The full form of IUCD is Intrauterine Contraceptive Device.

An IUD(Intrauterine Contraceptive Device) is a tiny device that’s put into your uterus to prevent pregnancy. It’s long-term, reversible, and one of the most effective birth control methods out there.

IUD stands for Intrauterine Device (basically: a device inside your uterus). It’s a small piece of flexible plastic shaped like a T. Sometimes it’s called an IUC — intrauterine contraception.

There are 5 different brands of IUDs that are FDA approved for use in the United States: Paragard, Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla.

These IUDs are divided into 2 types: copper IUDs (Paragard) and hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla)

The Paragard IUD doesn’t have hormones. It’s wrapped in a tiny bit of copper, and it protects you from pregnancy for up to 12 years.

The Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla IUDs use the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy. Progestin is very similar to the hormone progesterone that our bodies make naturally. Mirena works for up to 7 years. Kyleena works for up to 5 years. Liletta works for up to 7 years. Skyla works for up to 3 years.

ParaGard offers effective, long-term contraception. It can be used in premenopausal women of all ages, including teenagers.

Among various benefits, ParaGard:

• Eliminates the need to interrupt sex for contraception
• Can remain in place for up to 10 years
• Can be removed at any time
• Can be used while breast-feeding
• Doesn’t carry the risk of side effects, such as blood clots, related to hormonal birth control methods
• Can be used for emergency contraception if inserted within five days after unprotected sex

ParaGard isn’t appropriate for everyone. Your health care provider may discourage use of ParaGard if you:

• Have uterine abnormalities — such as large fibroids — that interfere with the placement or retention of ParaGard
• Have a pelvic infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease
• Have uterine or cervical cancer
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Are allergic to any component of ParaGard
• Have a disorder that causes too much copper to accumulate in your liver, brain and other vital organs (Wilson’s disease)