ParaGard and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• Don...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 5, 2022

For Birth Control "I’ve had my ParaGard for 9 months, and I developed severe anxiety/nausea from it. I felt depressed/panic attacks for a week before I realized it was this! I was put on medication to help, and nothing worked! I still felt the same. Get it removed before this happens to you. :( Praying for anyone who is currently going through this. It took a mental toll on me."

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2015

For Birth Control "Only rated a 9 because I haven't had it in for long! I got the ParaGard yesterday, and it was not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be! Don't be scared out of getting it from the bad reviews! It hurt getting inserted and when my cervix was clamped open, but the pain only lasted about 5 seconds and it was only a little bit worse than a regular period cramp. Definitely take some Advil before you go in to the doctor to get it. Day two, I haven't taken any painkillers and the pain isn't worse than a regular period. I didn't experience any cramping or lightheadedness immediately after insertion. I had bad mood swings and depression/anxiety from hormonal birth control, so this is a great non-hormonal option for me! & it lasts for 10 years!"

• 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!"

• jve...
• November 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I was on ParaGard for about 3 and a half years. Insertion didn't hurt at all for me. I had it placed after my second child was born. Everything seemed fine for a long time, except for the super heavy periods. I accepted the periods in exchange for convenient BC. However, the periods got worse. I was starting to lose my hair, and I had no energy. I got blood work done and my ferritin levels were crazy low. Doctor told me to take heavy-duty iron supplements. That helped my energy levels, but the hair continued to fall out. I also had a huge increase in anxiety, panic attacks, heart palpitations. I never had these kinds of symptoms in the past, and I'm starting to wonder if it was all related to the ParaGard. Just had it removed."

• Rag...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 15, 2019

For Birth Control "Well, good for 10 years, effective for 10 years, hormone-free - sounds fantastic, right? HA! That's what I thought. I had this godforsaken IUD put in after my second daughter (around Feb. 2018). From the get-go, I've had very painful cramps, ovarian pains, mood swings, higher anxiety, more depression, SEVERE UNCONTROLLABLE RAGE AND ANGER OUTBURSTS, very, very heavy bleeding with clots, spotting between periods as if pregnant, very long periods, back pain, bruising and anemia, increased thirst, migraines, extremely itchy legs with some small blisters (just like it did when I was pregnant), vaginal odor like copper. I'm planning to have this THING removed soon. Which sucks because I can't take hormones due to severe migraines. Condoms it is again. P.S. I also know someone who got pregnant and gave birth while on ParaGard."

• 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."

• Jer...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 1, 2018

For Birth Control "Severe constant cramping. Heavy blood flow - two super plus tampons an hour. Anxiety, depression, relationship issues... had it for two years. So yeah, it stopped me from getting pregnant, but at the risk to my health."

• Que...
• November 18, 2017

For Birth Control "The ParaGard is bad. The insertion didn’t hurt, but the side effects of copper toxicity are hell. Hair loss, brain fog, anxiety, depression, fatigue, mood swings, headaches, nausea, and the list goes on. I hate this thing, and every time I think about it, it makes me sick. I can’t wait to have mine removed. I’ve been begging my insurance and doctor’s office for over a year now to take it out. My second child is 2, and I feel like I haven’t been able to thoroughly enjoy her for living in hell."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard - due to having the hormonal IUD that caused me to gain weight, have extreme anxiety, and have terrible mood swings. Insertion was pretty painful, but it really just depends on how good you can handle pain. The next day after my insertion, I barely had any cramps. Anyone needing reassurance about the Copper IUD due to issues with the hormonal IUD, I would say go for it! Everyone’s body is different. Some people can’t handle pain like others."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 28, 2019

For Birth Control "This IUD has a lot of mixed feelings towards it, but I wanted to give some happy news. I have never been able to take hormonal BC...makes me depressed, anxious, we're talking heart-racing/borderline paranoia. I spent about five years with condoms and a diaphragm (which honestly, underrated. If you're okay with getting in there, go for it.) ParaGard had always intrigued me, but all the hype was scary: the size, I've never had a child, the bleeding (already a heavy flow), toxicity! Eventually, I had enough courage to do the damn thing. Insertion was scary, but that was built on hype. It was not so much painful as it was a shock. Took about 4 minutes. I went shopping after. One thing I will say-- my cramps for the first five months were BRUTAL. But that's what Advil and a heating pad are for. I also knew it's temporary. Since then, it's sunshine and lollipops... I love it. And the fact that I don't have to worry about babies until 2027... wow."

• Mam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 7, 2015

For Birth Control "So I am giving the ParaGard a 5. I had my first child almost 3 years ago. I got the IUD put in 3 months after delivery. It did not hurt that bad to insert, just a lot of pressure and mild cramping after. The reason I chose this IUD was because I had tried several birth control pills in the past and always had issues with hormones. Overall, it served its purpose, but I did have side effects. I just felt tired all the time, anxiety, bloated, and some more severe period symptoms in the beginning. I also started having a lot of chronic back and neck pain and just felt pretty crappy all the time, not healthy. I decided to take it out this past week after having it almost 3 years. I already feel better, more energy, less bloat, and it's crazy, but my back pain is gone!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I just recently decided to switch from the NuvaRing that I had been on for nearly 2 years to the ParaGard. I was very anxious and depressed on the ring, so I am hoping that changes with this non-hormonal option. Insertion was insanely painful. During the procedure, I was seeing stars. The cramps I have had after insertion have come and gone. It's been a week straight of sharp pains every now and then with a constant dull pain. I am staying optimistic regardless of these awful reviews. Everyone's body is different, and obviously, the side effects will differ from person to person. My advice to anyone thinking about getting one is be aware of what can happen, but you never know what will happen until you try it."

• don...
• March 1, 2019

For Birth Control "DON'T DO IT! I had ParaGard for a full year and thought about/researched IUDs for a few months before getting it. Yes, it's nice not having to take a pill every day or worry about getting pregnant, but the negative side effects FAR outweighed any benefits. I'm only fully functional half the time since having this IUD. At least two weeks each month, I experience emotional mood swings, anxiety, fear, and cramping that makes me double over in pain. Then I get my period, where I am bedridden and depressed for 3-4 days. I feel terrible - cramping, bloating, lots of pain. I usually feel so bad that I don't eat properly, shower, or take care of myself. Also, the strings do not soften. My boyfriend gets poked by them, which is painful for him, and it has made our sex life very stressful, uneventful, and infrequent - SPECIFICALLY because of this device. I would NEVER EVER recommend it to anyone. I cannot wait to have it removed and feel like myself again."

• don...
• March 1, 2019

For Birth Control "DON'T DO IT! I had ParaGard for a full year and thought about/researched IUDs for a few months before getting it. Yes, it's nice not having to take a pill every day or worry about getting pregnant, but the negative side effects FAR outweighed any benefits. I'm only fully functional half the time since having this IUD. At least two weeks each month, I experience emotional mood swings, anxiety, fear, and cramping that makes me double over in pain. Then I get my period, where I am bedridden and depressed for 3-4 days. I feel terrible - cramping, bloating, lots of pain. I usually feel so bad that I don't eat properly, shower, or take care of myself. Also, the strings do not soften. My boyfriend gets poked by them, which is painful for him, and it has made our sex life very stressful, uneventful, and infrequent - SPECIFICALLY because of this device. I would NEVER EVER recommend it to anyone. I cannot wait to have it removed and feel like myself again."

• 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!"

• Juj...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 23, 2020

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard 3 times after having babies, and all 3 times I had the same side effects: horrible bleeding for 3 weeks after it was put in place and cramps. It caused me severe anxiety, depression, hair loss, weight gain, rage, and brain fogginess. When I had it removed the 2nd time to try to get pregnant, I wasn't able to get pregnant for 5 months, and this is abnormal for me. Every month, I got a positive pregnancy test, and then within a couple of days, it was gone. For some reason, they were not implanting correctly, and this was due to ParaGard. Copper increases estrogens and does impact your hormones."

• KGa...
• June 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on ParaGard for 6 years, and initially, it was great. I always had difficulty with hormonal BC before, which is why I chose this method. I now have chronic fatigue, crippling depression for 2 weeks every month, anxiety, extreme irritability, and want to die for 2 weeks each month. My back pain is so severe that I have to deep breathe through it. I did not realize that ParaGard also has nickel in it, which I know that I am allergic to. I am having this removed next week and could not be happier about it."

• Mia...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 12, 2019

For Birth Control "Hormonal birth control wreaks havoc on my body. I had the ParaGard inserted in March 2018. Insertion was extremely painful, and I continued having cramps the rest of the day. My first period and the next 5-6 months were excruciating. Even though I’m in my mid-30s, I’ve never had cramps. Before ParaGard, my period was typically 3-4 days. With the ParaGard, my period was painful, with a pain radiating from my uterus down to my toe. I used several tampons and would bleed through pads with wings, ruining clothes and sheets. I had it removed about 10 days ago, and since then I’ve lost weight, I’m less irritable, have decreased anxiety, feel less bloated, and have more energy. My only issue now is that I get a headache every day around 2 pm."

• Sar...
• August 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I chose ParaGard based on recommendations from friends and OB, all whom love it. It's been 6 months, and I just made an appointment for removal. A year postpartum, the insertion wasn't bad, 4/10, I didn't have much bleeding. Cramping was 7/10 but only lasted a day. During the next few months, I started to feel unlike myself-melancholy, almost depressed, anxious, moody, short-fused. It started month 2 or 3 and has gotten worse. My lower back began to hurt as well. I kept being told that it's probably a culmination of having three kids under 5, working full time, etc., but my gut has been telling me otherwise. I've gained 10 lbs in the last two months, although my eating and exercise have not changed. I'm constantly bloated, and although the IUD is not uncomfortable, I know it's there, and it feels present. Ultimately, it's not for me. I would have had it removed a few months ago, but kept listening to others tell me it MUST be something else. Trust YOUR body."

• Han...
• August 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I’m getting the ParaGard taken out today after being on it for a year and eight months. This is the only birth control I’ve ever tried, so I’m not sure how its side effects list compares to others. I experienced significant hair loss around my temples, brain fog, and anxiety. It was frustrating because I felt like my symptoms were invalid until I started reading others' reviews that had the same problems. I’d still give it four stars for how reliable it has been. The insertion was painful, but quick."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 28, 2021

For Birth Control "My first 2 times having the IUD, I had no issues that I remember. 3 years ago, I was at my 10-year mark and got it replaced. Since then, I have had constant BV's, weight gain, and anxiety. After reading all of these comments, I am happy to know that I am not the only one going through this. I believe there was some change made over the years to the BC."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm a younger woman (18), and I got my ParaGard IUD about 2 and a half months ago. I really psyched myself out about insertion, but mine was relatively painless, with a super quick twinge. On hormonal birth control, I experienced heightened depression and anxiety. I feel much more myself on ParaGard because there are no hormones involved. As for periods, I have experienced no cramping, but 3-4 extremely heavy days (soaking a super plus tampon every hour and a half) and then 2-3 very light days. I've heard periods get better the longer you have had the IUD. I'm about to be a college freshman at university, and I feel very confident in the efficacy of this device. Excited to be baby-free for up to 12 years. Recommend for teens & anyone on the fence."

• 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."

• MBa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I had severe cramping and bleeding all the time. I began to get really bad hot flashes and anxiety, was tired all the time but couldn't sleep. I was only 34-36. The bleeding and cramping got so bad I couldn't move, and my doctor didn't know what was causing it. Finally, after passing large clots and filling pads up every 30 minutes, I was rushed in to get an ultrasound. My IUD had moved and implanted into my uterus. I had it removed, and my doctor confirmed that it had probably been like that the whole time I had it in for over a year. I also had copper toxicity."