ParaGard for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 4)

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2020

"I got the ParaGard in March 2020. I was in pain for a good 3 days. The cramps were horrible, and I was on my period for a week. It did work for birth control, though. That’s the only positive thing I can say. After my period seemed to end after a week, I was spotting for the longest time, then I started my period again. I seriously was on my period or spotting forever. I got my period twice in May. Now it’s been almost 3 months, and I couldn’t take it anymore, so I got it removed. I would not recommend at all."

• Msa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 1, 2020

"I hope this review helps someone make the decision not to get this. This birth control ruined the whole year of 2019 for me, and I still don't see the light at the end of the tunnel. It affected my hormones, gave me sinus problems, which led to ear problems. I was getting sciatica pain, restless legs, hip pain, brain fog, anxiety attacks. I gained so much weight, joint pain. A lot of these have gone away, some have diminished, and some I still deal with, even though it's been 6 months since removal. I had it for 2 years and 8 months, and I was in perfect health before this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 3, 2017

"This review site is just a bunch of people fearmongering. Saying that you have hormonal side effects after switching from the pill and blaming it all on the copper IUD is uninformed. All the horrible reviews almost scared me out of getting the ParaGard, but I'm so happy I did it. It did hurt really, really bad going in, but it was so worth it. Every woman is different, and things affect us differently. Try it for yourself, and don't let all the negativity here scare you. You can always have it removed."

• Lia...
• May 5, 2020

"This is my second time having the ParaGard IUD inserted. During the first insertion, I wound up having a terrible vasovagal attack. If you are not quite sure what that is: when your vagal nerve is triggered, you can have an attack that causes extreme symptoms (sweating, shakes, diarrhea, vomiting, tunnel vision, drop in blood pressure, etc.). I just had my second one inserted yesterday (I cannot handle hormones; I turn into a crazy person), and I requested a local anesthetic because of my first insertion horror story. THIS WAS THE BEST DECISION I COULD HAVE EVER MADE! The insertion was absolutely painless. I felt the first shot of the local anesthetic; the doctor allowed for a few minutes for it to kick in, then administered the other four shots--did not feel a thing! I highly recommend that if you are scared of the pain, or if you have syncope or vasovagal attacks, to, without question, request a local anesthetic."

• juj...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 17, 2016

"I recommend ParaGard 200%! I am sharing my experience everywhere I can because after my second child, when researching getting ParaGard online, all I saw were negative reviews (because typically, people don't go online to post the good, they post the bad). I got my ParaGard IUD inserted 7 weeks postpartum from my second vaginal birth. I was so afraid of having it placed and thinking it may hurt, but I was so surprised I did not feel a dang thing! My doc said it is a side effect of having a baby, your cervix is a bit numb for some time. I had very minimal cramping and some bleeding for a week, then did not even notice it was there. My first period was crampy and heavy, but all were normal after that. Heavier, but normal."

• Tan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 14, 2020

"Awful, creepy, unnatural, not worth it. Avoid this little alien. It hurts, but more, it is interrupting the most sensitive and valuable areas of the female body. There are so many risks and complications doctors won't tell you about. Getting mine out in a week, so desperate to get it out of me, almost considering taking it out myself. It works by pumping your uterus with copper and causing a constant state of inflammation. I can feel mine, constantly. Like dull aching, irritation. Women need the truth. This is awful."

• Cat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 28, 2020

"I have had mine for 5 years now. I do have heavier periods and cramping, but mine were light in the first place, so now they're average. I check my strings once a month on my period. I know that if there's ever a problem, my body will let me know. When I initially had it placed, the first one didn't sit right, needed to be removed and replaced after a month. Since then, I have had no problems. I could tell that first month that something was off. I was cramping, dizzy, spotting. What I should have done was call my gyn and tell her right away. There should be no pain, even right after. Once it's in and your cervix gets over its little shock, you shouldn't be aware of it. I have not had children, I have a small uterus. I haven't had to worry about pregnancy for 5 years now. I'm in a monogamous relationship, and it lets me feel protected. I'm not looking forward to getting it removed 5 years from now, but it's not something I'm going to worry about. If you have questions, call your doctor."

• PHR...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 2, 2020

"I used to never have cramps or PMS, but after receiving the ParaGard IUD, I began to have major PMS, to such a ridiculous extent that I had to plan social events around that week. The cramps have been even worse. I find myself doubled over in pain, even at work. I did my research and picked this IUD because it was NON-hormonal, and yet I’ve never felt so miserably hormonal in all my life. I’ve been dealing with it for two years because my insurance company won’t cover the removal."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2020

"I wanted to write an experience because I looked at multiple reviews right after I got ParaGard inserted, and it freaked me out. The insertion is very painful (I have never had a child before), so that pain was terrible. The first 2 weeks, I had really bad cramps, and my period was SO HEAVY. After my period ended, the cramping went away, no side effects, I hardly know it’s there. It’s way better than having multiple side effects from the pill, and I have had no spotting in between periods, which is common in hormonal IUDs. I had the Liletta for almost 2 years and spotted the whole time. I would recommend it for those who hate side effects from hormones. The cramping sucks at first, but it goes away! Every body is different, so trust your instincts, and if you think you’ll be happy with the ParaGard, I would try it out!"

• Abb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 23, 2019

"I love this BC. I’ve had the ParaGard for about 2 years. It has worked wonderfully for me. I don’t do well with hormonal birth control, so this was the perfect fit for me. My periods were very heavy for the first 4-5 months. If you can get past that, it’s very worth it. My periods are shorter and lighter now than before I had the ParaGard. I’ve seen no sign of any other side effects, and hey!!! I’m not pregnant!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 18, 2019

"I have had the ParaGard for about 6 months now, and it has been great. The insertion was as expected, with the cramping, but once you get through it, it’s okay with Advil. My periods have been heavier, just on the first few days, but it’s nothing unmanageable and definitely worth not putting hormones into my body like with other birth controls. I definitely feel like myself, rather than on other BC, and that’s what I wanted. Weight has stayed the same, sex drive has stayed the same, and skin has stayed the same. It has been a great fit for me! Gives me peace of mind until I decide I want kids one day, which is great."

• JHi...
• August 18, 2015

"Best birth control device ever!!! I've had two ParaGard IUDs in my lifetime and no weight gain or craziness since there aren't any hormones and nothing to worry about! Loved my almost 20 years using this device, and insertion and removal are pretty much pain-free and easy. Do yourself a favor, get off those weird hormone-laden IUDs or birth control pills and do this now!!"

• Bre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 23, 2020

"I got the ParaGard placed in after I had my first child. It was a tiny bit of cramps when it was placed in, but nothing too painful. I had the ParaGard for 3 years, the only issue was heavy periods and painful cramps. That was only during the days I was getting my period. Other than that, I did not have any other symptoms, it’s like it was never there. Everybody is different, the pill I used to take gave me tons of side effects. I’m glad I chose the ParaGard because I didn’t have to deal with all the side effects I got from taking the pill form of BC. Also, I didn’t get pregnant from it, which is why I wanted to be on birth control in the first place. I got my ParaGard taken out because I’m trying to have another baby. Once that happens, I will be going back to the ParaGard."

• Dam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2015

"I switched from the Nexplanon to the ParaGard, and let me tell you how much of a life saver that was! I was ALWAYS moody, hungry, breaking out, and my libido was in the negatives. So I decided to toughen up and get the IUD inserted. It wasn't pleasant since I hadn't had kids and did not take any painkillers, but it was completely worth it! A day of extreme cramps in exchange for 12 years of no hormones and preventing pregnancy? Hell yeah! I can feel like myself physically and sexually again, which was impossible to come by on any hormonal birth control. I highly recommend the ParaGard."

• Col...
• December 17, 2018

"At first, I was really skeptical because there are a lot of bad reviews, but I decided to still try it out anyway. I have never written a review on anything in my life, but I love this IUD so much I thought my review might help some people! Getting it inserted did cause some pain, it was about two big cramps and then it was in! The next two days, I cramped very lightly, just like I would for a period, and Advil took the cramping away! My first period with the IUD was a bit harsh, medicine and a heating pad helped though, and I still went about my normal daily activities. My second period was about the same. All of the periods following that were completely back to normal, everything was exactly how it was before I got the IUD. I have had absolutely no physical changes, and I completely forget I have it. I love that it doesn't contain the hormones to change my body and that I never even notice it is there."

• srs...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 22, 2015

"I got my ParaGard after my 2nd son 5 years ago and decided I would do a review because I see a lot of negative reviews! I haven't had any complications with my ParaGard, I love my ParaGard!!! My husband wants to try for a little girl, but I'm not ready yet, so ParaGard is perfect for me until I decide if I want another baby or not. I love that it is hormone-free and lasts 10 years!"

• Bla...
• June 23, 2019

"So I tried it 2x. 1st after my 2nd child. I gained lots of weight, got acne, cramps, and bleeding heavily. Finally, it fell out about 2 years later. My doc said my body rejected it. I feel like they have false ads saying it has little side effects. Gave it the benefit of the doubt, tried it a 2nd time since my birth control pills were no longer covered by my insurance. Huge mistake. Same thing all over: horrible acne, gained 40 lbs in 1 yr. Nothing helps me lose weight. I was going through tampons & an extra heavy flow pad within 1 hr. Kept bleeding through my clothes, not to mention 10-day periods. My life was on hold, had to miss work because I was bleeding so much. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore, got it taken out after 1 year. My skin is so clear, never break out anymore, not even before periods. My periods are back to 3 days and light. Lost 7 lbs in 1 month so far! Never again! False ads, lots of side effects. Obviously, I’m not the only one by reading some of the reviews. Wish I would have read on it sooner!"

• Geo...
• March 28, 2017

"If you are reading reviews... stop. ParaGard reacts differently to everyone that gets it. I almost scared myself out of getting it after days of reading the reviews, but you will never know if you do not go through with it. I'm not lying, it was painful day one and two, but it really is not bad! My periods are the same as they used to be (last about 4 days with moderate flow), just a bit crampier a week before and when I ovulate. The pain is nothing a few Advil can't solve. A few side effects that I experienced: I was bloated for the first couple weeks, spot bleeding here and there, cramps are sharper. Honestly, that's it... for me, this was the BEST option on the market!"

• sis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 10, 2020

"DO NOT GET THIS. DO NOT GET THIS. You will poison your body, even if it takes years to notice, you can hurt yourself. I had mine 4 years and had several horrific experiences that I thought were related to other things. At the end, it was all that stupid IUD. There are many people trying to sue the company, it's not worth the risk!!"

• 007...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 5, 2020

"I took hormonal birth control for about 7 years, and then after switching off (due to irregular periods and being on it for so long), I noticed a decrease in stress, and I lost 9 pounds. This led me to wanting to avoid taking hormonal birth control again, so I looked into ParaGard. The insertion was painful but not terrible, and it took about a week for me to feel completely back to normal again. Now my periods are fairly consistent and really heavy, with a lot of cramping, but on the bright side, I don’t have to take a pill every day, there are no excess hormones going into me, and I’m baby-free. Woot."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 10, 2021

"I've had ParaGard for 2 years now, and ever since I've had it, my mental health declined rapidly, and all of the sudden, I had depression and panic attacks! I also haven't been able to sleep right or really feel like myself. I'm getting it removed tomorrow. After doing tons of research, I've found that I am not the only one who has experienced these types of issues and wanted to put this out there! I've recently been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, and I've had anxiety all my life, but since I've had this IUD, it intensified tremendously to where it's uncontrollable, and I have to take medicine daily just to be 'normal.' I find it extremely strange. I'd think twice before using this."

• Kik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2014

"I had the ParaGard inserted in less than 5 min, pain-free. After my doctor did a vaginal and stomach sonogram to make sure it was in the correct position, I was done. The only complication is my periods are longer, heavier, and more crampy, but no biggie. I love the ParaGard. I have no complaints."

• MCa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 3, 2020

"I got the ParaGard IUD inserted in 11/2019. I am scheduled to get it removed next month. It has been a horrible experience. I experience heavy cramps and bleeding. The excessive bleeding led to anemia. I want to warn people, if you experience heavy bleeding and lethargy after getting the ParaGard inserted, please get tested for anemia - iron storage levels. It has impacted my entire life from having to take days off of work and being less energetic in general. Not to mention the heavy, long-lasting periods and horrible cramps that put me on bed rest for 5 days every month. It was not worth it for me, and ParaGard needs to warn patients about these side effects more often."

• Not...
• August 30, 2015

"So I had the ParaGard for 2 years, 2 months before I had it removed last Friday. I really enjoyed the ParaGard, and my husband enjoyed it as well. I had heavier periods for the most part while having the IUD inserted. Up until recently, my periods were returning to normal. Now you're asking, why did you have it removed? I noticed that I was a week late for my period, and I had breast tenderness. So I thought to myself, no way, or can I really be pregnant? So I took a pregnancy test a week and two days ago, and of course, it was positive. I thought to myself, I have two kids already, I'm almost 33, and I have an IUD, how can this be? So if you get the IUD, just keep in mind you could be part of the 1% that gets pregnant like me."

• kka...
• December 16, 2020

"It astounds me that this method of birth control is even an option. I had it for a week and that was enough. Within the first few days, I was experiencing joint pain, horrible anxiety, insomnia, anger, brain fog, irritability, all the long-term side effects of copper toxicity. Looking back, my doctor never once mentioned anything about ParaGard. Upon removal, he said, 'that's surprising that you are experiencing this, it's just copper.' Another friend of mine who works in the hospital also made the remark that, 'copper toxicity doesn't exist.' This literally blows my mind. The copper in ParaGard creates a toxic and hostile environment within the uterus. When you think about it, how on earth would this NOT affect our physical and mental health? Moral of the story: it might be worth it, it might not. Listen to your body."