If you're looking for a new method of birth control, have you ever thought about an IUC, or intrauterine contraceptive (previously called an IUD)? 
There are two brands of IUCs available in the US: ParaGard and Mirena, but let's discuss ParaGard first. It's made out of plastic but has copper wire wrapped around it. That copper is toxic to sperm and once inserted, it makes the uterus and fallopian tubes produce fluid, which kills the sperm. But just like all kinds of birth control, there are good and bad things about using ParaGard. Want to know what they are? Then read more.
| Pros |
Cons |
- It is 99.4 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and works for up to 10 years. Once inserted, it's effective immediately.
- It allows you to be spontaneous when it comes to intimacy.
- You hardly have to think about it, though once a month between periods, you should check to see that it's in place (ask your doctor how).
- Most women experience lighter periods or no periods at all (that's a plus!).
- It's quickly reversible so you can start trying to have kids immediately.
- It doesn't affect women's hormone levels.
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- Spotting between periods is common, and some women may experience heavier periods, which can lead to anemia.
- It's rare but possible that after it's inserted, you can develop an infection that, if left untreated, could affect your future fertility. PID can also develop.
- An IUC can slip out of the uterus leaving you unprotected against pregnancy. This usually happens to women who have never had a baby.
- Another rare possibility is that the IUC can become embedded or pushed through the wall of your uterus. (Yikes!) You may need surgery to remove it.
- It doesn't protect against STIs.
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So ladies, do you use or have you ever used ParaGard? If so, please share your experiences in the comment section below, and stay tuned to learn about Mirena, the other kind of IUC.
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Freya
I want an IUC, but my OB/GYN wouldn't give it to me. Under "cons" above it mentions the risk of infection that could lead to infertility- that's why. he said since I don't have kids yet, it would be a tragedy if I got the infection then became infertile.
1Sigh... I can't blame the doctor for looking out for me, but I'm disappointed.
How do these work for women who have never had children? I've heard they can be extremely painful to insert, and many doctors won't even consider it.
2I have the ParaGard and I LOVE it! I don't respond well to hormonal birth control and love that there are no additional chemicals going into my body. My flow is a bit heavier but it doesn't last as long (2-3 days instead of 5-6). I did experience some spotting between periods for the first few months but I just hit the one year mark and I haven't had that problem in over 6 months.
3I would like more info about this too. Especially for women who haven't had any children. I’m on NuvaRing now, even though I didn’t insert it this month because I want to try just condoms with my boyfriend for a while. I hate hormonal birth control because I don't like the thought of the negative long term effects of injecting your body with hormones for YEARS. Anyone has more hands-on experience?? Thanks! =)
4I would definitely love more information on these. My cycle is like clock work and I'm afraid of taking hormonal BC because it could severely throw it off. However I do have allergic reactions to both copper and nickel and IUCs contain both metals...so I'm still skeptical on whether or not they would work for me. Also, does anyone know about how much they cost?
5Metals have weird effects on humans. We need certain types of metals, but not in large, unnatural ammounts. Nickle, which braces are usually made of, can cause severe depression in teenages. Copper, depending on the person, can also cause negative side effects. I would never want to put metal in my body for that long without knowing how it would react first. It just seems shady. How long have they been doing studies on IUCs? The first birth control KILLED many women, so I'd wait a while before considering it.
6I had it, and I LOVED it. Unfortunately, my body did not. After 3 close uterine infections, I had to give it the old heave-ho. I hear that I am in the minority on that, though.
I would consider the mirena in the future.
7This reminds of the House episode with the nun they thought had the stigmata and such. Totally random comment, sorry.
8I tried so many different kinds of birth control and none of them were working for me! 3 different pills, the shot, condoms, "pulling-out" once or twice. None of those methods worked for me, the pills either made me severly depressed, fat or moody and I could NEVER remember to take the stupid thing, the shot made me spot constantly after 3 months so i couldnt have sex anyways cuz I was always on my period, condoms just arent that comfortable when you're in a committed relationship but you still dont want kids and "pulling-out" it just a bad and dangerous idea.
Finally, I talked to my mom about what I should do and she suggested the IUD. It cost me $60 and I went into the doctor's office, she placed it and it was done within 10 minutes. No pain, no bleeding, no muss, no fuss. It was the absolute best thing I have ever done. There are no horomones, there is nothing to remember, you cant feel it unless you're looking for it and my boyfriend says he cant feel it either.. and trust me, he is no small man.
When I had it inserted my doctor warned me that it may increase my cramps and increase my flow. It has done both to me but nothing I cant handle. The first day or two I get cramps but I just pop a midol and I'm fine. The flow is increased a little bit but still nothing to freak out about. It lasts just as long as it did before and I am always on track. No suprises, no fears, no wondering if my period is going to come. As long as that little sucker is in there, I'm safe.
I recommend this to any woman out there. This is not the same IUD that those ladies back in the day had, these are new, improved and the best thing I've ever done. So long pills, horomones and plastic! Helloooooo simplicity!
Talk to your doctor, ask if they would recommend it for you and go for it. I've had mine for almost 2 years now and have had absolutely no problems whatsoever. I've never had to change it, never had it stuck anywhere it wasnt supposed to be and I've never been pregnant (hallelujah!) It's awesome.
Also, I have no kids but mine stays in place fine so just because it says that it may move in people who have no kids it just means its more common, not that it will definitely happen.
9the statement "Most women experience lighter periods or no periods at all (that's a plus!). " is completely false with the paraguard.
10most women who have a paraguard see heavier periods!!
I'm really glad you had such a positive experience with the IUC, Fallen85, but before I was on the pill, I passed out a few times from the pain of my cramps (and I am not a weak person!), so increased flow and increased cramps are not an option for someone like me. With the pill, I have not had any negative side effects, so I'll stick with it. Does anyone else have weird or terrible cramps? I have one friend whose left leg goes numb!
11RebeccaAdele - My former roommate was on the shot for years and then decided to get off it. Once her period came back, her cramps were really bad. She even passed out once at a restaurant! She said it was like that when she was younger (pre shot) too.
I'm so sorry for you. It must be horrible to have such strong cramps. I thankfully only have cramps when my period is late (which is pretty often when Im not on birth control), but they only show up the day of my period and they are never strong enough for me to take any painkillers.
12I'm sure Dearsugar will cover it, but the Mirena IUC leads to decreased cramps and flow (usually your period will cease after 6months-1year of having the Mirena inserted). Don't let the Paraguard warning turn you off to IUCs.
As far as the infections go, if you have or contract an STI, you are more likely (than someone without an IUC) to get Pelvic Inflamatory Disease which can lead to the infertility problems. This is a slightly higher risk of contracting PID in the first 3 weeks after insertion. However, these risk is small and very managable. IUCs are usually recommended for women in long-term, monogomous relationships, or for use as a back up with condoms. Regardless, it is always worth it to get a second opinion (perhaps from a woman doc - IUCs are the most commonly used form of BC among female GYNs) - many doctors do not have a problem inserting them in women who haven't had children.
BTW, The IUDs that caused problems and deaths in the 70s had a different type of materials for the string that hangs down through your cervix - that is where the infections colonized (is that the right word?). New IUCs have a different material (I can't remember exactly what though)
13i've been back & forth between the shot & the pill for the last nine years & i'm wondering if the hormones in them are messing with my emotions & making me *more* PMSy when i shouldn't be. i'm thinking about switching to an IUC, so this info is super helpful!
14I have had the Mirena since January, and it's WONDERFUL! I've only had one period since, and it was super light and brief with absolutely no cramping. I can't believe I didn't get it sooner....would have prevented such a hassle each month!
15Make sure you get a competent doctor to put it in, if it's improperly inserted, it can perforate your uterus and you'll be unable to have children.
On another note, does anyone know why it's more prone to come out for women who have never had kids?
16Ladies, remember that Mirena has hormones in it.
17I have the ParaGard, and I don't have kids. It was *quite* painful to put in, but eh, not crazy bad. Kimba, shame on your doc for refusing just because you haven't had kids. I hate that Father Knows Best attitude toward women. Mine warned me of possible risks, but was willing to do it once I made an informed decision.
Things I love:
Not having to worry about spontaneity
No hormones
Things I was surprised by:
The way I went irrationally insane with PMS one day a cycle (I hadn't had PMS the entire time I was on the Pill; 12 years)
Things I HATE:
The daily cramping and spotting.
I have always had a tender cervix, so having the string constantly there has irritated it. Between that and the cramping and spotting, well, I want to love it, but I can't. Since we are older and don't want kids at all, my husband is getting snipped next month, so I can get it yanked about six weeks later. If I could afford it, I would get permanently sterilized, but this is the next best thing.
18I ALWAYS sing the praises of my Paragard, but I never had kids... it was painful and my periods are longer now. I still love it, since hormonal birth control wasnt for me! Everyones different, discuss with your doctor!
19i'm late to the game here, but i have paragard, and i've been really happy with it. there are some risks involved, but most of them are during the insertion process, so you're already at the doctor's office if something were to go wrong. periods are NOT lighter (they are on mirena, but not paragard), but my cycle has evened out nicely. it's certainly not for everyone, but it's a really economical way to get great birth control without the nasty hormonal side effects.
20I have had Paragard for a year and half and i LOVE IT. I recommend it for women who have a steady partner, as opposed to multiple partners because it doesnt protect from disease like a condom does. But, if both you and your partner have been tested, its fantastic. It allows you to be spontaneous and you can have sex anytime, anywhere without worrying about having and using a condom. I do experience really heavy periods from it though, which is a downside. And, the insertion process was uncomfortable bu not extremely painful. DEFINITELY worth it. and while the $250 may seem expensive at first, it ends up being cheaper than using the pill for 10 years!
21I just got my paragard yesterday, I love the idea. It's so simple and so effective. I've never had children and I don't believe that should be a basis for whether or not you get an IUC. It is your body and it is your choice, always. But I recommed this for anyone girl who is looking for a fantastic birth control.
22I had mirena for 6 months and decided to switch to paragard because of the constant hunger. I felt pregnant having the mirena, becuz all i wanted to do was eat. 2 wks after removing mirena, and inserting paragard, the constant hunger was gone, as well as 10lbs!!! one thing with paragard is the increased bleeding and cramps. i change a super tampon and panty liner every hour and half, and if i wait too long, i will be changing my pants. cramps feel like beginning labor. so the IUD is nice since i don't have to stress about remembering a pill, or going in for a shot, etc.
23I know this is an old post but in case anyone is still reading... Copper IUDs are one of the oldest forms of birth control available and have definitely been tested more thoroughly and over much longer periods of time than any hormonal birth control available. That's why it's known that most women can keep a copper IUD in for up to 10 years without a problem.
About women with no children getting IUDs.. I just had mine inserted a couple months ago and I am 22 years old with no children. It hurt like hell because before you have children your cervix tends to be much smaller, I think this is the main reason it's recommended for women with children. They had to dilate my cervix to get it in. It was painful.
Anyway, there is a risk of infection as well but it seems very odd that a doctor would refuse you a very safe, effective form of birth control because of the risk of infection which is pretty low. Personally I don't like the idea of pumping my body full of hormonal birth control especially considering that it's a very young form of BC compared to the Paragard.
24I LOVE THE PARA GARD!!!
I have been having issues with hormone based birth control and had experienced a non-existent libido. I decided to to learn more about the ParaGard and had it inserted two months ago. Two minutes of very uncomfortable pain and it was in. I had some pretty intense cramping for the next 5 hours and minor cramping for the next day or so. I controlled the pain with Aleve and it was not a big deal for 10 years of birth control. The first few periods had some good cramps but after a few months they get back to normal. Well worth it!! I feel as if I have found a miracle.
I have never had children and would recommended this birth control for sure. I actually tell all the women I know about how wonderful it is. I wish I could get a job selling them
25I'm getting the Paragaurd done in 3 weeks, I'm extremly nervous!!! But I'm really bad at remembering to take my pill and I've thought about getting it for over a year now, so I think I'm making the right choice. Hopefully it will work out for me. I'm just most consirned about the Pain during the insertion, and being able to check for the strings every month!!
26I too am getting Paragard in about 3 weeks. From all of the posts that i have read, my mind is eased. I am expecting that the insertion will feel like a bit of cramping. That's usually something that i can handle pretty well. As far as the spotting in between periods...not real excited about that. However, from what i have read that will usually subside within the 1st year. Not long when you think about how long Paragard works! Paragard is also more effective than my current BC, Nuvaring (92-97% effective). Paragard is 99.4% effective!!! Good news for someone not ready for children. I am working on my career and need a BC that is simple and effective.
27I had the Paragard inserted at my 6wd PP checkup. I chose it b/c it was supposedly better for breastfeeding. I got a period right away, then the next month was exactly on time. This month, I was feeling lightheaded, tired, moody, and I was afraid I was pregnant again. My period finally came, about 10 days late. I am having very heavy periods with the paragard, much more than before. I was on the patch for about 4 years and seemed to have moodiness and weight gain with that. It was hard to keep up with (with 2 young kids and a busy life) and then I got pregnant while using it.
28But now I seem to be having way more severe PMS symptoms than before, even though Paragard is nonhormonal. I have 3 children (all unplanned) and really need something effective that i don't have to think about daily or monthly. But this moodiness is pretty bad and not good for the rest of my family either!
Anyone else experience the same?
Re: Paragard
I've had the Paragard for a month and a half now. So far I love it. I don't have to worry about pills or hormones or condoms. And it's one of the most effective forms of birth control, after the Mirena.
The Insertion Process:
I have never given birth. And tho I tend to have a high threshold for pain, the insertion process was outrageously painful. For me, there were three phases of cramps during the insertion -- the last one was unbearable! Yes, it took 15 minutes, but I couldn't drive home. Luckily my boyfriend was on-call just in case he needed to take me home. I was in so much pain I cried and vomited, which is very unusual for me.
With all that said, I still am SO GLAD I got the Paragard. It's amazing. And the pain is gone. It was temporary. They inserted it while I was on my period, which I recommend for women who have never given birth, as it is supposed to hurt less. And, yes, my first period was heavier and the PMS much more painful than usual, but I got through it and I'm fine now. I expect this to happen for another few months, and then my period and cramps should lighten up/regulate.
The String and My Question/Concern:
29Ah, The String and I.... So, far the string has been the most obnoxious part for me. I should have had them cut it shorter while I was there, but clearly is was too long. TIP: Ask them to cut it as short as possible. Currently I can't locate my string. I have an appointment/search party tomorrow with the ob/gyn to find it and cut it. My theory is that it was so long it was pushed back during sex, only to jumble up into a ball of sorts, and now it won't come down! But this is just a theory. My boyfriend can feel it during sex, so I know it's there. But my tiny little fingers can't reach it! Has this happened to anyone??? Is this something to be concerned about?
For Concernedjo:
Some women may be prone to anemia from the excess blood loss. I would talk to you doctor about the possibilities, as anemia can cause mood swings. Make sure you get enough Vitamin-B!
30I am thinking about getting the IUC because I have enough hormone issues already, but my doctor is really against the idea because I haven't given birth. She tried to terrify me out of it by saying "It could perforate your uterus!"
I'm nervous about any kind of birth control messing with fertility. Has anyone had this and taken it out to have kids?
Anyway... Just looking for some reasurance
31i have a IUD in place now i've never had not a one proble with it.
i have noting but good to
say about it
32and if any one tells u it hurts dont lisin to them it feels just like i little punch noting big. i dont even bleed more or any thing. and this is the best coice if like me hormos make u the biggest b****** you will ever see than para gard is for u
I just got the paragard inserted yesterday. I handle pain very well, and have never had bad cramps, so I thought that the experience wouldn't be that bad. I was wrong. The actual insertion was painful, but tolerable. I took one valium and one vicodin 30 minutes before the appointment and felt relaxed. The insertion had three parts that hurt. First - they put a clamp inside there (I think on your cervix) which hurts. Then they measure your uterus (ouch) and then finally insert the IUD (another ouch). Once that was over, I thought "wow that wasn't that bad at all ..." and then I started to get really nauseous, faint and felt like I needed to have a bowel movement. REALLY uncomfortable and embarrassing, and then the severe cramps started. I ended up just lying down on the procedure table for about two hours because I couldn't move from the cramping and the nausea. I never actually passed out, or threw up, but felt like I was going to. The cramps subsided a little, and once I felt like I could move, I got dressed and got a ride home. The 15 minute car ride brought the cramps back and I laid down on the couch and haven’t really moved since. I’ve been taking 600mg of ibprofen every 3 hours and that has been helping a lot. I woke up this morning without cramps, but they seem to have come back in the last hour or so … I’m hopeful that they will keep getting better and that I will be back to normal by tomorrow since I have to go back to work. Did anyone else have this type of experience after insertion? I asked the nurse and she said the reason for it is completely mental … which I don’t think I believe.
33I just got my paragard 2day I have a 6 year old & a 7 week old. Both unplanned. I am concerned about checking the strings & their length. I am also breastfeeding & wondering if anyone gets a period in my situation. With my 1st daughter I didn't get a period untill she was 9 months old(breast feeding & I wasn't on bc) the insertion was uncomfortable but didn't hurt & I expected more pain. I've only had very mild cramps on & off. Hopefully I won't get my period until I am finished breast feeding & by then my body will be adapted & my periods will be normal? What do u think?
34I got the paragard IUD inserted on 8/19/09 and I am 200% happy with it. My doctor inserted it on the last day of my period since during your period your cervix naturally dilates a little. The insertion was no where near as painful as I read on various websites and it was extremely fast. It took about 20 minutes for the entire appointment and less than 5 minutes for the insertion. Afterwards, I had extremely light spotting and mild cramps, headaches, and backache for about 7 days. After 7 days, everything was fine and I am completely happy!! No pain, side effects, or any of the scary things reported on the Internet. I would highly recommend the paragard to anyone looking for a non-hormonal form of birth control.
35TODAY MY DOCTOR PLACED THE PARAGARD IN ME AND IT WAS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE WHEN SHE HAD TO MEASURE THE UTERUS BUT AFTER THAT THE ACTUAL INSERTION OF THE PARAGARD WAS NOT PAINFUL AND IT TOOK 1 MIN.SO FAR I'VE HAD VERY LIGHT CRAMPS AND BLEEDING I COULDN'T SAY SINCE I WAS ALREADY ON MY PERIOD...I DON'T NOTICE ANY HEAVIER FLOW. WE'LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A WEEK.
36i just had my IUC placed last week. it didnt actually hurt me when my doctor placed it. when i went home, i had a very strong period and awful cramps.. and my right leg hurt too, i feel like am on labor, i can feel my uterus contracting, and it hurts sooo bad! havent had sex yet, so i dont know how my husband would react about it.. i just wanna kno if this is normal? i'm really worried that it wasnt placed correctly(hopefully not!),and how long will the painful cramps last?
37It's fantastic to hear that hormones bother other people as much as they have me! I tried 5 different pills and the ring before getting a paragard and I was a wreck on all of them and my family/friends really just never understood. I thought about getting Mirena but even that tiny amount of hormones would have worried me. Insertion was the worst part for me. I have not had children and I tolerate pain well, but I almost passed out from it during the 15 minute insertion. Of course, people handle it differently. Periods are heavier, and I just recently started spotting in between periods (not really sure if this is normal since it's been over 6 months??) but I always had very light periods before so almost anything would have been heavier. All in all, I think it's a great choice!
38I just got my Paragard 3 days ago...and so far everything is about what I expected. I am 30, no children, and hormones hate me...so Paragard was a no brainer. My gyn was completely on board and gave me all the info. The insertion took about 5-10 min total. I had prepared myself for some severe pain from everything I read on the web, but there were only 3 'cringe' moments and I drove myself back to work afterwards. Since then, I have been spotting (enough for a liner, but not a tampon) and I have had mild cramps the whole time. I go back for a check up in 2 weeks and hopefully I will be back to normal by then. I give it 2 thumbs up!
39Doctor's usually don't insert IUC's in women that have not had children yet because if you are already infertile, you may attribute it to the IUC if you cannot get pregnant after you get it taken out- even though there is a very real risk of infection and implantation or perferration, these are small. IUC's are expensive (around $600 in the US) but are cheaper in Canada (around $200), and they are covered by medicaid health plans and some state plans. If you're allergic to copper or have wilson's disease,or if you already have bad menstral cramps, try using the Mirena. Although it contains hormones, there is a very low dose because it is localized in the uterus.
40i'm a relatively new IUC user (paraguard), and i had a rough first month (cramps, spotting) with a super intense first period (heavy bleeding, major cramps), but i'm now on a mission to share with all prospective IUC users one word that might change your life: ibuprofen. yes, specifically ibuprofen, not any other pain reliever.
after 5 days of heavy period bleeding and unbearable cramps with no end in sight, i followed someone else's recommendation and started taking ibuprofen as recommended on the bottle. seriously, within the first dose the bleeding was significantly lighter and within 24 hours my period was done. i continued taking the recommended dose for a few more days, and i have had zero spotting or cramping since then.
apparently, the reason why ibuprofen works so well is that you're not just having a regular period at first -- your body realizes there's a foreign object in there and the uterus becomes inflamed and produces excess blood. ibuprofen is particularly good at reducing inflammation (compared to other pain relievers), and something about its specific chemical structure works especially well in the uterus.
now, DO check with your doctor before self-medicating, and definitely don't keep taking ibuprofen over the long term without consulting a professional. my doctor told me that many people have heavy periods for the first couple of months while the body adjusts to the IUC, but that it should go back to normal over time. however, to help control that initial inflammation and get you feeling back to normal more quickly, i definitely recommend taking regular doses of ibuprofen during your period.
41I had the Paragard placed yesterday. I thought I was just going in for an annual exam and "pre-screening" before scheduling the appt to insert the IUC... but they went ahead and did it all at the same time. It hurt getting placed, but that's not a 'real' con to getting the copper IUC. It was all over in 5 mins.
I also think it's so interesting that there's this big deal if you have or haven't had a kid. I had a baby 11 months ago. However, my cervix barely dilated 24 hrs after my water broke - resulting in a c-section. How could my cervix be that different than a pre-baby woman?
So, it took about 5 mins to put in, that hurt. A pinch and then alot of pressure, felt like a labor contraction. I was absolutely fine afterwards. I was up and outta the dr office 5 minutes later, jumped in my car and went shopping with my friend. No dizziness at all. I had some cramping, but it was very minor (i took ibuprofen during the visit)
This morning, I felt no side effects. I've been spotting all day. But it's weird spotting. The spotting is really thin, watery, super light in color. I changed my pantyliner a few times, no big deal.
I absolutely hated hormonal birth control, so I'm so happy. The pill destroys my libido and makes me really numb in the romance field. I've only been off the pill for 2 days and look forward to feeling natural.
Oh - and "Don't put metals in your body" lady. Do you ever wear earrings? lol Most people have no issue with Copper. People have actually been using copper for thousands of years for it's medicinal properties. If somebody is really freaked out about the copper, go buy a pair of copper earrings/bracelet. Were it around for a few days. If you have a copper allergy, you'll know!
42I am a 25 year old that has never had kids, and I had my paragard put in this past Friday.
First of all, my doctor gave me cytotec--pills that when inserted into your vagina, soften your cervix. I took them, as well as some ibuprofen, the night before.
The morning of, I took a little more ibuprofen and headed to the doc. She opened my cervix (uncomfortable) but said that the cytotec had softened me up significantly, plus it was the second day of my period, so I was already "open."
Then she gave me two shots of a local anesthetic. I didn't feel anything after that except for some mild cramping.
The rest of the day I was down with cramps which weren't great, but it was like a bad period for me. Today I went and played volleyball and feel great. My period hasn't been heavier, but I'm still spotting, of course.
These forums had me all worked up over getting the IUD placed, but I think that if your doctor takes care of you (even if you haven't had kids) the placement is not that bad.
Something to note: I was extremely bloated yesterday (i'm a thin girl), which I wasn't expecting. I'm completely fine today though.
WOO HOO paragard! And WOO HOO my awesome OBGYN too! I can't be happier with the experience so far.
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