- Are or might be pregnant
- Have a uterus that is abnormally shaped inside
- Have a pelvic infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or have current behavior that puts you at high risk of PID
- Have had an infection in your uterus after a pregnancy or abortion in the past 3 months
- Get infections easily
- Have cancer of the uterus or cervix
- Have unexplained bleeding from your vagina
- Have an infection in your cervix
- Have Wilson’s disease
- Are allergic to anything in Paragard
- Already have an IUD in your uterus
Who ShouldNot Use Paragard®
Before having Paragard placed, tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the conditions listed above, a slow heart beat, dizziness, seizures, recently had a baby or if you are breastfeeding, have AIDS, HIV, or any other sexually transmitted infection.
When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider?
Call your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about Paragard.
- Are or might be pregnant
- Have pelvic pain or pain during sex
- Have unusual vaginal discharge or genital sores
- Have unexplained fever, flu-like symptoms, or chills
- Might be exposed to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Are concerned that Paragard may have been expelled (came out)
- Have unexplained bleeding from your vagina
- Can feel any other part of paragard besides the threads
- Become HIV positive or your partner becomes HIV positive
- Have severe or prolonged vaginal bleeding
- Miss a menstrual period
- Cannot feel Paragard threads or can feel the threads are much longer
Is the copper in the Paragard IUD Safe?
Paragard is a copper-containing IUD that’s been FDA approved for over 30 years. You should not use Paragard if you have Wilson’s disease (a disorder in how the body handles copper) or an allergy to copper.
Could I be allergic to a component of the Paragard IUD?
Don’t use Paragard if you are allergic to copper, polyethylene, or barium sulfate. If you think you may be allergic to any component of Paragard, check with your healthcare provider.
Can I have an MRI with the Paragard IUD in place?
Paragard can be safely scanned with an MRI only under specific conditions.
Before you have an MRI, tell your healthcare provider that you have Paragard, an intrauterine device (IUD), in place.
Is it safe to breastfeed while using the Paragard IUD?
You may use Paragard when you are breastfeeding. The risk of Paragard becoming attached to (embedded) or going through the wall of the uterus is increased if Paragard is placed while you are breastfeeding.
Can I have a medical procedure using heat therapy with the Paragard IUD in place?
Before you have a medical procedure using heat therapy tell your healthcare provider that you have Paragard in place.