An intrauterine device (IUD) called ParaGard may provide long-term contraception (birth control). It is sometimes described as a nonhormonal copper IUD alternative.
A T-shaped plastic frame known as the ParaGard is placing within the uterus. The device’s copper coils cause an inflammatory response that harms sperm and eggs (ova), preventing conception.
The only copper IUD on the market in the US is called ParaGard. After implantation, it may prevent pregnancies for up to ten years.
Why is it done?
Effective long-term contraception is available from ParaGard. All premenopausal women, even teens, may use it.
- Among its many advantages, ParaGard
- Removes the need to break off a sexual encounter for contraception
- It may remain in place for ten years.
- Removable at any moment
- May be using when nursing
Does not have the adverse effects associated with hormonal birth control techniques, such as the risk of blood clots
It may be implanting five days after unprotecting intercourse and used as emergency contraception.
Everyone may need to be a better fit for ParaGard. Your doctor may advise against using ParaGard if you:
- Have uterine anomalies that prevent the implantation or preservation of ParaGard, such as big fibroids
- I have an infection in the pelvis, such as pelvic inflammatory illness.
- Have cervical or uterine cancer.
- Possess abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Are allergic to any ParaGard component
- possess Wilson’s disease, which results in excessive copper building up in the liver, brain, and other vital organs.
Risks
Less than 1% of ParaGard users get pregnant within the first year of usual usage. Over time, women who take ParaGard continue to have a low chance of becoming pregnant.
If you get pregnant while using ParaGard, you have a significant chance of having an ectopic pregnancy, in which the fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus, generally in a fallopian tube. However, since ParaGard successfully prevents most pregnancies, there is a decreased overall chance of developing an ectopic pregnancy compared to sexually active women who do not use contraception.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are not protecting against by ParaGard.
The following are side effects related to ParaGard:
- Bleeding in between cycles
- Cramps
- Severe period pain and a lot of blood
- You may also get rid of ParaGard from your uterus. If it happens, you may not feel the ejection.
- You could have a better chance of removing ParaGard if you:
- Have never given birth
- Having a lot of or a lengthy period
- Had a painful period
- IUD already removed
- Are under 25 years old
- I had the copper IUD put in right away after giving delivery.
How you get ready
During a typical menstrual cycle, ParaGard may be placed at any time. Your doctor may advise waiting eight weeks after birth if you just had a baby before putting ParaGard.
Your doctor will examine your pelvis and assess your general health before placing ParaGard. In addition to being checked for STIs, you could have a pregnancy test to ensure you’re not expecting.
One to two hours before the surgery, taking an NSAID, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.), will assist in lessening cramping.
What to anticipate
Throughout the process
A speculum will be inserting into your vagina, and an antiseptic solution will disinfect the area around your cervix and vagina. A specialised device may gently align your cervical canal and uterine cavity. The horizontal arms of the ParaGard will then be folding down, and the device will be put inside an applicator tube by your healthcare professional.
ParaGard is painstakingly put into your uterus using a catheter introduce into your cervical canal. ParaGard will not come off with the applicator tube in place. Your doctor will shorten ParaGard’s strings so they don’t stick out too far into the vagina and may note their length.
You could feel lightheaded, dizzy, nauseous, have low blood pressure, or have a slower-than-normal heartbeat during ParaGard insertion. Your doctor may advise you to remain lying down for a few minutes to give these side effects time to pass. Rarely, the uterine wall or cervix may get perforating by an copper IUD. If this issue arises, your doctor will go through the best course of action.
After the process
Your doctor could do a follow-up examination about a month after inserting ParaGard to ensure it hasn’t moved and to look for infection signs and symptoms.
If any of the following occur while you are taking ParaGard, call your healthcare physician right away:
- Pregnancy symptoms or signs
- Abnormally significant vaginal bleeding
- Yucky uterine discharge
- Increased pelvic pain
- Severe stomach discomfort or soreness
- Unidentified fever
- Exposure to a possible STI
It’s also crucial to contact your doctor immediately if you believe your ParaGard is no longer functioning. Call your physician if:
- You experience bleeding after intercourse or breakthrough bleeding.
- Sexual activity hurts you or your spouse.
- There are no strings, or they suddenly look longer.
- In your vagina or near your cervix, you may feel the device.
- Your medical professional will look for ParaGard and, if required, remove it.
Removal
The removal of ParaGard often takes place at a doctor’s office. Your healthcare practitioner will probably grab and gently pull the device’s strings with forceps. As the gadget is removing from the uterus, its arms fold upward.
During removal, light bleeding and cramps are frequent. Removal may sometimes be more difficult.