Birth Control Now Easier than Ever Due to New Smaller IUD

The intrauterine device (IUD) as a form of birth control has been around for decades, but it doesn’t get mentioned often in the news because of birth control pills and patches taking the forefront. But now there’s a new IUD in town, and it’s making headlines. The device is called Paragard, and it’s only about the size of a penny. Which is fitting, because using Paragard to prevent pregnancy is much less expensive than other forms of birth control.

Paragard is a pain-free form of birth control without the side effects and risks of a pharmaceutical approach, and it is 99% effective, according to doctors. Its makers say that Paragard is designed to protect against pregnancy for up to 10 years, whereas other forms of IUDs need to be replaced after about 5 years. The device, made of copper and T-shaped, can be inserted in an exam room by a doctor. "It’s simply placed up inside the uterus, and it sits on top of the uterus…it works to prevent pregnancy by preventing fertilization," said Dr. Julie Hansen, with the Oklahoma University Medical Center.

Women using Paragard are pleased to not have to think about birth control every day, and they are happy to know how effective it is. Because an IUD is not a permanent fix, it can be removed easily if a woman wants to get pregnant. The only side effects to using it are the possibility of cramping and heavier bleeding for the first few months, and doctors will not approve it for a woman who has a pelvic inflammatory disease. In rare cases, there can be complications such as the device falling out or becoming stuck in the uterus.

Medical experts used to think that IUDs contributed to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. But now most doctors agree that a woman’s lifestyle—not her choice of contraception—is the biggest issue in regard to catching an STD.

Paragard costs just under $1000 for the device and insertion, and many insurance companies will cover it. Some might require preauthorization, but IUDs are a well established type of contraception. For women without insurance, the company offers a payment plan.