Paragard® is one of five different intrauterine devices, or IUDs, available in the United States. A non-hormonal, copper device, Paragard® is a popular form of birth control and can even be used as a form of emergency contraception if inserted within five days of having sex.
The most commonly reported Paragard® side effects are mild and it is the only IUD that has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for more than 30 years.
However, there have been recent reports that the copper birth control device can break and become embedded in other organs, requiring a surgical procedure to have it removed.