Intrauterine Device(IUD)
This small, T-shaped device is made from made of a material containing progesterone hormone or plastic and copper and is fitted inside a woman’s uterus by a trained healthcare provider.
How the IUD works
- It’s a long-acting and reversible method of contraception, which can stay in place for three to 10 years, depending on the type.
- Some IUDs contain hormones that are gradually released to prevent pregnancy. The IUD can also be effective emergency contraception if fitted by a healthcare professional within five days (120 hours) of having unprotected sex.
- IUDs containing coppers are 99% effective and the ones containing hormones are 99.8% effective, so you’re about as protected as you possibly can be by a contraceptive method.