Dear lululala,

IUD stands for intrauterine device. It is a method of prescription birth control. IUDs are small devices that are inserted into a woman's uterus by a clinician. The ones available in the United States are shaped like a "T." They are made of flexible plastic. There are two types: one contains copper and one contains the hormone progestin. IUDS work by preventing fertilization of an egg. Theoretically they could also prevent implantation of the fertilized egg, but there is no scientific proof that that actually happens.

Used correctly, the IUD is more than 99 percent effective against pregnancy, but it offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections.

For more information, check out Understanding IUDs.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.