ParaGard® (Copper IUD)

What is a copper intrauterine device (IUD)?

An IUD (intrauterine device) is a small, T-shaped piece of plastic a healthcare provider inserts through your vagina and into your uterus to prevent pregnancy. A copper IUD is a type of IUD that contains copper.

There are two types of IUDs: hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs. Like the name implies, a hormonal IUD contains a hormone called progestin. A copper IUD doesn’t contain hormones. Instead, it uses copper to prevent pregnancy.

A healthcare provider must insert and remove a copper IUD (it takes a few minutes). It can prevent pregnancy for 10 years, but some studies show it can last longer in some people. You don’t have to keep the copper IUD for the full 10 years. It can come out whenever you want — either because you want to get pregnant or because you want to try another birth control method.

How does a copper IUD work?

A copper IUD is made up of a plastic “T” wrapped in a copper coil. Because sperm don’t like copper, they avoid the IUD. This prevents sperm from reaching an egg. If sperm can’t get to an egg, you won’t get pregnant. Copper also helps change the lining of your uterus and cervical mucus, which makes it a less ideal environment for sperm.

In some situations, a healthcare provider may recommend a copper IUD as emergency contraception. This means that if a provider inserts it within five days (120 hours) of unprotected intercourse, it reduces the chance of an accidental pregnancy.

What is the ParaGard®?

ParaGard® is the only copper IUD available in the United States today. Other countries, like Canada and the United Kingdom, have several other copper IUDs available.

How long does a copper IUD take to work?

A copper IUD works almost immediately. This is one of the reasons your provider may recommend it for emergency contraception.

How effective are copper IUDs?

ParaGard® is more than 99% effective. The only other birth control options with that level of effectiveness are the hormonal IUD and the birth control implant. For reference, the effectiveness of other birth control options (when used correctly) are:

• Shot (Depo-Provera®): 96%.
• Pill, patch and vaginal ring: 93%.
• Condoms: 86%.

One reason IUDs work so well: There’s less room for error. After you have an IUD in, it’ll continue working without any further action from you.

What are the possible side effects of copper IUDs?

You may experience the following side effects in the days after you get a copper IUD:

• A heavier or longer period.
• A more painful period (more cramping).
• Spotting between periods or irregular periods.

These symptoms may go away or ease up after three to six months. If you continue to have more cramping than usual or heavy periods, contact your healthcare provider.

Does a copper IUD cause weight gain?

Studies show that having a copper IUD isn’t a direct cause of weight gain.

Do copper IUDs stop periods?

No, a copper IUD won’t stop your period because it doesn’t use hormones. But some people report irregular bleeding for several months after getting a copper IUD. Talk to your healthcare provider if periods stop completely while using a copper IUD.

What are the benefits of copper IUD birth control?

Unlike birth control pills or other devices that are easy to forget, an IUD is a “set it and forget it” type of birth control. That means it’s super convenient and you don’t have to think about it every day or every month. Once your provider places it in your uterus, you’re getting the pregnancy protection you need for years.

Copper IUDs have other benefits, too. For example, they’re:

• Hormone-free: Copper IUDs are a great option for people who can’t take hormones due to certain medical conditions or for people who simply don’t want to take hormones.
• Reversible: Once you remove a copper IUD, your pregnancy protection ends. This means it’s OK if your plans change and you either want to become pregnant or want to try a different type of birth control.
• Effective: IUDs are more than 99% effective, even when used as emergency contraception.

What are the risks of copper IUD birth control?

Overall, copper IUDs are a safe, effective form of birth control. Some potential risks of using Paragard include:

• Perforation: Your healthcare provider accidentally perforates, or tears, your uterine wall when placing or removing the IUD. This can happen with any type of IUD, not just a copper IUD. This happens in less than 1 in 1,000 cases.
• Expulsion: The IUD can fall out. If this happens, your provider needs to insert a new one.
• Infection: There’s a small risk of infection when your provider inserts or removes an IUD.
• Pregnancy: Getting pregnant with an IUD is rare, but it can happen. You should call your healthcare provider if you believe you may be pregnant at any time while you have an IUD.

IUDs don’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV/AIDS. Use a condom every time you have sex to lower your risk of getting or spreading STIs.

Are copper IUDs safe?

Yes, copper IUDs are safe for most people. Talk to your healthcare provider about your medical history before getting a copper IUD so they can help you decide if it’s the right birth control method for you.

Healthcare providers may advise against a copper IUD if you have:

• An active pelvic, vaginal or uterine infection (including STIs).
• Uterine fibroids or tumors.
• Cervical or uterine cancer.
• An allergy or intolerance to copper.

Your provider won’t place an IUD if there’s any chance you’re pregnant. A negative pregnancy test is necessary before getting an IUD.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

A copper IUD (Paragard) is a great “set it and forget it” birth control option for people who want convenience and reliability. But this type of birth control isn’t for everyone. Like all forms of contraception, there are also risks and side effects to a copper IUD. Be sure to discuss these with your healthcare provider. An important thing to remember about an IUD is your healthcare provider must insert and remove it. If you try Paragard and decide it’s not the right birth control for you, your provider can remove it and recommend something else.