RICHMOND, Va. (Aug. 6, 2007) – Virginia Commonwealth University researchers have found that intrauterine devices are safe and effective in a population of women previously not considered as good candidates for this method of birth control.The findings may help physicians develop improved guidelines for providing intrauterine devices (IUDs) to patients.The IUD is the most common form of reversible birth control used by women worldwide. While IUDs offer a high level of long-term contraceptive efficacy, they have been associated with health risks, including pelvic inflammatory disease and upper genital tract infections. Women who are at high risk for both sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy have been classified as poor candidates for this method of contraception.
