The letters IUD stand for “intrauterine device.” IUDs are small, “T-shaped” devices made of flexible plastic. A health care provider inserts an IUD into a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy.

There are two brands of IUD available in the United States — ParaGard and Mirena.
The ParaGard IUD contains copper. It is effective for 12 years.
The Mirena IUD releases a small amount of progestin, a hormone. It is effective for five years.

Both the ParaGard and the Mirena IUDs work mainly by affecting...  more