What Is Paragard? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Paragard is a copper intrauterine device (IUD) — a small, T-shaped contraceptive device inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years. It's the only hormone-free IUD that has been widely available in the United States for decades, and it remains the most prescribed non-hormonal long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) in the country.

What Is Paragard?

Paragard's full name is the Paragard T 380A Intrauterine Copper Contraceptive. It's manufactured by CooperSurgical, Inc. and has been FDA-approved since 1984, with commercial availability since 1988. Here are the key facts:

Drug class: Copper-containing intrauterine device (IUD); non-hormonal contraceptive

Active ingredient: 313.4 milligrams of copper wire wound around a T-shaped white plastic frame

Manufacturer: CooperSurgical, Inc.

Controlled substance: No — Paragard is not a controlled substance

Generic available: No — Paragard is only available as a brand-name device

Effectiveness: Over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy (Pearl Index < 0.8)

What Is Paragard Used For?

Paragard has two main uses:

Long-term contraception (FDA-approved): Paragard is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in females of reproductive potential for up to 10 years. Some studies suggest efficacy extending to 12+ years.

Emergency contraception (established use, off-label): When inserted within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex, Paragard is the most effective form of emergency contraception available — over 99% effective, significantly outperforming oral emergency contraceptives like Plan B.

'Dosage': How Paragard Is Inserted and Used

Unlike a pill or injection, Paragard has a unique 'dosage':

Quantity: One device, placed at the fundus of the uterine cavity by a trained healthcare provider during an in-office procedure

Duration: Up to 10 years (must be removed or replaced at 10 years)

Timing: Can be inserted at any time during the menstrual cycle when the provider is reasonably certain the patient is not pregnant. Works immediately upon insertion.

Removal: Must be removed or replaced at or before 10 years. Can be removed at any time before that if the patient desires. Fertility returns immediately after removal.

Who Can Use Paragard?

Paragard is approved for use in females of reproductive age who can become pregnant, including adolescents. This includes people who have never been pregnant. However, Paragard is NOT appropriate for people who:

Are pregnant or suspected to be pregnant

Have uterine fibroids that distort the uterine cavity

Have active pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or are at high risk

Have Wilson's disease (a rare genetic copper metabolism disorder)

Have a copper allergy or hypersensitivity

Have unexplained abnormal uterine bleeding

Already have another IUD in place

Is Paragard the Right Choice for Me?

Paragard is often an excellent choice if you:

Want highly effective long-term contraception without any hormones

Cannot use estrogen-containing contraceptives (e.g., due to migraine with aura, blood clot history, or breastfeeding)

Want to maintain your natural menstrual cycle

Want a reversible option with immediate return to fertility upon removal

Want the longest-lasting option available (10 years)

To learn how Paragard prevents pregnancy at a cellular level, see: How Does Paragard Work? Mechanism of Action Explained. Ready to find a provider? Search at medfinder.com.