Paragard IUD Complications
The Paragard IUD, a small T-shaped flexible plastic insert, is placed inside the uterus by the woman, much like a vacuum cleaner, so that she can control when it releases the hormones that are meant to make her pregnant. The Paragard IUD has been approved for use as an effective form of birth control for women who are considered high risk because of their age (unless they smoke), history of sexually transmitted diseases and the size and placement of the insert. Because of this Paragard IUD may be more appropriate than the standard forms of birth control provided by most companies, including Depo Provera, which has a higher failure rate than Paragard. The Paragard IUD requires no modifications in a woman’s daily routine, so that she can use it even after having a child.
Like all medical devices, the use of Paragard IUD comes with some risks. These risks include unintentional breakage, internal copper exposure, excessive exposure to heat, skin rash, mild bleeding and infection at the insertion site. To minimize the risk of breakage and to reduce the possibility of internal copper exposure, patients are advised to store the Paragard IUD in its original packaging, and place the insert in a sealed bag in order to protect it from exposure to air and light. In addition, since the insert is a flexible piece of plastic, women are also advised to avoid stretching or bending while removing it from its packaging, and to allow for adequate air flow around the inserted piece.
Another serious complication that is associated with the Paragard IUD involves the excessive bleeding it may cause upon removal. Some physicians believe this side effect is caused by the conduct of too many invasive procedures on the pelvic floor. However, further studies have shown that this excessive bleeding is not caused by such procedures. Instead, it is caused by exposure of the thin vaginal wall to excessive vaginal fluids when the woman is in a state of high stress, such as during labor and delivery. Women are recommended to avoid having any vaginal bleeding when they are pregnant, or if they plan to become pregnant, for a minimum of three months.