What is Paragard?
Paragard is a small, 100% hormone-free 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 in just a few minutes to prevent pregnancy for as short or long as you want—up to 10 years.
Just what you need—
nothing you don’t
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.
Why Paragard?
See how Paragard compares to other birth control methods
100% Hormone-Free
Paragard is a different kind of birth control that works to prevent pregnancy without any hormones at all.
Over 99% Effective
Paragard is one of the most effective methods of birth control available—more effective than any other hormone-free method*—and most hormonal methods.
1 Simple Active Ingredient—Copper
Paragard works using just 1 simple active ingredient—copper—instead of hormones. Paragard works by preventing the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg and may also prevent implantation.
No Hormone-Related Side Effects
Because Paragard is 100% hormone free, it won’t cause hormone-related side effects.
No Hassle
Once in place, Paragard provides continuous pregnancy prevention without the need for a daily birth control routine.
Lasts Up to 10 Years
Paragard lasts up to 10 years but can be removed anytime if you decide you want to get pregnant.† After removal, your ability to get pregnant will return immediately.
Quick In-Office Placement
Placement is done by a healthcare provider during a routine office visit in just a few minutes.
FDA-Approved for Over 30 Years
Paragard is the only IUD that’s been FDA approved and clinically proven safe for over 30 years.
Made Locally in the USA
Paragard is made with care locally 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 to ensure safety.
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.
- Lasts up to 10 years
- Immediately reversible anytime sooner
- Lasts up to 3, 5 or 6 years
- Reversible anytime sooner
- Lasts up to 3 years
- Reversible anytime sooner
- Lasts forever
- Cannot be reversed
Lasts 3 months
Taken daily
Used weekly
Inserted monthly
Before Sex
Within 1 hour before sex
Before Sex
During sex
Before Sex
Before Sex
Monitored daily
- Lasts up to 10 years
- Immediately reversible anytime sooner
- Lasts forever
- Cannot be reversed
Before Sex
Within 1 hour before sex
Before Sex
During sex
Before Sex
Before Sex
Monitored daily
- Lasts up to 3, 5 or 6 years
- Reversible anytime sooner
- Lasts up to 3 years
- Reversible anytime sooner
Lasts 3 months
Taken daily
Used weekly
Inserted monthly
See how Paragard compares to other birth control methods
Paragard is over 99% effective—more effective than any other hormone-free birth control method*—and most hormonal methods.
Over 99% effective
91%-94% effective
72%-88% effective
15% effective
Over 99% effective
72%-88% effective
15% effective
Over 99% effective
91%-94% effective
Chart shows method effectiveness with typical use.
*Excluding sterilization.
Sources: 1. Trussell J. Contraceptive failure in the United States. Contraception 2011;83;397-404. 2. Lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate vaginal gel Full Prescribing Information, 2020.
Flexible Plastic Frame
Paragard is made primarily of soft, flexible plastic. It's lightweight and fits in the palm of your hand — weighing less than 1 gram.
Copper
Paragard is wrapped with a thin layer of copper around the arms and the stem.
Important Safety Information