What Is Paragard?

Paragard is a small IUD (intrauterine device) that uses just 1 simple active ingredient to prevent pregnancy over 99% of the time.

It’s placed in your uterus by a healthcare provider during a routine office visit to prevent pregnancy for as short or long as you want—up to 10 years.

Paragard is made of soft, flexible plastic wrapped with a thin layer of copper around the arms and stem. Once in place, you shouldn’t be able to feel it at all.

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Why Paragard?

100% Hormone Free

Paragard is a different kind of birth control that works to prevent pregnancy without any hormones.

Over 99% Effective

Paragard is one of the most effective methods of birth control available.

Learn more about your birth control options

1 Simple Active Ingredient

Paragard works using just 1 simple active ingredient–copper. Paragard works by preventing the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg and may also prevent implantation.

No Hassle

No daily or nightly routines–just a simple monthly thread check.

Lasts Up to 10 Years

Paragard lasts up to 10 years but can be removed by your healthcare provider anytime sooner if you decide you want to get pregnant. After removal, the effects of Paragard are immediately reversible.

Non-Surgical Placement

Placement is done by a healthcare provider during a routine office visit.

FDA Approved for Over 30 Years

Paragard is the only IUD that’s been FDA approved for over 30 years.

Made in the USA

Paragard is proudly made in the USA.

Made With Care

The threads attached to Paragard are hand tied, one by one, and each device undergoes extensive quality-control measures.

Most Women With Insurance Get Paragard at No Cost

Paragard is fully covered under most insurance plans—this may mean no co-pay, deductible, or out-of-pocket costs.

Check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage related to your individual plan. Fees for the Paragard placement procedure may apply.

Paragard Up Close

Paragard is smaller and more flexible than you may think. It’s made primarily of soft, flexible plastic wrapped with a thin layer of copper around the arms and stem. Once in place, you shouldn’t be able to feel it at all. Take a closer look at Paragard below.

Paragard IUD dimensions: 1.26 by 1.42 inches
Sugar packet: 1.5 inches
Strawberry: 1.63 inches
Three almonds side by side: 1.56 inches
Know Your Birth Control Options
Paragard is over 99% effective–one of the most effective methods of birth control available.
 
Over 99% effective
91%-94% effective
72%-88% effective
15% effective
 
Paragard IUD
  • Lasts up to 10 years
  • Immediately reversible anytime sooner
Hormonal IUDs
  • Lasts up to 3 - 7 years
  • Reversible anytime sooner
Hormonal Implant
  • Lasts up to 3 years
  • Reversible anytime sooner
Sterilization
  • Lasts forever
  • Cannot be reversed
Injection

Lasts 3 months

Pill

Taken daily

Patch

Used weekly

Ring

Inserted monthly

Diaphragm
Diaphragm

Before sex

Condom

Before sex

Withdrawal

During sex

Sponge

Before sex

Spermicide

Before sex

Fertility Awareness-Based Methods

Monitored daily

No Birth Control Method
Paragard IUD
  • Lasts up to 10 years
  • Immediately reversible anytime sooner
Sterilization
  • Lasts forever
  • Cannot be reversed
Diaphragm
Diaphragm

Before Sex

Condom

Before Sex

Withdrawal

During sex

Sponge

Before Sex

Spermicide

Before Sex

Fertility Awareness-Based Methods

Monitored daily

No Birth Control Method
Hormonal IUDs
  • Lasts up to 3 - 7 years
  • Reversible anytime sooner
Hormonal Implant
  • Lasts up to 3 years
  • Reversible anytime sooner
Injection

Lasts 3 months

Pill

Taken daily

Patch

Used weekly

Ring

Inserted monthly

Know Your Birth Control Options

Paragard is over 99% effective–one of the most effective methods of birth control available.

Over 99% effective

91%-94% effective

Injection, pill, patch, and ring icons

72%-88% effective

15% effective

Over 99% effective

IUD and sterilization icons

72%-88% effective

15% effective

Over 99% effective

91%-94% effective

Injection, pill, patch, and ring icons

Chart shows method effectiveness with typical use.

Source: Trussell J. Contraceptive failure in the United States. Contraception. 2011;83:397-404.

Questions about Paragard?

Fill out a questionnaire or chat with a Live Nurse

Paragard is a hormone-free IUD (intrauterine device) that prevents pregnancy for up to 10 years using copper.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

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  • Don't use Paragard if you are or may be pregnant, have fibroids, a pelvic infection including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), get infections easily, certain cancers, unexplained bleeding, Wilson's disease,