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IUD Toolkit

Up-to-date evidence and best practices related to the Intrauterine Device

Of the world's major forms of modern reversible contraception (pills, injectables, condoms, and IUDs), IUDs are the least well-known; approximately 61 percent of respondents in Demographic and Health Surveys in the last five years are familiar with IUDs (Demographic and Health Surveys, 2005). Also, in some countries, many women are not aware of existing sources of IUD services (Zlidar et al., 2003).

IUD users are more highly satisfied with their choice of contraception than are users of other reversible forms, according to research conducted in the US (Forrest, 1996).
Approximately 75-85 percent of women who choose the IUD keep it for at least one year (Rivera et al., 1992); (Schmidt et al., 1994). The continuation rate for IUDs is higher than the continuation rates for oral contraceptives, or injectables (though the factors that result in continuation among these various methods are not entirely comparable) (Sekadde-Kigondu et al., 1996).
Myths and misconceptions in the minds of clients and communities about the IUD's characteristics are widespread in many parts of the world and probably prevent greater use of the IUD. Contrary to common myths and misconceptions, IUDs do not "migrate" to distant parts of the body, do not have a higher failure rate than oral contraceptives, and do not harm a fetus in the rare event of method failure (Grimes, 2004).