Skip to main content

How long does Paragard last?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Sep 5, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Once in place, Paragard provides continuous pregnancy prevention for as long as you want it to, up to a maximum of 10 years. When you decide you want to try for a baby, your doctor or a trained nurse can remove Paragard. Research has shown that Paragard does not affect your fertility; however, in most women fertility starts to decline after the age of 30. Over 43% of women become pregnant within 3 months of Paragard being removed.

Paragard is a small T-shaped intrauterine non-hormonal contraceptive device that works by continuously releasing a small number of copper ions into the uterine cavity which prevents pregnancy. These copper ions change the fluid within the fallopian tube and the uterus, disrupting the motility of sperm and making them unable to fertilize an egg. Paragard may also prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg.

Paragard belongs to the class of devices called intrauterine copper contraceptives.

References
  • Paragard Paragard.com https://www.paragard.com/
  • Copper IUD (ParaGard) Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/paragard/about/pac-20391270#:~:text=The%20copper%20IUD%20(ParaGard)%20contains,term%20birth%20control%20(contraception).
  • Paragard. 09/2019 CooperSurgical, Inc. https://www.drugs.com/pro/paragard.html

Read next

Birth control refers to any behavioral, hormonal, spermicidal, or physical device that is used to prevent pregnancy. Unfortunately for most, human error ("Oops the condom broke", or "I forgot to take my pill") is the reason most forms of birth control (also called contraception) fail; and this has resulted in most manufacturers rating their product's effectiveness on a dual scale: perfect use (PU) and typical use (TU). Continue reading

If you have had to take Plan B as an emergency contraceptive, you may be wondering if it has worked. While research shows it has an efficacy rate of 89% when used correctly, how easy is it to tell if it has worked for you? The easiest way to know that it hasn’t worked are a missed period and a positive pregnancy test. Continue reading

It is typically less painful to get your Mirena IUD removed than it is to get it inserted but for a few hours or days after the removal you may experience some light pain and bleeding, cramping, or feel dizzy. An IUD removal typically takes about 5 minutes, but you should allow 20 minutes for the whole appointment. Consider eating something before your appointment so you are less likely to feel dizzy, and take some painkillers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen one hour before to help with any pain. Most women can go straight back to work or study or usual activities after the IUD is taken out. Continue reading

Related medical questions

Related support groups

Medical Disclaimer