Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

Women who have been pregnant are

less likely to have complications than

women who have never been pregnant.

For example, they may experience less

pain on insertion and have lighter men-

strual flow and lower expulsion rates.

IUDs are usually not recommended for

women with fibroidsor an irregular uter-

ine cavity. If menstrual flow is heavy, or

there is a history or increased risk of

pelvic inflammatory disease(PID), a pro-

gestogen IUD may be recommended.

Rarely, pregnancy can occur, although

IUDs seldom cause problems and can be

removed. Nonprogestogen IUDs increase

the risk of PID, which can lead to per-

manent infertility. A rare complication

of IUD use is perforation of the uterus,

which most commonly occurs at the

time of insertion.

IVFSee in vitro fertilization.

IVUThe abbreviation for intravenous

urography(an X-ray imaging technique

for visualizing the urinary tract).

Specific treatment for itching depends on

the underlying cause. Cooling lotions,

such as calamine, relieve irritation; emol-

lients reduce dryness.

-itisA suffix meaning “inflammation of”.

Virtually every organ or tissue in the body

can suffer inflammation, so “itis” is by

far the most common word ending in

medicine. Examples of its use are bron-

chitis (inflammation of the bronchi) and

hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).

itraconazoleA type of antifungal drug.

IUCDAn abbreviation for intrauterine

contraceptive device (see IUD).

IUDAn abbreviation for intrauterine con-

traceptive device. An IUD, which is also

known asan IUCD or coil, is a mechani-

cal device that is inserted into the

uterus for purposes of contraception.

Most IUDs are plastic devices with

either copper or silver incorporated to

improve their effectiveness. One type

of IUD releases small amounts of the

progestogen hormone levonorgestrel

and is sometimes known as an intra-

uterine system (IUS). IUDs are believed

to inhibit the implantation of a fertil-

ized egg in the wall of the uterus (see

implantation, egg).

An IUD is inserted through the vagina

and cervix into the uterine cavity. Once

in position, an IUD provides immediate

protection. Most IUDs have a plastic

string attached to make removal easier

and also to indicate its presence when

in place. IUDs usually need to be re-

placed every 3–8 years.

-ITIS IVU

I

IUD

Vagina

IUD IN POSITION

Fallopian

tube

Uterus

IUD in

uterine

cavity

Cervix

IUD

Plastic rod

Copper

wire coating

Thread