Copper IUD Paragard For Birth Control

WHAT IS COPPER IUD PARAGARD?

Copper IUD paragard is a copper intrauterine device (IUD) that can offer long-term birth control. Paragard is a non hormonal intrauterine device option for birth control or contraception. 

A non hormonal IUD is a small T-shape piece of flexible plastic that has copper wrapped around it. Paragard IUD birth control coil uses copper to prevent pregnancy. 

Copper does not tolerate sperms, and therefore, it changes the way sperm cells move, so they can’t swim to an egg. If sperm can’t meet an egg, pregnancy cannot take place. 

Paragard IUD coil can last for up to 10 years, and it can be removed at any time you desire without much difficulty.

BENEFITS OF COPPER IUD PARAGARD

Copper IUD effectiveness in birth control is well established. According to copper IUD reviews, the benefits of the IUD coil are:

• It is the most effective and long-term contraception.
• It is above 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
• Its effectiveness lasts up to 10 years.
• It is easy to remove.
• Non-interruption of sex, for contraception.
• It is a non-hormone IUD, therefore there is no allergic reaction to the hormone.
• Once removed, your fertility immediately returns to normal.
• There is no risk of side effects, such as blood clots.
• It can be used by breastfeeding mothers.
• No medications can stop it from working.
• It is used for emergency contraception, even 5 days after unprotected sex.
• It is removable at any time convenient, but consulting your doctor first would be better off.

DISADVANTAGES OF COPPER IUD PARAGARD

Even with paragard effectiveness, the non hormonal IUD birth control (Paragard) also has some cons. According to some paragard reviews, the disadvantages which can be classified as paragard IUD side effects are as follows:

• Women who conceive while using paragard are at high risk of an ectopic pregnancy. The fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. This risk is very rare.
• The device doesn’t offer protection from STDs.
• It is associated with bleeding between periods.
• Women with paragard experience menstrual cramps, especially during the early 3 weeks, symptoms may fade off with time.
• Risk of infections, such as pelvic inflammatory diseases.
• It is related to severe menstrual pains and heavy bleeding in the first 3 months.
• Risk of expelling paragard from your uterus, without knowing.

NON-CANDIDATES OF COPPER IUD PARAGARD

Paragard IUD is not suitable for everybody. You may not use paragard if you:

• Are allergic to any component of paragard.
• Are a uterine or cervical cancer patient.
• Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
• Have vaginal bleeding which can’t be explained.
• Have uterine abnormalities (like large fibroids) that can interfere with the placement or retention of paragard.
• Have a pelvic infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Have an inherited disorder, called Wilson’s disease, which causes too much copper to accumulate in the organs.

PREPARATION FOR A COPPER IUD PARAGARD

Copper IUD insertion can offer long-term contraception, anytime during a normal menstrual cycle. Women who just had a baby might have to wait about 8 weeks after delivery before getting an IUD coil inserted. 

But before paragard insertion,

• You will evaluate your overall health and go through a pelvic exam.
• You will go through a pregnancy test.
• You should be screened for STIs.
• Take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc), one or two hours before the procedure, to help reduce cramping. 

THE COPPER IUD PARAGARD INSERTION PROCEDURE

Duration: 5 minutes. 

Specialist: A gynecologist or any experienced doctor or nurse.

Location: In the doctor’s room.

• You will be given a medicine to open or numb the cervix.
• The doctor uses a speculum to open your vagina and uses a special instrument to insert the IUD through the cervix’s opening and into the uterus.

COPPER IUD SIDE EFFECTS AND RISKS

There are some health risks associated with copper IUD paragard. These paragard side effects include:

• An increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, while on an IUD.
• The tendency of the IUD slipping partly or entirely out of the uterus.
• The IUD may cause an infection after insertion, which may lead to infertility if left untreated.
• The IUD may puncture the uterus, whose repairs require surgery.

COMPLICATIONS OF COPPER IUD COIL

Asides non hormonal IUD side effects, some complications may arise at the insertion of the IUD coil.

Call your doctor immediately, if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• The plastic of the IUD coil coming through your cervix.
• The strings of the IUD becoming longer or shorter than before, or you cannot feel the IUD strings any longer.
• Unexplained fever or chills.
• Unexplained breathing difficulty.
• Soreness or bed cramping pain in the lower abdomen.
• Pain or bleeding during sex.
• Heavier vaginal bleeding than usual.
• A different vaginal discharge from the normal type.

REMOVAL OF COPPER IUD PARAGARD

Removing copper IUD is simple. Your doctor or nurse will simply grasp the strings and gently pull the device out. Cramping may occur. 

However, in some cases, difficulty may arise if the copper IUD coil has embedded itself into the uterus. In severe cases such as this, the healthcare worker may have to use a special instrument to remove it or make you undergo surgery.

COPPER IUD COST

Copper IUD insertion costs up to $1,300 in the U.S. People covered by insurance or via government programs may not pay up to such an amount. If you do not have healthcare insurance, medical or other state programs may be readily available for your financial support.

CONCLUSION

Paragard IUDs appear to be the most effective forms of emergency contraception. If you get it inserted within 5 days after having unprotected sex, it proves 99.9% effectiveness against pregnancy. 

You can leave your copper IUD coil in place to prevent pregnancy for as long as you desire, up to 10 years. 

Copper IUD is non hormonal birth control IUD, so people who are not able to take hormonal birth control can use this device. It lasts long in the body (up to 10 years). While it prevents pregnancy, it doesn’t shield you from STDs. 

The most common copper IUD side effects are having heavy and irregular bleeding, which stops within 6 months. Copper IUD insertion and removal are simple procedures. Pains and cramping may accompany it, but pain relief medication will help.

FAQs

• How long does a copper IUD last?

The copper IUD paragard contains no hormones and prevents pregnancy (but not STIs) for up to 10 years. It’s an IUD that provides long-term birth control.

• Does a copper IUD stop your period?

The copper IUD paragard doesn’t prevent ovulation, so you will still see your menstrual period. But you may experience heavier and longer periods during the first 3 months of usage.

• Is removing an IUD painful?

The removal of the IUD is usually less painful than putting it in. In cases such as when the IUD sticks stubbornly to the uterus, the healthcare worker may have to use a special instrument to remove it (which may be quite painful), or he/she may make you undergo surgery. Your doctor may suggest abstinence from sex for a whole week before the procedure.

• Do you need a prescription for an IUD?

You need a prescription to get an IUD. This contraceptive must be inserted by a specialist.

• Does copper IUD cause depression?

Unlike hormonal IUDs, copper IUDs don’t contain any progestin or other hormones. They haven’t been linked to a higher risk of depression.