Encyclopedia >  Medicine  >  Divisions, Diagnostics, and Procedures  >  Medicine

intrauterine device

intrauterine device (IUD), variously shaped birth control device, usually of plastic, which is inserted into the uterus by a physician. The IUD may contain copper or levonorgestrel, a progestin (a hormone with progesteronelike effects; see progesterone). Apparently the IUD creates a hostile environment for the fertilized egg.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

More on intrauterine device from Fact Monster:

  • actinomycosis - actinomycosis actinomycosis , chronic suppurative infection that occurs around the face and neck. ...
  • class action - class action class action, in law, a device that permits one or more persons to sue or be sued as ...
  • birth control: Methods of Birth Control - Methods of Birth Control Male birth control methods include withdrawal of the male before ...
  • Information Please: 1961 - 1961 Previous Year | Next Year World | U.S. | Economics | Sports | Entertainment | Science | Deaths ...
  • Encyclopedia: Medicine - Encyclopeadia articles concerning Medicine.

See more Encyclopedia articles on: Medicine