The True Hormone-Free Option
For many women, finding the right birth control feels like an impossible balancing act. You want a method that is incredibly reliable, but you are absolutely exhausted by the side effects of hormonal birth control. You are tired of the daily pill alarm, the mood swings, the weight fluctuations, and the loss of libido.
If you are looking for long-lasting, fire-and-forget birth control that allows your body to cycle naturally, the Paragard Copper IUD is often the gold standard.
Paragard is a small, flexible piece of T-shaped plastic wrapped in a thin layer of copper. That copper is its only active ingredient. It is over 99% effective, FDA-approved, and contains exactly zero hormones.
How Does Copper Prevent Pregnancy?
Paragard works continuously by quietly preventing sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg. To sperm cells, copper is naturally toxic and highly repulsive. The copper ions released by the IUD create an environment inside the uterus that sperm simply cannot survive in, safely preventing fertilization [2].
Because it does not utilize estrogen or progestin, Paragard does not stop you from ovulating. You will still experience your natural hormonal cycle and get a monthly period.
Clinical Facts: Why Choose Paragard?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recognizes copper IUDs as a top-tier form of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) [1].
- Unmatched Longevity: Once inserted by your MomDoc clinician, Paragard provides continuous pregnancy prevention for up to 10 years.
- Immediate Efficacy & Reversibility: Paragard begins protecting you from pregnancy the moment it is inserted. If you decide you want to have a child (or simply want the IUD removed), we can take it out during a quick office visit, and your natural fertility returns immediately.
- Zero Daily Maintenance: There are no pills to swallow, patches to stick, or pharmacy runs to make. Aside from checking the IUD threads once a month with your fingers, you do not have to think about it.
- Emergency Contraception: If placed within 5 days of unprotected intercourse, Paragard acts as the most effective form of emergency contraception available, preventing pregnancy while simultaneously establishing long-term birth control [1].
What to Expect: The Pros and Cons
While Paragard is an incredible option for many, it is crucial to understand the reality of having a copper device in your uterus.
The Medical Considerations
Paragard is highly recommended for women who have medical conditions (like a history of blood clots, estrogen-sensitive cancers, or migraines with aura) that make hormonal birth control dangerous.
You should not use Paragard if you have an active pelvic infection, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, a copper allergy, or Wilson's disease.
What Actually Happens to Your Period?
Because IUDs like Mirena use hormones, they often stop your period entirely. Paragard does the exact opposite.
During the first 3 to 6 months after insertion, the presence of the copper device causes localized inflammation in the uterus. This is a normal part of the process, but it means you should expect your periods to become heavier and longer, and your menstrual cramps to be significantly sharper.
For most women, this heavier bleeding settles down after a few months as their body adjusts. However, if you already suffer from debilitatingly heavy periods or severe endometriosis, Paragard is usually not the right choice for you, as it may exacerbate your bleeding.
Take Control of Your Options
You don't have to choose between strong birth control and a natural hormone cycle. Schedule a consultation with your MomDoc provider today to discuss your health history and see if the Paragard Copper IUD is the right fit for your lifestyle.