The intrauterine device (IUD), a small, flexible plastic frame that a specifically trained provider inserts into a woman’s uterus, provides very effective, safe, and long-term—yet quickly reversible—protection from pregnancy. IUDs can be one of the most cost-effective contraceptive methods because modern IUDs can be used for many years—for at least 12 years for the copper-bearing TCu-380A IUD, and up to 5 years or possibly longer for the hormonal IUD (commercially marketed as Mirena^®).

This Toolkit is for health policy makers, program managers, and service providers who are interested in adding new IUD services to their family planning programs or in improving existing IUD services. The Toolkit also contains information related to the importance of ensuring access and availability to long-acting and permanent methods—IUDs, implants, female sterilization, and vasectomy.

Browse for links to resources by using the navigation menu at the right side of every page. The Toolkit includes information on the following:

• essential knowledge about IUD provision
• related policies and guidelines
• training
• logistics
• program management
• service delivery
• communication
• country experiences with provision of IUDs and related services

For information and tools for postpartum IUD provision, visit the Postpartum IUD section of the Postpartum Family Planning Toolkit.