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Why it's done
By Mayo Clinic staffParaGard offers effective, long-term contraception. Among various benefits, ParaGard:
- Eliminates the need to interrupt sex for contraception or seek partner compliance
- Can remain in place for up to 10 years
- Can be removed at any time, followed by a quick return to fertility
- Decreases the risk of endometrial cancer and possibly cervical cancer
- Can be used while breast-feeding — though there may be an increased risk of perforation or expulsion when inserted soon after delivery
- Doesn't carry the risk of side effects related to hormonal birth control methods
- Can be used for emergency contraception if inserted within five days after unprotected sex
ParaGard isn't appropriate for everyone, however. Your health care provider may discourage use of ParaGard if you:
- Have uterine abnormalities that interfere with the placement or retention of ParaGard
- Have a pelvic infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease
- Very recently gave birth or had an abortion
- Have uterine or cervical cancer
- Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Are allergic to any component of ParaGard
- Have a disorder that causes too much copper to accumulate in your liver, brain and other vital organs (Wilson's disease)
- Have or are at high risk of a sexually transmitted infection
- Had previous problems with an IUD
References
- Dean G, et al. Approach to intrauterine contraception. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 3, 2011.
- Kottke M. Nondaily contraceptive options: User benefits, potential for high continuation and counseling issues. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey. 2008;63:661.
- Dean G, et al. Management of problems related to intrauterine contraception. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 3, 2011.
- Carusi DA, et al. Insertion and removal of an intrauterine contraceptive device. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 3, 2011.
- ParaGard (prescribing information). Pomona, N.Y.: Duramed Pharmaceuticals Inc.; 2006. http://www.paragard.com. Accessed Nov. 3, 2011.
- The intrauterine device. http://www.acog.org/publications/faq/faq014.cfm. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Accessed Nov. 3, 2011.
- Intrauterine contraceptives. In: Zieman M, et al. A Pocket Guide to Managing Contraception. Tiger, Ga.: Bridging the Gap Communications; 2010:82.
- Birth control methods fact sheet. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/birth-control-methods.cfm. Accessed Nov. 3, 2011.
- Emergency contraception. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/faq/faq114.cfm. Accessed Nov. 3, 2011.
- Castellsague X, et al. Intrauterine device use, cervical infection with human papillomavirus, and risk of cervical cancer: A pooled analysis of 26 epidemiological studies. The Lancet Oncology. 2011;12:1023.
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