Paragard is a brand-name intrauterine device (IUD) used to help prevent pregnancy. Its active ingredient is copper. Paragard is not safe to use during pregnancy but can be used while breastfeeding.

Keep reading for specific information about reproductive health and Paragard. For a comprehensive look at Paragard, see this article.

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Paragard is a copper IUD used to help prevent pregnancy in females of any age who can become pregnant. It should not be used during pregnancy.

It’s possible to become pregnant while using Paragard, which can result in serious complications.

Becoming pregnant while using Paragard

Paragard is over 99% effective for preventing pregnancy. In rare cases, pregnancy may occur while using Paragard for birth control.

Pregnancy is more likely to occur if you have certain side effects from Paragard, such as embedment, perforation, or expulsion. “Embedment” means the IUD attaches to the wall of your uterus. With perforation, the IUD pierces through the wall of your uterus.

While using Paragard, you’re advised to watch for the following symptoms as they may indicate pregnancy:

If you miss a period or think you may be pregnant while using Paragard, tell your doctor right away. They’ll likely give you a pregnancy test to check whether you are pregnant.

If you become pregnant while using Paragard, your doctor will discuss whether it’s safe for you to continue the pregnancy.

Risks of using Paragard during pregnancy

If you become pregnant while using Paragard, tell your doctor right away. Paragard is not meant for use during pregnancy.

Having Paragard inside your uterus during pregnancy can cause serious complications, including:

Paragard and fertility

Paragard works to help prevent pregnancy while the IUD is inside your uterus. After your doctor removes Paragard from your uterus, your fertility (ability to become or stay pregnant) should return to how it was before.

If you’re concerned about your ability to become pregnant after Paragard removal, talk with your doctor.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to consider how Paragard may affect you and a child who is breastfed.

Paragard can be used while breastfeeding. It contains copper as the active ingredient. Current studies haven’t reported on Paragard’s effect on milk production or on a child who is breastfed.

If you start using Paragard while you’re breastfeeding, you may have a higher risk of embedment or perforation. (See “Paragard and pregnancy” for details about these possible side effects.)

Note that studies have not shown any differences in the amount of copper in human breast milk before and after Paragard IUD insertion.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed while using Paragard, talk with your doctor. They can discuss the risks and benefits of using this form of birth control while breastfeeding.

If you’d like more information about birth control, see this list of birth control and contraception articles.

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