This post will review the handful of copper IUD pros and cons for those considering getting the Paragard.
For more helpful and fun content, follow me on Pinterest!
Considering a non-hormonal birth control option and weighing the Copper IUD pros and cons?
Also I’m sure you’re wondering how copper and birth control go together.
I get it! I did the same when I was about 2 months from my due date while pregnant and was looking for non-hormonal birth control options after my delivery.
Many of us can get squeamish over the fact that there is a foreign object in our uterus, not to mention the rather invasive insertion procedure; it can all make us feel like guinea pigs.
However, IUDs have been around forever and are a tried and true, effective birth control option for those who want a one-and-done option they don’t have to think about again!
Perfect for busy and new moms like me!
After discussing with my delivery doctor some birth control options, I knew at the time I wasn’t going to want another baby for at least five years (I have since decided to be one and done; you can read my 9 Biggest Reasons I Had an Only Child By Choice for more info ), so, he suggested some form of IUD.
Initially nervous, I considered the Mirena IUD long before I got pregnant, but I chickened out.
Being a new mom, though, I wasn’t messing around and was not keen on an oopsie pregnancy, so I was willing to go the IUD route.
Being I wanted to get my hormones regulated as quickly as possible, it seemed wise to go with the non-hormonal option, the Copper IUD birth control.
I got the Copper IUD inserted six weeks postpartum and had it for nearly two years.
Overall it was a decent experience, and if you want to get an IUD, here are 3 Copper IUD pros and cons before you bite the bullet!
This post reviews the copper IUD pros and cons.
Copper IUD Pros and Cons
Copper IUD Pros
1. Long-Term Effectiveness
Paragard IUD is one of the most effective non-hormonal birth controls out there leaving us wanting to know the exact Paragard Copper iud effectiveness rate.
How effective is Paragard?
Less than 1 in 1000 women with the Copper IUD will fall pregnant within the year, about a failure rate of less than 1%.
As a new mom, I love those odds!
The Paragard IUD has one of the longest-lasting effectiveness rates of any other IUD at 10 years!
That’s right, a few minutes of being uncomfortable equals a decade of being child-free.
The overall effectiveness of Paragard is contingent on the Paragard placement.
Although the other hormonal IUDs have a long-lasting effectiveness rate, they vary from 3-7 years, depending on which one you get.
It’s all contingent on the number of hormones in the IUD, which depends on which one you get.
Woop Woop!
2. It’s a Hormone Free Option
Almost everyone correlates the Paragard with the no hormone IUD, and they are right!
Unlike the other hormonal IUDs on the market, the Copper IUD uses a coil copper T-Shaped design that effectively prevents unwanted pregnancy.
The Paragard IUD releases copper ions that are super toxic to sperm.
This creates an inhospitable environment for not only your sperm but a fertilized egg.
The Copper IUD also creates inflammation in the uterus, making it hard for a fertilized egg to implant.
All these important variables are necessary to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
If you plan to breastfeed, I know having a no-hormone IUD would be essential to not interfere with your milk production, so it’s important to discuss this with your delivery doctor before your due date.
3. Quick + Easy Insertion
Everyone is looking for Paragard insertion stories and reviews!
I get it; the idea of a foreign object entering you makes you want to cringe.
Unfortunately, the Paragard IUD insertion experience greatly varies per person.
However, if you are considering a Copper IUD after giving birth, I promise the Paragard insertion will be super benign.
For those concerned about bleeding after IUD insertion, your doctor will most likely ask that you come in for your procedure during your cycle, where you are bleeding anyway.
This makes the insertion experience easier due to the extra dilation of your cervix while menstruating.
At least, this was the case for me.
You will feel a little odd being on your period full blast and spreading eagle at your doctor, the nurse, and the medical student shadowing for the day, but again, after you give birth, you’re used to giving a full show to strangers.
In my An Honest Paragard Insertion Experience, I go over the whole appointment and insertion process so you can better visualize what could go down if you decide to go that route.
Copper IUD Cons
1. Discomfort During Sex
I know some women and men are concerned about the effects the Copper IUD will have on their sex life.
Although, if your doctor trims the string enough, your partner shouldn’t be able to feel it; I have experienced some discomfort during sex.
My husband would sometimes say he was able to feel the strings.
Due to the inflammation that the copper causes, I felt a noticeable tenderness in my cervix with my IUD.
For example, certain positions, like being on top, were painful to my cervix and made sex uncomfortable. If my husband managed to go a little too hard or deep unexpectedly (sorry TMI🙈), it would make me jump in pain; not exactly a huge turn-on.
This didn’t happen all the time, but it did interfere with my sex life more than I would have preferred, and since getting it removed, I no longer have that cervix tenderness.
So if you are experiencing copper iud pain after intercourse, that is one of those pesky side effects to watch.
Related Reading: An Honest Paragard Insertion Experience
2. Heavy Ass Periods
One of the biggest bummer Paragard Copper IUD side effects is the long, egregiously heavy periods.
Copper IUD bleeding is pretty common, so bleeding with an IUD is to be expected.
I thought I had heavy periods before pregnancy, so it would be no biggie; I was wrong.
My periods were on steroids, and I couldn’t believe the heaviness and how long I would bleed.
The periods I experienced would be anywhere from 12-17 days long.
Yep, you read that right, over two-week-long periods at times.
The copper has to make its way out of our system somehow.
Increased blood flow is due to our bodies trying to expel the excess copper, its a price to pay for no hormones.
3. Perforation
There is a slight chance that your IUD could get embedded into your uterus.
Much of which has to do with your Paragard placement by the doctor.
Although it’s extremely rare, it is one of those IUD implant side effects worth noting.
However, this is a risk factor for any of the IUDs and a reality of the complications of Paragard that could occur.
It has been found that the risk of perforation is higher in women who breastfeed, according to the Paragard site.
While breastfeeding, our uterus contracts as it slowly shrinks to its pre-pregnancy size.
Because of the rapid shrinking, they found that perforation is more common with these variables.
If you plan to breastfeed and are interested in the IUD, you must talk to your delivery doctor to hear their thoughts and whether they believe your risk is higher, depending on your unique case.
If you get an IUD and breastfeed, it doesn’t mean perforation is imminent, so weighing the Paragard complications and benefits is up to you.
Some women who get their IUD right after giving birth experience their IUD falling out shortly after.
If your IUD fell out, it’s important to notify your doctor.
Keep a look out for symptoms of Paragard IUD perforation.
FAQ’s
Copper IUD Cost
The Copper IUD cost can be a hefty investment without insurance up front, costing upwards of $1000.
Before you freak out, applying for health insurance is helpful, as most women, including me, had no cost for our Paragard.
According to their website, Paragard accepts most insurances, which means most women can get the procedure done for free.
However, even if you don’t have health insurance, a one-time upfront payment of 1k is worth nearly a decade of being child-free.
Remember, the cost of raising a child till they are 18 is over $300k.
Ooof!
$1k over $300k every time, girl; especially if you’re keen on preventing pregnancy, it is worth it.
Copper IUD Removal
Copper IUD removal was even easier than its insertion!
Again, during my period, I came in, and the nurse used a tool to clamp the strings of my IUD, and out it went!
If you wonder how long to get pregnant after IUD removal, if it’s the copper IUD it’s right away!
I felt a little pinch, and it was out. If you want to get pregnant after your removal, get after it because you can get pregnant immediately!
Also chances of IUD expulsion are relatively rare so there is no need to fret about that!
IUD Side Effects Paragard
Are you asking yourself: What are the side effects of Paragard?
IUD side effects can overlap and contrast with pills, so there can be a disparity in pill vs iud side effects.
However, there are various Paragard Copper IUD side effects women can experience ranging from benign to severe depending on each individual’s uniqueness.
Some of the side effects I experienced are the following:
- Heavier and longer periods
- Pain during sex
- Spotting
- Trouble sleeping
- On and off cramping
- Backaches
If there are other things you are worried about like copper iud odor, talk to your doctor.
Can Copper IUD cause hair loss?
It’s hard to tell because I got mine inserted six weeks postpartum and experienced normal postpartum hair loss after.
I can’t say how much was contributed by hormones or the IUD.
However, it has been noted by some as Paragard symptoms.
Do you bleed after Copper IUD insertion?
If your doctor follows best practices, they will likely suggest you get the insertion done during your cycle since your cervix will be more dilated, making it more comfortable.
If that’s the case, you likely won’t be able to tell what bleeding is your cycle or the insertion.
Copper IUD Pros and Cons
Weighing the pros and cons of Paragard IUD can be overwhelming for sure.
When deciding and researching birth control options, many of us interested in IUDs will search for Copper IUD reviews, whether or not Copper IUD weight gain is a thing, or even Copper toxicity IUD issues.
We will look at Copper IUD pros and cons; it’s a great way to weigh the cost and benefits of your birth control.
Like any method, it doesn’t come without risks.
However, the Paragard Copper IUD’s effectiveness is some of the best.
Remember, what’s great is getting pregnant after IUD Paragard is really easy with no hormones!
I hope this Copper IUD pros and cons and Copper IUD side effects reviews were helpful in your birth control research and I hope you find a method that works for you!