Paragard
Generic name: intrauterine copper contraceptive
Drug class:Miscellaneous vaginal agents
What is Paragard?
- Paragard is a copper-releasing system that is placed in your uterus by your healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years.
- Paragard can be removed by your healthcare provider at any time.
- Paragard does not contain any hormones.
- Paragard can be used whether or not you have given birth to a child.
Paragard is a small, flexible plastic “T” shaped intrauterine system with copper wrapped around the stem and placed on arms of the “T”. Two thin white threads are attached to the stem (lower end) of Paragard. The threads are the only part of Paragard you can feel when Paragard is in your uterus; however, unlike a tampon string, the threads do not extend outside of your body.
Paragard does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
What if I need birth control for more than 10 years?
Paragard must be removed on or before 10 years from the date of insertion. Your healthcare provider can place a new Paragard during the same office visit if you choose to continue using Paragard.
What if I want to stop using Paragard?
Paragard is intended for use up to 10 years, but you can stop using Paragard at any time by asking your healthcare provider to remove it. You could become pregnant as soon as Paragard is removed; however, if you do not want to become pregnant you should use another method of birth control. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best birth control methods for you.
What if I change my mind about birth control and want to become pregnant in less than 10 years?
Your healthcare provider can remove Paragard at any time before the 10 years after placement. You may become pregnant as soon as Paragard is removed.
How does Paragard work?
Paragard works by preventing sperm from reaching the egg, preventing sperm from fertilizing the egg, or possibly preventing attachment (implantation) in the uterus. Paragard does not stop your ovaries from making an egg (ovulating) each month.
Who might use Paragard?
You might choose Paragard if you:
- want long-term birth control that provides a low chance of getting pregnant (less than 1 in 100)
- want birth control that works continuously for up to 10 years
- want birth control that is reversible
- want a birth control method that you do not need to take daily
- are willing to use a birth control method that is inserted in the uterus
- want birth control that does not contain hormones
Who should not use Paragard?
Do not use Paragard if you:
- are or might be pregnant
- have a condition of the uterus that changes the shape of the uterine cavity, such as large fibroid tumors
- have an untreated pelvic infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) now
- have had an infection in your uterus after a pregnancy or abortion in the past 3 months
- can get infections easily. For example, if you:
- have problems with your immune system
- have multiple sexual partners or your partn.
