What is the mechanism of action of intrauterine devices (IUDs)?

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What is the mechanism of action of intrauterine devices (IUDs)?

IUDs prevent pregnancy by making the uterus unreceptive to a fertilized egg and by hindering fertilization itself. Copper IUDs release ions that create a local inflammatory environment and impair sperm function, reducing the chance that fertilization occurs. Hormonal IUDs release progestin (levonorgestrel), which thickens cervical mucus and alters the endometrium, making implantation of any fertilized egg unlikely. Across both types, the resulting effect is that a fertilized egg is unlikely to implant in the uterus, which is why the mechanism described as preventing implantation is the best way to capture how IUDs work.

IUDs prevent pregnancy by making the uterus unreceptive to a fertilized egg and by hindering fertilization itself. Copper IUDs release ions that create a local inflammatory environment and impair sperm function, reducing the chance that fertilization occurs. Hormonal IUDs release progestin (levonorgestrel), which thickens cervical mucus and alters the endometrium, making implantation of any fertilized egg unlikely. Across both types, the resulting effect is that a fertilized egg is unlikely to implant in the uterus, which is why the mechanism described as preventing implantation is the best way to capture how IUDs work.

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