How long does Paragard last?

Once in place, Paragard provides continuous pregnancy prevention for as long as you want it to, up to a maximum of 10 years. When you decide you want to try for a baby, your doctor or a trained nurse can remove Paragard. Research has shown that Paragard does not affect your fertility; however, in most women fertility starts to decline after the age of 30. Over 43% of women become pregnant within 3 months of Paragard being removed.

Paragard is a small T-shaped intrauterine non-hormonal contraceptive device that works by continuously releasing a small number of copper ions into the uterine cavity which prevents pregnancy. These copper ions change the fluid within the fallopian tube and the uterus, disrupting the motility of sperm and making them unable to fertilize an egg. Paragard may also prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg.

Paragard belongs to the class of devices called intrauterine copper contraceptives.