Paragard Side Effects

The Paragard intrauterine device is an effective form of contraception but can cause side effects. Some common Paragard IUD side effects experienced include heavier and more extended periods, with spotting in between, which usually decreases over time.

Other side effects of Paragard may include pain and bleeding upon insertion. Users have also reported experiencing cramping, dizziness, irregular periods, slow heart rate and spotting during removal of the IUD.

A 2023 study in Nature Communications found that copper IUDs, like Paragard, can upset the usual balance of bacteria in the vagina. The research also showed that these IUDs are linked to higher levels of inflammation in vaginal tissue compared to hormonal contraceptives.

As of March 2025, the FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) database showed 23,107 serious complications — including 19 deaths — reported to the agency about Paragard. Expulsion, dislocation and breakage accounted for nearly 60% of all complications reported to the FDA.

The Paragard IUD may cause serious complications. Adverse effects include the worsening of existing medical conditions. People with Wilson disease, for example, accumulate excessive amounts of copper in their bodies, so Paragard is inadvisable for them because it contains copper.

A 2023 study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology reported that within the first five years of using Paragard, the risk of expulsion is nearly 5%, and perforation risk is 0.6%. A 2022 analysis in Contraception examining FDA reports of IUD breakage from 1998 to 2022 found nearly double the reports of breakage for Paragard compared to hormonal IUDs. About 10% of Paragard-related problems were due to breakage, versus only 2% for other IUDs.

There are risks if you get pregnant while using Paragard. Severe infection, miscarriage, premature delivery and sometimes death can occur. Because of these risks, your doctor may try to remove the device, even if Paragard removal could potentially result in miscarriage.

Ectopic pregnancy is also possible if you become pregnant while using the Paragard IUD. This means the fertilized egg may implant outside of the uterus. Unusual vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain may signal an ectopic pregnancy. Because it’s a medical emergency that may cause internal bleeding, infertility or death, ectopic pregnancy may require surgery.

While adverse reactions may be unpredictable, sharing your complete medical history with your doctor, OB-GYN or midwife can help prevent many serious complications. Numerous medical conditions could pose health risks when using this IUD. If you have any of these health issues, using a Paragard device is not recommended.

Be sure to discuss any medications you may be taking with your doctor if you have, or plan to get, a Paragard IUD.

If you experience side effects or complications from Paragard, contact your doctor immediately. They may recommend the removal of the Paragard and other forms of treatment. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe pain, fever or adverse reactions.

If you’ve been injured after using Paragard, you may be able to file a Paragard lawsuit. An experienced attorney can help you determine whether you have a case and what steps to take next. As of March 2025, 2,965 Paragard lawsuits were part of a Paragard multidistrict litigation in federal court.

Editor Lindsay Donaldson contributed to this article.