ParaGard IUD

The ParaGard Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a small T-shaped device that is used as a birth control mechanism. A doctor or trained nurse practitioner will insert the IUD into the uterus, which begins to prevent pregnancy upon proper insertion. The IUD is said to be safe for women throughout their reproductive life, from about age 16 to menopause.

The ParaGard IUD Contraceptive is about an inch long, made of plastic and wrapped in copper. It is hormone free, so it does not change a woman’s menstrual cycle, but instead releases a small amount of copper over its 10 year life, acting as a spermicide, and preventing pregnancy. The copper contained in the IUD is not harmful to the woman, it is similar to the copper naturally found in the human body, with less being released daily than the amount consumed as part of one’s diet.

The ParaGard IUD Contraceptive has proven to be very effective, with less than a 1% failure rate among women who used the device properly. The device can become dislodged and even expelled, requiring a doctor to re-insert the IUD. The IUD prevents pregnancy by not only releasing a small amount of copper that acts as a spermicide, but also by preventing an embryo from implanting in the uterus.

Although the ParaGard IUD Contraceptive can be expensive, around $450, it does last for about 10 years, is completely reversible and hormone free. Upon removal of the IUD most women are able to become pregnant rather quickly, some are not, but that is not necessarily traced to the use of the IUD.

If pregnancy does occur while the IUD is inserted, it should be immediately removed. The removal of the IUD may cause a miscarriage, but not removing it could result in birth defects. The ParaGard IUD, like any IUD, does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

There are many advantages to using the ParaGard IUD. Once inserted, the woman generally does not know it is there. Once inserted it can remain for up to 10 years and can be removed at any time if desired. Once removed, the ability to get pregnant returns almost immediately. It can be used while breastfeeding, since it does not change a woman’s hormone levels. The IUD is believed to be the most popular form of birth control around the world. It is hassle free, and can be fairly anonymous, since there are no outward signs that you have the IUD inserted.

Although most women experience no problems with the insertion of the ParaGard IUD Contraceptive, some women do have problems. Some women experience heavy bleeding and cramping, as well as spotting between periods. Usually this is within the first few months after insertion, with the symptoms relieving or disappearing shortly after.