Intrauterina

Intrauterina is an adjective meaning located within the uterus. It is used in medical terminology, and the English equivalent is intrauterine. The form intrauterina appears in Latinized medical usage and in Romance-language terminology for related concepts.

In anatomy, intrauterine denotes structures, processes, or conditions inside the uterine cavity, bounded by the endometrium and the myometrium. It is contrasted with intramural (within the uterine wall) and with exterior terms such as outside the uterus.

In pregnancy, an intrauterine pregnancy is one that develops within the uterus. Most pregnancies are intrauterine, whereas a pregnancy located outside the uterus is termed ectopic (extrauterine).

In contraception, intrauterine devices, commonly called IUDs, are a form of long-acting reversible contraception placed through the cervix into the uterus. Copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs (levonorgestrel-releasing) exist. Mechanisms include spermicidal effects, thickened cervical mucus, and alterations of the endometrium to prevent implantation. They provide protection for several years but can cause side effects such as cramping or heavier menses (particularly with copper devices), and carry risks such as perforation or expulsion in rare cases.

In fertility treatment, intrauterine insemination (IUI) places prepared sperm directly into the uterus around ovulation to improve the chance of pregnancy.

In obstetric and fetal medicine, intrauterine growth restriction describes a fetus that is smaller than expected for gestational age, often due to placental insufficiency, maternal health factors, or fetal conditions. Intrauterine infections and inflammatory conditions can also affect pregnancy outcomes.