I have heard that copper is not a good thing to have in your body. I want a birth control that doesn't give off hormones, but I don't know if paraguard is completely safe. Anyone know?
I have it and had it implanted 4 weeks postpardium and breastfed my baby, no issues at all and my baby is now 2 1/2 years old. Love it and my flow is not any heavier than before and cramps are that same as before so, I'd never go back to anything else
I am so glad to actually see some positive responses on here about Paraguard, I was not one of the lucky ones with a good experience and thought I would share a different view. I had a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in lung) from birth control pills. So when we had our 2nd child I had decided Paraguard was the way to go afterwards due to no hormones. Insertion is painful, then less than 1 week after I started to have EXTREME back pain whenever I laid down - mostly bedtime - but when I woke up after about an hour it would go away. I thought originally it was our bed and actually switched to my older sons bed and the couch at times - but it never went away. It was so painful I couldn't even turn over in bed at times with tears. I went to the chiro and he found nothing wrong. So I researched it on line and there are actual forums about back pain with having an IUD. In addition to the back pain - the periods were the worst possible imagined - without getting too gross - the first 2 days of starting I could not leave the bathroom for more that 10-15 minutes. It was so heavy and uncontrollable, I bled through everything after 30 minutes.
This isn't meant to scare you - I just wanted you to know that besides wondering if it's completely safe - IUD's have side effects that you should consider too.
I had mine removed after 6 months, the back pain is 95% better (though not guarenteed to improve with removal) and my periods are now very normal.
Good luck - with whichever way you choose.
Yes! it's been around as a birth control method for over 25 years.
I had it for a week, but unfortunately I had a reaction to the copper, I'm in that small percentage. Most women have no problems with it at all.
To the best of my knowledge copper is only contraindicated in people who are allergic to copper.
I've had good ole coppertop (paraguard) for 8.5 years now... and loooooooove it. I can't use hormone BC because it triggers a very fast acting gynecological cancer in me. That it has a lower failure rate than even a tubal (and works on day 1, for 10 years, through all antibiotics, etc.) is just more icing on the cake. Of course, since it has no hormones, no hormonal side effects. From the icky ones (like cancer for those like me, to weight gain, mood swings, skin problems, etc.), to the nice ones (shorter periods, less cramping, clearer skin) that some people get. Your period resets to "normal" on Paraguard. But it does typically take 2-3 months. Those first 2-3 periods are SUPER crampy (huzzah for midol) and then you just set to "normal", whatever that is for you.
There *are* risks with ALL forms of birth control (like seizures / blood clots with hormonal bc, or the IUD embedding)... but the risks for all approved forms are extremely low. Before getting Paraguard inserted it's generally a good idea to test for a copper allergy.
I've had mine for six years and have no problems at all, and love the no hormone aspect of it!
I think, for the most part it's OK. Most woman can handle the copper. Our body actually needs some copper, so it knows how to deal with it. I am very prone to copper toxicity. We don't really know why and it took a long time and different doctors to figure it out. Birth control is really bad news for me. Secondary ingredients in all hormonal birth control have copper. Obviously, this type does. Have you used birth control in the past with no crazy side effects? If so, I think you are fine to take it. My body goes completely crazy on birth control, becuase of the copper. If you do OK on regular birth control, I would think your body knows how to deal with copper. If you are very worried, you could get tested for any issues with copper.
I had the Paraguard IUD put in a couple of months ago - we are not planning on any more kids but my ob-gyn did not recommend anything with hormones because of my history of blood clots and the increased risk (and our insurance does not cover surgical sterilization). There are risks with anything you choose - nothing is guaranteed 100% safe - but I've never heard about the copper being an issue. I would talk to your doctor about this and see what they have to say, or check out a source like WebMD. The only thing I have noticed so far is I still get my period on schedule like before, but it seems much heavier and lasts slightly longer, but it's more of a nuisance than anything.
I also LOVE my copper IUD. Best birth control ever - and I've used condoms, the pill, diaphragm and prayer : )
For the most knowledgeble advice, talk to your OB.
I love my Paraguard. I think everyone is different but I will tell you that for me it took about a year for my period to go back to what it was before. There was more cramping and a much heavier flow- my cramps went away and the flow decreased but is still heavier than it was- this was a small adjustment and well worth not having to take hormones. My insertion was not very painful at all- again everyone is different. Overall- I love it and will do it again when it's time.
If you have a known and proven copper allergy it would not be good. I have issues with horomonal bc, but no issues for the 9 years I had my iud.
It came out and I was able to have another baby.
When I am certain we are truly done I am getting one again.
Never heard of that nor of a birthcontrol that doesnt contain horomone in any form, including synthetic...other then condoms etc. Post more info, Im interested in knowing.
