IUD
abbreviation or noun
plural IUDs
: 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
Once an IUD is inserted, you don't have to worry about birth control until it's time to replace it (three to 10 years, depending on the brand). —
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic … got relief by changing her birth control to a progestin-emitting IUD, which lightened her periods without dramatically adding extra hormones in the rest of her body. —Laura Beil
Laura Beil If you don't want back-to-back pregnancies, contraception post-childbirth is key. You can go back on some types of birth control, like … hormonal or copper IUDs, immediately after giving birth. —Anna Medaris
Anna Medaris called also intrauterine contraceptive device, intrauterine device, IUCD
Examples of IUD in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The album art is an X-ray of a blue pelvis in jeans, including a zipper, a button, and a belt buckle, still visible, along with an IUD.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 May 2025
Two weeks into her new IUD, the part-time waitress began bleeding every day and had occasional cramping.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 25 May 2025
Related Story Update: Women Say Doctors Ignore Their IUD Pain.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 23 May 2025
The cover is an X-ray of her pelvis, showing off the zipper on her jeans and her IUD.
—Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for IUD
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Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 May 2025
Two weeks into her new IUD, the part-time waitress began bleeding every day and had occasional cramping.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 25 May 2025
Related Story Update: Women Say Doctors Ignore Their IUD Pain.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 23 May 2025
The cover is an X-ray of her pelvis, showing off the zipper on her jeans and her IUD.
—Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for IUD
Cite this Entry
“IUD.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IUD. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
IUD
nounMedical Definition
IUD
abbreviation or noun
: 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
called also intrauterine contraceptive device, intrauterine device, IUCD
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