Women’s Health on the Go
All opinions in the below article are my own. It’s important to talk to your doctor and discuss if Paragard® (intrauterine copper contraceptive) is right for you. I am being compensated for this partner post by SheKnows Media on behalf of CooperSurgical, Inc. Learn more at Paragard.com.
When you travel as often as I do, it’s easy to forget to bring the essentials. Contacts? Check. Clean underwear? Check. Snacks? Check. But, what about birth control? When I had my son, I was looking for options that I didn’t have to remember. I could barely remember to buy milk from the grocery store let alone taking a daily pill or another method.
I asked my doctor what my options were, and it became clear that I wanted something that was hormone-free. I had been feeling a variety of highs and lows due to hormones, and I wanted to feel like myself. I didn’t want anything that had extra hormones, so when I learned about Paragard® (intrauterine copper contraceptive), I was IN!
Paragard is a copper IUD that is 100% hormone-free and over 99% effective.
How to Find a Birth Control That Works For You
- Talk to your doctor. This is probably the most important step. Ask your doctor about Paragard by name and let your doctor know that you want no hassle, no harsh ingredients and no hormone-related side effects.
- Evaluate your needs. Are you like me and always on the go? Are you a creature of habit? Some people take solace in a routine, so taking a pill each day fits them perfectly. For me, I preferred something that was low maintenance and did not require a daily routine.
- Consider the side effects. Because Paragard is hormone-free, a woman should continue to get her period at the same time each month as if she were using no birth control at all. Heavier, longer periods and spotting between periods may increase at first, but for most women, these side effects diminish after 2 to 3 months. If a woman has questions about side effects, she should check with her healthcare provider. Paragard does not protect against HIV/AIDS or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Paragard may not be appropriate for everyone, which is why it’s important for women to speak with their healthcare providers about potential side effects. For important risk and use information about Paragard, please see the full Prescribing Information on Paragard.com.
- Talk to your partner.
- Determine what works for you.
So, why did I decide to use an IUD?
The main reason was that I am always on the go, and I wanted something without hormones. Paragard is the only 100% hormone-free IUD, so it was a no brainer. Because it can be used for up to ten years, I felt comfortable knowing this was a long-term solution (or a short-term one if I get it removed earlier).
I’m happy to share more of my experience with you if you want to know how it is working. I have had mine for 11 months now, and I don’t regret it at all.
INDICATION:
Paragard is a small IUD (intrauterine device) that prevents pregnancy for as long as you want up to 10 years. It works differently using one simple active ingredient —copper —instead of hormones.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
- Don’t use Paragard if you have a pelvic infection or certain cancers. Less than 1% of users get a serious infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- If you miss a period, have persistent abdominal pain or if Paragard comes out, tell your healthcare provider (HCP). If it comes out, use back-up birth control.
- In rare cases, Paragard may attach to or go through the uterus and cause other problems. Pregnancy with Paragard is uncommon but can be life threatening and may cause infertility or loss of pregnancy.
- Bleeding and spotting may increase in the first 2-3 months but usually decreases over time.
- Paragard does not protect against HIV or STDs.
Only you and your HCP can decide if Paragard is right for you. Available by prescription only.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For full product information, please see the full Prescribing Information.
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