Copper IUD (ParaGard): Why is this contraceptive method required and is it safe?

ParaGard is a long-term contraceptive option that doesn't rely on hormones to be effective. In other words, it can be defined as an intrauterine device (IUD), which is predominantly meant to provide long-term contraception (or birth control) without the use of hormones. It's a T-shaped device that is small in size, is inserted into the uterus of a woman, and can stay there for up to 10 years to prevent an unwanted pregnancy during all this time.

The ParaGard device is basically a plastic frame in the shape of the 'T' alphabet. This device is inserted into the uterus in order to provide contraception for women. The ParaGard device works by releasing copper into the uterus, which is responsible for preventing fertilization of the egg.

More specifically, the copper wire that is coiled around the ParaGard device produces an inflammatory reaction. This reaction is toxic to eggs (or ova) and sperm; hence, it effectively prevents an unwanted pregnancy. The device is easy to insert and can be done so by a trained professional in a matter of minutes. ParaGard is the only copper IUD (intrauterine device) available on the market today, and it is said to be able to prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years.

When and why is it required?

ParaGard is a long-term, effective contraception method for premenopausal women of all age groups, which include teenagers as well. The great benefits of this effective contraceptive method include:

• With ParaGard, you don't have to worry about contraception interrupting your sex life ever again
• This device can be used for contraception for up to 10 years, making it a great one-time solution
• ParaGard is also ideal for use while breast-feeding
• You can choose to get it removed at any time (if needed)
• It is different from other hormonal birth control methods because it doesn't come with the risk of side effects (such as blood clots)
• It can even be used as an emergency measure to prevent pregnancy if the device is inserted into the uterus within five days of having unprotected sexual intercourse

Who shouldn't be using ParaGard?

ParaGard may not fit the bill for all of our folks. Your health care provider or a gynecologist may recommend against using ParaGard if:

• You have uterine abnormalities that make it difficult to place or keep ParaGard in place
• You are suffering from cervical or uterine cancer
• You often complain of unexplained bleeding from the vagina
• You are a patient with any kind of pelvic infection, which includes pelvic inflammatory disease
• You have an allergy to any component (including copper) of the contraceptive device
• You have a disorder that causes an excessive accumulation of copper in the vital organs of your body (such as the brain or liver)

What are the risks pertaining to this contraceptive method?

The chances of getting pregnant while using ParaGard are very low—less than one percent in the first year of proper use. And even over time (continuing for up to 10 years), the risk of getting pregnant (or conceiving) for women who use the contraceptive device remains considerably low.

If you do become pregnant while you are still using this contraceptive method, there is an increased chance of an ectopic pregnancy, which is when the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus. Most commonly, this occurs in a fallopian tube. Having said that, because this effective contraceptive method prevents most pregnancies, the overall risk of having this kind of pregnancy is quite lower than it is for women who remain sexually active without using any kind of contraception.

Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that ParaGard does not protect against any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some potential side effects (or risks) that health care professionals or experts may associate with using ParaGard include:

• Unexplained pain or cramps
• Heavy bleeding between periods
• Severe (or more intense than usual) menstrual pain

Apart from everything else, it should also be noted that this contraceptive device can also be expelled from the uterus in some cases. This usually happens without the user feeling it. You're more likely to expel ParaGard if you:

• Have never conceived or been pregnant
• Have menstrual pain that is severe (or intolerable)
• Have heavy or prolonged bleeding periods
• Have previously expelled the contraceptive device
• Are someone who is younger than 25
• Had the device (ParaGard) been inserted right after childbirth

What are the preparations needed for this method?

ParaGard can be conveniently inserted at any time during a woman's normal menstrual cycle, whether it is the first day or the last. Having said that, if you have just given birth to a child, your doctor may ask you to wait for at least eight weeks before being ready for the contraceptive method (ParaGard).

During your initial consultation, your health care provider or gynecologist will most likely evaluate your overall health by carrying out certain tests and examinations, such as a pelvic exam. You will have to take a pregnancy test to make sure you're not pregnant, and you may also be screened for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

If everything looks good and you're confirmed not to be pregnant, you will then proceed with having ParaGard inserted. In addition to the above, your doctor may also recommend that you take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen an hour or two before the procedure to help lessen any pain or cramping.

How can I get ParaGard removed (if required)?

ParaGard can usually be removed by a healthcare provider in their office. Your provider will most likely use forceps to grab the device's strings and pull it gently from your uterus. This way, you won't feel much pain or discomfort during the process.

The arms of the ParaGard device tend to fold upward at the time when it is withdrawn (or removed) from the uterus. This may result in cramping and light bleeding, both of which are common and quite normal during removal. In very rare cases, removal can be more complicated or troublesome.

Conclusion

ParaGard is one of the leading long-term contraceptive options available on the market today. Instead of depending on hormones to be effective, it is a non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) that both prevents pregnancy and treats heavy periods at the same time. This method is FDA-approved for up to 10 years and is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

This very convenient contraceptive device can also be removed at any time to try for a pregnancy. The device essentially works by releasing copper ions into a woman's uterus, which successfully prevent fertilization (in the majority of cases) by killing sperm.

The best thing about this method is that, unlike the pill and other forms of birth control, the ParaGard IUD doesn't come with a high risk for side effects, either. So if you're considering a new form of birth control, you should consider talking to your doctor about the ParaGard IUD without a shadow of a doubt!