The Paragard Intrauterine Device (IUD) was designed to be implanted inside a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. The device is T-shaped, made from flexible plastic, and is wrapped up in copper wire. The device’s marketing claims a 90 percent effective rate in preventing pregnancy with a lifespan of up to ten years.

• Severe menstrual pain
• Back pain, stomach pain, cramps
• Spotting or bleeding between periods
• Longer and heavier menstrual periods

These devices can also cause an infection within the uterus called pelvic inflammatory disease, most often within the first 20 days after insertion. The disease is treatable with antibiotics but may result in other types of threatening conditions like chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, or even death in some cases.

Women who use copper intrauterine devices such as Paragard are much more likely to experience the device being expelled compared to other kinds of IUDs. Partial or full expulsion may require surgery to remove the device, which would render the birth control device ineffective.