Side Effects of ParaGard IUD

ParaGard IUD is an intrauterine device that is made out of copper and contains no hormones. Since there are no synthetic hormones, it is not known exactly how the ParaGard IUD prevents pregnancy, according to yourcontraception.com. However, the copper may act as a spermicide and affect the uterine lining. The ParaGard IUD is T-shaped and has a thread attached for removal; however, only a doctor can insert the ParaGard IUD into the patient's uterus. According to yourcontraception.com, "ParaGard IUD may be left inside for up to ten years, [but] many woman stop using it sooner due to side effects."

Common Side Effects

According to yourcontraception.com, the common side effects from the ParaGard IUD disappear within a few months after insertion. The common side effects include a longer and heavier menstrual cycle after the IUD is inserted, or spotting in between periods. However, if a woman has severe menstrual bleeding after insertion, or if she misses her period, she should see her doctor immediately.

Serious Complications

Besides the common side effects, serious complications can also occur from the use of a ParaGard IUD. The rarest, but most serious complications that can occur is the perforation of the uterus. According to yourcontraception.com, a woman's body pushing out the ParaGard IUD after insertion frequently happens; however, it is more common in younger women users. Users of ParaGard IUD are at risk for pelvic inflammatory disease; according to yourcontraception.com, pelvic inflammatory disease is a possible complication of all intrauterine devices users.

Other Complications

Additional complications of using the ParaGard IUD include backache, miscarriage, vaginal discharge, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. According to yourcontraception.com, ParaGard IUD is not 100 percent effective: its effectiveness can be as low as 90 percent. Thus, it is possible for women to become pregnant while the ParaGard IUD is still inserted in the woman's uterus. If the ParaGard IUD is left in during pregnancy, the woman's risk of ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage is high.

Note

Certain women should not use the ParaGard IUD, according to yourcontraception.com. These include women who have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, acute pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical infection, allergies to IUD components, Wilson's disease and uterine or cervical cancer.