Iucd Health Dictionary

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Iucd: From 2 Different Sources

An abbreviation for intrauterine contraceptive device (see IUD).
Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
(intrauterine contraceptive device) a plastic or metal coil, spiral, or other shape, about 25 mm long, that is inserted into the cavity of the uterus to prevent conception. Its exact mode of action is unknown but it is thought to interfere with implantation of the embryo. Early IUCDs (such as the Lippes loop) were made of plastic; later variants (such as the Gravigard) are covered with copper, which slowly dissolves and augments the contraceptive action. About one-third of women fitted with an IUCD find the side-effects (heavy menstrual bleeding or back pain) unacceptable, but most have no complaints. The unwanted pregnancy rate is about 2 per 100 woman-years. If pregnancy should occur there is normally no need to remove the device (it may, however, be shed spontaneously). See also IUS; postcoital contraception.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (iucd)

A mechanical device, commonly a coil, inserted into the UTERUS to prevent CONCEPTION, probably by interfering with the implantation of the EMBRYO. For many women, IUCDs are an e?ective and acceptable form of contraception, although only about 10 per cent of women in the UK use them. The devices are of various shapes and made of plastic or copper; most have a string that passes through the cervix and rests in the vagina.

About one-third of women have adverse effects as the result of IUCD use: common ones are backache and heavy menstrual bleeding (see MENSTRUATION). The frequency of unwanted pregnancies is about 2 per 100 women-years of use. (See CONTRACEPTION.)... intrauterine contraceptive device (iucd)

Iucd (iud)

Abbreviation for an intrauterine contraceptive device (coil). It acts mechanically to prevent conception, but the coil is not suitable for all women and has a failure rate of 2·3 per cent (see CONTRACEPTION).... iucd (iud)

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