Glossary

Glossary


Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system
A new type of intrauterine device (IUD). This system, like other IUDs, is a T-shaped device small enough to fit in the palm of the hand. It is inserted by a health care professional into the uterus. It releases a low dose of the hormone levonorgestrel, a type of progestin similar to the progesterone produced by a woman's ovaries. It is designed to be in place for up to five years but may be removed by a health care professional at any time. It is more than 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.
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