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ParaGard Intrauterine Device (IUD)
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ParaGard is a flexible T-shaped unit that is placed inside the uterus, where it stays until removed by a health care professional. It is used to prevent pregnancy and can do so for ten years, or until it is removed.
A health care professional will clean your vagina and cervix and insert a thin tube of flexible plastic into your uterus. Inside the tube is the ParaGard. When ParaGard is in place in the uterus, the tube will be removed. Most women experience some discomfort during insertion. Insertion takes only a few minutes.
ParaGard contains copper, which is released slowly all the time it is in the uterus. Currently, how ParaGard prevents pregnancy is not completely understood. Several theories have been suggested, including interference with sperm transport, fertilization and implantation.
ParaGard is effective at preventing pregnancy as soon as it is inserted, although a back-up method (like condoms) is recommended until the IUD check 4-6 weeks after insertion.
Less that 1 out of every 100 women using ParaGard become pregnant while using it.
Possibly. Some women have bleeding between their periods, especially during the first 6 months. Some women have heavy periods that last longer than normal.
Your normal ability to become pregnant returns as soon as ParaGard is removed. Your health care professional can remove ParaGard at any time.
Yes. ParaGard is thought to be safe for breastfeeding women.
ParaGard is effective for 10 years. There are no hormonal side effects that are found with other methods.
There are many side effects of ParaGard, such as lower abdominal pain, back pain, fainting and pain at time of insertion, pain when having sex, and increased vaginal discharge.
Other side effects are possible. Talk with your nurse for more information.
Other side effects are possible. Talk with your nurse for more information.
Some ParaGard users get a serious pelvic infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can cause serious problems like infertility, ectopic pregnancy or constant pelvic pain.
ParaGard may go through the uterus, which would require surgery to remove it.
ParaGard may also come out by itself. You could get pregnant if this happens.
Other risks of using ParaGard include cramps, dizziness and faintness with insertion; increased chance of a pregnancy outside of the uterus if a pregnancy does occur, and severe pain after insertion with life-threatening infection.
ParaGard may go through the uterus, which would require surgery to remove it.
ParaGard may also come out by itself. You could get pregnant if this happens.
Other risks of using ParaGard include cramps, dizziness and faintness with insertion; increased chance of a pregnancy outside of the uterus if a pregnancy does occur, and severe pain after insertion with life-threatening infection.
Any woman who:
- Is pregnant or suspects pregnancy
- Has undiagnosed, irregular vaginal bleeding
- Has had pelvic inflammatory disease
- Has an untreated pelvic infection now