Paragard (intrauterine copper contraceptive) is a prescription device used to prevent pregnancy. A healthcare professional inserts the device into the uterus, which prevents pregnancy for up to 10 years.
Paragard is used in females* who can become pregnant to prevent pregnancy.
The active ingredient in Paragard is copper. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Paragard belongs to a group of drugs called nonhormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs).
This article describes the dosage of Paragard, as well as its strength and how it’s inserted. To learn more about Paragard, see this in-depth article.
* In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.
This section describes the usual dosage of Paragard. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Paragard’s form?
Paragard is available as a small T-shaped plastic device wrapped with copper wire.
What strength does Paragard come in?
Each device contains the following strengths:
- vertical stem: about 176 milligrams (mg) of copper wire
- horizontal bar: about 68.7 mg of copper wire as a collar on each side of the “T”
What are the usual dosages of Paragard in adults?
The information below describes the usual dosage of Paragard.
Dosage for prevention of pregnancy
Paragard is used in females who can become pregnant to prevent pregnancy. The dosage of Paragard is one device inserted into your uterus for up to 10 years. Once inserted, it prevents pregnancy by preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg.
What’s the dosage of Paragard for children?
Paragard is used in females who can become pregnant to prevent pregnancy. Typically, females can become pregnant after they’ve had their first period. This is typically around age 12 years.
Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about Paragard use for adolescents.
The dosage used in adolescents is the same as the dosage for adults. To learn more, see the “What are the usual dosages of Paragard in adults?” section above.
Is Paragard used long term?
Yes, it is. Once Paragard is inserted, it’s effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 10 years.
Prior to 10 years after insertion, your healthcare professional can remove Paragard. At that time, they can insert a new device.
Your healthcare professional can remove Paragard at any time. For example, you may wish to become pregnant, or you may find that it’s not suitable for you.
If you have questions about how long you’ll use Paragard, talk with your healthcare professional.
A healthcare professional places Paragard in your uterus. The procedure usually takes about 5 minutes. Before inserting Paragard, your healthcare professional will check your uterus to make sure Paragard is safe for you to use.
Inserting Paragard
- Your healthcare professional may give you a mild pain medication, such as ibuprofen, prior to inserting Paragard.
- Using a speculum, your healthcare professional will widen the space leading to your uterus, where they’ll insert Paragard.
- Next, they’ll apply an antiseptic (disinfectant) to your vagina and cervix.
- Your healthcare professional will then place the Paragard device into an IUD tube. After this, they’ll insert the tube through your cervix into your uterus.
- Once they remove the IUD tube, the Paragard device releases into position in your uterus.
You may have pain or cramps after Paragard is inserted. Let your healthcare professional know if you have severe cramps or pain that doesn’t go away.
Also, let them know if you have other side effects of Paragard, such as dizziness, seizure, or slow heart rate. If so, your healthcare professional can check if the device needs to be adjusted or removed.
Removing Paragard
Your healthcare professional can remove Paragard at any time. For example, you may wish to become pregnant, or you may find that it’s not suitable for you.
If you choose to continue it, prior to 10 years after insertion, your healthcare professional can remove Paragard. And then they can insert a new device.
Paragard has a string attached that extends into your vagina. It doesn’t extend outside your body, but it helps you know Paragard is still in place. It also helps your healthcare professional remove Paragard.
To remove Paragard, your healthcare professional will use a speculum to widen the space leading to your uterus. Then they’ll remove Paragard by sliding it out from your uterus through your cervix.
You may experience cramps, pain, or dizziness when Paragard is removed.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Paragard’s dosage.
Is Paragard’s dosage similar to the dosages of Mirena or Skyla?
No, it’s not. Although the form of each device is similar, each has differences. Paragard is a nonhormonal IUD, and its active ingredient is copper. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Paragard is effective for preventing pregnancy up to 10 years.
Mirena (levonorgestrel) and Skyla (levonorgestrel) are both hormonal IUDs. Mirena works to prevent pregnancy for 7 years once it’s inserted. Skyla works to prevent pregnancy for 3 years once it’s inserted.
Your doctor will prescribe the device that’s right for you. To learn more about how these devices compare, talk with your doctor.
How long does it take for Paragard to start working?
Paragard starts to work right after it’s inserted. Because of how the device works, you won’t feel it working in your body.
If you have other questions about what to expect from Paragard, talk with your doctor.
The sections above describe the usual dosage provided by Paragard’s drugmaker. If your doctor recommends this device, ask them if you have questions or concerns.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How does the Paragard dosage compare with the dosage of Kyleena (levonorgestrel)?
- Does Paragard have different dosages to prevent pregnancy?
- After it’s inserted, is Paragard as effective in year 9 as it is in year 1?
To learn more about Paragard, see these articles:
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.