<p>There's only one IUD without hormones available in the U.S. It's called Paragard, and it's made of plastic and a small amount of copper. Paragard works for up to 12 years, which is longer than any of the hormonal IUDs. It doesn't change the timing of your periods or cause spotting (bleeding between periods), but it may cause increased bleeding and cramping when you get your period.</p>
<p>It's normal to worry about negative side effects, but for many people, they're not a problem. Most people adjust to having an IUD pretty quickly, but it could take a few months.</p>
<p>The non-hormonal IUD, known by the brand name Paragard in the United States, is a small, T-shaped piece of plastic wrapped in copper wire. The non-hormonal IUD works by interfering with the way sperm moves and reducing its ability to fertilize eggs, and possibly also by preventing the implantation of fertilized eggs in the uterus. </p><p>Paragard lasts up to 12 years, which is longer than any other IUD and is one of the longest-lasting of any of the birth control methods. It's also one of the most effective methods of preventing pregnancy. It's over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, copper IUDs don't protect against STIs—no IUDs do. </p><p>The non-hormonal IUD is also one of the most effective forms of emergency contraception, along with Mirena and LILETTA, which are IUDs that contain hormones. The non-hormonal IUD can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy by over 99%.</p>
<p>The non-hormonal IUD is one of the most effective birth control methods. </p>
<p>The most common side effects:</p> <ul> <li>Increased bleeding during your period</li> <li>Cramps and backaches, especially with your period</li> </ul> <p>If you're having trouble with side effects, depending on the symptoms you have, your provider may suggest waiting a few months to see if they decrease or go away. But you can have the IUD removed at any time for any reason, and if you don't want to wait to see if your side effects go away, you don't have to. Just remember that if you don't want to get pregnant right away once you get the IUD removed, you’ll need to use another method.</p> <p>A very small number of people have serious side effects, including the IUD slipping out or pushing through the wall of the uterus; having an infection at the time the IUD is placed and passing it to your uterus and other reproductive organs; or complications if you get pregnant while you have an IUD. Signs that you might have one of these serious side effects include heavy bleeding, intense cramping, pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, fever, a positive pregnancy test, or other signs of pregnancy. If you have any of these symptoms contact your health care provider or get emergency care right away.</p> <p>In addition to potential side effects, there are some disadvantages to the non-hormonal IUD:</p> <ul> <li>Can be expensive</li> <li>Doesn’t offer STI protection</li> <li>Have to see a provider in person to have it placed</li> </ul>
<p>There are many things about the copper IUD that are good for your body as well as your sex life.</p>
<p>Here are some of the benefits of the non-hormonal IUD:</p> <ul> <li>Easy to use</li> <li>Doesn't interrupt the heat of the moment</li> <li>Super long-lasting protection without much effort</li> <li>Safe for smokers and those with hypertension and diabetes</li> <li>Doesn't change your hormone levels</li> <li>Safe to use while you're breastfeeding</li> <li>Can have it placed immediately after having an abortion or giving birth</li> <li>Can be used as super effective emergency contraception</li> <li>Easy to keep private from parents or people you live with (though partners may feel the strings)</li> <li>Super quick return to whatever level of fertility is normal for you, which is a benefit if you want to get pregnant right after having the IUD removed</li> <li>More predictable bleeding patterns than with the hormonal IUD</li> </ul>
<p>The non-hormonal IUD, known by the brand name Paragard in the United States, is a small, T-shaped piece of plastic wrapped in copper wire. The non-hormonal IUD works by interfering with the way sperm moves and reducing its ability to fertilize eggs, and possibly also by preventing the implantation of fertilized eggs in the uterus. </p><p>Paragard lasts up to 12 years, which is longer than any other IUD and is one of the longest-lasting of any of the birth control methods. It's also one of the most effective methods of preventing pregnancy. It's over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, copper IUDs don't protect against STIs—no IUDs do. </p><p>The non-hormonal IUD is also one of the most effective forms of emergency contraception, along with Mirena and LILETTA, which are IUDs that contain hormones. The non-hormonal IUD can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy by over 99%.</p>
<p>The non-hormonal IUD, known by the brand name Paragard in the United States, is a small, T-shaped piece of plastic wrapped in copper wire. The non-hormonal IUD works by interfering with the way sperm moves and reducing its ability to fertilize eggs, and possibly also by preventing the implantation of fertilized eggs in the uterus. </p><p>Paragard lasts up to 12 years, which is longer than any other IUD and is one of the longest-lasting of any of the birth control methods. It's also one of the most effective methods of preventing pregnancy. It's over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, copper IUDs don't protect against STIs—no IUDs do. </p><p>The non-hormonal IUD is also one of the most effective forms of emergency contraception, along with Mirena and LILETTA, which are IUDs that contain hormones. The non-hormonal IUD can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy by over 99%.</p>
<h3>Effectiveness at preventing pregnancy is a top priority for you.</h3><p>The non-hormonal IUD is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy—and all of the the <a href="/method-explorer/hormonal-iud/basic-info">hormonal IUDs</a> are too. That means that, on average, fewer than one out of every 100 people who use a non-hormonal IUD for a year will get pregnant.</p><h3>You want birth control without hormones.</h3><p>If you are looking for super effective pregnancy prevention but don't want to use hormones, the copper IUD may be a good option for you. </p><h3>You don't want to have to remember anything for your birth control to work.</h3><p>IUDs are great if you don’t want to worry about taking a pill every day or switching out a ring or patch. Once your non-hormonal IUD is in, you're good to go for up to 12 years (but you can always get it taken out before then if you want).</p><h3>You still want to get a period.</h3><p>The hormonal IUD can cause your periods to get lighter, become irregular, or even stop altogether, which some people don't like. If you know you want to get an IUD, but you like getting a period or want a period that is more predictable, the non-hormonal IUD might be right for you. Just know that it may make periods heavier, longer, or more uncomfortable.</p><h3>You aren't looking for STI protection, or you're okay with combining the IUD with another method.</h3><p>Neither hormonal nor non-hormonal IUDs offer any STI protection. So if that's something you're looking for, you can use condoms or internal condoms along with your IUD. Dental dams and/or gloves also offer STI protection, depending on what kind of sex you're having. You may also want to consider PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), which is a daily pill or an injection you can get every two months to decrease your risk of getting HIV.</p><h3>You want a method that won't affect your future fertility.</h3><p>The only birth control method that permanently affects your future fertility is sterilization. The copper IUD does not affect your ability to get pregnant after you stop using it. In fact, because this type of IUD doesn't affect ovulation, you may be able to get pregnant the same day you get it removed. If you’re not ready to get pregnant right after getting your IUD taken out, you'll need to use a different method of birth control.</p><h3>You don't mind a method that requires a visit to your health care provider.</h3><p>The non-hormonal IUD is inserted and removed by a health care provider. Your provider should always remove your IUD right away if you ask for it to be removed. But some people may not feel comfortable with needing a provider's involvement to stop their birth control. </p><h3>You want to keep your birth control private.</h3><p>No one can tell when you have an IUD. There's no tell-tale packaging, no prescription to refill every month, and nothing you need to do just before you have sex. Some people's partners say they can feel the strings though, so it may not be possible to hide that you have an IUD from a sexual partner.</p><h3>You don't have any of these risk factors:</h3><ul> <li>An STI or other infection at the time of IUD insertion</li> <li>An infection after giving birth or having an abortion (if your IUD is being placed right after having an abortion or giving birth)</li> <li>Pelvic inflammatory disease</li> <li>An allergy to any component of the IUD or sensitivity to copper</li> <li>Wilson's disease</li> <li>A uterine abnormality that changes the shape of your uterus</li> <li>Untreated cervical or uterine cancer</li> <li>Unusual vaginal bleeding with an unknown cause</li> <li>A current pregnancy</li> <li>Pelvic tuberculosis</li> <li>Gestational trophoblastic disease with high HCG</li> </ul>
<p>When it comes to using an IUD, all the effort is up front, when you get it. Once it's in, you don't have to do anything, it just works. All you have to remember is to get it replaced in 12 years (or sooner, if you like). </p> <p>If you want to get an IUD, the first thing you'll need to do is talk with your health care provider. They will ask you some questions about your medical history and your life, and then they'll give you an exam to make sure the IUD is right for you.</p> <p>You can get the IUD inserted at any time during your menstrual cycle as long as you can be sure you're not pregnant. You can also have it placed right after having a baby or right after having an abortion. Some providers will suggest that you schedule your IUD insertion to happen while you have your period. It may be the most comfortable to get it done then because your cervix (which is essentially the doorway between your vagina and your uterus) is slightly open during that time.</p> <p>Many people experience cramping—which can be intense—when they have their IUD inserted. The cramping can continue after the insertion as well. Talk to your provider about your options for pain relief during and after your IUD insertion. Many providers recommend taking over-the-counter pain medications before insertion, and some providers may be willing to use numbing medication on your cervix, but it's not a routine part of IUD insertion. If numbing medication is something you’re interested in, talk to your provider beforehand.</p> <p>Dizziness during and after IUD insertion is common, too. If you've ever fainted during a medical procedure or while having blood drawn before, make sure to let your provider know before your IUD insertion. They can talk you through simple exercises to help prevent this from happening during your IUD insertion. </p> <p>Once your IUD is in place, you may notice thin, plastic strings that hang down into your vagina. (They won't hang out of your vagina like a tampon string though.) If the strings inside your vagina bother you or your partner, your provider can trim them. These strings will come in handy later, when it's time for your provider to remove the IUD. </p> <p>After your IUD is in, you're pretty much good to go. Your provider should offer to check on your IUD once in the first few months after inserting it to make sure it's in place. After that you can check the string ends from time to time if you want to, to make sure the IUD is in place. Just don't tug on them. That could move your IUD out of place. It’s safe to use both tampons and menstrual cups while you have an IUD.</p> <p>Here's how to check your IUD strings: </p> <ol> <li> Wash your hands, then sit down on the edge of the toilet or tub (or you can squat).</li> <li> Put your finger in your vagina until you feel your cervix, which will be firm and rubbery, like the tip of your nose.</li> <li> Feel for the strings. If you find them, congrats! Your IUD is good to go. </li> </ol> <p>If you can't find the strings after having found them before, or if you notice a change in the length of the strings, contact your provider. It doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem—sometimes the strings curl up around your cervix and become hard to find, but it's best to check in with your provider. If you ever feel the hard part of the IUD sticking out of your cervix, you may need to have it adjusted or replaced by your provider. If this happens, make sure to use a backup method of birth control until you can get checked out since the IUD needs to be correctly placed inside your uterus to prevent pregnancy. </p> <p>When it's time for your IUD to be replaced (or if you want to have it removed before that time), a provider will remove it for you. Some people instead choose to remove their own IUDs at home.</p>
<p>learn more about the non-hormonal/copper IUD</p>
<p>The non-hormonal IUD needs to be inserted by a health care provider who is trained to place IUDs. Make an appointment at a health center.</p>
<h3>With insurance</h3><p>If you have health insurance—whether it's through your parents, school, work, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, or Medicaid—chances are good that you'll be able to get this method with no out-of-pocket cost.</p><h3>Without insurance</h3><p>If you don't have insurance, or if you have an insurance plan that doesn't cover birth control, non-hormonal IUDs can be pricey up front. The full price of Paragard without financial assistance or savings programs can be up to $1,300. </p><p>Without insurance there may be an additional cost for your health care provider to insert or remove your IUD. The cost of this kind of visit can vary, but it’s usually between $150 to $250.</p><p>If you need help with the cost, you have some options. Savings programs offered by the manufacturer can help with the cost. <a href="https://www.paragard.com/">The manufacturer</a> also offers payment plans. You can also ask your provider what the most affordable way to get an IUD will be for you. Or check with your <a href="/where-to-get-birth-control">local health centers</a> to find out if they offer free or low-cost IUDs—many do.</p>
<p>Over 99</p>
<p>Over 99</p>
<p>Could range from $0 (with insurance) to $1300. There may be an extra cost for insertion and removal.</p>
<p>You may have heavier periods with increased cramping.</p>
<p>Super effective, lasts for years, low-maintenance, and private (though some partners can feel the strings).</p>