The Medical Efficacy and Safety of IUDs: Clinical and Public Health Perspectives

Although intrauterine devices (IUDs) are among the most effective forms of long-acting reversible contraception, their adoption remains surprisingly limited: a reality often linked to persistent gaps in public knowledge and prevailing social perceptions. This thesis aims to explore the roots of medical hesitation and the broader societal neglect surrounding women’s reproductive health. The study focuses on both hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs, assessing their clinical efficacy, safety profiles, and users’ perceptions. In addition to examining medical outcomes, the research investigates how IUDs are understood and perceived across different age groups, highlighting levels of awareness and common misconceptions. Methodologically, the thesis combines a comprehensive literature review with the analysis of clinical data, applying clear inclusion and exclusion criteria. Key areas of focus include side effects, user satisfaction, discontinuation rates, and the suitability of IUDs across diverse populations. The findings are discussed from both clinical and socio-cultural perspectives. Ultimately, this work aims to promote greater awareness of IUDs, empowering women to engage more confidently and knowledgeably with reproductive healthcare, while also encouraging healthcare professionals to foster more open, evidence-based conversations about this underutilized method of contraception. The thesis concludes with a set of recommendations to enhance access to IUDs and improve public education on their use.