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

• 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!!!"

• Aub...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I had ParaGard inserted after the birth of my second child. While this was “effective” in preventing pregnancy, it caused so many issues with my body! I had few symptoms for the first 3 years other than increased yeast infections and occasional spotting. Year 4, everything went downhill! The ParaGard side effects got worse. I had constant infections (yeast and BV), spotting became more frequent as time went on, and I ended up bleeding for 2 months straight. I had extreme fatigue, complete loss of sex drive to where it was affecting my relationship, weight gain, heart palpitations, hip/back pain, swelling and water retention, horrible PMS, joint pain, among many others. I had it removed after having it for 7.5 years, and 95% of my symptoms have completely vanished. The product is effective as a birth control, but the issues it causes with our bodies are not worth it."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• kra...
• February 7, 2018

For Birth Control "My periods were 10-14 days long. I could no longer work full time because the bleeding was so bad there were no pads or tampons that could hold it back. Menstrual migraines, debilitating cramps, blood clots. As a result of the bleeding, I became anemic despite taking lots of iron. I became sick, obese, and psychologically miserable from the IUD. I began having panic attacks, I couldn't sleep through the night, and it seemed my body was constantly trying to attack the IUD as if it was a virus or something else bad to be killed. When I decided to get it removed after 2.5 years, the doctor said it was 'out of place' and confirmed that many women see her every year for the same issues. My IUD has been out for 3 years, and I've finally lost weight, but I will permanently be on supplemental progesterone for the rest of my life. In addition to the other health issues the IUD caused, it caused my ovaries to stop making progesterone entirely."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2018

For Birth Control "I had this inserted 10 weeks post-baby. Insertion hurt, whenever I sat down/driving/couch/bed. I was breastfeeding, and not only did my supply dry up quickly, it never came back even though my appetite on this was the most unreal. I was never able to get that full feeling you get when you eat too much, I literally ate all day long, gained 20 in 2 months, and my whole milk supply dried up. My hair became dry and broke off, developed several bald spots that came back after I got it removed 4 months later. It was heartbreaking, my supply was gone. I pumped round the clock for weeks on end to get my supply going. After I became anemic (it increases bleeding), it was removed."

• Kri...
• September 5, 2017

For Birth Control "This was the worst decision of my life. I have been dieting and exercising, cut over 1000 calories a day and gained weight. ParaGard may not contain hormones, but it creates an inflammatory response that leads to water retention, inability to lose weight, and mood swings. My fingers are so swollen I can't get my rings off, and I bleed and spot 3 weeks out of the month. I am miserable and have an appointment for removal in a week!"

• 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."

• LAM...
• June 1, 2017

For Birth Control "I had the ParaGard inserted 3 years ago after my second child. Heavy period, headaches, bloating, mood swings, and weight gain about 15 pounds. I had it removed last week. Felt better almost instantly. I wouldn't recommend. Also tried the Mirena, that was even worse."

• Anonymous
• May 19, 2017

For Birth Control "Was effective, but was the worst thing I've done to myself. Gained 30 pounds, mood swings like crazy, many other reactions that the doctors swore weren't because of it. I've had it out for three months, and I finally feel normal again!"

• War...
• August 24, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Paragard for a total of 5 weeks. Never felt so miserable in my life. I bled for the entire time I had Paragard, with 2 heavy periods and constant spotting in between. I gained weight (I was back in my skinny jeans 5 weeks after giving birth but had to wear yoga pants again while on Paragard because of serious bloating that made me look 5 months pregnant). I developed anxiety, depression, panic attacks while driving (I'm a professional driver), bloating, cramping, feeling extremely fatigued all the time, constant back and neck pain, major hair loss, anger, headaches (I never suffer from headaches because I hydrate all day). Had it removed yesterday and already feeling so much better and happier. Neck/back pain is gone..."

• 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."

• Med...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had constant spotting for the last 3 1/2 months after I got it placed 4 months ago, and when the spotting stopped 2 weeks ago, I have not had my period since having it placed, just spotting. I did talk with my regular doctor, and she said a copper IUD can cause a hormone imbalance, and this is probably why I haven't had my period and have had hot flashes. The way to fix this, I would have to go on birth control pills, it completely defeats the purpose of having a non-hormonal IUD. I have constant cramps, pain during intercourse, gained 20 pounds (in 4 months), hot flashes, I smell like stinky fishing bait, and I'm positive I can feel it when I move the wrong way. I'm sick of smelling like a fish all the time. I need it out ASAP."