ParaGard and Acne: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 6, 2023

For Birth Control "I have been using ParaGard for over one year. I found my flow and cramps increased and intensified at first, as expected, and the cramping was very sharp! After some time, it has eased, although not the same as hormonal birth control, and I cannot remember the exact experience of my periods when off birth control. More recently, I have been experiencing cystic acne around the week of my periods, but it is easily dealt with and worth the reliability of the IUD. I would recommend ParaGard, obviously under the care of a medical provider."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 5, 2022

For Birth Control "Just wanted to reassure any ladies thinking about this type of contraception. Personally, I’ve tried all different types of hormonal birth control, and all have made me emotional, depressed, and gain weight, plus giving me acne. I was expecting the worst pain ever considering these bad reviews, but I felt nothing, it was over in minutes, and I’ve not even had kids. So they said fitting my coil could be more difficult. I’m so happy that I no longer have to worry about getting pregnant, especially while I’m trying to study at uni! Take these reviews with a pinch of salt, remember different bodies react to things in different ways. I feel like I’ve been saved from a life of side effects being off hormones. I'm forever grateful."

• Mim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2021

For Birth Control "The first day I had ParaGard installed, I had terrible cramps. The pain lasted almost 2 days. Make sure you install it on a Friday so you have at least 2 days off to adjust. After that, ParaGard has been amazing. I used to use hormonal birth control and had gained 12 pounds on Nikki and Lutera. I couldn’t lose the weight no matter what! After switching to ParaGard, I lost 7 pounds so far (with diet, of course). My acne is better (because it’s hormone-free), and my periods are normal. My periods last the same amount of days it would before ParaGard. However, I switched from a regular tampon to a super tampon. Cramps are the same as before. Nothing major. With ParaGard, I have the peace of mind that I won’t get pregnant! (I was still worried when I was taking the pill)."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2021

For Birth Control "Positive experience! I was so nervous. I got it a few days ago, and I love it so far. I took 600 mg of ibuprofen an hour before. The insertion was quick. They gave me stuff that numbs your cervix. It felt like a really intense period cramp for 10 seconds (during the measurement and insertion). It was definitely tolerable! I had cramping and low back pain for about 48 hours after, but now I’m feeling great! I am experiencing some light spotting. I switched because I was struggling with hormonal birth control. I tried the Nexplanon and 2 pills. I was constantly bleeding on the Nexplanon. And with the Nexplanon and pill, I had been experiencing EXTREME fatigue. Think like needing 12 hours of sleep to even possibly feel like you got enough sleep. I have been off of hormones for 10 days now (I got it put in on the last day of my period), and I am already starting to notice my fatigue improve! I also believe the hormones were making my acne worse, but it is too soon to tell."

• Sea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I sought out an experienced OBGYN, and insertion went flawlessly. I have a tilted uterus, so I was extremely nervous. For the first 3-4 months, my periods were heavier and longer, and I had lower back pain (which may have been attributed to my bed). My periods are now back to normal. 2-3 days of medium-heavy flow. No other side effects. This has been a godsend after years of misery on pills, patches, and rings. I no longer have acne, migraines, or severe depression. Everybody is different, find what works for you."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2017

For Birth Control "Having bad experiences with hormones in pills causing mood swings and acne, I wanted to try the non-hormone ParaGard, and I was SO scared of insertion. I read horror and good stories on it and almost backed out, but I didn’t. An hour and a half before, I took two Midol and listened to music with one headphone out so I could hear the doctor and braced for the worst. It wasn’t painful at all, more like annoying! A slight pinch and a little bit of cramping, and so quick. He said, “I’m almost done,” and I was in shock how fast it went - not even 5 minutes that I had been there, more like 2-3, and it was over! Definitely thankful, and so far so good. Worth a try."

• Ker...
• January 2, 2017

For Birth Control "The ParaGard is hands down the best method of birth control! I had a lot of trial and error finding the right kind of birth control for me. I've tried pills, the Depo shot, and the Implanon. They always had some kind of bad side effect on me, from weight gain to acne to migraines. I just wanted something all-natural that would get the job done. I decided to give the ParaGard a try even though I didn't like the fact of something being inserted in my uterus. It's done an amazing job. Insertion and removal were quick and almost painless, with some mild cramping. Periods were light and maintainable. I couldn't 'feel' it either. Now I'm ready to have my first baby, but it's going right back in afterwards!"

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

For Birth Control "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."

• Yes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 4, 2015

For Birth Control "I have nothing but good things to say about ParaGard. I started the birth control pill in my late teens and had horrible side effects, weight gain, acne, etc., etc. You name it, I experienced it. I tried a couple more birth control methods, but the side effects were too great for me to continue. At 24, after 2 years of marriage and my first baby, I really started to do my research and found ParaGard, and I have not looked back since. Four years later, and I could not be happier."

• Rel...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 22, 2023

For Birth Control "I have had the Paragard IUD twice. After I had my daughter, I got the IUD. I kept it for 5 years until I was ready to have another child. I then had my son and got Paragard again. I've currently had this one in for 8 years. I don't have any problems with this birth control. It is EXTREMELY effective! I've never had any severe issues. Heavier periods? Yes. And I have had acne my entire adult life that I suspect is from the IUD, but I'm really not certain. All in all, I highly recommend this birth control."

• Ray...
• May 12, 2021

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard for over 2 years now, I got it when I was 17 as an affordable and long-term birth control option. I think because I'm older, my acne isn't as bad, but one of the main reasons why I didn't want to do hormonal was for not wanting weight gain and acne. I tried the pill for a few months before I got the IUD, and it wasn't for me. The insertion wasn't too bad. It just kind of felt like a sharp pain in a sensitive area or a really bad period cramp. Before I got ParaGard, my periods were really short, and I never had cramps, and now my periods are pretty heavy. I had to get a menstrual cup in size one and two to be able to hold the amount of blood. My periods are about 5 days long: 2 mild, one extremely heavy (60 ml), and three extremely light. They said that your cramps and blood flow would go back to normal after 3 months, but mine haven't, and I'm fine with that. I am comfortable and trust the IUD to let my boyfriend, you know... in me."

• Kac...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I"

• KRa...
• June 9, 2019

For Birth Control "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."

• Lov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on ParaGard for 3 months now, and it’s been great so far! My periods are always on time, they last about 5 - 7 days, no more than that, and I have no cramps nor mood swings. No depression. The only thing I have noticed is I get a pimple here and there with this birth control, but nothing major. And since I do bleed a lot during my period, I take iron pills while I’m on my periods (just a word of advice)."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve had it for about 3 months now and got it because hormonal birth control did not work for me. It made me extremely moody and depressed. I would gain 10-20 pounds and was constantly hungry. Finally decided to try this even though I was skeptical about the poor reviews. My period lasts about a week with heavier periods and definitely more cramps than I had, but nothing unbearable. In my opinion, no birth control is going to have no side effects, so it is worth it to me. I do have slightly more acne than normal, but I think it’s due to the lack of hormones my body is used to from pills. It’s been the best birth control for my body so far!"

• Ala...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 1, 2018

For Birth Control "I respect all of the stories shared here and have no doubt that some women have issues with it, but I’ve had ParaGard three times and always go back to it. Hormonal birth control turns me into a fruit loop of emotions and causes me to gain weight while killing my libido. ParaGard just gives me a few extra days of bleeding. I’d say my period is 5-7 days versus 3-4 like it used to be. If you’re prone to anemia, you will most likely not respond well to it. If copper toxicity is a concern, then take a methylated folate vitamin. All birth controls have pros and cons. You ultimately have to find one with pros and cons you can tolerate. A lot of women here are complaining of side effects that occur when you stop using hormonal birth control (PCOS, acne, moods, etc. can start when you change what you’re taking.) I also believe that the experience each woman has also depends on how good the provider is who placed it. For me, it’s the best option I have found, but not perfect."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2017

For Birth Control "Everyone makes the ParaGard out to be some big, bad monster. The only negative thing about getting off the pill and onto the ParaGard for me was I've had a little bit of acne since I'm not on hormones anymore. It felt like a pinch when I got it inserted. I had moderate cramps for two days, and that's it, and it didn't make my period heavier at all. It really isn't that bad! The only worry I had was that there were 43 days between my first and second period on ParaGard."

• ken...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 25, and have never had kids. Insertion wasn't bad, like a PAP x 3? Cramps after were more strange feeling than super painful-- it felt kinda stabby? I broke out pretty bad 2 weeks after insertion, but it healed up pretty quickly and hasn't happened again. I had very regular, light, and non-painful periods before. My cycle is now shorter (24 days). Before, cramps just enough to remind me that my uterus exists and a reg. tampon every 6 hours on the heaviest day. Now, a super plus every 4 hours and cramps that wake me up from deep sleep/feel like my insides will fall out, but they almost completely go away with ibuprofen. Totally worth it. First 3 months, random poke-cramps freaked me out, but normal. Ovulation is also more painful."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 10, 2022

For Birth Control "Unfortunately, mine expelled after 6 months. My periods were heavier and longer, at least 10 days long per menstrual cycle. I liked that there was no weight gain with this birth control, I managed to be able to lose weight. However, I did break out in bad acne, I am not sure if this was related or not, as there are no hormones in it. The cramping was worse initially, however, at the 3-month mark, the cramps weren’t as bad. One day, I was going to the bathroom, and I saw the strings sticking out. I had to get it removed for expulsion. Even though my periods were longer and heavier, I wanted to get another ParaGard put back in, as I love the concept of no hormones, however, my OB-GYN said because I have not been pregnant or had childbirth, my uterus is smaller and it would more than likely come out again. I was switched to Kyleena. With all that being said, I would still prefer ParaGard, however, it was not an option, and my insurance would not cover it, unfortunately."

• Anonymous
• March 1, 2022

For Birth Control "Insertion was extremely painful. I fainted and ended up vomiting. Afterwards, it felt like moderate period cramps for a few days and some spotting. My periods have always been irregular, but with this IUD, it’s like I barely get one. When I do get one, the bleeding is very light and there’s not really any cramping. The only thing I’ve noticed is that I started getting cystic acne on my chin, and my anxiety has worsened. I got this IUD because hormonal birth control made me super depressed. This IUD has worked for me, and I don’t have many complaints."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on the progestin-only pill for 10 months and pretty much hated it. Had to be on it because I couldn't have any birth control that contained estrogen due to a family history of blood clots. The POP was effective, yes, but I had crazy mood swings, acne, low sex drive, and it gave me vaginal dryness, which made sex extremely painful. My gyno had been trying to get me to try the IUD for almost a year, so I decided to try it since I about had it with that pill. I went in today for my insertion. I had some issues because my cervix was tight, and I have an introverted uterus. She had to use the sonogram to help place it correctly. So what should have been a 5-minute procedure took 20 minutes. It was painful, but bearable. Just felt like period cramps."

• kje...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I've had the ParaGard for about a year now and am not mad at it. No pregnancy fears-which is fantastic. The insertion was a bit painful, but I've had cramps worse than that before. My periods have been worse and longer, but my fiancé doesn't mind period sex, so it's not a big deal for us. It gives us protection with little to no downside. I have developed cystic acne about a month after getting it inserted, though. And because of that, I've had to give up dairy and peanuts, which is hard since I already have food sensitivities that prevent me from eating most other dairy alternatives. I'm currently trying Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo with the ParaGard and hoping I can drink milk again! If not, and if the pill doesn't have the bad effects of the previous pills I've tried, then I'm getting my ParaGard removed."

• LJO...
• June 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard for about 3 years now. - Insertion: Easy, quick, uncomfortable. Felt crampy for the next 24 hours. Get a heating pad to help. - Side effects: My acne was unpredictable the first year as my body got accustomed to no hormones (took the pill for 10 years prior). Now my skin is nearly perfect except for hormonal acne around my period. No weight gain. Large improvements in anxiety/mental health compared to the pill. I personally love how I feel without any hormones. Some cramps and spotting during/after sex. My partners have rarely been able to feel the IUD during sex. - Periods are heavy and crampy. They seem to have gotten heavier, longer, and more frequent over the 3 years. I now have a 27-day cycle, a full period for 5-7 days, and spot for a few days before and after. I feel like I am basically on my period all the time now, which is why I am going to look into replacing my ParaGard with another option (perhaps Kyleena)."

• Bel...
• August 28, 2018

For Birth Control "It’s almost a week ago that I got the ParaGard. I decided to switch to ParaGard from hormonal birth control pills because hormones made me gain weight. I also couldn’t tolerate the hormones anymore because I was depressed, my nipples hurt, and I had vaginal dryness. The insertion was very painful because my cervix was too small. My GP was also inexperienced. During the insertion, I felt massive cramps, and I also started to bleed, which lasted for 4 days. I took 2 Naproxen hours prior to the insertion. After 10 years of feeling like a zombie on birth control pills, I finally feel myself again. I’ve lost a little bit of weight, especially around my thighs, my nipples don’t hurt, and I feel less depressed. I also don't have massive food cravings like I did on the hormonal contraceptives. My acne is back, unfortunately, but this is manageable with acne skincare products. I also suffer from vaginal discharge with a little bit of blood, but in time, I think this will go away. I think my body needs time to adjust."

• Hmk...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 24, 2021

For Birth Control "Insertion was definitely not comfortable (felt like a drawn-out, severe cramp), but it felt better after a day. I have had it for 8 years now, and I don’t know how I feel. Overall, never having to think about pregnancy is a blessing, but I’m not sure what is due to the ParaGard and what was just my body. I have light to severe cramps a week before, during, and occasionally after my period. The days before and during the first couple of days of the cycle are often excruciating. I take ibuprofen daily. My sex drive seemed to disappear, largely because I am in mild to moderate pain almost always. I am 31 years old and have cystic acne. I have always experienced cramps and light acne, but have they been worse? Prolonged? I don’t even know anymore. I’m afraid of hormone-based birth control. Every other option is a roll of the dice. I’ve recently started experiencing a sharp tightening or severe stabbing cramps during sex and am considering asking my partner for a vasectomy."