Copper IUD (Paragard)

The Copper IUD is more than 99% effective. This means that fewer than 1 out of 100 copper IUD users will get pregnant in a year.

The Copper IUD works for up to 12 years. People who have never given birth can safely use the IUD.

You may want to take the Copper IUD out earlier than 12 years. It is your right to ask your health care provider to take it out anytime you want.

You really don't need to use another birth control method because the Copper IUD works so well to prevent pregnancy. But if you want that extra protection, you can use any other method you want with the Copper IUD.

Condoms are a great choice if you also want protection from HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The Copper IUD makes it hard for sperm to join an egg (fertilize). It also makes it hard for a fertilized egg to nest into the uterus wall (implant). The Copper IUD does not remove an implanted pregnancy from the uterus.

The Copper IUD is easy to take care of. Once the IUD is put in your uterus, it works on its own.

A trained health care provider puts the IUD in the uterus during a short office procedure. Some people feel cramping. For others, it can be more painful. You can take pain medicine before and after the procedure, like ibuprofen or Motrin. Some providers can inject numbing medicine in the cervix.

After the IUD is put in, your provider will trim the IUD strings, which will be tucked inside the vagina. Your partner should not feel the IUD strings during sex.

The Copper IUD can be taken out any time. A routine IUD removal is quick and causes brief cramping.

Most people will not notice much change in their periods. For some, periods can get heavier, longer, or more painful. If you already have very bad periods, the Copper IUD may not be the best method for you. (You may want to check out the progestin IUD instead).

You can still use tampons even with an IUD in place.

The Copper IUD is hassle free birth control. You can ”set it and forget it” for up to 12 years. The IUD is very private because it cannot be seen by others.

The Copper IUD does not make it easier or harder for you to get pregnant in the future. After the Copper IUD is taken out, your fertility (natural ability to get pregnant) quickly returns to normal for you. You can get a new Copper IUD placed right away, if you want.

The Copper IUD is hormone free. It is safe for people who cannot use estrogen or progestin hormones.

The Copper IUD can be used as emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy if it is put in within 5 days after unprotected sex. The Copper IUD can then be left in place for regular birth control for up to 12 years.

Some people may have heavier, longer, or more painful periods.

The Copper IUD is very safe. Because it has no hormones, the Copper IUD is also safe for people who cannot use estrogen or progestin hormones.

When the IUD is put in, there is a rare chance (1 out of 1,000) that the uterus gets a hole poked in it (a perforation). The IUD can fall out of the uterus after it is placed. This happens 1-2 out of 100 insertions.

No. However, correct use of condoms can prevent HIV and STIs. You can use an outer (male) or inner (female) condom with the IUD in place.

If you have health insurance, including Medicaid, the IUD and the procedure may be covered at low cost to you. If you pay out of pocket, the cost can be quite high (up to $1,000 or so).

If you need help finding a clinic that may provide low-cost IUDs click here: Bedsider: Find Birth Control

For more info click here: Planned Parenthood: IUDs