ParaGard and Anxiety: What Users Say

• 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."

• Bog...
• June 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard about a month ago. Just started this month's period. I don't feel any pain or anything, you know, just the normal, you know, pressure from bleeding. But I mean, honestly, I don't recognize a difference, but I do know that birth control affects everyone differently. I had the hormonal IUD taken out because I noticed some weight gain, and I didn't like how it made me feel anxious and irritated. I am on some prescriptions for anxiety and depression and sleep, but I didn't like how that one made me feel. I definitely notice a difference with this one, my medications are working like they normally would, and I'm not agitated. I don't have weight gain, I've actually lost some weight. I love this, and it's not bad. It's not painful. And the bleeding isn't bad either, it's pretty normal for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 3, 2016

For Birth Control "So thankful my OB/GYN discussed my options for birth control! He knew I didn't want any hormones because hormonal BC has messed me up in the past. He told me that ParaGard is 100% hormone-free, and I was sold! I was scared after reading hundreds of negative reviews just like you're doing now. So glad I went through with the procedure! I told my gyno I was very nervous, and he prescribed me a Valium to take 30 minutes before arriving. It helped take the edge off. I have had my IUD for 3 years now and still love it."

• 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."

• 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."

• Amy...
• January 11, 2018

For Birth Control "The insertion was extremely uncomfortable, but quick. I experienced discomfort and pain in my ovaries, instead of my regular period cramping. My periods began lasting over two weeks, and I would bleed through super plus tampons and liners. Severe ovary, back, and leg pain. The psychological symptoms: I felt out of control, enraged, sad, exhausted, lifeless. After 6 cycles, I had it removed. I now have a normal cycle (26 days), 5 days of normal bleeding, no ovary pains, minor cramps, very little back and leg pain, no headaches, no major mood swings. All psychological symptoms are 'normal,' I'm slightly emotional and a little anxious, but I feel like myself."

• Lis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 4, 2016

For Birth Control "So far, so good, but there have been more than a few times I 'hands down' just knew I was pregnant, but I never am... (thank goodness). I don't know why this happens, and it is quite scary. I get moody, have tender breasts, and get fluffy around the middle. It's so odd! And thank God I'm not a betting woman because I have been so sure I was expecting that if someone asked me to bet all of my money, I would have. I'm having one of those times now, and I still have 2 weeks to go for Aunt Flo... UGH! I give ParaGard a 9 just because of the anxiety I get from occasionally assuming I am expecting."

• 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!"

• 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."

• ano...
• December 7, 2020

For Birth Control "When I had the ParaGard inserted, I literally cried from pain (might have been tight, he was surprised). Then I had horrible, painful cramps for about 3-4 days after insertion, like the worst period I ever had, and then they subsided slowly but continued to be crampy with flare-ups in between periods. I got my period on a regular schedule, but with painful cramps for about a week leading up to my period. The cramps got less intense over the course of 6 months, and the intermittent cramping reduced, but is not totally gone. I still get cramping where my uterus feels like it's swelling and contracting all of a sudden and with no warning. (I have not been able to find a pattern in when the random cramping occurs.) But it does leave me with anxiety because they can be pretty painful, although fleeting. In summary, it’s been 6 months since insertion, and I still have bad cramping around my period and enough random cramping throughout the month that I am frustrated and hoping this reduces to none soon."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 10, 2020

For Birth Control "I decided to get the copper IUD a year and a month ago. I have been reading some reviews on the effects of the IUD and can agree with many of them, which I did not originally think was the cause at the time. The main one being extremely moody and unpredictable. Around the 6-month mark, I was feeling depressed, overly anxious, and paranoid for no apparent reason. It has helped tremendously when it comes to preventing pregnancy, as I already have one child and was not planning for other children anytime soon. Currently, I’m debating whether I will be removing it but am not sure what to do, as hormonal birth control methods do not really do well with me."

• OGL...
• November 29, 2018

For Birth Control "I decided to get ParaGard in September 2018 because hormonal birth control causes me to have severe anxiety. The insertion was a lot easier than I thought. It felt like a very intense period cramp for 5 full seconds. My doctor, thankfully, was very fast and kind. My cramping that night got worse, and I was bedridden for the next two days. It slowly got better, and after a week, I forgot I even had it, even during sex. My periods have intensified, even though it is non-hormonal. My breasts get more sore, my periods last a week, and the cramping starts a week before my period until about day 3. The first period was terrible, but Tylenol with ibuprofen and a heating pad helped with the pain. The second period was less debilitating, but still tear-jerking. I am now on month 3 of having ParaGard, and my cramps are already so much more tolerable. So far, everything has been worth not worrying about pregnancy. My partner can sometimes feel my strings, but it’s never painful for him."

• Aho...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard in for 3 years now. I had it put in at 21, no kids. The insertion was not that bad, I went back to work afterwards and was fine. Some cramping, but it was manageable. My first 4-6 months with ParaGard were a nightmare. I had previously been on a 365-day cycle birth control pill, so my body was used to having a ton of artificial hormones pumped into it 24/7. To go from that to zero hormones took a toll on me. I had severe anxiety, managed by anti-depressants. Once I got through the first 6 months, my body finally regulated. I no longer had to take anti-depressants. My weight actually leveled out nicely. I get awful cramps about every other month, but I still think it's worth it. I love my ParaGard now!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Hgl...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 3, 2022

For Birth Control "I was on ParaGard for 4.5 years. Prior to this, I wasn’t on birth control and had light, painless periods. Getting it inserted was uncomfortable but bearable. While on it, I had heavier, longer periods, but they became more manageable after 1 year. I liked ParaGard at first because it was convenient and free with insurance. However, after 2 years, I began bleeding during sex, feeling anxious, gained 10 lbs, and got persistent cystic acne. I kept ParaGard in 2 more years because I didn’t realize those issues were linked to my non-hormonal birth control. Then an ultrasound revealed that my ParaGard had been displaced and was sitting too low to be fully effective. My OB-GYN said this happens a lot. When I got it removed, we noticed half of the copper coil had dissolved/fallen off. After removal, all symptoms disappeared in a week."

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 18, 2020

For Birth Control "Finally, just got the ParaGard out after 1.5 years of recurrent yeast infections and 8-10 day periods on a 25-day cycle. I had it put in 3 months after having a baby and only mention this because I still don’t know which was the cause of my massive anxiety, but I don’t remember feeling how I did until this IUD went in. As many have said, I generally feel way better after removal. My first period since was back to 4 days (YAY) and so far no major itching, so hopeful done with the infections. My anxiety is another thing that is TBD, it’s been less than a month but do feel it’s improved."

• 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."

• Emm...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 7, 2018

For Birth Control "Well, it works for birth control, but I did have skin problems probably due to no hormones. But there were also changes to my mood in terms of PMS and depression. I always felt like I was in a fog and had anxiety. Recommend just taking the pill, at least you would have clear skin, and your mood will be under control and lighter periods."

• BeB...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 18, 2018

For Birth Control "It was more of a mental problem for me than physical. Never had any cramping or pains, maybe a little discharge problems between periods, but the main concern for me was feeling depression, anxiety, isolation, tiredness all the time, mood swings affecting my marriage! I never suspected my IUD to be the problem, but it all started after I had it put in about 2 years ago and slowly progressed to being very noticeable now; it had me considering going on anti-depressants!"

• Lwo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 11, 2017

For Birth Control "I just got the copper IUD removed after having it for 7 months. I am normally a really positive person with a happy demeanor, and I am convinced that the copper IUD threw me into depression and anxiety. I have NEVER had depression or anxiety, and every month my moods got worse. I would cry almost every day, I would snap at my bf or family for the smallest thing, and I felt rage almost all the time. I was trying to figure out if something else in my life was affecting me. I even went to my therapist and a depression care specialist. I finally read some reviews on the copper IUD and depression, and it seems pretty common. Drs will tell you it's not the IUD, but please trust your intuition. I also had a yeast infection & BV almost every month because of the IUD."

• 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!!"

• Kar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 6, 2021

For Birth Control "I have had the IUD for almost 10 months now, and I am debating getting it taken out. I was prepared for more cramping and heavier periods (those are common side effects), but I wasn’t prepared for sharp cramping almost all the time. Before the IUD, I had a very predictable cycle every 35ish days and got cramps the first day or two of my period. Now I feel like I get a period randomly every 2-3 weeks, and there is no way to track when I will be bleeding/cramping or not. I feel in almost constant pain. Then I’ve also felt much more anxious, depressed, and irritable and have gained significant weight. There may be no way to know whether these symptoms are actually caused by the IUD or other things going on in my life, but they seem to have appeared right after insertion and are similar to other reviews. It’s hard to decide whether to get it removed because if I get it out, I have to try another option, which may have similar side effects anyway. Bleh :/"

• 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
• March 16, 2019

For Birth Control "Effective for not getting pregnant! BUT really bad side effects. I’m 24 years old, and I was the most happiest person ever! Always so energetic, laughing, etc. Got this thing put in and started having really bad cramping and EXTREME anxiety and depression! I’m now even on antidepressants. Always in a bad mood, crying, not wanting to do things. I just got this thing removed!"