Article: IUDs, though deemed safe, still stigmatized in U.S.

PHILADELPHIA - Rings made of nickel, gold or stainless steel. Plastic shaped like squiggles, hearts or pretzels. Little 7s and Ts that release copper or a hormone.

The variety of gizmos that women around the world have put in their wombs to prevent pregnancy is startling.

It is also shows the enduring appeal of the intrauterine device.

The IUD, used by 160 million women, is the world's second-most- popular contraceptive method, after sterilization, according to the World Health Organization. It is hassle-free, economical, long- acting and, unlike sterilization, reversible.

Yet in the United States, the method is about as popular as chastity belts. ParaGard and Mirena, the only two IUD ...

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