ParaGard and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Suv...
• March 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I had Paragard inserted 8 weeks after my 2nd baby was born (2 years back). The process was not painful but uncomfortable. Paragard has helped me in having no pregnancies-so it does what it's supposed to. But at the cost of what! I was 5'3'', 120 lb when I got it. I started gaining weight, not sure whether Paragard is to blame. My periods are so heavy that I can't use tampons and have to change the thickest pad every 2 hours for 2 days out of 5 days. My blood tests show I am anemic despite the fact I am particular about my diet. I have had constant yeast infections, 1 episode of UTI, which I never had before in my life. There is a constant discharge, and a pantyliner is a must. I'm getting it removed. Pattern-most bad reviews are by people who had it for a while."

• 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."

• Ass...
• July 1, 2017

For Birth Control "This was the worst birth control I ever tried. Only after 6 weeks of having it, I started to lose hair and had two bald spots, and I instantly gained 10 pounds! I also had constant pelvic and lower back pains. I knew something was wrong when my clothes didn't fit, yet I had been working out 5 days a week. The day I had it inserted, I had actually lost 30 pounds since I had my son 3 months prior, and then this IUD set me back! ParaGard appears to be a good choice for many women that do not want to take hormones. However, the copper actually does affect your hormones, and it can also have serious life-threatening side effects as well. I ended up removing it."

• 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!"

• The...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 23, 2017

For Birth Control "After receiving my IUD 6 weeks after my daughter was born, I was just relieved I could not become pregnant and I was still able to happily breastfeed. Periods were not an issue other than breakthrough bleeding around ovulation time. My biggest issue with this IUD is the toxic reaction I had due to the copper. I am diagnosed with anxiety, but I had never felt anxiety so bad in my LIFE than on this thing. I avoided all and any social situations, I was unable to work and cope with life. I was placed on extreme anti-panic attack and anxiety meds that I could not wean off from. I went from being healthy and fit to gaining 50 lbs. After feeling frustrated, I looked up my birth control and sure enough this is COMMON!!!!!"

• Joc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 21, 2022

For Birth Control "I’ve had the copper IUD for 8 months now, and overall, my experience has not been that bad! I read lots of reviews that left me nervous about the experience. People said it was painful, they had the worst periods of their life, and they would NOT recommend it. However, after 8 months with my IUD, I wanted to leave an honest review and say that was not that bad. Getting the IUD inserted was the worst part for me. It was definitely not a comfortable experience, however, the pain that was felt in the moment was VERY worth it! It has been so nice having such a low-maintenance form of BC. My periods have definitely changed, they are a bit heavier and a little more painful. But honestly, not by much. I probably wouldn’t have noticed the change if it wasn’t pointed out to me by all the reviews I read. Also, my partner has no complaints if that is something you are worried about. I would recommend this BC to anyone who doesn’t mind still having their periods :)"

• Sar...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 28, 2024

For Birth Control "I have had two wildly different experiences with ParaGard insertion. In 2014, the excruciating pain of insertion left me woozy and nauseated for about 1.5 hours afterward. Today, in addition to taking ibuprofen in advance, I requested a numbing shot of lidocaine. It was actually three shots around the cervix, but my goodness, those pinches were worth it. Instead of agonizing pain, all I felt was pressure and movement, which the doctor was helpfully narrating so I knew what to expect. In 2014, my periods were slightly heavier and longer but no more painful than usual for the first two months after insertion. After that, my monthly flow decreased to three days with one or two days of spotting prior. My period is much more manageable with the copper IUD (and using a menstrual cup and period underwear), which is why I chose to get a new one ten years after the first. Hopefully, it will last me through the end of my childbearing years!"

• MsL...
• May 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had the copper IUD for close to two weeks. Unprotected sex with my boyfriend and long-term birth control are the ONLY pros. Cons include: acne, anxiety, low sex drive, fatigue, weight gain (4 pounds in one week), cramps, random shooting pains. I am a thin woman with a high metabolism and have found it impossible to lose the weight. I look puffy and feel horrible. I wouldn't wish this experience on anyone. I'm getting it removed today."

• mam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Insertion of ParaGard hurt like hell. After 6 weeks, I developed a horrible rash/hives (allergic reaction) that started on my chest and spread to my whole body. It took two weeks from the start of the rash to realize what was happening - I was allergic to the ParaGard - and then I had ParaGard removed. I am now one week out, and the rash has completely healed. I also experienced dizziness, weight gain, bloating, and more!! DO NOT GET ParaGard!!!"

• Jha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 29, 2018

For Birth Control "Painful intercourse from friction from string. It was an extremely painful insertion. I had fatigue, always 'feel' something inside me, mood swings, and weight gain."

• 123...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2018

For Birth Control "Horrible, gained lots of weight and developed thyroid problems. I'm unable to lose any weight and looked pregnant all the time."

• kdg...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 31, 2019

For Birth Control "I had a terrible experience with this IUD. It caused me major back pain and about twenty pounds of weight gain. It ended up dislodging itself at about a year and six months. The copper was oxidizing."

• Hap...
• January 25, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the ParaGard I inserted in the beginning of December 2015, and so far I LOVE it! My period is a tiny bit heavier, but nothing bad. I love it's good for 19 years, and it's non-hormonal!"