ParaGard User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Tan...
• September 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I used Nexplanon before and had terrible mood swings, so I thought ParaGard would be a better alternative, being non-hormonal. I had ParaGard for 4 months and noticed I was way more fatigued and anxious, with bad cramps, and my period was heavy, I was bleeding through an extra-large maxi pad in an hour. I went to get it out, and they said it was stuck and I may have needed surgery to get it out! It took three tries to finally yank it out a few days ago, and I already feel so much calmer and less in pain. Instead, I’m going to use natural family planning (apps like Lily allow you to track your cervical mucus and temperature and cycle to be more effective) with barrier methods like condoms or cervical caps during my fertile times. I’m really disappointed in this contraception method. I have PCOS as well and found it made my symptoms much worse than before. I wish I didn’t get it to save myself 4 months of anxiety and laying in bed with debilitating cramps."

• MDi...
• July 25, 2019

For Birth Control "Had the ParaGard put in just over a week ago, and the side effects were so severe that I had to beg to get it taken out only a week after. Please do your own research on copper toxicity related to the insertion of the IUD. There is no information about this on the NHS websites, but thousands of people have been affected by this. More research needs to be done on this contraceptive. Due to word length restrictions, I can only list my side effect symptoms: - anxiety and panic attacks - significant hair loss (2 bald patches a month before my wedding!!) - bloated stomach - zero energy - brain fog (felt like a zombie) - craved junk food (normally eat clean) - insomnia (usually sleep like a doormouse). I got it out a few days ago and am already feeling so much better. Not 100% better, but I’m seeing a huge improvement already. Trust your instincts over and above a medical professional telling you you shouldn’t have any symptoms from it."

• 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."

• Mel...
• February 8, 2015

For Birth Control "When they first tried to insert the ParaGard, the doctor had a problem. My uterus is flipped some type of way. Anyways, it took the doctor and assistant to do it. A little pain, but nothing like giving birth. I do have heavier periods, but no bad cramps. Might be too much TMI, but my sex drive has gone up since having the ParaGard because it doesn't have hormones. I was on birth control and felt so tired and lazy. I love ParaGard, best birth control for me."

• Nan...
• December 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I did a review a month ago about the insertion. This review is just an update on how the Cooper IUD ParaGard is working for me for my first month. Every girl concern: sex is great, he doesn't feel it, I don't feel it or get any discomfort during intercourse. Menstrual: for my surprise, my period is the same, is not heavier, I don't have abnormal cramps, just the usual ones for the first or second day. Days are the same for me. Overall, every person and every body reacts differently, but to have your own experience, you just have to try it. For me, it has been the best BC I have used. Don't just judge the IUD based on what you read, and give it a try. Ten years of no worries is worth it."

• K-b...
• November 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had my ParaGard for one year, and it's been great! Insertion was not pleasant, but it only lasts a moment, and now it's nothing but a distant memory. My periods were heavier and my cramps more severe for the first three months, but after that, they returned to nearly the same as before. So many people wrote about their terrible experiences that reading up almost stopped me from doing it, and now I'm so glad I got it anyway. Just remember that those who had a negative experience are more likely to post about it, so there's a bias! It's also totally possible that it will go just fine and be a fantastic BC method. Don't be too afraid to try it and see if it's right for you, you can always take it out if it's not."

• 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."

• Nat...
• January 23, 2020

For Birth Control "I had ParaGard for 9 weeks. Insertion was the most painful experience of my life. I was in bed with severe cramping and back pain for the next 3 days after insertion. I took Tylenol and Ibuprofen for pain, but it didn’t touch it. My periods lasted 2 weeks and an additional week of spotting. The entire 9 weeks, I was bloated and constipated. I gained 7 lb during that time. I am very athletic, who exercises 5-7 times a week (yoga, pole fitness, Pilates, and gym). I am also vegetarian and keep the same diet pattern and the same weight for over 18 years. So I don’t want to hear that I gained weight because of overeating. As a matter of fact, my portions were smaller than usual because I was bloated most of the time. I started having migraine headaches 4 weeks after insertion that gradually increased to an everyday thing. I started to have heart palpitations and anxiety. I DON’T RECOMMEND ANYONE ParaGard. No one tells you about these side effects."

• yyr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 15, 2019

For Birth Control "To have it inserted wasn't really bad. I was impressed it's for 10 years and is not hormonal. I had some cramps, some bad ones, and my period is definitely much heavier and lasts 10 days. It didn't change after the first 6 months, but I started bleeding between my periods. And having pain only on the left side. I am dealing with acne now and had horrible migraines nearly every day. I went to the doctor. They said I'm fine. I am feeling very tired. I can't sleep properly and I don't have energy. I also have chest pain, and again the doctor said I am fine. I used to enjoy sex, but now I'm never in the mood-never! For so long. After reading other women's reviews, I related to their symptoms and can't believe the doctors don't tell you about all these side effects. I can't wait to have it removed and don't want to hear about it again! I would not recommend it to any woman. It's sad that we have to go through all this. I'm going to try the fertility awareness method. Take care! Lots of love to all women!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I got this ParaGard, and after about 1 year, I started to have horrible brain fog, couldn’t remember words, then started to have vision problems and dizziness. Then came the headaches and cystic acne. The headaches were present every day, felt like pressure was too high inside my head. My ear started to click, I could hear my heartbeat in my ear. I was always super tired and moody, it was so hard to get out of bed. Then I started having nystagmus and bruxism to the point of breaking my teeth and having jaw pain. Got it removed, and 90% of the symptoms went away. The liver stores the copper, so it is hard to detect on serum. Worst thing I’ve done in my life."

• KRa...
• June 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I love my ParaGard! I’ve had it for a month. Insertion was uncomfortable, but nothing you can’t handle. Some cramps the first week, and a slightly longer, heavier period, but again nothing not manageable. I love how I can’t feel it and how it is hormone-free. No adverse side effects, and the best part is how I still ovulate and keep a healthy cycle. I’ve been on the pill and Mirena before and had emotional PMS and also terrible acne. None of that with ParaGard so far, and I often react quickly to things. Don’t fear all the negative reviews. Usually, people who are most angry write the most reviews. Most people get it, enjoy it, and move on with their lives without writing a review. I feel healthy and positive and love owning my own birth control in a positive and non-hormonal way! No one method is perfect, but for me, it’s a great fit based on what’s available."

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

For Birth Control "My personal symptoms regarding copper toxicity: heart racing, anxiety, insomnia, depression, lethargic, headaches, no energy, migraines so bad I couldn't see, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, memory loss, mental fog, loss of taste, metal taste in mouth, low sex drive, my body odor was 10 times worse underarms and vaginal, hair oils double, my eyes turned darker, dirty looking, the white part of my eyes turned yellow, my veins in my eyes ruptured, pain in my eyes, vision problems, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea once a week, weight gain (20 lbs), felt like my body was shutting down. Oh, and one more, got candidiasis."

• Mer...
• December 13, 2019

For Birth Control "Got ParaGard 1/2019. The pain was horrible! After only a few months, I noticed I started to have SEVERE mood swings. When I say mood swings, I mean I became a completely different person! I started to think something was wrong with me because I would get so mean that I almost ruined my relationship with my boyfriend. I tried to do several things to correct my behavior, but over the past 11 months, nothing worked! I talked to my Dr. who said IUDs are linked to several things, including BV and PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). Unfortunately, I waited an entire year before I thought to ask my Dr. about why she thought I might be feeling depressed, extremely angry, and just not myself. However, after she told me this information, I went and had the IUD taken out today! (12/12/19). And I know this probably sounds insane, but I feel like a normal person again and like all the side effects immediately went away! I will NEVER get a ParaGard again! One of the worst experiences of my life!!!"

• Tth...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 27, 2017

For Birth Control "Do not get this device. It stalks you. It dumps copper into your body by hiding in the muscles and dumping it out during stress that brings mind-blowing anxiety and terrible malaise during detox. This device is detrimental to your adrenals. Adrenal burnout is a side effect. It really messes with your mind. It causes emotional roller coasters that will leave you screaming at the ones you love. Doctors need to get on board. Research needs to be done."

• Wor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I got my Paragard inserted about a year ago, and I paid nothing since my health insurance covered the cost. I rarely had cramps during my period before getting Paragard. After the insertion, I do get some cramping at the time my period starts, but it is manageable, and I rarely take painkillers. But the procedure of inserting it was a pain, and I experienced the worst cramping on the day of the insertion. I could still manage the pain with ibuprofen and naproxen. I noticed heavier menstrual bleeding and some spotting here and there for the first few months, but they subside gradually. Overall, I am very happy with my decision to get Paragard because it is worry-free! Never had a child before and not planning to have one until I take this out in 10 years."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 26, 2019

For Birth Control "Cannot wait to get this out of me. I have had horrible insomnia, fatigued and tired all the time, feel weak, headaches, sometimes get nauseous for no reason, I have HORRIBLE cramps, menstruating or not, I've had the WORST anxiety and depression issues, awful thoughts that worsen it, no libido whatsoever, hair is constantly tangly and dry, and I get these weird painful, rashy bumps on my face that stick around FOR EVER. I just don't feel like ME anymore and it all started after I got this IUD in Feb 2018. DON'T risk this."

• I t...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I used ParaGard for 9 months. In those 9 months, I had my first UTI, developed BV, bled for three weeks out of the month, and had horrible, horrible, horrible cramps. My body was so thrown out of whack. I really wanted this to work because, one, I didn’t have to take the pill every day and, two, no hormones. I waited out the 6 months they say it takes for your body to get used to it. I had cramps every day, on my period or not. My periods were so heavy I couldn’t leave the house at times. I kept telling myself it’ll get better, or maybe if I exercise more and eat better, then it’ll be better. Nope. It never got better. Finally, I had it taken out, and I have felt so much better. No more shooting pains of cramps that bring me to the floor wondering what I’m doing wrong. Yeah, this thing works as a birth control...cuz you never feel up to sex or won’t stop bleeding. I understand it’s different for everyone. For me, it was a horrible experience."

• LZk...
• October 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on the pill for years. They made me emotional, killed my sex drive completely, and dried me out, so sex was incredibly painful. I finally gave up on it and relied on condoms, but I wanted something more reliable. Plus, condoms are kind of a killjoy and, well, just aren't the same. The only thing left was ParaGard. Yes, like many others, my periods started out horrendous, but eventually evened out over a year. Cramps, expect to take some ibuprofen and then maybe some acetaminophen. But again, they lessened with time. For me, it was totally worth it. I have an amazing sexual relationship with my husband. Totally worth all the cramps and heavier periods. For me, I felt like it gave me my life back."

• Sco...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 28, 2019

For Birth Control "If you want to lose your baby after getting pregnant by this failure of a BC, get it. If you want to bleed heavily and almost die, get it. If you want to end up having a hysterectomy, get it. If you want copper toxicity, get it. This company is DISGUSTING! They should be ashamed for the pain and loss you have caused."

• Cel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 20, 2020

For Birth Control "I had it for 9 years. Insertion left me in the worst pain I’ve ever felt for a few days. Bloating continued for months after. I became prone to infections and had many throughout the years. I started seeing vitamin deficiencies along with being significantly weaker, fatter, and had more pains. I started having premature greying, cystic acne, and ovarian pain. Year 9 it worsened. I also had fibromyalgia, diarrhea, low back pain, and trouble staying asleep. The doctor did verify an ovarian cyst but still didn’t suspect the IUD. A friend did. I got it out, rebalanced vitamin deficiencies, and cut dairy. It has been 8 months post-removal and orgasming is easier, there’s no pain during sex anymore, period blood doesn’t smell, taste isn’t off, bowels and sleep are normal. No more ovarian cyst. I still have some issues, but they are improving. I would have never done this to myself if I had known how it does affect hormones and health significantly."

• Kir...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 30, 2024

For Birth Control "I'm just about to have my ParaGard removed and replaced after 5 years, and here is what my experience has been like: - Insertion was uncomfortable, but short-lived and bearable. - I had mild cramping the day of insertion, and a little bit the day after. Nothing unmanageable. - I don't feel it at all, and neither has any of the partners I've had in the past 5 years - My periods are regular and no heavier than before, but cramps are perhaps slightly sharper. Just as short-lived and tolerable as before insertion. So overall, I've been very happy! It's long-lasting and non-hormonal, which was very important to me. Always keep in mind that people will be far more likely to post if they have a bad time, so these websites aren't always super accurate."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 3, 2016

For Birth Control "So thankful my OB/GYN discussed my options for birth control! He knew I didn't want any hormones because hormonal BC has messed me up in the past. He told me that ParaGard is 100% hormone-free, and I was sold! I was scared after reading hundreds of negative reviews just like you're doing now. So glad I went through with the procedure! I told my gyno I was very nervous, and he prescribed me a Valium to take 30 minutes before arriving. It helped take the edge off. I have had my IUD for 3 years now and still love it."

• Hia...
• July 19, 2019

For Birth Control "The ParaGard is seriously heaven-sent! I love my birth control for several reasons! 1. I NEVER have problems on it, my periods haven’t changed, my bleeding isn’t heavier, nor are my cramps worse. 2. My husband and I have unprotected sex with just the ParaGard, we know it works amazingly! 3. It doesn’t have any hormones, so I’m not a crazy cow to everyone!"

• ati...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 25, 2021

For Birth Control "I picked the copper IUD because I know way too much about the negative side effects of hormonal birth control. Insertion was painful, and the first 6 months, my cramps sucked, and periods were super heavy. Things finally started to regulate, and I was happy, until this month when my period was 2 days late. I took a pregnancy test, and it was POSITIVE. I have only had my IUD for 1.5 years, and I have had it checked multiple times. When I had it removed, it was intact and in its correct position. I am so sad and so frustrated. Never thought this would happen to me, but I guess I’m part of that “1%.”"

• Sea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I had the copper IUD for 9 months. Overall, it's a good form of birth control. However, I got it removed because I think it led to horrible periods, not only more blood but also longer periods, up to 10 days, PMS depression, and hormone-related conditions. My hair also started falling out after 7 months, maybe due to anemia caused by blood loss. I think it's not wise to leave it in too long."