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.
Why Paragard?
Learn more about your birth control options
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.
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 night 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, your ability to get pregnant will return immediately.
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.
- 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
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
Over 99% effective
72%-88% effective
15% effective
Over 99% effective
91%-94% effective
Chart shows method effectiveness with typical use.
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