All Health Topics

Copper intrauterine devices (IUDs)

Apr 10, 2020

What is an intrauterine device (IUD)?

  • An IUD is a type of birth control.
  • It may be known as a LARC device or a long-acting reversible contraceptive method of birth control.
  • There is only 1 copper-containing IUD.
    • It is called Paragard® and can stay in your uterus for up to 10 years to keep you from getting pregnant.
  • Some women who use a copper IUD get heavier or longer periods than they had before.
  • Paragard® also can be used for emergency contraception.
  • You may be able to get pregnant right away after an IUD is removed.
  • Your provider can help you choose the right IUD for you.

A copper IUD might be a good choice if you:

  • Want contraception that is very effective at preventing pregnancy.
  • Do not want or cannot have hormones.
    • Such as if you have deep blood clots in your legs.
  • Do not want big changes in your period.
    • Such as not having any periods, bleeding, or spotting when you might not expect it.
    • The exception is if you have heavy and/or painful periods. Paragard® can make these worse.
  • Want birth control for at least 1 year. It will last up to 10 years.

Paragard® IUD benefits are:

  • It works right after it is inserted.
  • Less than 1 in every 100 women who use these devices get pregnant during the first year of using them.
  • IUDs are very safe.
  • You do not need to take birth control daily.
  • Few side effects
  • It does not have estrogen.
  • Take the IUD out when you want, if you want to get pregnant.
  • If you use an IUD for many years, it can cost less overall than many other types of birth control.
  • That is because there are no costs after you have it put in.

The downsides of an IUD are:

  • An IUD does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Only condoms protect from STIs.
    • Your partner can still use a condom to protect against STIs.
  • Very rarely the IUD will come out by itself (expulsion).
    • You will need a new IUD if this happens.
    • Call your provider if you are worried that it has come out.
  • The first cost is higher than the cost of other methods. Many IUDs are covered by insurance.
  • Only a provider can put in or take out an IUD.

If you become pregnant while using an IUD:

  • While very unlikely, you can get pregnant with IUDs.
  • Take a urine pregnancy test if you miss any periods and feel like you may be pregnant.
  • If you have a positive pregnancy test, please call the clinic right away. We will need to see you as soon as we can.

After Paragard® is put in

It is always exciting to start something new–especially birth control that:

  • Can last for up to 10 years
  • Is completely hormone free
  • Is more than 99% effective

It may take some time for your body to adjust to Paragard® ® as you get used to hormone-free protection.

Right after Paragard® is put in, you may feel:

  • Temporary pinching and cramping
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Faint

Call your health care provider if you have:

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Temperature of 100.4 degrees F (or 38 degrees C)

In the first 1 to 3 months, you may have:

  • Irregular bleeding
    • Such as random spotting to bleeding like a period
  • Intermittent cramping–if you have cramping, you may take:
    • Take Ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours and/or take acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours

Keep your follow up appointment about 6 weeks after the IUD is put in.

In the first 3 to 6 months:

  • Your body should be used to the Paragard® ®, but each person is different.
    • If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your provider.
  • Your periods can be heavier.
  • You can have more cramping.

Checking your strings:

  • Paragard® is designed to fit comfortably and stay inside your uterus.
  • Do the monthly string check you have been shown.
  • Make an appointment with your health care provider right away if:
    • You think the Paragard® has moved
    • You can no longer feel the string
    • It feels shorter than before
    • Use backup birth control.

Paragard® does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). You should use a condom with new partners or if you are concerned about being exposed.

Last reviewed March 2020