Paragard Copper IUD Side Effects and Safety Information

August 26, 2026 | Personal Injury

Paragard Copper IUD Side Effects and Safety Information

Paragard is a non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) used to prevent pregnancy. Patients should understand Paragard Copper IUD side effects and safety information before deciding whether to use the device.

Some side effects are common and may improve with time. Other symptoms may point to problems such as infection, movement of the device, uterine perforation, or breakage during removal.

How Does the Paragard Copper IUD Work?

Paragard is a small, T-shaped device placed inside the uterus by a healthcare provider. Unlike many other IUDs, it does not use hormones.

The copper on the device affects sperm and helps prevent pregnancy. According to the company, Paragard can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years after insertion.

Common Paragard Side Effects

Changes in bleeding are common with Paragard, mainly during the first few months after insertion.

Patients may experience:

  • Heavier or longer periods
  • Spotting between periods
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Pain or discomfort after insertion

These symptoms may improve over time. However, severe pain, very heavy bleeding, or symptoms that suddenly get worse should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Serious Paragard Complications

Paragard can cause less common problems that may require medical care or removal of the device.

Potential problems include:

  • Uterine perforation
  • Pelvic infection
  • Expulsion of the device
  • Changes in menstrual bleeding
  • Pregnancy with the IUD in place

Perforation can happen when the device passes through the wall of the uterus. Paragard can also partly or fully come out of the uterus, which may prevent it from working as intended.

Paragard Can Break During Removal

A healthcare provider usually removes Paragard by gently pulling on its threads. In some cases, the device can break during removal.

Breakage or embedding can make removal difficult. If part of the device remains in the body, further care may be needed to find and remove it.

Patients have filed product liability lawsuits over injuries linked to broken Paragard devices. These cases have included claims that the device was defective or that warnings about breakage were not enough.

Symptoms That May Require Medical Care

Certain symptoms after Paragard insertion or removal should be checked by a healthcare provider.

These may include:

  • Severe pelvic or stomach pain
  • Fever or chills
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Very heavy bleeding
  • Pain during sex
  • Signs of pregnancy
  • Inability to feel the IUD strings
  • A change in the length of the strings

These symptoms do not always mean there is a serious problem. Still, a medical exam can help find the cause.

Is There a Paragard Recall?

Paragard has been involved in product liability lawsuits, but lawsuits and product recalls are not the same thing.

Patients can search the ⁠FDA Medical Device Recalls database for current information about medical device recalls. A healthcare provider can also answer questions about a patient’s specific device.

What Happens If a Paragard IUD Breaks?

If Paragard breaks during removal, a healthcare provider may need to find out whether any pieces remain in the body.

Imaging or other medical procedures may be used to locate the pieces. In some cases, another procedure or surgery may be needed to remove them.

Patients should keep records related to the IUD’s insertion, removal, imaging, and later treatment. Device information may also be useful if an injury leads to a product liability claim.

Contact a Lancaster Personal Injury Lawyer at Marzzacco Niven & Associates for a Free Consultation 

If you experienced complications or injuries related to a Paragard Copper IUD, you may have questions about your legal options. Marzzacco Niven & Associates can review the circumstances of your injury, explain your rights, and help you determine whether you may have a product liability claim.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Lancaster personal injury lawyer and learn more about your options for pursuing compensation.

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