ParaGard and Depression: What Users Say

• 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."

• 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."

• Jan...
• August 16, 2018

For Birth Control "For starters, I’ve never had children, and I am a 22-year-old petite 5’0 small-framed woman. I went through every birth control option I could possibly go through, leaving me depressed, nauseous, sleeping all day. I finally went with ParaGard after 2 years off hormones, and it was the best decision I’ve made. Insertion was the scariest part, I took 750 mg of ibuprofen. It feels like your cervix is 80% numbed and being stabbed while they stick a cold probe in. It also feels like a giant period cramp. Afterwards, I was in extreme pain for 2 days. Like really bad pain where I couldn’t do anything, and ibuprofen wasn’t helping. I recommend if you have an insertion to have a weekend off. Otherwise, I’ve been normal since insertion. It changed my 3-day period into a 5-day heavy period. I was afraid my first period would be painful, but it felt just a little more crampy. I feel a lot of these bad reviews are from people who got off hormonal BC and went straight to ParaGard."

• taa...
• November 2, 2017

"After trying 5 different birth control pills over the years and suffering from major mood swings, depression, hair loss, etc., I read several reviews on the ParaGard IUD, the majority of the reviews were negative and terrifying. However, getting the ParaGard IUD has been the best option for me. The insertion hurt but wasn't overwhelming. I took ibuprofen and brought my heating pad. The insertion took maybe 15 minutes. I spotted for 2 days, and then it was fine. Prior to getting the ParaGard, my periods lasted 2 days, and now they are 4 days. Periods are heavier, but it's worth it."

• LSD...
• February 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard IUD six weeks after giving birth to my first child. I chose this birth control because it is non-hormonal, and regular hormonal birth control makes me nauseous, depressed, have mood swings, and gain weight. Overall, I'm very pleased with the IUD. Insertion was not painful, and I didn't even have cramping afterwards. I can't even tell that it is there, and I have no side effects at all."

• 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."

• Pea...
• November 27, 2019

For Birth Control "Inserted ParaGard 1/2006, immediate mental health issues started, felt like a zombie, severe depression, worthless feeling, unmotivated, mean, dark thoughts, gained 30 pounds, thinning hair and loss, back pain, joint/body aches, heavy periods, cranky, low libido. Vaginal odor, bacterial infections despite celibacy, insomnia, brain fog, forgetfulness, unable to lose weight. Removed 11/11. Lighter periods, able to sleep, lose weight, depression lessened, no more vaginal odors or infections."

• Pea...
• November 27, 2019

For Birth Control "Inserted ParaGard 1/2006, immediate mental health issues started, felt like a zombie, severe depression, worthless feeling, unmotivated, mean, dark thoughts, gained 30 pounds, thinning hair and loss, back pain, joint/body aches, heavy periods, cranky, low libido. Vaginal odor, bacterial infections despite celibacy, insomnia, brain fog, forgetfulness, unable to lose weight. Removed 11/11. Lighter periods, able to sleep, lose weight, depression lessened, no more vaginal odors or infections."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Lan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 15, 2017

For Birth Control "I had my ParaGard fitted 3 months after the birth of my 2nd boy. I chose it as it was non-hormonal, therefore, very little side effects should occur. Since having it in, I put on weight, I got depression, and felt really tired all the time. I thought it was just because of life with 2 little boys plus full-time work. 3 1/2 years later, I decided to remove it as I was suffering constant BV and antibiotics were not helping. I booked the appointment and started researching, and I was shocked with the amount of women complaining about the weight gain, heavy periods, fatigue, and depression. I also read some lost weight straight away after getting it out. To my surprise, 3 days after getting it removed, I have lost 2 lbs and I feel much more energy. I wish I never had it in."

• 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!"

• goo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 7, 2018

For Birth Control "I just got the ParaGard inserted on 12/4/18 while still on Depo-Provera. My next shot would have been due on 1/5/19, but I am not getting it due to having the IUD inserted. I was also on my period while I got it inserted. So far, everything is good, cramping after the insertion was really bad. I took 1,000 mg of ibuprofen, but the next day it wasn't bad, I only took 800 mg of ibuprofen in the morning that day and the following day. Now, on the third day, there's barely anything besides slight bleeding. I chose this specific IUD because I was tired of having a low sex drive, depressed mood, weight gain, and hair falling out on Depo-Provera. I got three shots and gained 10 pounds! I plan to keep the ParaGard until 12/2028, which is when I am supposed to get it removed."

• sus...
• May 31, 2016

For Birth Control "I am writing this for girls who have Crohn's disease and a low immune system due to the medications for Crohn's. I was on a very low dose of birth control, and it simply was not for me! I became very depressed, I bled during sex, as well as experienced a lot of discomfort and had spotting for the entire 8 months I was on it. I got the Paragard inserted two months ago. I really have to say I love it, and I am glad I made the decision to get one! I only had periods that lasted 3 days with no cramps, and so far, I have only experienced cramps one week before and after my period and have not required any ibuprofen. If you think you are a good candidate, try it out. It's been great."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Cat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 2, 2021

For Birth Control "This is the second time I have had the ParaGard. First time no issues at all, had it inserted after the first child. Second one inserted after that, again no issues. However, 6 years into it, I started bleeding between periods and sex. Felt just off in other ways. Depressed, weight gain, all the other side effects here, but not for one second did I think it was my IUD. Then my cervix started to get inflamed no matter what. All tests came back fine and the IUD was in perfect position. But pain and unusual side effects. I decided to have it removed and went back for my one-month post-checkup just to see. Cervix was perfect. Nothing at all. No breakthrough bleeding. No bleeding after sex either. I don’t know if it was the ParaGard, but I do believe if your body doesn’t want something, it definitely tells you. I feel better mentally and physically since removal. 43-year-old healthy female otherwise."

• Ded...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard for 14 months now, and I am considering having it removed. I have always been a 4-day bleeder without cramps or heavy bleeding. Now I bleed for 6 to 8 days, and I bleed so heavily, and I cramp. I literally have to stay at home during my period because I bleed so heavily. I am constantly taking showers throughout the day because I continue to mess up my clothes. I am very depressed and have had a lot of weight gain. I'm going to have the IUD removed after reading about 'copper toxicity.' Please do your research before getting the ParaGard."

• 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."

• cmd...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 7, 2023

For Birth Control "I had ParaGard for exactly one year (to the day) before my body spontaneously tried to expel it. The insertion process was awful, honestly. It’s just going to suck, and that’s the reality. My periods went from being 5-7 days and light, with no cramps, to weeks where I would lose cups of blood per day and cramp so hard I would get nauseous and pale. That lasted for the first 6 months and then reduced in severity but still remained worse than before I got the IUD. My boyfriend said he could feel the strings stab him, and sex became less comfortable for me. I was always aware of my cervix and *things* that would hit it. I am not sure if it was related, but during this year I developed debilitating depression for the first time in my life, but again, this could be a coincidence. I also had 6 UTIs in the last 6 months of 2022. It became dislodged during sex last week and was so painful it had to be urgently removed."

• 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 :/"