ParaGard is a small “T – shaped” contraceptive device, which is about 1 – ¼ inches wide and about 1 – 3/8 inches long. It is made of a flexible plastic and wrapped in copper. This kind of IUD is to be inserted by a doctor or nurse. It does not contain any hormones at all, and thus, it does not influence a woman’s menstrual cycle. The ParaGard releases small amounts of copper continuously, and in this way, it prevents women from getting pregnant during the period of time up to 10 years.
The Copper Found in ParaGard
 Copper is an essential mineral, it is present in every person’s body and it is also found in such kinds of food, like whole grains, shellfish, nuts, leafy greens, etc. The copper from the ParaGard does not influence the level of copper, present in each human’s body, as this IUD releases an extremely small amount of copper, which does not even increase the average daily diet.
How It Works
The ParaGard IUD helps the sperm prevention from joining with an egg by affecting its movement, in other words its work is to interfere the movement of the sperm to the egg. There is also a belief that the ParaGard changes the lining of the uterus, and, thus, it reduces the probability of implantation. ParaGard begins to prevent from an unplanned pregnancy right after it has been inserted.
Advantages of the ParaGard IUD
• This kind of IUD may be used by women, who breastfeed;
• The ParaGard IUD does not influence the woman’s hormonal level;
• ParaGard is able to make any woman’s sexual life easier and more comfortable, as she may have sex spontaneously;
• The ParaGard IUD provides a continuous prevention against an unplanned pregnancy, it stays effective for up to 10 years;
• If a woman desires to have a baby, and she has ParaGard inserted, she may have it removed, and her ability to get pregnant returns in no time;
• Using the ParaGard IUD is considered to be the best alternative option for women, who may not or who simply do not wish to use hormonal methods of contraception;
• ParaGard is considered to be quite a private method of contraception; you do not need to tell anybody that you are using it.
• It is a very comfortable and hassle – free contraception method, if you have it inserted, you may do nothing else.
Disadvantages of the ParaGard IUD
• Most women do not experience any unpleasant feelings, but still, there is a possibility to have heavy bleeding and cramping during first two – three weeks or during first several months after its insertion;
• It is quite a usual phenomenon, that there are some spotting between menstrual periods during the first several months after the ParaGard’s insertion;
• Some women may suffer from backache or cramping during several days or weeks after the IUD’s insertion;
• It is also possible that a woman’s first several menstrual periods after the ParaGard IUD’s insertion will last longer and the blood flow may be heavier.
Possible Side Effects of the ParaGard IUD
The possible side effects, which may be experienced by a woman during first several weeks or months after the ParaGard’s insertion may include:
• Backache, pain in the abdomen; cramps
• Spotting between first several menstrual periods;
• Because of the ParaGard’s usage the menstrual flow may be possibly increased up to 50 – 75%, and some women may suffer from anemia.
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