New attention to the IUD: expanding women's contraceptive options to meet their needs

Abstract

Modern intrauterine devices (IUDs) are safe, effective, and quickly reversible long-term contraceptives that require little attention after insertion. Yet safety concerns and programmatic challenges have held back IUD services in many countries. New assessment of research findings, recently translated into guidance by the World Health Organization, should help reassure providers that most women can use IUDs safely.