. [http://www.infoforhealth.org/pr/b6/b6chap2_9.stm#top Chapter 2.9:Ectopic Pregnancies].</ref> Although the pregnancy rate during IUD use is very low (less than 1% per year), it is not a 100% effective method of birth control. If pregnancy does occur, presence of the IUD increases the risk of [[miscarriage]], particularly during the second trimester. It also increases the risk of [[premature birth|premature delivery]]. These increased risks end if the IUD is removed after pregnancy is discovered. Although the [[Dalkon Shield]] IUD was associated with septic abortions (infections associated with miscarriage), other brands of IUD are not. IUDs are also ''not'' associated with birth defects or other pregnancy complications.<!-- --><ref>IUDs-An Update. [http://www.infoforhealth.org/pr/b6/b6chap2_8.shtml#top Chapter 2.8: Intrauterine Pregnancy].</ref> ==Effectiveness and mechanism of contraception== All second-generation copper-T IUDs have failure rates of less than 1% per year, and cumulative 10-year failure rates of 2-6%.<!-- --><ref name="population">IUDs-An Update. [http://www.infoforhealth.org/pr/b6/b6chap2_3.shtml#top Chapter 2.3: Effectiveness].</ref> A copper IUD may also be used as [[emergency contraception]]. If an IUD is inserted within five days of unprotected intercourse, a woman's risk of pregnancy is reduced to that of ongoing IUD users.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Gottardi G, Spreafico A, de Orchi L |title=The postcoital IUD as an effective continuing contraceptive method. | journal = Contraception | volume = 34 | issue = 6 |pages=549–58 |year=1986 | pmid = 3549140 | doi = 10.1016/S0010-7824(86)80011-7}}</ref> A large [[World Health Organization]] trial reported a cumulative 12-year failure rate of 2.2% for the T 380A ([[Paragard|ParaGard]]) (an average failure rate of 0.18% per year over 12 years), equivalent to a cumulative 10-year failure rate of 1.8% following [[tubal ligation]].<!-- --><ref name="12 year"/> The frameless GyneFix also has a failure rate of less than 1% per year.<!-- --><ref>{{cite journal |last=O'Brien |first=PA | coauthors = Marfleet C |title=Frameless versus classical intrauterine device for contraception | journal = Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | issue = 1 |date=[[January 25]], [[2005]] | pmid = }}</ref> Worldwide, older IUD models with lower effectiveness rates are no longer produced.<!-- --><ref name="update1">IUDs—An Update. [http://www.infoforhealth.org/pr/b6/b6chap1.shtml#top Chapter 1: Background].</ref> The presence of a device in the uterus prompts the release of [[leukocyte]]s and [[prostaglandin]]s by the [[endometrium]]. These substances are hostile to both sperm and eggs; the presence of copper increases this spermicidal effect.<!-- --><ref>{{cite web |title=Mechanisms of the Contraceptive Action of Hormonal Methods and Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) |work=Family Health International |year=2006 |url=http://www.fhi.org/en/RH/Pubs/booksReports/methodaction.htm |accessdate=2006-07-05 }}</ref><!-- --><ref>{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Sarah |title=IUDs Block Fertilization |work=Network |publisher=Family Health International |year=Winter 1996, Vol. 16, No. 2 |url=http://www.fhi.org/en/RH/Pubs/Network/v16_2/nt1623.htm |accessdate=2006-07-05 }}</ref> When used as ongoing contraception, the primary mechanism of action of the IUD is spermicidal/ovicidal. However, post-fertilization mechanisms are believed by some physicians to contribute significantly to their effectiveness,<!-- --><ref>{{cite journal |author=Stanford J, Mikolajczyk R |title=Mechanisms of action of intrauterine devices: update and estimation of postfertilization effects | journal = Am J Obstet Gynecol | volume = 187 | issue = 6 |pages=1699–708 |year=2002 | pmid = 12501086 | doi = 10.1067/mob.2002.128091}}, which cites: :{{cite journal |author=Smart Y, Fraser I, Clancy R, Roberts T, Cripps A |title=Early pregnancy factor as a monitor for fertilization in women wearing intrauterine devices | journal = Fertil Steril | volume = 37 | issue = 2 |pages=201–4 |year=1982 | pmid = 6174375}}</ref><!-- --><ref>{{cite book |author=Mikolajczyk, Rafael; Stanford, Joseph |year=2004 |chapter=Arguments against contraception--do they make sense to the general public? Importance of ethics, religion and "natural morality" in choice of family planning methods |pages=pp. 229-32 |editor=Fehring, Richard J,; Notare, Theresa (eds.) |title=Integrating faith and science through natural family planning |location=Milwaukee |publisher=[[Marquette University]] [[Marquette University Press|Press]] |isbn=0874620112}}</ref> and may be a primary mechanism when the IUD is used as [[emergency contraception]].<!-- --><ref>{{cite paper |first=James |last=Trussell | coauthors = Elizabeth G. Raymond |title=Emergency Contraception: A Last Chance to Prevent Unintended Pregnancy |publisher=The Office of Population Research at Princeton University and the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals |date=April 2008 |url=http://ec.princeton.edu/questions/ec-review.pdf |format=PDF |accessdate=2008-05--08}}</ref> Because many pro-life individuals and organizations define fertilization as the [[Beginning of pregnancy controversy|beginning of pregnancy]], this possible secondary mechanism of action has led some pro-life individuals and organizations to label the IUD an [[abortifacient]]. Some [[barrier contraception|barrier contraceptives]] protect against [[sexually transmitted disease|STDs]]. [[Hormonal contraceptives]] reduce the risk of developing [[pelvic inflammatory disease]] (PID), a serious complication of certain STDs. IUDs, by contrast, do ''not'' protect against STDs or PID.<!-- --><ref name="farley">{{cite journal |author=Farley TM, Rosenberg MJ, Rowe PJ, Chen JH, Meirik O |year=1992 |title=Intrauterine devices and pelvic inflammatory disease: an international perspective |journal=[[The Lancet|Lancet]] |volume=339 |issue=8796 |pages=785–8|pmid=1347812 |doi=10.1016/0140-6736(92)91904-M }}<br> {{cite journal |author=Grimes DA |year=2000 |title=Intrauterine device and upper-genital-tract infection |journal=[[The Lancet|Lancet]] |volume=356 |issue=9234 |pages=1013–9 |pmid=11041414 |doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(00)02699-4}}<br> {{cite book |author=Mishell Jr., Daniel R. |year=2004 |editor=in Strauss III, Jerome F.; Barbieri, Robert L. (eds.) |chapter=Contraception |title=Yen and Jaffe's Reproductive Endocrinology |edition=5th ed. |pages=pp. 899–938 |location=Philadelphia |publisher=Elsevier Saunders |id=ISBN 0-7216-9546-9}}<br> {{cite book |author=Grimes, David A. |year=2004 |editor=in Hatcher, Robert A.; Trussell, James; Stewart, Felicia H.; Nelson, Anita L.; Cates Jr., Willard; Guest, Felicia; Kowal, Deborah (eds.) |chapter=Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) |title=Contraceptive Technology |edition=18th rev. ed. |pages=pp. 495–530 |location=New York |publisher=Ardent Media |id=ISBN 0-9664902-5-8}}<br> {{cite book |author=Speroff, Leon; Darney, Philip D. |year=2005 |chapter=Intauterine Contraception: The IUD |title=A Clinical Guide for Contraception |edition=4th ed. |pages=pp. 221–257 |location=Philadelphia |publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |id=ISBN 0-7817-6488-2}}<br> {{cite book |author=Hall, Janet E. |year=2005 |editor=in Kasper Dennis L.; Braunwald, Eugene; Fauci, Anthony S.; Hauser, Stephen L.; Longo, Dan L.; Jameson, J. Larry (eds.) |chapter=Infertility and Fertility Control |title=Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine |edition=16th ed. |pages=pp. 279-83 |location=New York |publisher=McGraw-Hill |id=ISBN 0-07-139140-1}}<br> {{cite book |author=Soper, David E.; Mead, Philip B. |year=2005 |editor=in Mandell, Gerald L.; Bennett, John E.; Dolin, Raphael (eds.) |chapter=Infections of the Female Pelvis |title=Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases |edition=6th ed. |pages=pp. 1372–81 |location=Philadelphia |publisher=Elsevier Chuchill Livingston |id=ISBN 0-443-06643-4}}<br> {{cite book |author=Glasier, Anna |year=2006 |chapter=Contraception |editor=in DeGroot, Leslie J.; Jameson, J. Larry (eds.) |title=Endocrinology |edition=5th ed. |pages=pp. 2993–3003 |location=Philadelphia |publisher=Elsevier Saunders |id=ISBN 0-7216-0376-9 |chapter=Contraception}}{{cite book |author=Stubblefield, Phillip G.; Carr-Ellis, Sacheen; Kapp, Nathalie |year=2007 |editor=in Berek, Jonathan A. (ed.) |chapter=Family Planning |title=Berek & Novak's Gynecology |edition=14th ed. |pages=pp. 247–311 |location=Philadelphia |publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |id=ISBN 0-7817-6805-5}}</ref> Non-hormonal (copper) IUDs are considered safe to use while breastfeeding.<ref>http://parenting.ivillage.com/baby/bbreastfeed/0,,3x52,00.html</ref> ==Use as emergency contraception== Intrauterine devices can be used as [[emergency contraception]] to prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected [[sexual intercourse]], or sexual intercourse during which the primary contraception is believed to have failed (e.g. a [[condom]] was used, but it broke). Insertion of a copper-T IUD as emergency contraception is more than 99% effective, making it more effective than [[Emergency contraception|emergency contraceptive pills]] (ECP or 'morning-after pill').<ref>{{cite journal |author=Gottardi G, Spreafico A, de Orchi L |title=The postcoital IUD as an effective continuing contraceptive method. | journal = Contraception | volume = 34 | issue = 6 |pages=549–58 |year=1986 | pmid = 3549140 | doi = 10.1016/S0010-7824(86)80011-7}}</ref> ==Prevalence== The IUD is the world's most widely used method of reversible birth control,<!-- --><ref name="ined 2006"/> currently used by nearly 160 million women (just over two-thirds of whom are in China where it is the most widely used birth control method, surpassing sterilization).<!-- --><ref name="who 2002"/> Usage in many countries has been measured by surveys of married women of reproductive age. In this population in the early 1990s, IUD use ranged from 1.5% in North America, to 18% in Scandinavia, 33% in Russia and China, and 40% in Kazakhstan.<!-- --><ref>IUDs—An Update. [http://www.infoforhealth.org/pr/b6/b6chap6_2.shtml#top Worldwide Use - Developed Countries]. [http://www.infoforhealth.org/pr/b6/b6table.shtml#table2 Table 2: Worldwide Use of IUDs].</ref> Use in China increased to 45% of married women by 2002.<ref name="who 2002"/> Among women who recently had sex and are not trying to become pregnant, 1.9% use IUDs in the United States, 6% in the United Kingdom and 20% in France.<ref>{{cite journal | journal = Contraception |title=Reducing unintended pregnancy in the United States |url=http://www.arhp.org/editorials/january2008.cfm |date=January 2008}}</ref> In the U.S., the ParaGard T 380A was approved by the [[Food and Drug Administration|FDA]] in 1984 and became available for use in 1988. It is still the only copper IUD approved for use in the U.S., and was used by 1.3% of women of reproductive age in a 2002 U.S. survey.<!-- --><ref name="cdc">{{cite journal | last= Chandra |first=A | coauthors = Martinez GM, Mosher WD, Abma JC, Jones J. |title=Fertility, Family Planning, and Reproductive Health of U.S. Women: Data From the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth |publisher=National Center for Health Statistics | journal = Vital Health Stat | volume = 23 | issue = 25 |year=2005 |url=http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_23/sr23_025.pdf |format=PDF |accessdate=2007-05-20 }} See Table 56.</ref> A wider variety of IUDs are available outside of the U.S. In the U.K., for example, seven brands are available: Flexi-T 300, Multi-Safe 375, Multi-Load Cu 375, Neo-Safe T380, Nova T 380, T-Safe 380A, and GyneFix - also called FlexiGard 330 or CuFix PP330.<!-- --><ref name="coils">{{cite web |title=Contraceptive coils (IUDs) |work=NetDoctor.co.uk |date=2006 |url=http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex_relationships/facts/contraceptivecoil.htm |accessdate=2006-07-05 }}</ref> == See also == * [[Vas-occlusive contraception]] == References == {{reflist|colwidth=30em}} == External links == * [https://www.arhp.org/healthcareproviders/cme/onlinecme/IUDCP/TOC.cfm/ Association of Reproductive Health Professionals' Clinical Proceedings: New Developments in Intrauterine Contraception] * [http://www.infoforhealth.org/pr/b7/index.shtml Population Reports: New Attention to the IUD—Johns Hopkins INFO Project, 2006] * [http://www.maqweb.org/iudtoolkit/ IUD Toolkit—USAID's Maximizing Access & Quality Project] * [http://www.obgyn.ufl.edu/obgyn101/Videos/IUDInsert.mpg Video of IUD being inserted] - from University of Florida, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology {{Birth control methods}} [[Category:Intrauterine contraception| ]] [[Category:Chemical contraception]] [[Category:Natural birth control]] [[de:Intrauterinpessar]] [[es:Dispositivo intrauterino]] [[eo:Enutera pesario]] [[fa:آی‌یودی]] [[fr:Stérilet]] [[it:Spirale (contraccezione)]] [[he:התקן תוך רחמי]] [[lt:Gimdos spiralė]] [[nl:Spiraaltje]] [[no:Kobberspiral]] [[pl:Wkładka domaciczna]] [[pt:Dispositivo intra-uterino]] [[ru:Внутриматочная спираль]] [[fi:Kierukka]] [[sv:Spiral (preventivmedel)]] [[zh:子宮環]]