ParaGard and Depression: What Users Say (Page 5)

• chl...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 14, 2017

For Birth Control "ParaGard was inserted July 2016 and removed June 2017 (almost a year!). The first week after it was installed, I had debilitating cramps for three days straight and constant bleeding. Every month, my periods were twice as heavy, twice as long, and 10 times more painful! I was told this would calm down after 6 months, so I persevered. If anything, my periods got MORE painful to the point where I couldn't leave the house in case I'd be hit by a wave of contractions. On a side note, I felt anxious, depressed, introverted, alone (I'm usually so social and confident!), worthless, and I experienced social anxiety for the first time! I also gained 20 lbs, which is definitely not due to a change in diet/exercise. If anything, I was eating better!"

• Kat...
• July 26, 2017

For Birth Control "I had my ParaGard removed today. I had it for about 17 months, and maybe 3 months after the insertion, I started feeling really bad-first just depression, insomnia, and an overall feeling of not being well. Then I developed bad anxiety followed by panic attacks, my heart beating like crazy from the minute I woke up. I was a wreck, not able to get myself to work and be productive, I was drained, exhausted, and unhappy. I was not able to enjoy anything, day after day. I had my blood and urine tested, and everything seemed fine to my PCP. They wanted to treat me for mental issues because I really thought I was going crazy. I went to my gynecologist for a check-up and mentioned my symptoms, they said nothing... Now I am dealing with copper overload!!"

• 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!"

• Mis...
• June 15, 2018

For Birth Control "The WORST. I don't like the effects of hormonal birth control, so I opted for this. After insertion, cramps were so bad I couldn't move; I would have to stop walking; felt nauseated, light-headed, couldn't breathe, the pain was so bad. Felt as if I were being stabbed. Weeks later, sharp back pains. Radiating pain down my legs, hair loss. Doctors said it is not the IUD, even did blood tests to check my thyroid levels. The first 3 cycles were unbearable, but only improved slightly over the next several months. My periods last 2 weeks, 5 days of which are heavy. Before, I had 4-day periods, 1 heavy day, only 1 day of cramps and barely needed medicine. Now, I take NSAIDs around the clock for 2-3 days. At risk for stomach ulcers. I lost interest in sex. I denied that this was all the ParaGard. I started to feel more depressed and did more research. Having it taken out tomorrow. Not worth denying connection after 9 months of no other possible explanation, nor possible inflammation or other long-term effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I've had mine in for about two years. Over the last several months, I've noticed severe episodes of depression, up-and-down spikes in mood. I have had intense bleeding (going through three super tampons in one night). I've gained weight, which could be due to the lack of motivation for 7-9 days of my period, along with food cravings. I don't feel normal. I'm legitimately nervous for my period each month, knowing my mood will be so low and irrational. I've made an appointment to take the IUD out as that is the only thing that I have changed. I try to live a very healthy lifestyle."

• Sjo...
• May 20, 2017

For Birth Control "Awful! Made me have heavy periods for 2 years! Painful sex, depression, weight gain, anemia, insomnia, caused my gallbladder disease and if not bad enough, embedded in my uterus and had to be surgically removed. Don't use."

• 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."

• Ril...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2017

For Birth Control "Always do research before putting anything in your body. My doctor said it was safe with no symptoms except heavy periods, which were crazy heavy! The actual procedure isn't bad. However, I had extreme hip pain for weeks afterward. My stomach was always bloated, and depending on how I moved, I would get a sharp pain in my lower stomach. I had extreme anxiety and depression. I couldn't sleep, and I was tired all the time. I had to take sleeping pills. And holy mood swings! I cried because I ran out of hot water in the shower... The worst part was my hair falling out in clumps! After 2 1/2 months I was done. I've been off of it for a month and I feel so much better. My mood is better, no pain, and I'm able to sleep without pills."

• 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."

• 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."

• LEM...
• November 26, 2017

For Birth Control "Side effects included fatigue, joint pain, depression, loss of libido."

• G11...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2017

For Birth Control "This is the worst birth control. The cramps after getting it were similar to labor. I was always dizzy and got depressed. As soon as I got it out, the symptoms disappeared."