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

• 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."

• Bre...
• November 21, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm on my 3rd month and overall highly recommend this to women who have tried everything else. Pros: Nearly 100% effective. Does not affect my mood or sex drive (no hormones!). Partner cannot feel during sex. All-natural sex (with my monogamous partner). Do not have to think about BC anymore. No monthly costs. Lasts a long time. Does not affect fertility, can remove anytime. May have a protective effect against cervical cancer. Cons: Heavier, longer period. On average, 7 days and 4 of them heavy. (Before, mine were 3-4 days long and light.) Uncomfortable adjustment period (1-3 months post-insertion). Cannot control when periods will come, like you can with hormonal BC. If you already have heavy periods, this may not be a good choice."

• 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."

• Jes...
• May 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard IUD about 7 months ago. The initial process of getting it inserted was pretty painful but so fast! I wouldn't say my experience with the IUD was terrible, but it has its downsides. I've always had bad cramps and a pretty decent flow. I knew going into this that ParaGard would only make these things worse. Honestly, I can deal with the cramps and 10-day-long periods. However, recently I'm discovering that I've gained about 20 lbs in the past 6 months. It's all happening in my midsection, and I've read other women's stories claiming the same. It wouldn't surprise me if it was the ParaGard. I've always easily gained weight on birth control, that's why I went with ParaGard. I plan to have it removed next week."

• 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."

• KCa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I had to have my ParaGard removed and reinserted because it slid too low in my uterus. I almost fainted from pain the second time. Both times I had to take the rest of the day off. I agree with the other reviews that my period got crazy, heavier and more painful. And it took 6 months to return to semi-normal. But once over that hump, it’s been worth the years of protection."

• 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."

• 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!"

• ELA...
• September 13, 2017

For Birth Control "Ok guys, sure, having something forcibly shoved into my cervix was literally the worst pain I've ever been in, but guess what, now that it's there and the initial shock is over, my periods are only slightly heavier/crampier and I don't have to worry about getting pregnant for the next 12 years. That's amazing. No surprises for me. #worthit. Just plan on taking a couple of days off after having it inserted."

• Now...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 6, 2017

For Birth Control "I had ParaGard for 8 years. I was loving the fact there are no hormones. I did not have any side effects of weight gain, ache, or anything. However, about the 7th year, my cramps on my left side lower body were getting bad the week prior to the menstrual cycle, pain level an 8. But more recently, my pain was so significant that I was taking 600 mg at the bare minimum, twice a day. My muscles in my buttocks were knotted up down to my frontal thigh. Extreme pain. Missed days of work. I recently had it removed, already I feel SO MUCH better. Love & Hate ParaGard."

• Cel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 6, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard going on 3 years now. The process went smoothly but did have serious pain afterward and took a good while before I could have sex. When we did have sex, both could feel it for the first 6 months. Now we only feel it every now and then. I have gained a lot of weight since and recently extreme pain even when I'm not on my period. I have to have a nap every day, I literally can't stay awake. I have been checked out and they say everything is fine. I thought it was a chemical imbalance and started taking extra vitamins and still everything is the same. Not sure if it is the ParaGard or just me. I know IUDs affect everyone differently, just make sure you take notes on any changes."

• Mom...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the ParaGard for 7 years. I was 20 with no children. I'm also forgetful and wanted a birth control that I didn't have to worry about taking every day like the pill. I tried the Depo shot but gained too much weight. I had absolutely no problems except for the fact that it was very painful when inserted, I'm sure that it had something to do with me not being pregnant before. But... I became pregnant last September. Either my IUD moved because I became pregnant or because it had moved beforehand, I'm not sure. Either way, I couldn't feel the string and didn't schedule annual exams, so I believe this caused me to become pregnant. I urge everyone with an IUD to make sure you check yourself once a month and schedule exams every year!!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• PTY...
• October 12, 2017

For Birth Control "I've used ParaGard for 9 months. But since then, my weight has been going up. I've gained 4 kg after the insertion. I know it is claimed that ParaGard is non-hormonal and will not cause weight gain, but I really need to check around if any of you experienced weight gain like me. My periods are better than before, though, shorter and lighter."

• Log...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 7, 2022

For Birth Control "Got this after having a bad experience with the pill (weight gain and moodiness). Insertion itself was okay- a strange feeling to have something inserted inside, but pain was gone within about 10 minutes. The weeks after insertion were extremely difficult, with the worst cramps I have ever experienced. I have since learned that this is a common reaction- not 1-2 hours of cramps as the doctor said. They eventually faded, and my monthly cycle began. 1-2 Extremely bad cramps needing medicine for all days 3-7. Heaviest flow known to man. 8-12 Unexplained horrendous hip pain, constipation, and trapped wind. 12-25 hooray! Feeling great. 25-28 Occasional cramps. Kept it in for 8 months. True to its word, it did get better over time. I no longer needed pain meds. I then became anemic because the blood flow was so much. Got an iron infusion, and it removed. Anemia isn’t worth it."

• 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."

• MsJ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2018

For Birth Control "I don't like using synthetic hormones in general, was really excited to get the ParaGard for the convenience and effectiveness. The insertion wasn't unbearable but a bit painful. I have a small uterus (was 24, no kids), so I could often feel the device. My period went from very normal 5-7 days, not much cramping, to heavier and a lot of cramping, crippling in fact much of the time. I had it two different times. It failed after a few months, and I ended up pregnant on it. Had another one placed in to see if the first one was just defective, but it also was crumpled and basically expelled from my body. Wish they would make a smaller one."

• Han...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 23, 2023

For Birth Control "Never ever got on with contraception but was forced to due to high levels of fertility. I thought due to being non-hormonal, I'd try a ParaGard IUD. I had awfully heavy periods and continue to do so, huge clots, etc., but still don't mind this. However, I have disrupted sleep, constant vivid dreams, good or bad, every night. I also get racing intrusive thoughts, I get bloating, and weight gain. I have gained so much weight, which I've never struggled with due to being highly active. Has anyone else had these issues?"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."