ParaGard T 380A is a T-shaped intrauterine device that contains copper and is used in birth control . It is a non-hormonal method of female contraception. It is about 3 cm long and is produced of both copper and plastic. Tiny thread is added to the device, which helps on removal of this type of IUD.
Paragard IUD
Only doctors should insert Paragard IUD into the uterus. This device is effective in birth control straight after its insertion into the uterus. Since it can be left without removal for up to ten years, the price of the device is quite high, fluctuating from $400 to $500 in the United States of America. Paragard IUD is an effective, non-hormonal, long lasting and reversible form of birth control available now.
The action of this device as a method of birth control is not entirely known. Since it does not contain any hormones, copper IUD does not affect ovulation. Paragard IUD is known to kill sperm due to antispermicide effects of copper. This device also changes the uterine lining so that it becomes thinner, and hence, uterine cavity becomes more hostile for sperm and unavailable for implantation of an egg. It also acts as a stimulating agent for prostaglandins that inhibit production of certain hormones needed to assist pregnancy.
The efficiency of Paragard IUD
The efficiency of Paragard IUD is considered to be high, reaching about 90%. Some claim that failure rate is 1% for users, who are comfortable with this type of IUD. However, clinical studies have shown that the possibility that this device falls out the uterus during the first year of use is 5%. And even though, Paragard IUD may be left inside for up to ten years, many women stops using it sooner due to side effects.
This type of intrauterine device is a reversible form of contraception. Women are able to conceive right after removal of IUD.
Should a woman become pregnant with Paragard in place, the device should be removed to prevent possible complications of pregnancy. Removal of an intrauterine device may be sometimes complicated leading to miscarriage or even surgical abortion. If IUD is not removed, long-term effects to fetus are not yet known.
Am I suitable for copper IUD?
Not every woman is suitable for using this form of birth control. First, a woman should have had at least one pregnancy before inserting the device. Her uterus should be normal in shape. Post-pregnancy or post-abortion intrauterine infection during the past 3 months is a contraindication for this method of contraception. It is strictly not recommended to insert an IUD if a woman has a history of previous acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Other contraindications are uterine or cervical cancer, Wilson’s disease or allergy to any of the components of the device, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, and cervical infection.
A woman should consult her health care professional to find out whether she is suitable or not for having Paragard IUD. Women should also know that this device does not protect against any sexually transmitted diseases, therefore additional measures should be used for that.
Paragard IUD side effects
Like all method of birth control, Paragard IUD has certain side effects and possible complications that women should be aware of. The most common side effects include longer and heavier menstruation for several months after insertion. In addition, women also experience spotting. These side effects usually disappear in several months after beginning of use. But a woman should contact a doctor in case of severe menstrual bleeding or if she misses a period, since it might be due to pregnancy.
One of the most serious complications associated with the use of an IUD is perforation of the uterus. Luckily, it is a very rare case. Expulsion of the device is rather frequent and is more likely to appear in younger patients. Pelvic inflammatory disease is also a possible complication due to Paragard, like other IUD’s. Other complications include backache, vaginal discharge, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or even infertility . If any complaints occur a woman should contact her doctor immediately in order to avoid these complications.
Even though there are possible side effects and complications associated with this device, and it efficiency in birth control is not as high compared to hormonal methods of birth control, Paragard IUD is probably one of the most popular non-hormonal methods of contraception these days.
ok ladies my dr. suggested that i get Paragrad IUD but i want some advice bout this side effects of this are they bad can i handle it. what r some side effects that ladies have had. I have 2 children and i am 23 so i not really worried bout having more babies even though i would like a boy i have 2 girls 2 and 3 years old. So i just want to know somethings if anyone can help me out that would be great. Thankz Angel
ambertigereyes 2008-07-07 01:26:33
I have had paragard for about 7 months now and i have been having severe cramps after sex and spotting after sex I have been getting dizzy after i get up and this isnt normal to me i was looking to see if anybody ever has experianced this?
londoness 2007-11-17 04:58:44
I had mine fitted and haven't yet given birth. I had local anaesthetic though as I expected it to be painful. It was so easy but I wouldn't have considered it without an anaesthetic-I did'nt see why I should have to.
I have just had it changed for a Mirena as it made my bleeding heavy and I didn't like the cramping. I think I may have just been unlucky.
mealzmate 2007-11-14 02:14:58
im 16 years old and am spose to be getting an copper iud inserted on the 3rd dec, i have never being pregnat before, i live with my partner, i have tried several pills and depo a resint vist to fpc has now got me all booked in but im freaking out, i love the idea of not worrying about getting pregnant for 5+ years but still has anyone and an iud inserted and not being pregnant? if so can you email me and tell me what it's like, thank you
pastorswife2005 2007-11-06 04:44:50
Hi everyone!! Ive had my IUD for about 15 months now and for the last 6 months have been expericning regular yeast infections help!! any advice
confused 2007-09-12 22:02:33
hello, i had the ParaGard IUD installed on 2002 i recentlt had it removed on 6-2007 i want another baby so bad and still nothing what is going on does anybody know how long i will take is there any tricks please help..
Lisa22 2007-04-16 05:30:39
i was wondering if anyone else has experienced this. i had a copper iud inserted 9 years ago. it was recently removed in december 2007. my periods have been irregular going from 28 days to 35 one month 40. and lasting from 4-5 days. we are trying to get pregnant, but nothing so far. How long does it take for your periods to be regular again?. Are there any sideeffects or hormonal problems after the removal of a copper iud?
Only registered users can write comments. Please login or Please register.
Birth control methods 
ParaGard T 380A is a T-shaped intrauterine device that contains copper and is used in 
