INTRAUTERINE DEVICE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does intrauterine device mean? 

• INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (noun)
  The noun INTRAUTERINE DEVICE has 1 sense:

1. contraceptive device consisting of a piece of bent plastic or metal that is inserted through the vagina into the uterus

  Familiarity information: INTRAUTERINE DEVICE used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Contraceptive device consisting of a piece of bent plastic or metal that is inserted through the vagina into the uterus

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

intrauterine device; IUD

Hypernyms ("intrauterine device" is a kind of...):

birth control device; contraceptive; contraceptive device; preventative; preventive; prophylactic device (an agent or device intended to prevent conception)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "intrauterine device"):

loop (an intrauterine device in the shape of a loop)

 Context examples 

A long-acting, hormone-releasing, intrauterine device consisting of a small, T-shaped, polyethylene frame and a reservoired synthetic progesterone with progestational and potential antineoplastic activities.

(Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System, NCI Thesaurus)

The use of intrauterine devices is also being studied in the prevention and treatment of endometrial cancer and other conditions.

(Intrauterine device, NCI Dictionary)

A device designed to prevent conception through local or systemic effect, such as a barrier contraceptive, an intrauterine device, or a means of preventing ovulation (e.g., birth control pill).

(Contraceptive Device, NCI Thesaurus)

Also called intrauterine device.

(IUD, NCI Dictionary)

Birth control methods may work in a number of different ways. These include: • Preventing sperm from getting to the eggs - condoms, diaphragms and intrauterine devices (IUDs) work this way • Keeping the woman's ovaries from releasing eggs that could be fertilized - birth control pills work this way • Sterilization, which permanently prevents a woman from getting pregnant or a man from being able to get a woman pregnant

(Birth Control, NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)

Intrauterine devices prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg, and prevent fertilized eggs from implanting in the uterus.

(Intrauterine device, NCI Dictionary)