Hormonal intrauterine device
Hormonal Intrauterine Device
A Hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD) (pronunciation: /hɔːrˈmoʊnəl ˌɪntrəˈjuːtaɪn dɪˈvaɪs/) is a type of birth control that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
Etymology
The term "Hormonal Intrauterine Device" is derived from the Latin words "hormon" meaning "excite", "intra" meaning "within", "uterus" meaning "womb", and "device" meaning "contrivance".
Description
The Hormonal IUD releases a type of progestin called levonorgestrel, which is a hormone that prevents ovulation (the release of an egg during the monthly cycle). A woman cannot get pregnant if an egg is not released. It also thickens the mucus in the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and reach any eggs that may have been released. The Hormonal IUD can stay in place for 3 to 7 years, depending on the brand.
Related Terms
- Birth Control: Methods used to prevent pregnancy.
- Uterus: The organ in the lower body of a woman where offspring are conceived and in which they gestate before birth.
- Pregnancy: The state of carrying a developing embryo or fetus within the female body.
- Progestin: A type of hormone that women's bodies produce after ovulation to help regulate the menstrual cycle.
- Levonorgestrel: A synthetic form of progesterone, a hormone that is naturally produced in the ovaries.
- Ovulation: The release of eggs from the ovaries.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hormonal intrauterine device
- Wikipedia's article - Hormonal intrauterine device
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