Paragard IUD Complications: What Patients Should Know
Clear guidance, warning signs, and practical next steps
What is Paragard?
Paragard is a non-hormonal copper intrauterine device (IUD) used for long-term birth control. It prevents fertilization using copper and can provide up to 10 years of protection. Many choose Paragard for its convenience and hormone-free design.
However, reports have revealed complications, most often during removal. These raise concerns about whether patients were adequately warned and whether the design increases risks of breakage.
What Happened?
Women have reported that Paragard can break during removal. When parts of the device fracture, fragments may remain in the uterus or migrate, leading to serious health issues.
- Infections requiring medical treatment
- Pelvic inflammatory disease that can affect fertility
- Organ or tissue damage from fragments
- Surgical procedures to remove retained pieces
Who is Affected?
Any woman who has used Paragard and experienced complications during or after removal may be affected. Problems can arise even if insertion went smoothly. Symptoms may be immediate or develop over time, sometimes only confirmed by imaging or surgery.
Symptoms and Harms
- Persistent abdominal or pelvic pain
- Heavy or irregular bleeding
- Fever, chills, or infection
- Nausea, vomiting, or fatigue
- Pain during routine activity or intimacy
Top Complications
Fracture on removal
Device arms can snap and leave fragments behind.
Infection or PID
Untreated infection can escalate and impact fertility.
Organ damage
Fragments may perforate tissue or nearby organs.
Surgical intervention
Hysteroscopy or laparoscopy may be needed.
Case Timeline
Removal & symptoms
Pain, bleeding, fever, or imaging shows fragments.
Medical workup
Ultrasound, CT, or surgery to locate issues.
Evidence preservation
Save records, imaging, and operative notes.
Legal evaluation
Assess eligibility and potential damages.
Filing & consolidation
Cases may be coordinated with similar claims.
Eligible Claim Types
- Medical expenses: Surgeries, imaging, prescriptions
- Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress
- Lost income: Missed work or reduced earning capacity
- Future care: Fertility treatments or corrective surgeries
Timeline of Events
Concerns rose in the late 2010s as breakage reports increased. By the early 2020s, lawsuits were filed and many consolidated into multidistrict litigation. The cases remain ongoing, and deadlines vary by state, making early action important.
Start Your Free Case Check
If you or a loved one experienced complications after Paragard removal, you do not have to face this alone. Pursuing.com helps organize records, connect you with others affected, and match your case with experienced counsel. Start your free case check