ParaGard and Acne: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Lis...
• May 27, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard for one year and one month. The insertion was uncomfortable and painful, which was expected. I bled for the first three months straight. My period lasts 10 days, and I have two weeks in between. I get cramps that feel like contractions that make me almost fall to my knees or faint. I can't use tampons because I bleed too much, and I have to change my overnight pad every hour. I get cramps throughout the month even when I'm not on my period, and sharp shooting pains on my left side when I try to sleep. I have also developed cystic acne, which responds to nothing, hair loss, and mood disorders. I have had it checked by a doctor, and they said I'm fine. I am going to have it removed next week."

• Par...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2022

For Birth Control "I had my copper IUD inserted three and a half months ago. Insertion was fine. I had a heavy period that lasted 16 days, accompanied by extreme period pain, diarrhea. After the second period (16 days) ended, I began to experience mood swings and deep lows. My cystic acne began. After 20 years of clear skin, and almost no mood swings, the non-hormonal IUD was throwing my body into disarray. Ridiculous bloating and pain continues. My skin is getting worse. I believe my body is rejecting the copper IUD. This is definitely not for me, and I am getting it removed ASAP. Do not recommend!!"

• Har...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2022

For Birth Control "Had my IUD placed at the end of October 2021. Things were GREAT the first 2 months besides the super heavy periods (which I had to use my first ever ultra tampon). Mid-January, things got a little rough. I started getting a full-blown period every other week. Clots, heavy flow, you name it. Also, every day for the last month, it felt as though I was hit in the mid to lower back with the constant throb of pain. Daily headaches and also more acne along the jawline. Sex was great the first month, then became painful at certain, yet very normal angles. Getting it removed after 4 months and going back on the pill."

• Anonymous
• February 17, 2022

For Birth Control "For a while there, I thought I was losing my mind, and I know for sure it's this IUD. DO NOT BE FOOLED!!! This was the worst IUD insertion and worst IUD experience. I have had the Mirena twice, and I only switched to the ParaGard after 10 years in order to have my period. ParaGard has caused me to have SEVERE anxiety, face acne, heavy cervical mucus, and my BIGGEST PROBLEM, brain fog so severe I can hardly think straight or remember what I ate last night. I've had the ParaGard pumping its toxic copper venom in me for 4 years now, and I'm getting it removed within the next 3 weeks and getting my tubes tied. Please be careful with this IUD because placed in a woman who is already on edge could be detrimental to her life."

• Aca...
• February 16, 2022

For Birth Control "Removing the copper ParaGard was the best decision I have ever made for myself. I realize this form of BC has worked well for many of you, and that is really fortunate... but for those women who are unsure, please do research on copper toxicity before getting this inserted. I failed to do this, and for four months I had cystic acne, heavy periods, and I felt completely depressed. Copper made my uterus swell, and the effects from that negatively impacted my entire body. I am so glad it's out of me. If anyone tells you, 'the ParaGard doesn't cause all those side effects and it's completely in your head,' they are completely wrong."

• IUD...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 10, 2021

For Birth Control "I had the IUD, and it was almost the end of me. I had it for just 2 years. Currently, I have side effects of nerve damage, insomnia, chest pain, high copper toxicity, body pain, hair loss, cystic acne, UTI, weight gain, brain fog, depression and anxiety, blurry eyes, deafness, metal taste, nausea, migraine. I can go on and on. It did not work for me because it's toxic to women. There is no benefit for this."

• Lea...
• April 4, 2021

For Birth Control "Prior to using ParaGard, my sex drive was high and my husband and I had a very active and fun sex life. I got mine put in 2 months after my first baby was born and everything went downhill fast after that. I experienced depression, anxiety, hopelessness, cystic acne, severe PMS (I'd barely had any PMS prior), crazy mood swings, forgetfulness and brain fog, no sex drive whatsoever, and just a complete lack of interest in my spouse, pain during sex (not severe but uncomfortable and lingering), and overall I just felt like a wreck and not myself at all. It took a long time to figure out that my issues were coming from the IUD and copper toxicity. After 4 1/2 years of suffering, I finally had it removed 4 days ago. Tonight, for the first time in years, I actually enjoyed sex and desired my husband!! The sex was free from pain and discomfort too. While this IUD is great at preventing pregnancy, it's not worth losing yourself over. I'm so glad to be free!"

• Emm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2021

For Birth Control "ParaGard was an absolute disaster. Night sweats, super heavy long periods, chronic pain, depressed mood, worsened acne."

• Cel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 20, 2020

For Birth Control "I had it for 9 years. Insertion left me in the worst pain I’ve ever felt for a few days. Bloating continued for months after. I became prone to infections and had many throughout the years. I started seeing vitamin deficiencies along with being significantly weaker, fatter, and had more pains. I started having premature greying, cystic acne, and ovarian pain. Year 9 it worsened. I also had fibromyalgia, diarrhea, low back pain, and trouble staying asleep. The doctor did verify an ovarian cyst but still didn’t suspect the IUD. A friend did. I got it out, rebalanced vitamin deficiencies, and cut dairy. It has been 8 months post-removal and orgasming is easier, there’s no pain during sex anymore, period blood doesn’t smell, taste isn’t off, bowels and sleep are normal. No more ovarian cyst. I still have some issues, but they are improving. I would have never done this to myself if I had known how it does affect hormones and health significantly."

• KCo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I got my ParaGard out after 9 years of having it in. I was experiencing copper toxicity and wonky hormonal shifts. Symptoms: ovarian cysts (very expensive appointment to confirm through sonogram), cystic acne, liver started to struggle (vitamin blood test proof), easily got sick, body pains, dizziness, panic attack, trouble sleeping, daily diarrhea (not even docs or my mom could figure this out). After dramatically changing my diet to cater to reducing cysts and cystic acne, no dice. I was still in incurable pain at random (ibuprofen, magnesium, CBD, hot pad all did not work). It wasn't until I shared my story online that I found the cause was my IUD! Total spent over this issue is likely anywhere between $2K-$5K total. I just want awareness spread more than anything."

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

For Birth Control "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."

• Mam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2019

For Birth Control "Please do your research on copper toxicity before getting this inserted! It sounds promising with a quick insertion and 10 years of protection, but the side effects can be debilitating. I was only on it for 4 months, and it was miserable. Some of my side effects included NO SEX DRIVE, spotting, crippling anxiety/depression, brain fog, cystic acne (I’ve never struggled with before), aching/sore joints all over my body, twitches, and complete personality change. It made me into an irritable, angry monster, I didn’t even recognize myself. When I finally realized what was happening, I got it out. I felt instant relief. I wish I had done more research before I risked my close relationships, health, and well-being for this. There needs to be more research done on the safety of this product."

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

For Birth Control "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."

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

For Birth Control "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!"

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

For Birth Control "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."

• Amy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had ParaGard for 2 weeks and I'm getting it removed. I don't like how it makes me feel, always bloated, breaking out like crazy on my face, back, and legs. Now I'm feeling like I can only eat, migraine headaches, always feeling that I'm on my period, all of a sudden feeling sad, cramps, lower back pain, and all of a sudden feeling sick. I don't want to discourage anyone, but that's my experience. Can't wait to get it removed."

• car...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 9, 2018

For Birth Control "If you can put up with cystic acne, headaches, gallbladder failure, abdominal pain, bloating, hair loss, IBS, torn joints (knees), liver pain, food intolerances, severe contraction pains, severe bleeding, and low libido AND INSOMNIA, then ParaGard is for you! These symptoms accumulated over 5 years. You won’t notice right away until you start wondering what is wrong with you. My doctors tell me I am “getting older...” but these symptoms aren’t from old age! Don’t get it! Nightmare!"

• Cop...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 18, 2018

For Birth Control "ParaGard is very effective if the copper toxicity is meant to affect only the thin lining of the uterus that prevents implantation of a fertilized egg and doesn’t start circulating in your bloodstream. First 2 to 3 months signs of fatigue with morning leg and joint aches (calves and ankles). You’ll dismiss because the cramping and heavy periods will have your whole attention. At 4 months still fatigue, morning body aches, and skin breakouts. That is your body showing you it’s getting deeper. About 6 months in, add sleepless nights, and within 9 months your sex drive is diminished naturally due to that very thin lining being always inflamed and communicating with your ovaries, consequently with your brain that produces less libido. If you’re lucky like me, you’ll start with vomiting, fainting, and eventually going through an expulsion, and saving yourself a bunch of money for the removal. Doctors will not disclose adverse conditions, they lose money!!"

• TJa...
• February 8, 2018

For Birth Control "Fell pregnant after 6 months of having ParaGard IUD inserted. They told me it probably fell out. After severe pain in my abdominal region, sides, and lower back got progressively worse over the years to the point of being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and after a second pregnancy, pain escalated. After an X-ray, MRI, and CT scan, it was determined the IUD had perforated my bowel, and whilst awaiting surgery, I expelled it. My recovery has been said will take 18 months to 2 years, and I am due to see a specialist for ongoing pain since. It might be great at first (if you don’t fall pregnant), but it’s not a matter of if it will cause problems, it’s a matter of when - mine was realized 11 years later - weight gain, fatigue, acne, abdominal pain, depression... the list goes on."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2017

For Birth Control "This was one of the worst experiences of my life. I had the copper IUD inserted about 5 months ago and got it removed today! Those were the worst 5 months of my life! To start off, the insertion was extremely painful (I've also never had any children). From there, all the awful side effects started. Periods from hell! I bled like I've never in my life before, cramps were so bad I had to call out of work a few times, and only laying in bed with a heating pad helped them. I lost so much blood I ended up with anemia and looked like a walking zombie all the time. Then, after about 2 months of this, my face began to break out with very painful cystic acne everywhere. (I've never had a problem with acne my whole entire life). Worst thing ever."

• Lov...
• September 14, 2017

For Birth Control "The ParaGard was a nightmare! I wish someone told me of copper toxicity! I had the ParaGard in for 2 years after having my youngest son. I broke out with bad cystic acne all over my face. I bled every time I had sexual intercourse. I would cramp during my period, and I never cramped before the IUD. Also, I would beep going through a metal detector in the federal building when I never beeped prior to getting the ParaGard! Such a relief getting it removed. My face cleared, but I now have the scars on my face to remind me of the torture I was putting my body through just using that."

• Xha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had the copper coil for just over 3 years now and would certainly never recommend it to others! I've experienced persistent: - pelvic pain/cramps even when it's not my time of the month! - really heavy periods/clots! - migraines. - skin breakouts. - hair loss. - depression/anxiety. The list is endless! I finally researched the copper IUD and found thousands of women, if not more, with exactly the same symptoms! I am finally getting mine removed on Wednesday, and I cannot wait!"

• MsL...
• May 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had the copper IUD for close to two weeks. Unprotected sex with my boyfriend and long-term birth control are the ONLY pros. Cons include: acne, anxiety, low sex drive, fatigue, weight gain (4 pounds in one week), cramps, random shooting pains. I am a thin woman with a high metabolism and have found it impossible to lose the weight. I look puffy and feel horrible. I wouldn't wish this experience on anyone. I'm getting it removed today."