Paragard Pelvic Pain

Paragard is a non-surgical, hormone-free intrauterine device (IUD) that a doctor inserts into a woman’s uterus during a routine office appointment. Once inserted, Paragard can remain in the body for up to 10 years.

Paragard consists of a T-shaped plastic frame wrapped in copper wire. It produces an inflammatory reaction to prevent pregnancy and is marketed as a temporary birth control option. The device is easy to remove without surgery when a woman is ready to conceive.

What side effects are common after removing Paragard?

Clinical trials have found that certain side effects are common after removing Paragard. These include:

• Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• Fainting
• Pelvic pain
• Seizure
• Vaginal bleeding

IUD breakage is another side effect that may occur before and during Paragard removal. Approximately 11,800 cases of Paragard breakage have been reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Adverse Event Monitoring System (AEMS)*. Device breakage is the third-most commonly reported side effect of Paragard. The two most common side effects are device expulsion (more than 14,800 cases) and device dislocation (more than 11,900 cases).

*AEMS is intended to help identify safety concerns related to marketed products, but it does not prove any product or drug is linked or caused a particular side effect or injury. Reports by themselves are not an indicator of a medical product’s safety profile. In addition, AEMS may include duplicate reports or may significantly undercount injuries.

Paragard removal can cause pelvic pain. This reaction has been reported to the FDA approximately 5,022 times, according to the AEMS database. The Paragard label does not specifically list pelvic pain as a side effect. But pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is listed under the Warnings and Precautions section of the label. Bleeding and pain are listed as adverse reactions. A Paragard user who has experienced pelvic pain before might be more likely to encounter it after having the device removed.

How long does Paragard pelvic pain last?

Paragard pelvic pain is common for a few days or weeks after device removal. Paragard can cause some longer-lasting side effects, including pain and cramps during menstruation. Most long-term side effects will resolve after the device is removed. Consult with a doctor if you experience pelvic pain related to Paragard removal.

What causes the pain after inserting or removing Paragard?

When inserting or removing Paragard, a woman’s cervix must be opened. This procedure commonly causes mild to moderate pain and cramping.

Pain intensity generally varies from person to person. Mild cramping comparable to menstrual cramps is common, particularly if the device has been in place for a significant amount of time. The Paragard label states that some pain and/or bleeding or vasovagal reactions (syncope, bradycardia, and seizures) may accompany removal, particularly in those predisposed to these ailments. If your cramps continue long-term or you experience severe pain, talk to a healthcare provider.

Is pelvic pain after Paragard removal a serious condition?

Severe cramps or abdominal pain may be a sign that Paragard broke apart during the removal process. This is considered a serious condition. Broken pieces of the IUD may require surgery to remove.

Many lawsuits have been filed against Teva Pharmaceuticals and CooperSurgical, the manufacturers of Paragard. Federal lawsuits have been combined into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division under Judge Leigh Martin May.

As of September 1, 2026, there were 4,185 lawsuits pending in the MDL In re: Paragard IUD Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2974. New lawsuits continue to be filed and transferred into the MDL, and no public settlements or verdicts have been reached. Although most Paragard lawsuits have been consolidated into MDL No. 2974, individual Paragard lawsuits are also being filed in state courts.

A Bellwether trial was held in 2026. These individual “test” trials are conducted by MDL judges to gain insight regarding potential case outcomes and settlement prospects.

Individuals who want to file a Paragard IUD lawsuit must meet eligibility requirements and provide documentation proving they meet the criteria. You may qualify for a Paragard IUD lawsuit if you’ve experienced:

• Device breakage during removal
• Complications such as uterine perforation, organ damage, infertility or infection
• Surgical procedures related to a broken device or failed removal

A Motley Rice Paragard lawyer can discuss the information you need to file a lawsuit.

Motley Rice’s Paragard IUD attorneys hold leadership positions in the MDL, representing patients nationwide who suffered injuries from fractured IUDs. Our firm has decades of experience litigating defective medical device cases, including many involving women’s health products. Motley Rice attorneys have:

• Acted as court-appointed co-lead counsel for the Mirena® IUD multidistrict litigation (MDL)
• Acted as court-appointed lead counsel for coordinated cases involving the permanent birth control device Essure®
• Served on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC) for the NuvaRing® MDL

In addition to being a member of the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee (PEC) of the Paragard MDL, medical attorney Fidelma Fitzpatrick served as court-appointed lead counsel for the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee (PEC) for more than 32,000 Essure® cases coordinated in California state court. Medical attorney Kristen Hermiz also serves on the court-appointed leadership position for Paragard’s Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC). Motley Rice has also monitored other lawsuits related to the adverse health effects of IUDs.

Read more about our birth control litigation experience.

Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death. Paragard, Mirena and NuvaRing remain approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.