Everybody Loves an Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Your Ob/Gyn is probably using an IUD. So, why aren't you? And for all you physicians out there, don't be an IUD nonplacer [my new favorite word].

From a survey of female employees at a Midwestern University, among heterosexually active, premenopausal nonsterilized respondents (n=4764):

-- Ob/Gyns reported greater history of IUD use than all others (34% vs. 12%).

-- Physicians overall reported greater IUD use than nonphysicians (24% vs. 12%).

-- Clinicians who place IUDs reported more personal IUD use than nonplacers (33% vs. 18%).

-- Among women who intend future pregnancy, 26% of Ob/Gyns reported history of IUD use versus 17% of other physicians and 6% of nonclinician Ph.D.s.

-- 17%, 12% and 4% respectively reported current IUD use and future childbearing intention.