Paragard is an IUD contraceptive used by women who want birth control that is:
long term as it works continuously for up to 10 years
immediately reversible when removed
99% effective at preventing pregnancy
low maintenance
hormone free.
Paragard side effects
Common Paragard side effects include:
anemia (low red blood cell count)
backache
painful periods
pain during sex
expulsion (complete or partial)
vaginal discharge
prolonged periods
spotting
pain and cramping
vaginal irritation
Paragard can cause serious side effects
Serious Paragard side effects include:
ectopic pregnancy and intrauterine pregnancy risks: There are risks if you become pregnant while using Paragard (see “What if I become pregnant while using Paragard?”).
life-threatening infection: Life-threatening infection can occur within the first few days after the IUD is placed. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you develop severe pain or fever shortly after it is placed.
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or endometritis: Some IUD users get a serious pelvic infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or endometritis. PID and endometritis are usually sexually transmitted. You have a higher chance of getting PID and endometritis if you or your partner has sex with other partners. PID and endometritis can cause serious problems such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and pelvic pain that does not go away. PID and endometritis are usually treated with antibiotics. More serious cases of PID or endometritis may require surgery. A hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is sometimes needed. In rare cases, infections that start as PID can even cause death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these signs of PID or endometritis: low abdominal (stomach area) or pelvic pain, pelvic tenderness, painful sex, unusual or bad smelling vaginal discharge, chills, long-lasting or heavy bleeding, fever, genital lesions or sores.
embedment: Paragard may become attached to (embedded) the wall of the uterus. This may make it hard to remove the device. Surgery may sometimes be needed to remove Paragard.
perforation: Paragard may go through the wall of the uterus. This is called perforation. If this occurs, the IUD may no longer prevent pregnancy. If perforation occurs, the IUD may move outside the uterus and cause internal scarring, infection, damage to other organs, pain, or infertility and you may need surgery to have Paragard removed. Excessive pain or vaginal bleeding during placement of Paragard, pain or bleeding that gets worse after placement, or not being able to feel the threads may happen with perforation. You are not protected from pregnancy if Paragard moves outside the wall of the uterus. The risk of perforation is increased in breastfeeding women.
expulsion: Paragard may partially or completely fall out of the uterus by itself. This is called expulsion. Expulsion occurs in about 2 out of 100 women. Excessive pain, vaginal bleeding during placement of the IUD, pain that gets worse, bleeding after placement, or not being able to feel the threads may happen with expulsion. You are not protected from pregnancy if Paragard is expelled.
changes in menstrual bleeding: You may have heavier and longer periods with spotting in between. Sometimes the bleeding is heavier than usual at first. Call your healthcare provider if the bleeding remains heavier or longer and spotting continues.
reactions after placement or removal: Some women have had reactions such as dizziness (syncope), slowed heart rate (bradycardia), or seizures, immediately after Paragard was placed or removed. This happened especially in women who have had these conditions before.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects you may have with Paragard. For more information, ask your healthcare provider. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800 FDA-1088.
Before taking Paragard
Do not use this IUD if you:
are or think you might be pregnant
your uterus cavity (the space inside your uterus) is an abnormal shape for example due to large fibroid tumors
have an untreated pelvic infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or you can get infections easily due problems with your immune system or current behaviors that may put you at risk eg multiple sexual partners or you use or abuse intravenous drugs
have had an infection in your uterus after a pregnancy or abortion in the past 3 months
have or suspect you might have cancer of the uterus or cervix
have unexplained bleeding from your vagina
have an untreated lower genital infection now in your cervix
have Wilson’s disease (a disorder in how the body handles copper)
have an allergy to copper, polyethylene, or Barium sulfate
have an intrauterine system (IUD) in your uterus already
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