Copper topical for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 3)

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2015

Copper topical "No issues at all here. People said it hurts getting it in- didn't hurt me. People said it caused them heavy bleeding- not me. Severe cramps- nope. Spotting/bleeding between periods- no. I'm also sure that what you 'experience' with ParaGard may depend on how your cycles were before getting it put in. I love it."

• Sis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 5, 2019

Copper topical "I will say I started off loving ParaGard. Insertion was easy. My first one expelled within the first month, which is common, but I got a new one placed. I loved it for about 2 years, then I learned about copper toxicity. I can account some of my SEVERE disabling mental illnesses to this device. The first 6 months, cramps were worse but manageable, and ever since, my PMSing has gotten horrible. I basically have flu symptoms for 2 days before every cycle. My breasts grew practically overnight somewhere between 16-18 months with the ParaGard. Before, I was barely filling out an A cup, now I’m a D cup. Nonhormonal my ass, it influences hormones. I’ve had stomach problems, UTIs, yeast infections, smells from down there, pain with sex, chronic fatigue, bloating, allergies developed, memory issues/brain fog, and skin problems (acne and persistent eczema that I’m just finally getting to clear up). I’ve gained weight and overall just feel like garbage. Please avoid this device."

• KLT...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 12, 2023

Copper topical "Insertion was extremely painful to me, but I was okay an hour later. I had it for one week before I wanted it out of me, the cramps were so bad I had to sit down no matter where I was, or I'd feel the urge to vomit. I kept it for 13 months, hoping it would get better, but it didn't. I was told to expect cramps and longer/heavier periods, but I didn't expect 10-14 day periods with spotting in between. I can count the days I didn't bleed on one hand. I had emotional issues with ParaGard as well. I was anxious, angry, and depressed, I had nothing going on in my life that would have caused the mental health issues, so I know it was the IUD. It claims to be 'hormone-free,' but it does affect hormones. Long story short, I hated ParaGard. I'm working on getting a refund and getting the side effects that myself and other people had listed in the pamphlet through the FDA."

• Faw...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 14, 2019

Copper topical "I had the copper IUD for 18 months. Recently, I just had it taken out because of a considerable amount of side effects due to copper toxicity. I experienced brain fog, weight gain ('40 lbs' to be exact), body aches, headaches, ZERO ENERGY, stomach issues, very bad cystic acne, and my mental health declined. Also, I became severely anemic. My periods consisted of a lot of blood clots and heavy bleeding. I would not recommend this birth control because it took away my happiness for 18 months. I am excited to see improvements come now that this birth control is out of me. NEVER AGAIN will I put a foreign object inside my body."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 11, 2020

Copper topical "I had the ParaGard for a year and a half, and I experienced side effects of nausea, hair loss, depression, and really bad anxiety. I had my periods two times a month, I was losing a lot of blood, and I talked to my doctor, and she told me that the symptoms I had didn’t have anything to do with the ParaGard. I recently took out the IUD, and all those symptoms were gone. Would definitely not recommend!"

• Kim...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 25, 2019

Copper topical "Oh my! I just had my ParaGard replaced today due to having it for 10 years. I want to point out that every single person is different. Please remember this. I had zero negative complications except for heavier periods the first few years. They did return to normal. Please do not let negative reviews stop you from trying this. It’s been the best birth control, as I had one child and that shop is closed. Again, try it for yourself. This or any IUD for that matter."

• Tan...
• September 3, 2020

Copper topical "I used Nexplanon before and had terrible mood swings, so I thought ParaGard would be a better alternative, being non-hormonal. I had ParaGard for 4 months and noticed I was way more fatigued and anxious, with bad cramps, and my period was heavy, I was bleeding through an extra-large maxi pad in an hour. I went to get it out, and they said it was stuck and I may have needed surgery to get it out! It took three tries to finally yank it out a few days ago, and I already feel so much calmer and less in pain. Instead, I’m going to use natural family planning (apps like Lily allow you to track your cervical mucus and temperature and cycle to be more effective) with barrier methods like condoms or cervical caps during my fertile times. I’m really disappointed in this contraception method. I have PCOS as well and found it made my symptoms much worse than before. I wish I didn’t get it to save myself 4 months of anxiety and laying in bed with debilitating cramps."

• MDi...
• July 25, 2019

Copper topical "Had the ParaGard put in just over a week ago, and the side effects were so severe that I had to beg to get it taken out only a week after. Please do your own research on copper toxicity related to the insertion of the IUD. There is no information about this on the NHS websites, but thousands of people have been affected by this. More research needs to be done on this contraceptive. Due to word length restrictions, I can only list my side effect symptoms: - anxiety and panic attacks - significant hair loss (2 bald patches a month before my wedding!!) - bloated stomach - zero energy - brain fog (felt like a zombie) - craved junk food (normally eat clean) - insomnia (usually sleep like a doormouse). I got it out a few days ago and am already feeling so much better. Not 100% better, but I’m seeing a huge improvement already. Trust your instincts over and above a medical professional telling you you shouldn’t have any symptoms from it."

• Bog...
• June 2, 2020

Copper topical "I got the ParaGard about a month ago. Just started this month's period. I don't feel any pain or anything, you know, just the normal, you know, pressure from bleeding. But I mean, honestly, I don't recognize a difference, but I do know that birth control affects everyone differently. I had the hormonal IUD taken out because I noticed some weight gain, and I didn't like how it made me feel anxious and irritated. I am on some prescriptions for anxiety and depression and sleep, but I didn't like how that one made me feel. I definitely notice a difference with this one, my medications are working like they normally would, and I'm not agitated. I don't have weight gain, I've actually lost some weight. I love this, and it's not bad. It's not painful. And the bleeding isn't bad either, it's pretty normal for me."

• Mel...
• February 8, 2015

Copper topical "When they first tried to insert the ParaGard, the doctor had a problem. My uterus is flipped some type of way. Anyways, it took the doctor and assistant to do it. A little pain, but nothing like giving birth. I do have heavier periods, but no bad cramps. Might be too much TMI, but my sex drive has gone up since having the ParaGard because it doesn't have hormones. I was on birth control and felt so tired and lazy. I love ParaGard, best birth control for me."

• Anonymous
• June 18, 2012

"I've had my Paragard for over a year. I chose Paragard because I can't use hormonal birth control. I've never had children or been pregnant. The insertion was painful, but not that bad. I'd rank it as a 5/10 on the pain scale. The cramps following insertion were awful, I'd rank them as a 7/10. Those lasted about 24 hours. The entire first month, I had almost constant cramps. Over-the-counter painkillers wouldn't even TOUCH the pain. The first period after insertion was really hard. The cramps were so bad. After the first period ended, things were almost normal. I still get much more painful, crampy periods, but that is diminishing. My cervix is still sensitive and can hurt during sex. Discharge during ovulation is normal. Increased sex drive."

• Nan...
• December 7, 2015

Copper topical "I did a review a month ago about the insertion. This review is just an update on how the Cooper IUD ParaGard is working for me for my first month. Every girl concern: sex is great, he doesn't feel it, I don't feel it or get any discomfort during intercourse. Menstrual: for my surprise, my period is the same, is not heavier, I don't have abnormal cramps, just the usual ones for the first or second day. Days are the same for me. Overall, every person and every body reacts differently, but to have your own experience, you just have to try it. For me, it has been the best BC I have used. Don't just judge the IUD based on what you read, and give it a try. Ten years of no worries is worth it."

• K-b...
• November 17, 2016

Copper topical "I have had my ParaGard for one year, and it's been great! Insertion was not pleasant, but it only lasts a moment, and now it's nothing but a distant memory. My periods were heavier and my cramps more severe for the first three months, but after that, they returned to nearly the same as before. So many people wrote about their terrible experiences that reading up almost stopped me from doing it, and now I'm so glad I got it anyway. Just remember that those who had a negative experience are more likely to post about it, so there's a bias! It's also totally possible that it will go just fine and be a fantastic BC method. Don't be too afraid to try it and see if it's right for you, you can always take it out if it's not."

• Aub...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 28, 2019

Copper topical "I had ParaGard inserted after the birth of my second child. While this was “effective” in preventing pregnancy, it caused so many issues with my body! I had few symptoms for the first 3 years other than increased yeast infections and occasional spotting. Year 4, everything went downhill! The ParaGard side effects got worse. I had constant infections (yeast and BV), spotting became more frequent as time went on, and I ended up bleeding for 2 months straight. I had extreme fatigue, complete loss of sex drive to where it was affecting my relationship, weight gain, heart palpitations, hip/back pain, swelling and water retention, horrible PMS, joint pain, among many others. I had it removed after having it for 7.5 years, and 95% of my symptoms have completely vanished. The product is effective as a birth control, but the issues it causes with our bodies are not worth it."

• Nat...
• January 23, 2020

Copper topical "I had ParaGard for 9 weeks. Insertion was the most painful experience of my life. I was in bed with severe cramping and back pain for the next 3 days after insertion. I took Tylenol and Ibuprofen for pain, but it didn’t touch it. My periods lasted 2 weeks and an additional week of spotting. The entire 9 weeks, I was bloated and constipated. I gained 7 lb during that time. I am very athletic, who exercises 5-7 times a week (yoga, pole fitness, Pilates, and gym). I am also vegetarian and keep the same diet pattern and the same weight for over 18 years. So I don’t want to hear that I gained weight because of overeating. As a matter of fact, my portions were smaller than usual because I was bloated most of the time. I started having migraine headaches 4 weeks after insertion that gradually increased to an everyday thing. I started to have heart palpitations and anxiety. I DON’T RECOMMEND ANYONE ParaGard. No one tells you about these side effects."

• yyr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 15, 2019

Copper topical "To have it inserted wasn't really bad. I was impressed it's for 10 years and is not hormonal. I had some cramps, some bad ones, and my period is definitely much heavier and lasts 10 days. It didn't change after the first 6 months, but I started bleeding between my periods. And having pain only on the left side. I am dealing with acne now and had horrible migraines nearly every day. I went to the doctor. They said I'm fine. I am feeling very tired. I can't sleep properly and I don't have energy. I also have chest pain, and again the doctor said I am fine. I used to enjoy sex, but now I'm never in the mood-never! For so long. After reading other women's reviews, I related to their symptoms and can't believe the doctors don't tell you about all these side effects. I can't wait to have it removed and don't want to hear about it again! I would not recommend it to any woman. It's sad that we have to go through all this. I'm going to try the fertility awareness method. Take care! Lots of love to all women!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 27, 2019

Copper topical "I got this ParaGard, and after about 1 year, I started to have horrible brain fog, couldn’t remember words, then started to have vision problems and dizziness. Then came the headaches and cystic acne. The headaches were present every day, felt like pressure was too high inside my head. My ear started to click, I could hear my heartbeat in my ear. I was always super tired and moody, it was so hard to get out of bed. Then I started having nystagmus and bruxism to the point of breaking my teeth and having jaw pain. Got it removed, and 90% of the symptoms went away. The liver stores the copper, so it is hard to detect on serum. Worst thing I’ve done in my life."

• Lcc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 21, 2014

"2 stars because I didn't get pregnant. That said, I had the Paragard for a year and a half. I've never had kids, and insertion was awful, but only lasts for a few minutes. Like many others, I experienced extremely heavy, painful periods that lasted about 7 to 8 days each. The worst part for me, however, was the fact that I got near-constant bacterial vaginitis and yeast infections throughout the entire time I had it in. I can't even imagine how many rounds of Diflucan and antibiotics I had. Once it was removed, the infections went away, and I've been problem-free ever since."

• KRa...
• June 9, 2019

Copper topical "I love my ParaGard! I’ve had it for a month. Insertion was uncomfortable, but nothing you can’t handle. Some cramps the first week, and a slightly longer, heavier period, but again nothing not manageable. I love how I can’t feel it and how it is hormone-free. No adverse side effects, and the best part is how I still ovulate and keep a healthy cycle. I’ve been on the pill and Mirena before and had emotional PMS and also terrible acne. None of that with ParaGard so far, and I often react quickly to things. Don’t fear all the negative reviews. Usually, people who are most angry write the most reviews. Most people get it, enjoy it, and move on with their lives without writing a review. I feel healthy and positive and love owning my own birth control in a positive and non-hormonal way! No one method is perfect, but for me, it’s a great fit based on what’s available."

• Cel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 5, 2019

Copper topical "My personal symptoms regarding copper toxicity: heart racing, anxiety, insomnia, depression, lethargic, headaches, no energy, migraines so bad I couldn't see, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, memory loss, mental fog, loss of taste, metal taste in mouth, low sex drive, my body odor was 10 times worse underarms and vaginal, hair oils double, my eyes turned darker, dirty looking, the white part of my eyes turned yellow, my veins in my eyes ruptured, pain in my eyes, vision problems, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea once a week, weight gain (20 lbs), felt like my body was shutting down. Oh, and one more, got candidiasis."

• Lin...
• May 30, 2014

"I am happy overall with the Paragard (copper) IUD. I like that it's hormone-free birth control. After I had my kids and aged a little, the hormones made my hair fall out. It wasn't pleasant being inserted, but it wasn't the worst either. The first month, I spotted regularly, but when I got my period, it stopped. It took about 5 months for my body to completely adjust (those first 5 months I was having 10-14 day periods), but it started every 28 days to the hour. Now, my periods last 5-7 days (longer than when I was on hormonal birth control), and my cycle is still 28 days. Also, my periods have become slightly heavier, but I never have to use anything more than a light flow tampon. Cramping hasn't been an issue."

• Mer...
• December 13, 2019

Copper topical "Got ParaGard 1/2019. The pain was horrible! After only a few months, I noticed I started to have SEVERE mood swings. When I say mood swings, I mean I became a completely different person! I started to think something was wrong with me because I would get so mean that I almost ruined my relationship with my boyfriend. I tried to do several things to correct my behavior, but over the past 11 months, nothing worked! I talked to my Dr. who said IUDs are linked to several things, including BV and PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). Unfortunately, I waited an entire year before I thought to ask my Dr. about why she thought I might be feeling depressed, extremely angry, and just not myself. However, after she told me this information, I went and had the IUD taken out today! (12/12/19). And I know this probably sounds insane, but I feel like a normal person again and like all the side effects immediately went away! I will NEVER get a ParaGard again! One of the worst experiences of my life!!!"

• Tth...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 27, 2017

Copper topical "Do not get this device. It stalks you. It dumps copper into your body by hiding in the muscles and dumping it out during stress that brings mind-blowing anxiety and terrible malaise during detox. This device is detrimental to your adrenals. Adrenal burnout is a side effect. It really messes with your mind. It causes emotional roller coasters that will leave you screaming at the ones you love. Doctors need to get on board. Research needs to be done."

• Wor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 5, 2020

Copper topical "I got my Paragard inserted about a year ago, and I paid nothing since my health insurance covered the cost. I rarely had cramps during my period before getting Paragard. After the insertion, I do get some cramping at the time my period starts, but it is manageable, and I rarely take painkillers. But the procedure of inserting it was a pain, and I experienced the worst cramping on the day of the insertion. I could still manage the pain with ibuprofen and naproxen. I noticed heavier menstrual bleeding and some spotting here and there for the first few months, but they subside gradually. Overall, I am very happy with my decision to get Paragard because it is worry-free! Never had a child before and not planning to have one until I take this out in 10 years."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 26, 2019

Copper topical "Cannot wait to get this out of me. I have had horrible insomnia, fatigued and tired all the time, feel weak, headaches, sometimes get nauseous for no reason, I have HORRIBLE cramps, menstruating or not, I've had the WORST anxiety and depression issues, awful thoughts that worsen it, no libido whatsoever, hair is constantly tangly and dry, and I get these weird painful, rashy bumps on my face that stick around FOR EVER. I just don't feel like ME anymore and it all started after I got this IUD in Feb 2018. DON'T risk this."