ParaGard and Acne: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Chl...
• December 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I got my IUD inserted in March of 2017, when I was 19. I had never been pregnant. Insertion was the most painful experience of my life. I took ibuprofen and Valium. I could barely walk afterward, and my boyfriend had to drive. I had severe cramping and pain. I bled like crazy, and my periods have lasted 2+ weeks since then. I get cramping 3/4 weeks per month with the IUD and pain on the left side. I cramp at the beginning and end of my period, and the ones at the end are worse. I am left stuck in bed with a heating pad, writhing and sweating. I get pain from my IUD before, during, and after sex as well. I have gotten terrible cystic acne on my cheeks, which I never had before, and extreme PMS. I have had joint pain, UTIs, and yeast infections. I will be getting it removed ASAP. My strings disappeared within 2 months of insertion, so I may need surgery to remove it. I'd rather find out I'm pregnant than deal with another month of this BS."

• Vic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 21, 2018

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard IUD inserted about a year ago. I took about 800 mg of ibuprofen before insertion. It felt like a very, very bad cramp but was over quickly. Bad cramps lasted for the rest of the day. I sometimes have spotting in between my periods. I also have been having bad cramps between my periods. The duration of my period is about the same as before, as well as my flow. However, I have had TERRIBLE acne soon after it was inserted. I'm 22 years old and have never had more than a few pimples at a time until about a month after it was inserted. It's too coincidental not to be the cause."

• Mom...
• February 19, 2018

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard IUD inserted 6 weeks postpartum. My periods were normal but slightly more painful, especially during ovulation. There was cramping after sex that went away after 6 months. I started to notice at 8 months with the ParaGard that I had severe acne. I changed my diet, I drank only water because I felt so ugly. Nothing worked and now I look crazy as hell, my face is disgusting. I started thinking my PMS was getting out of control. I found myself in these crazy mood swings at least twice a week in the 9th month. The last straw is here in this review because I'm too embarrassed to admit the thoughts that have crossed my mind in the midst of what could be undiagnosed psychosis because of a hormonal or chemical imbalance caused by the copper. I know I'm not crazy, and my doctor is claiming none of these side effects can be possible because the IUD doesn't have hormones. This birth control could be poisonous. Don't ignore the signs if you have them, it could be dangerous. 1 year."

• Meg...
• October 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I have recently gotten ParaGard on 9/27/16, and so far I've had light spotting and cramping. Did hurt when getting it inserted considering it was the second one directly behind the first one due to the first one not being placed high enough. I've also never had kids. I had the Skyla IUD for about 7 months and did not do well with it due to cramping and terrible acne. Hoping for better luck with this due to no hormones. Can't speak on effectiveness yet since I've only had it 7 days. Also haven't had my first cycle with it yet or anything in terms of that. Will update again a little later."

• Alm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been having acne, heavy periods for weeks, not hungry at all, and my sex life has almost stopped since I only have barely one or two days without bleeding every 2 weeks."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard IUD put in about 5 months ago. Insertion was the most excruciating pain I’ve ever felt and I would like to say I have a high pain tolerance, I was not ready for that. After it was inserted, the next few days I was bedridden from cramps, but eventually, it went away. My periods started coming 2x a month instead of 1x a month, and I think that’s why it gave me such terrible acne. Ever since my first period on the copper IUD, my face completely broke out in hormonal cystic acne. I’ve always had acne, but never this bad. I did bleed A LOT the first few periods, which is uncommon for me. I did become anemic from how much blood I was losing on my periods, and for that reason, I’m getting rid of it. However, the peace of mind I had after intercourse made everything worth it for the time being. Much luck!"

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 12, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm a 34-year-old mother of one and had my ParaGard in for a year and a half. The only positive thing I can say about this IUD is that I did not get pregnant. That being said, the side effects were so awful that I just recently had it removed. My periods were almost unmanageable. Think super plus tampon with a pad, and bleeding through both within 2 1/2 hours for the first few days. Please believe me when I say this is not an exaggeration. I also experienced painful cramping, spotting between cycles, weight gain, acne (not usual for me), and horrible bloating. I only give it five stars because, as I said before, I didn't get pregnant. However, I would never recommend this IUD to anyone and am very anxious to feel like myself again."

• KRC...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 14, 2025

For Birth Control "I was happy to get a hormone-free birth control, but I didn't get a side effect-free option. I started getting bad acne right after I had it put in. It went away after a few months, then shortly after, a rash (pityriasis rosea) formed on my abdomen, followed by a rash of little blisters all over my abdomen, armpits, and groin. My skin burned if I sweat or wore the wrong clothes. I got a biopsy, which came back for lichen dermatitis. Over 8 months, I changed everything I could to get rid of it and got meds, creams. Finally, I told my doctor to take the IUD out. It’s been 48 hours since then, and the rash is significantly better! I think it’s great for some people, however, there are still side effects!!"

• fun...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 3, 2023

For Birth Control "I had ParaGard for three years. I want to post about my experience with the hope of validating anyone reading this. If you have the copper IUD and you’re experiencing water retention, weight gain that seems impossible to reduce, cystic acne, mood swings, decreased sex drive, gut issues, bowel movement issues, joint pain, and overall less quality of life… you’re not crazy, you’re not imagining it. I was never once told that perhaps my copper IUD could be the root cause of symptoms, and I could probably go to college again with all the money I’ve spent on medical and dermatological bills. Yes, the IUD prevented pregnancy for me, but at what cost? Trust yourself and what your body is telling you. So far, it’s been 10 days since the removal. The dull ache in my abdomen is subsiding, my brain feels like an anvil, my mood is lifting, and my mid-section is noticeably less swollen. Also, my bowel movements aren’t a liquid nightmare. I hope things continue to improve."

• Jen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 29, 2023

For Birth Control "For two months, everything was great, but around three months, the panic attacks started. I have never in my life been prone to panic attacks, anxiety, or heart palpitations. Since three months in, I have experienced all three. My hair started falling out, my face is covered in acne, and the sharp cramping in my butt is awful. I’ve given it over six months, and I’m still experiencing these things, so I have an appointment for it to be removed ASAP. I had way less side effects on the hormonal birth control pill."

• No ...
• November 8, 2019

For Birth Control "When I first heard about the copper IUD, I was really excited because it's non-hormonal, and that's the reason why I chose this option. My IUD insertion was about 10 minutes. The process of getting inserted was uncomfortable but still manageable. The first three months were awful because my period would be two weeks long and spot on and off for the rest of the month. On top of that, I was constantly getting cramps and lower backaches. After six months, my cramping did get better and the period shortened up, but it was still heavy as anything. I'm about 11 months in with this IUD and I'm considering getting it removed. Even though it claims to be non-hormonal, it definitely messed up my hormones a lot. I'm constantly getting acne when my skin has been clear most of my life, and I feel bloated all the time. My PMS symptoms are way worse than before. Bottom line is I’ve had it with this IUD. If any of you guys have similar symptoms as me, did it get better after copper IUD removal?"

• Frf...
• September 26, 2018

For Birth Control "I am 34 years old. I'm actually on my last 6 months of the 10 years you can use it for. I will not recommend this to you if you are not a person that enjoys going to the doctor every 2 months for BV, acne, weight gain, mixed emotions, bad cramps, heavy bleeding, unexpected bleeding. If you are very fertile (go ahead). I am getting it taken out and getting my tubes tied."

• Ale...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 25, 2018

For Birth Control "So I’ve had 2 ParaGuards in my life. The first one made my skin break out like crazy. Took it out and got pregnant. The beginning of my pregnancy, I had severe bleeding for the first 2 months, such that doctors advised me that my baby wouldn’t make it through the pregnancy. Thankfully, my baby did. Fast forward, I got another one inserted. By the 2nd year, I started breaking out like crazy. By the 8th year, I started having severe and long 15 days plus periods. Gained about 50 lbs and can’t seem to lose weight no matter what. Will finally get it removed next week. Never again."

• Sun...
• March 15, 2018

For Birth Control "I got ParaGard after my third child. The non-hormonal IUD and not taking the pill was a huge plus in my eyes. I immediately felt bladder discomfort, I thought it was just because I had a child. The PERIODS. Don’t get me started on that. Lasting for two weeks. A year into it, I started developing horrible acne. Year 2, it became cystic. I just never felt like me. Always in a fog, horrible periods, my face was awful, severely depressed, having to go to the bathroom ALL the time, and my hair thinned out. I’m Italian, that just doesn’t happen on its own. After 9 years of constantly feeling it, it was time to remove it. I felt euphoric upon removal. I didn’t have to go to the bathroom every hour, and my mood swings stopped. It’s only the beginning, but I can’t wait to get back to normal! Most of these people saying they love it are a couple of months in. You don’t just get over 1,000 women saying the same thing after getting ParaGard. I feel like I have my brain back now."

• Sun...
• March 15, 2018

For Birth Control "I got ParaGard after my third child. The non-hormonal IUD and not taking the pill was a huge plus in my eyes. I immediately felt bladder discomfort, I thought it was just because I had a child. The PERIODS. Don’t get me started on that. Lasting for two weeks. A year into it, I started developing horrible acne. Year 2, it became cystic. I just never felt like me. Always in a fog, horrible periods, my face was awful, severely depressed, having to go to the bathroom ALL the time, and my hair thinned out. I’m Italian, that just doesn’t happen on its own. After 9 years of constantly feeling it, it was time to remove it. I felt euphoric upon removal. I didn’t have to go to the bathroom every hour, and my mood swings stopped. It’s only the beginning, but I can’t wait to get back to normal! Most of these people saying they love it are a couple of months in. You don’t just get over 1,000 women saying the same thing after getting ParaGard. I feel like I have my brain back now."

• can...
• May 23, 2015

For Birth Control "My experience with ParaGard was horrible. I had heavy periods, outrageous cramps, acne, mental issues due to the implant because now that I've had it removed, I feel excellent. When I had it removed, there was rust on the copper. I do not suggest anyone has ParaGard implants ever. It was the biggest mistake that I ever made having the implant put inside of me, and I am so grateful that I finally had it removed."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2022

For Birth Control "I lost a baby last July. In August, I needed a DNC because there were remaining tissues, and I had already loved the idea of ParaGard being non-hormonal. I decided to have it put in right after the DNC, extremely painful experience, it took my breath away. Maybe due to my situation, I was extra tender. I felt great knowing I could basically have carefree sex with my partner. However, within a month, I started experiencing strange anxiety, like I just had to get outta wherever I was. Now, here we are 6 to 7 months into having the ParaGard, and I'm suffering overwhelming anxiety, fast heart rate, panic attacks, inability to accomplish something alone like an adult should, wretched acne, bad crampy periods, bad bleeding, iron deficient. Removed today, and I feel a sigh of relief! Copper toxicity was beginning, I do believe. I don't recommend this. I'm crampy upon removal. Research!! I discovered my symptoms were similar to those on here after I read into this. You're not crazy."

• Tri...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 9, 2022

For Birth Control "I got my copper IUD put in when I was 15. I was encouraged by my mother after her being a teen mom and her having hormonal IUDs in the past. After being convinced by the doctor that it was the best long-term contraception, I was told it was not a painful insertion, but let me tell you that was so far from the truth. I had it put in and the pain was unbearable. I left after 10 minutes and had to pull over to vomit from the pain. I couldn’t get comfortable for at least a week, but now I am absolutely terrified to get it taken out. I’ve now had it in for around 5 years, and I have horrible mood swings, acne, migraines, I bleed during sex, and it’s uncomfortable. I feel it scratch me unexpectedly during the day. I need to get it removed, but I’m just absolutely terrified. Please, if you're a mom looking into contraception for your teen, please please do your research."

• Anonymous
• March 2, 2020

For Birth Control "The side effect symptoms started 3 months after insertion of ParaGard, roughly when I started to wean from breastfeeding and my cycle returned. I got insane IBS symptoms out of nowhere, nausea, insomnia, and panic attacks. The symptoms lasted about 4 weeks before I made the correlation and decided to get the IUD removed. 3 weeks after getting it removed, I felt back to normal. I went back to my doctor to discuss other birth control alternatives, and she convinced me that the ParaGard did not cause my symptoms and convinced me to get it back in. I started to think that maybe my side effect symptoms had been from weaning from breastfeeding anyway. I agreed to have it replaced. 3ish weeks later, all of those same symptoms came back, in addition to a 10-day period, a metallic taste in my mouth, and acne. I got the IUD out yesterday and am waiting for the side effects to go away. Never again will I put anything made of copper in me."

• Lau...
• August 25, 2019

For Birth Control "ParaGard did protect me against pregnancy for the full 2 years I was on it, but at what cost... I didn’t want to have it removed because it’s “non-hormonal” and I can’t take hormonal BC. At first, it was great, I didn’t mind the really long and heavy periods and cramping. I started developing severe PMDD and cystic acne, which I’ve never had before. About 2 weeks of the month, I was an emotional, paranoid, dysfunctional wreck with heart-palpitating anxiety, on the verge of panic attacks constantly. I blamed this on hormonal imbalance from the mini pill. I more recently started to get really bad headaches, nausea, brain fog, and dizziness. I even passed out at work one day, even though I had breakfast. I thought I was becoming anemic, so I had blood work done, but my results were “fine.” I thought people who claimed this IUD gave them copper toxicity were quacks at first, but I truly believe it was ruining my body."

• MMa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 25, 2019

For Birth Control "This device did prevent pregnancy for 10 years, but the side effects that accompany it are disastrous. Increased copper in my system caused severe anemia, dizziness, neurological symptoms, skin breakouts, fatigue, anxiety, and more. I would not recommend this for anyone, but it did prevent pregnancy. User beware of total body symptoms that come on after insertion and be prepared for years of detoxing after removal!"

• Bla...
• June 23, 2019

For Birth Control "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!"

• Jay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 14, 2018

For Birth Control "The first 2 years with ParaGard were good. I did experience insanely heavy periods (bleeding out of a super tampon and pad within 2 hours). I was able to lose weight and loved the idea of non-hormonal birth control. Fast forward to year 2 - 2.5 with the ParaGard and would not wish any of the symptoms I experienced on anyone else. I developed cystic acne (something I never had, even as a teen), which left me still to this day with scarring on my chin. It increased dark hairs and spotting on my chin/lip area. I also will have to blame the IUD on some incontinence issues that were immediately resolved when I had the IUD removed."

• Cra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 31, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had 2 ParaGard IUDs. Took the 1st one out to get pregnant, got the 2nd after my daughter was born. Both times, I had heavier periods, but it seemed better than hormonal birth control that makes me crazy. After 2 and a half years, I started having strange side effects. Lots of acne, dry skin, swollen lymph node, anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, hopelessness. My doctor said that my swollen lymph node is associated with the liver. My acupuncturist said she thought I had liver congestion. I researched excess copper in the body. ALL. MY. SYMPTOMS. Had it removed within 2 days. Felt immediately better. My acne started healing within a few days. Not feeling depressed anymore. It was great until it wasn't."

• eri...
• June 22, 2017

For Birth Control "This gave me depression. The copper toxicity did not allow for me to lose weight, I had ongoing infections that immediately went away after removal. I had low sex drive and acne a month after having it inserted. My discharge smells more than usual."