Can you imagine reversible birth control that’s more than 99% effective and 100% hormone free, too?
You probably never imagined there could be birth control as effective as the pill but totally hormone free.
Today, every woman is looking for a birth control option that fits her life. Maybe you’ve been using an effective hormonal method of birth control but are concerned about hormone-related side effects, such as associated weight gain, mood swings, acne or headaches. Maybe you don’t like daily or weekly routines or monthly trips to the pharmacy.
Or perhaps you’ve been using non-hormonal methods, but you’d like to keep the moment with your partner spontaneous. And since nobody’s perfect, you don’t want a slip-up to happen that could put you at a higher risk of getting pregnant.
But now there’s something else to think about: ParaGard. The only reversible birth control that’s both highly effective and completely hormone free.
You deserve protection without compromise.
These statistics are a real eye-opener: nearly half the pregnancies in the U.S. are unintended. Slip-ups can happen to anyone, so why put yourself at higher risk of getting pregnant if you’re trying to avoid hormones? Hormone-free ParaGard is more than 99% effective birth control, so you don’t need to compromise effective pregnancy protection.
Get to Know ParaGard
Okay, so what exactly is ParaGard?
ParaGard is an intrauterine contraceptive (or IUC). It is specifically designed to be small and fit comfortably in a woman's body. In fact, it is so small, you’ll forget it’s even there. It is commonly placed by your doctor in minutes during a routine office visit. You should be able to return to normal daily activities like exercise and work after placement.
It’s really hormone free? Then how does it work?
ParaGard prevents pregnancy primarily by stopping sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. It may also prevent the egg from attaching to the lining of the uterus. If you use the Pill, Patch, or Ring, you might think that you can’t get effective birth control without hormones. But in fact, hormone-free ParaGard is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It’s one of the most effective forms of birth control available.
Is ParaGard really safe to use?
ParaGard has been FDA approved and used by women for over 20 years. When used as directed, it has been demonstrated to be safe and effective for pregnancy prevention in numerous clinical trials.
What will my periods be like on ParaGard?
Many prescription methods of birth control affect the menstrual cycle in one way or another. Because ParaGard is free of hormones, it doesn’t affect your natural cycle. There’s a possibility that early on, your period may be heavier or longer, and some women have spotting between periods, but this will lessen as your body adjusts to ParaGard—returning you to your natural period.
Will I feel ParaGard inside me? Will my partner?
No. Unlike many other forms of birth control, ParaGard doesn’t interfere with sexual spontaneity, so you can be intimate with your partner without interruption. You should not be able to feel ParaGard once it’s placed, and your partner shouldn’t feel it during sex.
Is it really okay to have ParaGard in my body for up to 10 years?
Once hormone-free ParaGard is placed by your doctor, it provides highly effective, continuous pregnancy protection for as long as you want—2, 5, even up to 10 years based on your needs. So you can plan your family when it’s right for you. It’s birth control that can fit your life.
What if I change my mind and I want to try to get pregnant?
ParaGard is a flexible birth control option because it can be removed by your doctor at any time during a routine office visit. Once it’s removed, you can start trying to get pregnant that same day, if you want.
Is ParaGard Right for You?
How to Talk to Your Doctor about ParaGard
Whatever birth control you eventually choose, it should fit your life—so talk about it. Make sure your doctor knows about your general lifestyle, especially what’s important to you. Here are some helpful tips for your next visit.
What to tell your doctor
- How you feel about hormones
- How you feel about daily routines
- How you feel about having your period on its natural cycle
- Your likes and dislikes concerning past birth control options you’ve used
- Relationship basics and your views on family planning
- Your lifestyle and attitude toward health
What to ask your doctor
- How does ParaGard compare with other non-hormonal birth control options?
- Is ParaGard as effective as hormonal birth control methods?
- Will my period be different, especially if I used to be on hormonal birth control?
- What can I expect once ParaGard is placed?
- How would I do the monthly self-checks?
- Is ParaGard safe?
- Do you think hormone-free ParaGard is right for me?
You may find that you’re ready to join other women like you who have discovered ParaGard, birth control that fits your life, naturally.
Important Safety Information
Do not use ParaGard if you have a pelvic infection, get infections easily or have certain cancers. Less than 1% of users get a serious infection called pelvic inflammatory disease. If you have persistent pelvic or stomach pain, or if ParaGard comes out tell your healthcare provider. If it comes out, use backup birth control. In rare cases, ParaGard may attach to or go through the uterine wall and cause other problems. Although uncommon, pregnancy while using ParaGard can be life-threatening and may result in loss of pregnancy or fertility. Bleeding or spotting may increase at first but should decrease in 2 to 3 months. ParaGard does not protect against HIV or STDs.
