ParaGard and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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)."

• Ken...
• January 13, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on birth control pills from 17-23, and it was awful for me! I would get super nauseous 6 hours after taking the pill, and I gained 20 pounds the first year. I was tired of hormones, so I decided to get the copper IUD. Come insertion day, I was SO NERVOUS from reading all these comments, and I was freaking out. I had the insertion during my period, and I did take 800 mg of Advil beforehand. I must say the insertion process was the most unbearable pain ever, but it was SUPER quick. 15 minutes, maybe less, and the horrific pain was only 10 seconds! After that, I only experienced spotting for like 2 days that month, yay! My period is also SO MUCH less painful than my normal period on birth control (just more blood). The copper IUD is incredible, I will recommend it to everyone! The only thing is my orgasms did feel weird at first, but after my first normal period, they were back to normal! I feel so much better being off birth control! I feel so much happier, and I never need to think about birth control for another 10 years!"

• 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."

• Bog...
• June 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard about a month ago. Just started this month's period. I don't feel any pain or anything, you know, just the normal, you know, pressure from bleeding. But I mean, honestly, I don't recognize a difference, but I do know that birth control affects everyone differently. I had the hormonal IUD taken out because I noticed some weight gain, and I didn't like how it made me feel anxious and irritated. I am on some prescriptions for anxiety and depression and sleep, but I didn't like how that one made me feel. I definitely notice a difference with this one, my medications are working like they normally would, and I'm not agitated. I don't have weight gain, I've actually lost some weight. I love this, and it's not bad. It's not painful. And the bleeding isn't bad either, it's pretty normal for me."

• Hea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 25, 2020

For Birth Control "I love this birth control so much. I've had it almost 11 months now and can't say enough good things about it. No weight gain, regular periods, moods are normal, and I feel great and pregnancy-free for almost 11 months now!"

• 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."

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2017

For Birth Control "I love my ParaGard! It's the best decision I ever made. I wish I would have known about this method of birth control sooner. Was on the pill for 18 years prior, and did not like the side effects that were developing. My periods are about the same, maybe a little heavier."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• JHi...
• August 18, 2015

For Birth Control "Best birth control device ever!!! I've had two ParaGard IUDs in my lifetime and no weight gain or craziness since there aren't any hormones and nothing to worry about! Loved my almost 20 years using this device, and insertion and removal are pretty much pain-free and easy. Do yourself a favor, get off those weird hormone-laden IUDs or birth control pills and do this now!!"

• 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 :)"

• Ray...
• May 12, 2021

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard for over 2 years now, I got it when I was 17 as an affordable and long-term birth control option. I think because I'm older, my acne isn't as bad, but one of the main reasons why I didn't want to do hormonal was for not wanting weight gain and acne. I tried the pill for a few months before I got the IUD, and it wasn't for me. The insertion wasn't too bad. It just kind of felt like a sharp pain in a sensitive area or a really bad period cramp. Before I got ParaGard, my periods were really short, and I never had cramps, and now my periods are pretty heavy. I had to get a menstrual cup in size one and two to be able to hold the amount of blood. My periods are about 5 days long: 2 mild, one extremely heavy (60 ml), and three extremely light. They said that your cramps and blood flow would go back to normal after 3 months, but mine haven't, and I'm fine with that. I am comfortable and trust the IUD to let my boyfriend, you know... in me."

• Bir...
• April 13, 2021

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard late August 2020. I had an ibuprofen 800 mg beforehand since I had some at home. The pain was INTENSE. I tried laughing it off during our conversation. It’s like they’re cranking you open. I had spotting & severe cramps for a month. I took hormonal BC pills for 10 years before giving it up to try this. I got over the first month. And I would have occasional waves of pain where I’d want to get down on the ground. Those came every couple of days. Some weeks worse. I was told it could be worse up to 6 months in, and I haven’t had any cramps in over a month BUT I also haven’t had my period in 31 days! I’ve taken multiple tests and all were negative. Now I feel nothing, so I’m not sure if it’s coincidence, but after 6 months it did get better. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I have no symptoms. No weight gain. No irritation. The first months are bad, but if you’re willing to push through it, it’s worth it afterwards."

• Pea...
• November 27, 2019

For Birth Control "Inserted ParaGard 1/2006, immediate mental health issues started, felt like a zombie, severe depression, worthless feeling, unmotivated, mean, dark thoughts, gained 30 pounds, thinning hair and loss, back pain, joint/body aches, heavy periods, cranky, low libido. Vaginal odor, bacterial infections despite celibacy, insomnia, brain fog, forgetfulness, unable to lose weight. Removed 11/11. Lighter periods, able to sleep, lose weight, depression lessened, no more vaginal odors or infections."

• juh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Got ParaGard when I was 20, got it taken out when I was 25 and had Skyla put in, then six months later got ParaGard put back in... here are my thoughts: Skyla, painful insertion, gained weight when the doctor said I wouldn't, moody, bled for about 4 months straight. ParaGard insertion was easier, spot when ovulating, heavier periods but nothing horrible, no weight gain or PMS symptoms EXCEPT bloating. I bloat on ParaGard, but will take that over most symptoms. I have never had a baby or been pregnant, had light periods before, weigh about 150 lbs."

• Kay...
• November 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I have a blood clotting disorder, and this was my only choice. The insertion was so painful I blacked out. About 20 minutes later, I was still very cramped, and I went right to work. Now, 3 months into having it, I haven’t gotten my period. However, I do believe I’ve had an on-and-off UTI, as sometimes it’s painful to urinate and my urine smells pretty odd. Frequently, I think I’m peeing myself, but it’s just quite a bit of discharge, which my doctor prescribed antibiotics for. I am noticing a significant amount of weight gain. My entire life, I’ve never been more than 120 lbs, and I’m 24. Currently, I’m 146 lbs and trying my best to lose it. I exercise every day and work a lot, so it’s not a lack of exercise, and I eat fairly healthy. Aside from those few things, I believe this is the best option for me, and I’ll be leaving it in until something more concerning comes about. I would recommend it."

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

For Birth Control "I"

• 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."