Which statement about intrauterine devices (IUDs) is true?

Which statement about intrauterine devices (IUDs) is true?

• A. They are less effective than birth control pills
• B. They are among the most effective forms of contraception but carry a risk of pelvic inflammatory disease
• C. They have no risk of PID
• D. They are contraindicated in all women with prior STIs

Answer: (B)

IUDs are a form of long-acting reversible contraception that provides pregnancy protection with very low failure rates, independent of daily routine or user adherence. That combination makes them among the most effective contraception options available. At the same time, there is a potential risk of pelvic inflammatory disease if an infection such as gonorrhea or chlamydia is present at the time of insertion or becomes active shortly after placement. The overall risk is small, but it is real, which is why clinicians screen for STIs and may treat or defer insertion if an active infection is suspected. This balance—high efficacy with a small risk of PID—best fits the statement. It’s not accurate to say there is no PID risk, and a history of prior STIs is not an absolute contraindication ( current PID or cervicitis would be a reason to defer).

IUDs are a form of long-acting reversible contraception that provides pregnancy protection with very low failure rates, independent of daily routine or user adherence. That combination makes them among the most effective contraception options available.

At the same time, there is a potential risk of pelvic inflammatory disease if an infection such as gonorrhea or chlamydia is present at the time of insertion or becomes active shortly after placement. The overall risk is small, but it is real, which is why clinicians screen for STIs and may treat or defer insertion if an active infection is suspected.

This balance—high efficacy with a small risk of PID—best fits the statement. It’s not accurate to say there is no PID risk, and a history of prior STIs is not an absolute contraindication ( current PID or cervicitis would be a reason to defer).