All opinions in the below article are my own. It’s important to talk to your doctor and discuss if Paragard® (intrauterine copper contraceptive) is right for you. I am being compensated for this partner post by SheKnows Media on behalf of CooperSurgical, Inc. Learn more at Paragard.com.
Surely by now you’ve heard about IUDs as a birth control option. It’s still somewhat new to me, to be honest. I didn’t consider anything like it until after Des was born – and not even right away after that. I always thought an IUD was something vastly different than what it is. So I wasn’t educated about it. It wasn’t until I was on the school playground, of all places, with a group of fellow parents. One of my friends happens to be an Ob-Gyn, and that’s when I learned about such a powerful option.
The details about Paragard® (intrauterine copper contraceptive)
What is it?
It’s the only reversible birth control that’s 100% hormone-free and over 99% effective. There’s no hassle, no harsh ingredients, and no hormone-related side effects. It’s a small IUD (intrauterine device) that is placed in a woman’s uterus by a healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy for as long as she wants – for up to 10 years!
How is it different from other IUDs?
Paragard is different than other birth control methods because it has one active ingredient – copper – instead of added hormones. The naturally-derived copper works to prevent sperm from reaching the egg and fertilizing it, and may also prevent implantation. This means that women get the effective pregnancy prevention they want without the extra hormones they don’t. This was a huge selling point for me, but that’s me. You can discuss with your doctor if Paragard is the right choice for you.
What can you expect from Paragard?
It’s hormone-free so you should continue to get your period at the same time each month, as if you were using no birth control at all. Some women experience heavier, longer periods and increased spotting between periods at first. For most women, including me, those side effects diminished after 2-3 months. Always check with your healthcare provider if you have questions about side effects. Also, Paragard does not protect against HIV/AIDS or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
What do you love about it?
I love that contraception gives me the ability to decide if and when I want to start or continue building a family. It’s important for women everywhere, and it’s important to find something to fit your unique needs. Because it’s the only hormone-free IUD, it’s a critical option for women like me who are dissatisfied with the side effects and potential health risks of hormonal birth control. Like I said, it may not be appropriate for everyone, so you should speak with your Ob-Gyn about potential side effects.
Why did you choose it?
It’s over 99% effective—more effective than any other reversible hormone-free birth control method and most hormonal methods—with no hormone-related side effects. It requires just one in-office placement. I have to be honest – I was super nervous about the placement, but it was not bad for me. With Paragard I don’t have to remember to take birth control every month or even every year. It was a wonderful option for me post-pregnancy, because I’m not ready for another child. Also I’m a busy mom and need something both effective and simple. I run a busy family right now.
My current life plan does not include another child, but that doesn’t mean the distant or not-so-distant future will be the same. Paragard provides me with what I need right now..
INDICATION:
Paragard is a small IUD (intrauterine device) that prevents pregnancy for as long as you want up to 10 years. It works differently using one simple active ingredient —copper —instead of hormones.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
• Don’t use Paragard if you have a pelvic infection or certain cancers. Less than 1% of users get a serious infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
• If you miss a period, have persistent abdominal pain or if Paragard comes out, tell your healthcare provider (HCP). If it comes out, use back-up birth control.
• In rare cases, Paragard may attach to or go through the uterus and cause other problems. Pregnancy with Paragard is uncommon but can be life threatening and may cause infertility or loss of pregnancy.
• Bleeding and spotting may increase in the first 2-3 months but usually decreases over time.
• Paragard does not protect against HIV or STDs.
Only you and your HCP can decide if Paragard is right for you. Available by prescription only.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For full product information, please see the full Prescribing Information.
