ParaGard and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ker...
• January 2, 2017

For Birth Control "The ParaGard is hands down the best method of birth control! I had a lot of trial and error finding the right kind of birth control for me. I've tried pills, the Depo shot, and the Implanon. They always had some kind of bad side effect on me, from weight gain to acne to migraines. I just wanted something all-natural that would get the job done. I decided to give the ParaGard a try even though I didn't like the fact of something being inserted in my uterus. It's done an amazing job. Insertion and removal were quick and almost painless, with some mild cramping. Periods were light and maintainable. I couldn't 'feel' it either. Now I'm ready to have my first baby, but it's going right back in afterwards!"

• dem...
• October 20, 2015

For Birth Control "I just got my ParaGard removed after having it in for about 8 months. I wanted ParaGard because I'm sensitive to hormonal birth control, and right now, ParaGard seems to be the only hormone-free option. Unfortunately, the side effects were just too much for me and only seemed to be getting worse as time went on, instead of better. Some of the lovely things I had to deal with on ParaGard: - Painful cramps-not just around my period, but also whenever I would exercise - Long periods-they lasted about 2 weeks. Seriously. - Heavy periods-the jokes about the elevator scene in The Shining are completely accurate - Constant nausea, dizziness, and headaches - Weight gain. My body just didn't want ParaGard inside of me and made my life miserable."

• Ray...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 5, 2019

For Birth Control "I was poisoned by the copper in the Copper IUD. It caused neurological issues, shooting pain down my arms, joint pain in my hands/feet, or numbness. Two weeks before I got it out, I developed tremors in my hands that occurred every couple of days. All of that completely went away after removal, but now what I am left with is thyroid problems, hormonal imbalance, low energy, and weight gain of 15 pounds in a matter of 6 months. I had it for a year, I started with super heavy periods and blood clots for 4 months, then my period went away completely. I had my thyroid, blood work, etc., all done before insertion, so I know how my body has changed. I had my copper levels checked after removal, and that's how I found out I had copper toxicity. Be very wary and do your research, I wish I had."

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

For Birth Control "I have had this in for a year. I am 46. I did not become pregnant while using ParaGard, so that part worked. I have, however, had thousands of dollars worth of blood work, lost sleep, damaged relationships because of mood and depression, 20 lbs weight gain, foggy memory, anxiety, panic attacks. My most recent blood work indicates low cortisol levels, and I started researching the copper toxicity, and I was shocked to see every single one of my symptoms listed here. Of course, it could be that I am old, menopausal, and tired... but I was energetic, active, and much happier before this thing went into my body."

• Man...
• June 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Look up copper toxicity. On ParaGard I gained weight, had tons of bleeding and non-stop periods. Along with all the symptoms of copper toxicity. Do not get this IUD! Right after removing it, I dropped 5 pounds. I’m sure I’m going to lose more too."

• 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."

• pbh...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 6, 2020

For Birth Control "I had Paragard IUD for about 5 years. Starting around year 2, I started getting very, very heavy periods that lasted for well over a week at a time and came back every 3 weeks. I felt like I was always bleeding. That was the main reason I had it removed, but afterwards, I realized that there were a lot of other effects that I didn't make the connection until now. I felt a lot more lethargic, depressed, and gained over 30 pounds. I never had PMS-type symptoms before, but I would rage when I had Paragard. I had it removed and replaced with a hormonal IUD this October, and I already feel so much better."

• Anonymous
• December 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I received this after having my son on 12/15/17. I started having mood swings, and my weight gain was horrible (I’ve always been small). Then I started having really bad headaches, and my hair was falling out in globs. Eighteen months after having my son and going through all these side effects, I started bleeding badly. My husband took me to the ER, and they gave me a pregnancy test (it’s required). It came back positive. They sent me down for an ultrasound to get some more info on if the ParaGard was still there or not. Come to find out it was still there, and I was five weeks pregnant. They took it out and told me there was a high risk of a miscarriage. We went back two weeks later to see if they could see anything or if I just had an empty sac. They found a yolk sac. I am now luckily 27 weeks pregnant with a healthy baby boy (our miracle IUD baby). I would not recommend ParaGard for anyone as a contraceptive, as it didn't work. I would mark zero if I could. I have stressed my baby this whole pregnancy due to some “supposed to be 99% effective.”"

• Mim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2021

For Birth Control "The first day I had ParaGard installed, I had terrible cramps. The pain lasted almost 2 days. Make sure you install it on a Friday so you have at least 2 days off to adjust. After that, ParaGard has been amazing. I used to use hormonal birth control and had gained 12 pounds on Nikki and Lutera. I couldn’t lose the weight no matter what! After switching to ParaGard, I lost 7 pounds so far (with diet, of course). My acne is better (because it’s hormone-free), and my periods are normal. My periods last the same amount of days it would before ParaGard. However, I switched from a regular tampon to a super tampon. Cramps are the same as before. Nothing major. With ParaGard, I have the peace of mind that I won’t get pregnant! (I was still worried when I was taking the pill)."

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 27, 2017

For Birth Control "ParaGard was totally the right decision of IUD for me! I did not want to deal with the side effects of the hormones in the Mirena (or the other brands). I had a lot of friends get those removed because the hormones messed with them. Insertion was not nearly as bad as I anticipated. Definitely uncomfortable and worse than a pap smear, but nothing I couldn't handle. I took plenty of ibuprofen that day and watched a season of Game of Thrones. Not a bad day. My first two periods afterward were heavier, crampy, and less predictable, but after that, they got back on schedule, and the cramps are no worse now than before the IUD. In fact, they may be more mild for me now. My boyfriend can sometimes feel the string, but who cares, he can deal!"

• Yes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 4, 2015

For Birth Control "I have nothing but good things to say about ParaGard. I started the birth control pill in my late teens and had horrible side effects, weight gain, acne, etc., etc. You name it, I experienced it. I tried a couple more birth control methods, but the side effects were too great for me to continue. At 24, after 2 years of marriage and my first baby, I really started to do my research and found ParaGard, and I have not looked back since. Four years later, and I could not be happier."

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had ParaGard for about a year. It made my periods longer and a lot heavier, especially days 2 and 3. Before my period, I would get really bad cramps and fatigue, also terrible migraines, as well as after my cycle ends. I have had a lot of hair shedding, and I tried eating healthier, drinking more water, and taking care of my hair, but still shedding! I have gained 30 pounds, but I actually eat less than before I got the ParaGard, and got BV twice. I am getting it removed tomorrow because I believe the copper is causing these negative side effects. The only good thing is I never got pregnant!"

• Van...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2019

For Birth Control "Horrible pain with insertion. I have a high pain tolerance, but this almost made me pass out, it hurt so bad. Heavy, heavy bleeding. Sometimes, two heavy, long periods a month, with spotting in between. Weight gain and hip joint pain. I just got it removed today, which was almost painless, thank goodness."

• She...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I got my IUD on 11/18/2009. During insertion, it did not hurt, and I didn't have much pain until I got my period. The cramps were debilitating at times. I would have to stay out of work, but I attributed it to my already irregular cycle. I gained so much weight. I'm usually an average of 150-170, after 10 years, I could barely maintain staying under 250. My hips would hurt. I would keep recurring vaginal infections. I scheduled an appointment to have it removed right at the 10-year mark, only to wake up one night with cramps that were the worst and to feel the IUD basically hanging out, so I pulled it right out. It's been a month, and my body feels so much better, and I've lost 15 lbs already."

• nwl...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 24, 2017

For Birth Control "I had ParaGard placed over 2 years ago after constantly experiencing negative side effects from all other forms of birth control. Insertion was awful. Awful. It felt like I was in labor all over again and missed a day and a half of work because of how severe the cramps were. The side effects I noticed right away were very heavy periods and very painful cramps. Then, within a year, I noticed I had become very restless, moody, low energy, and constantly bloated. Thinning hair, tired, some weight gain, and unable to sleep. I just had my ParaGard removed over a week ago and already notice a huge, positive difference in my body and mind! I didn't hate ParaGard, but definitely won't get it again."

• Ale...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 25, 2018

For Birth Control "So I’ve had 2 ParaGuards in my life. The first one made my skin break out like crazy. Took it out and got pregnant. The beginning of my pregnancy, I had severe bleeding for the first 2 months, such that doctors advised me that my baby wouldn’t make it through the pregnancy. Thankfully, my baby did. Fast forward, I got another one inserted. By the 2nd year, I started breaking out like crazy. By the 8th year, I started having severe and long 15 days plus periods. Gained about 50 lbs and can’t seem to lose weight no matter what. Will finally get it removed next week. Never again."

• 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."

• lol...
• October 5, 2019

For Birth Control "After terminating an unplanned pregnancy, I was advised to get the ParaGard coil. Having had regular and fairly light periods for years and maintaining a healthy weight, it was difficult to get used to the bloating and heavy bleeding. The coil felt like a constant, low-level pressure, and I often had the taste of metal in my mouth. My appetite increased. Despite exercising more, my weight increased (my face got chunkier and my belly and hips got wider). I couldn't keep on top of the pain and was taking painkillers six days a month. I decided to take it out six weeks ago, fed up with waiting for a couple of days' respite where I might feel normal. I have dropped about a quarter stone in that time - probably the amount I put on during the five months I had it in. There's been a chemical shift in the time I've had it in - I now get tired more easily, and even small amounts of alcohol leave me drained the next day. Hope this helps anyone else feeling similar things."

• 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."

• 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."

• Frf...
• September 26, 2018

For Birth Control "I am 34 years old. I'm actually on my last 6 months of the 10 years you can use it for. I will not recommend this to you if you are not a person that enjoys going to the doctor every 2 months for BV, acne, weight gain, mixed emotions, bad cramps, heavy bleeding, unexpected bleeding. If you are very fertile (go ahead). I am getting it taken out and getting my tubes tied."

• KEM...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 5, 2018

For Birth Control "I had used so many other birth controls before this one. The Depo shot made me incredibly irritable and gain a lot of weight, Nexplanon made me bleed like crazy, and so did the Skyla. So I chose ParaGard because it was non-hormonal. Ever since, regular periods, no weight gain, no mood change, and happier than ever. Plus it lasts 10 years. I’m so glad I finally found something that works for me. The only thing I noticed was that my cramps were a little worse. Not the intensity necessarily, just the frequency."

• 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."

• 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."

• TJa...
• February 8, 2018

For Birth Control "Fell pregnant after 6 months of having ParaGard IUD inserted. They told me it probably fell out. After severe pain in my abdominal region, sides, and lower back got progressively worse over the years to the point of being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and after a second pregnancy, pain escalated. After an X-ray, MRI, and CT scan, it was determined the IUD had perforated my bowel, and whilst awaiting surgery, I expelled it. My recovery has been said will take 18 months to 2 years, and I am due to see a specialist for ongoing pain since. It might be great at first (if you don’t fall pregnant), but it’s not a matter of if it will cause problems, it’s a matter of when - mine was realized 11 years later - weight gain, fatigue, acne, abdominal pain, depression... the list goes on."