intrauterine contraceptive device

Last reviewed 03/2023

Intrauterine contraceptive devices - IUCDs - are a well established form of contraception. They are inserted into the endometrial cavity through an introducer and removed by traction on a string attached to the lower end of the device.

Until relatively recently the failure rate associated with the use of an IUCD was higher than that associated with the use of the oral contraceptive pill. However this is now not the case. The introduction of the intra-uterine progestogen only contraceptive has failure rates similar to that of sterilisation.