ParaGard and Mood Swings: 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."

• 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."

• Bas...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 23, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had a ParaGard for 2 1/2 years. It has completely changed my life for the better. I had outrageous PMDD and unbalanced hormones that nearly destroyed my life for the entirety of my 20s. Traditional birth control did not help me over the years as I was super sensitive to the hormones, and it was never successful as birth control (its main function). After the ParaGard was inserted, my hormones proceeded to balance out, and my cycle really didn't go under any major changes. I am childless, and the insertion process wasn't difficult, and I was back to my life the next day. Being able to experience sexuality without the heavy burden of pregnancy is a life changer. 100% satisfied with my ParaGard experience. :)"

• 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."

• 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."

• Ale...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I am 26, no children or previous pregnancies, have been using a variety of hormonal birth control pills since I was 14 years old. Suddenly my insurance stopped paying for my pills. I made a few phone calls and found out that ParaGard and the cost of placing it would be 100% covered by my insurance ($20 copay). I had only one friend who has the ParaGard, but she said it didn't hurt a bit and was great for avoiding mood swings associated with hormonal birth control. I have never been one to claim anything against my birth control pills, but after switching, I absolutely noticed a huge increase in my energy level! I also noticed my sex drive went up! I have had it for about 8 months. The placement was the most painful thing I've ever felt - but it gets better, and it works!"

• Joy...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 31, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 25, a single mother to 8-year-old twins. An IUD was my choice of birth control. I've had ParaGard for over 5 years already, and I can say it's perfect. Haven't gotten pregnant, period lasts about 3 days, no mood swings, no pain, no heavy period. I love it, and I'm happy I chose ParaGard. I had used other birth control methods and hated them. If you're not planning to have kids soon, this is the best method to avoid having any, lol."

• 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."

• LZk...
• October 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on the pill for years. They made me emotional, killed my sex drive completely, and dried me out, so sex was incredibly painful. I finally gave up on it and relied on condoms, but I wanted something more reliable. Plus, condoms are kind of a killjoy and, well, just aren't the same. The only thing left was ParaGard. Yes, like many others, my periods started out horrendous, but eventually evened out over a year. Cramps, expect to take some ibuprofen and then maybe some acetaminophen. But again, they lessened with time. For me, it was totally worth it. I have an amazing sexual relationship with my husband. Totally worth all the cramps and heavier periods. For me, I felt like it gave me my life back."

• SLB...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 30, 2015

For Birth Control "Getting the ParaGard was the best decision I have ever made for myself. For the first 3 months, I bled much heavier than normal and experienced some severe cramps. However, by the 4th month, my bleeding and cramps significantly reduced. I have a moderate flow, heavier than I had before ParaGard, but it is very manageable. I cramp still, maybe once every four months. I do not like taking hormonal birth control. With ParaGard, your period does not disappear (something that worried me to no end), and you don't have to worry about missing pills or dealing with weird side effects like becoming emotionally unstable (pills made me suicidal) or gaining weight. Not to mention, ParaGard is probably the most cost-effective birth control available."

• Bla...
• January 28, 2020

For Birth Control "Got IUD inserted on 01/22/20. In June 2018, I had been pregnant and just had a miscarriage. After that, I got on the pills, Norethindrone to be exact, suffer from migraines, so this pill was recommended as it is less hormonal - IT WAS A HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE. Gained over 40 lbs, relationship was bad due to mood swings and crying. I heard about the IUD, never knew ParaGard existed. I did research and also spoke to a few friends that have it, they got mixed reviews and reading here kind of scared me still went for it. Day of appointment, took 800 mg Ibuprofen. I was on my last day of menstrual cycle so cervix was open. A bit uncomfortable felt like a contraction for a second while she measured me, then after, didn't feel anything. Overall, I had small cramps the same day and spotted until Friday. Friday I stopped my pills and I guess because of that, I started heavy bleeding Saturday night which went on until Monday morning. I'm now spotting again on and off. No cramps as of yet. Tomorrow will make 1 week since I had it placed. I just been suffering from the changes of stopping pills. I will update in 2 months."

• Men...
• December 12, 2019

For Birth Control "After reading these reviews, I'm realizing all of my side effects are because of this. I made my 10 years with ParaGard in September. The only good thing is I did not get pregnant considering I've gotten pregnant off of 2 different types of birth control pills, patch, and NuvaRing. So this was the last option. Now everything else is on the bad side. This IUD has intensified my migraines to the point that I was admitted to the hospital. Heavy bleeding, bad cramps, mood swings, depression bouts, and BV plenty of times. I think the hardest one for me is the hair loss. I literally lost my edges due to this. Currently, this IUD is still in me, but next week it's coming out. For the last 3 weeks, I've been bleeding excessively more than usual. Literally, 1 overnight pad and super tampon every 2 hours. I've been incredibly weak in the mornings. The only reason I tolerated the 10 years is because I really don't want anymore kids as I have 3 (as I said earlier, I've gotten pregnant 7 times while using some form of birth control) as of today I'm totally done with this birth control method."

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

For Birth Control "I"

• CJa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 19, 2019

For Birth Control "If you are like me, then you may love this birth control! I have tried everything... pills, patches, the shot, hormonal IUDs. Every single hormonal BC has resulted in severe mood swings for me! I get severe PMS without birth control, and hormones just make it worse. The good thing about my body is that I have very light periods and no cramps. I have not had any changes in my PMS symptoms, and I have been using it for about 6 months. Downside: getting it inserted was excruciating for me. I have not had any children, so that probably made it worse. I felt painful contractions for several hours. Had mild discomfort for a couple of days. I do have a heavier period now, but the trade-off is worth it for me. I have not gotten pregnant and have a regular sex life with my husband. This birth control has been a godsend for me. I think it is a great solution for people who don’t have physical period symptoms and who suffer more from PMS. The temporary pain was worth it for me."

• Bul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2019

For Birth Control "I absolutely love mine. Getting it put in and then the first period after was honestly very painful, but after that, it's been wonderful. I think my period is a teeny bit heavier, but that is about it. I have not had any weight gain or increased acne breakouts due to this BC, and no issues with mood swings. Occasionally I can feel the implant if I stretch a certain way or on my heaviest period day, but I honestly do really love my ParaGard."

• Sar...
• May 29, 2018

For Birth Control "This IUD was my only option because hormones apparently give me blood clots (not fun!). I went to the gyno during my period and after taking the uterus softener pill, and she put the device in. The process is very crampy, but not what I would describe as painful. It's also SUPER quick, so you have those cramps for 1 minute, then nothing. So, I waited a couple of days, had sex, and my boyfriend goes, 'Ow! It poked me!' Well, when I went to follow up with the nurse, she said it had slipped partially out. She inserted a new one then and there (no softener pills, no period, but still only slight cramping), and I have been good to go for a year! I haven't seen any difference in my period, I didn't have any weight gain, no mood swings, no side effects at all. I cannot recommend this enough now that it's fully in (and trust me, we could tell when it wasn't). A quick 5-minute process for 10 years of no babies? 100% worth it."

• 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."

• Boy...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 21, 2018

For Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard in for 6 years now and love it! I have tried other forms of birth control in the past and always seemed to have a hard time with the hormones. I have tried lower doses and I still end up with the moodiness, bloating, irritability, and major mood swings at random times. I have experienced none of that with this. Getting it put in was not the most comfortable experience... I did, of course, experience cramping for a couple of hours after, but then it subsided and I was fine. My periods were a little on the heavier side for the next 6 months, but after that, my periods went back to normal. I have had no issues whatsoever and am happy with the ParaGard. My sister-in-law was also on the ParaGard for 8 years and then decided she wanted to try to have another child. She had it removed after 8 years and was able to get pregnant within 2 months of having it removed. She also had a positive experience with it."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Ram...
• June 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I LOVE my ParaGard. It's the only form of birth control I've ever tried, and the only one I would ever consider. Make sure you have a doctor that is familiar with inserting this particular type of IUD. The first OBGYN clearly didn't have a clue what she was doing. It was the most painful experience of my life, and I ended up having to get it taken out a month later. The second doctor took five minutes to get it in, and I felt no discomfort whatsoever. Yes, for the first six months my period was a lot heavier and unpredictable, but it's gone back to normal. No hormones for 10 years.... why not?? again... NO HORMONES."

• Lib...
• July 13, 2018

For Birth Control "I've had my implant for about 3 years now, the only complaint that I have is the cramping around my period is sometimes unbearable (but manageable). I regularly check to make sure it's in place, so far so good! The procedure of getting it implanted is the most uncomfortable part, though. However, if you've had a pap, it won't be an unfamiliar feeling. No mood swings, no weight gain, no happy accidents!"

• Ano...
• July 15, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had my ParaGard for almost 7 months. I am 20 years old, no kids. Before the ParaGard, I was on a low dosage birth control, and it was horrible for my body. The pill made me gain an incredible amount of weight, I had terrible mood swings, and lost hair. My gyno suggested the ParaGard because it was hormone-free and lasted 10 years. Getting it inserted was one of the most excruciating experiences of my life. I threw up immediately after and almost passed out. The next two days I couldn't get out of bed due to the horrible cramps. Besides the first few days, I absolutely love the ParaGard. My periods are normal, and I'm back to my old self. I suggest it for anyone who's thinking about it, but just be ready for a few days of pain."

• 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."

• Ate...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 28, 2021

For Birth Control "I switched from Mirena to ParaGard in December 2020. I felt my mood swings disappear and my food cravings disappear as well. I got my first period in January 2021 and have had a monthly cycle. One cycle was so heavy that I could not leave the house for one day because nothing would contain the bleeding. Then I resumed a regular 8-day cycle. I now have had a light period for 30 days. I'm waiting for the bleeding to end. Hopefully, it is just a one-time thing. The bleeding is never-ending."