This document presents an overview of key biomedical, social science, and programmatic knowledge about the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) as of January 2009. View individual sections of the document:

This report aims to provide detailed information on the dynamics of IUD use in developing countries, using data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHSs). More specifically, it provides the socio-demographic profile of IUD users, continuation of use and reasons for the discontinuation of use at 12, 24 and 36 months. In addition, it provides information on method-switching following discontinuation for method-related reasons.

This document presents the latest biomedical, social science and programmatic knowledge about the Copper-T 380A (TCu-380A) IUD as of January 2009. To view individual sections of this document, please click on the following headings:

This document provides a brief overview of key similarities and differences between the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and the copper-bearing Copper-T 380 IUD (TCu-380A).

This case study of long-term safety and effectiveness of copper IUDs was developed by the NDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP).

This is an extensive review of both published and unpublished findings about: (1) public health benefits of the IUD; (2) programmatic factors influencing IUD use; (3) supply issues, including analysis of public-private partnerships; and (4) options for foundations considering support for IUD programs. Primarily geared toward the donor community, especially private foundations, this document may also be of interest to program planners, researchers, and advocates.

Family planning program managers can use this authoritative report to overcome perceived programmatic challenges to providing IUD services, including approaches to keep down costs; help assure good quality care for IUD services; answer questions from providers and policy makers about IUD safety, medical eligibility criteria, and programming needs; and be alert for common provider biases and practices that unnecessarily limit IUD use.

The purpose of this module is to meet the continuing educational needs of family planning practitioners, program managers, and policy makers in resource-constrained settings by providing up-to-date, evidence-based information on the IUD. Topics covered include a general overview of the IUD, client screening and counseling, insertion guidelines, and general managerial concerns related to IUD provision.

French | Spanish

French | Spanish

Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers, offers clinic-based health care professionals in developing countries the latest guidance on providing contraceptive methods. Primary features of the handbook include:

This fact sheet contains information about the copper IUD for non-medical professionals.

This fact sheet contains information about the progestin IUD for non-medical professionals.

This peer-reviewed brief gives an overview of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), including effectiveness, safety, benefits, current program use, and information about the manufacturer, registration status, and costs. The goal is to improve information about underused contraceptive methods to improve women's and couple's access to a range of family planning methods.

This provider information leaflet was developed by the ICA Foundation. It provides a technical overview of the LNG-IUS for providers, and includes information about the following: product description, active ingredient, mechanism of action, method acceptors, insertion procedure, patient counseling, effectiveness, conditions requiring precautions, side effects, benefits and limitations to LNG-IUS use.

This technical brief was developed by members of the Caucus on New and Underused Reproductive Health Technologies, a thematic group established under the auspices of the Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition. One in a series of ten, this brief focuses on the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS). It provides a basic description of the LNG-IUS, as well as information on efficacy, current program/sector use, manufacturing, registration, and pricing.

The Population Council's Frontiers in Reproductive Health Program (FRONTIERS) conducted research in Africa, Asia and the Near East, and Latin America and the Caribbean to understand why the IUD is not used more extensively and to test strategies to make it more accessible and acceptable for couples. Findings of this research, along with policy implications, are presented in this document. Request a copy of this document:

When cost and access barriers are removed, long-acting and permanent methods (LAPMs) fill a growing need to both space and limit births. This brief describes some of the factors to consider when expanding contraceptive method choice to include LAPMs.

Repositioning Family Planning is a multilateral initiative to ensure that access to quality family planning services remains a key issue for policymakers and providers working to impact children’s health as well as the health of women and men in Africa. This brief describes key points to the success of this family planning initiative which certainly includes attention to the IUD.

The advent of the copper IUD has brought about a change in the way we think about IUD use. Many restrictions on IUD use have been lifted. The Old Think/New Think tool gives a quick update on this shift in thinking and reflects the latest guidance from the World Health Organization.

Programs and providers are now making IUDs more available. Some of the main reasons for this resurgence are described in this brief.

The latest research on the copper T IUD and the contraceptive method's reintroduction in Kenya, where its use has declined, is provided in several information briefs. Six key topics describe the IUD's many benefits: Increasing access to and provision of the IUD is a way of expanding women's contraceptive choices. The device is safe, effective, and reversible. It is an extremely low-cost option. It is convenient for client and provider, and has minimal associated health risks.

IUDs are the most popular form of reversible contraception in the world.  They are extremely safe and effective and can be used by women as a long-term method.  This brief discusses these safety and effectiveness issues in greater detail.