ParaGard User Reviews & Ratings

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 12, 2025

For Birth Control "I've had the ParaGard IUD for almost exactly a year now. As expected, my periods were heavier for a while. After three months, they started getting more spaced out. I was told this wouldn't happen since ParaGard is nonhormonal, but that's been my experience. My cycle went from a more or less predictable 29-31 days to 40 days, back down to 30, and then around 45. After about nine months, they started getting back to normal. Now my past three have been on schedule. I've even stopped bleeding so heavily. Outside of the first few months, I haven't had any worse than usual cramping. Insertion was somewhat difficult (my doctor couldn't get it inserted, so she sent me home with mifepristone to soften my cervix and had me come back the following morning), but the pain was nowhere near as horrendous as I've heard other people report."

• Ano...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 4, 2025

For Birth Control "I am a 48-year-old woman, and I just had my 3rd ParaGard IUD inserted. Yes, it was a bit uncomfortable and crampy, but a few hours later, things are almost completely back to normal, and I believe it will be again a painless, comfortable, and worry-free birth control for as long as I need it this time. My old 2 ParaGard IUDs, I had for 10 years each time with no issues besides maybe a period that is a day or 2 at the most longer. I hope this hormone-free birth control works for you as it did for me."

• Hon...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 28, 2024

For Birth Control "I got my first ParaGard in 2015 and loved it. I’m seeing where the political winds in this country are blowing, so I decided to remove and replace my first one with a new one for added peace of mind. So far, so good! My only regret is not getting one sooner, earlier in my life. Hormone-free and active for 10 years? Amazing!!! I’m so thankful ParaGard is an option!"

• 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!"

• Cra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 6, 2024

For Birth Control "Let me first state that I've only ever used the hormonal birth control inserted in your arm prior to this. I decided to try the non-hormonal type, as the hormonal had caused a lot of weight gain. Insertion was fine. No pain or issue. Very short process. The doctor warned me that it could cause heavy periods and cramping, which I was not worried about because I'd never had cramps before in my life, and periods are usually very light and short for me anyway. However, I must say that I've never experienced so much pain in my life. At first, the severe cramps were every few months, which was fine. I'd lay down in the fetal position, take some Midol, and let it pass. But now, for the last few months, it's been every. Single. Month. And starting yesterday morning, I've had those same horrible cramps all day, even now. I'm worried there may be a perforation. In terms of effectiveness, it's great. No pregnancy. Please try it before turning it down, though. Everyone is built differently!"

• Ash...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 4, 2024

For Birth Control "I've had my ParaGard for 3+ years. Yes, my periods are heavier. I had my iron levels checked and they are good and normal. But that's the only change. My period is regular, and I haven't had any other bad side effects like other hormonal birth controls. I'll take heavy periods any day vs. crazy acne, weight gain, anxiety, and mood swings. I'd say if you want to go the non-hormonal route, it's the best. If you're worried about your iron levels, just be sure to eat iron-rich foods."

• The...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 8, 2024

For Birth Control "I have had ParaGard for ten years. No one writes good reviews. So here's mine. It has done wonders in ten years. I have a normal period for the first time in my life and thankful for no side effects. I have had no children. I also have not used protection with my husband in 7 years. I plan to get mine removed soon and plan on getting another one removed when we have kids in 2-3 years. I recommend it if you have had issues with normal birth control and need something non-hormonal."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 6, 2024

For Birth Control "I got my ParaGard placed 7 weeks postpartum. I wanted a non-hormonal birth control, but also did not want to risk another accidental pregnancy. Everyone is different, but my insertion was no big deal. I have had no side effects at all other than heavier bleeding. The heavier flow has been perfectly manageable with ultra tampons. I still live my life as before. It does not affect my hormones, no acne, mood swings, weight gain, hair loss, none of that. I was able to breastfeed and lose the baby weight. 7 months later and this is by far my favorite form of birth control so far!"

• 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."

• Hea...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 4, 2024

For Birth Control "I have had ParaGard for 10 years, from the time I was 42 until 52 and I couldn't recommend it more. I didn't consider it for birth control until I saw someone on a reality show. I'm bad at taking pills on a schedule. I also heavily research anything now and read an in-depth article about how the IUDs got off to a terrible start in the U.S. and were pulled from the market for years. Now, this is the most commonly used birth control in China and I can see why. No birth control pill for 10 years. The biggest reason I would suggest taking this is your sex drive. This is non-hormonal so your regular hormones kick back into gear. After 30 days, boom! I had no idea this was even an issue for me, aside from the fact that I didn't really care about sex at all. My sister had an identical experience, as I did. The insertion and removal were both painful, take Midol or Pamprin an hour before your appointment and go to a female doctor, someone who understands female issues and pain firsthand. My male doctor didn't get it!"

• Gue...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2024

For Birth Control "Do not let these reviews scare you!! I almost didn’t get mine because of the copious amounts of horror stories online. But in my opinion, it’s worth at least trying because it’s the perfect birth control. Stress and hormone-free, lasts 10 years, you don’t lose your sex drive, and my period is very manageable, I was expecting way worse. I got mine put in on the first day of my period (per my OBGYN’s request), it was uncomfortable, of course, but not excruciating. It just felt like 2 big cramps, and it was over with. I would say the hardest part was 2-3 hours afterwards. I got lightheaded and had some cramping. Nothing a heating pad and a good movie couldn’t help. Definitely not at all what I was expecting. The copper IUD is WELL WORTH IT. I was on a combination pill for 4 years, and that gave me depression, anxiety, weird patchy eczema, etc. I’m mad I waited so long and let online reviews scare me. For reference, I’m a 26-year-old and have not had babies yet."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 11, 2024

For Birth Control "I have no problems whatsoever with the ParaGard. I did have a lot of mood swings and struggle with birth control pills, but the ParaGard has been inconsequential with no side effects, and it frees me to know the chance of getting pregnant is less than 1%. Very happy with this choice."

• ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 28, 2023

For Birth Control "My doctor recommended ParaGard. I was hesitant after seeing so many terrifying reviews online. During insertion, I experienced some mild cramping and my first period was slightly heavier than normal, but by my next one, it was back to normal. I've had zero side effects that I read about in all the negative reviews. Honestly, I forget that I even have it. 10/10 recommend."

• Bes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2023

For Birth Control "I have tried many different kinds of hormonal birth control and it always gave me really bad emotional side effects. I had crippling anxiety, depression, and non-stop crying spells. But I love the copper IUD! I was so scared to get it for so long because I read a lot of bad reviews, but don't let it deter you from trying it! Everyone has a different experience and I can say it was 1000% worth it. I finally have an effective method of birth control that doesn't negatively impact my mental health! I had pretty heavy spotting the first month after getting it and I still get pretty bad cramps a few days before each period, but it is so worth it to be mentally stable. My doctor said that the heavy bleeding and cramps should go away over time, but honestly it doesn't bother me. Insertion was also super easy. Definitely uncomfortable, but totally bearable. I love being hormone-free and feeling like myself again. Highly suggest giving it a try to see if it works for you! Best decision ever!"

• lae...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 7, 2023

For Birth Control "I had the ParaGard placed 8 months ago. I am so relieved to be off the hormones and to have my regular cycle back after 7 years of progesterone injections."

• Bes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 20, 2023

For Birth Control "I had my ParaGard installed 3 years ago. My gynecologist used the ultrasound technique to insert it. While inserting, she was also watching through an ultrasound placed on my pelvic area. It allowed her to see and insert with 100% effectiveness. I had mild cramping for about a week, similar to a period cramp. Nothing a little ibuprofen couldn't fix. I am now 99% protected from pregnancy, and I don't have to worry about unnatural hormones or think about pregnancy for another 7-9 years! It has been the most empowering and safest birth control method I have EVER had. And I have tried them all."

• Sas...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 11, 2023

For Birth Control "So much better than hormonal birth control. Only negative is heavier periods. But I am not gaining weight or putting extra hormones in my body."

• Tee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2023

For Birth Control "Here’s my honest review. I am 22 years old and got the IUD inserted back in December. The procedure itself wasn’t too bad. They’ll pinch your cervix to help insert it (which is very painful, and I didn’t take any pain meds beforehand since I have a high pain tolerance). 24-72 hours after insertion, I had some spotting, moderate cramps, and lower back pain. Fast forward a few months, with very little to no issues. My periods are still the same (averaging about 3-4 days). The only other annoying issue is that before I start my cycle, I get some pretty nasty cramps. They can be so painful that it almost hurts to walk, or the pain circulates around my kneecaps. Otherwise, no side effects from the IUD."

• Tri...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 25, 2023

For Birth Control "I wanted to get off of hormonal birth control due to rashes I was having (which turned out to be mostly unrelated). This seemed to be the only nonhormonal option and turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have ever made. I was never good with taking pills on a consistent basis, so this totally solved remembering to take my pill. Also, pills killed my sex drive entirely. I didn't realize it until I switched to ParaGard. Literally 30 days later and boom, it was back. I wish I'd known this a year earlier, it would have helped save my marriage. The same thing happened with my sister, the exact same situation, no sex drive, switched to the ParaGard, and normal sex drive came back. Best decision ever. The only downside was getting it in, somewhere uncomfortable and painful but worth it. Would've been nice for a heads-up from my male doctor so I could take Motrin ahead. Removal 10 years later, some pain, not quite as bad but painful still. Way worth it! Normal heavy periods are still okay by me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 6, 2023

For Birth Control "I have been using ParaGard for over one year. I found my flow and cramps increased and intensified at first, as expected, and the cramping was very sharp! After some time, it has eased, although not the same as hormonal birth control, and I cannot remember the exact experience of my periods when off birth control. More recently, I have been experiencing cystic acne around the week of my periods, but it is easily dealt with and worth the reliability of the IUD. I would recommend ParaGard, obviously under the care of a medical provider."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2022

For Birth Control "I was nervous because of the negative reviews and the horror stories about all the pain you experience during insertion. I held off on getting the Paragard IUD for 2 years, even though it was recommended to me. Insertion was OK, my doctor prescribed me an anxiety medication so that I would be able to stay calm and relax. I HIGHLY recommend this. The cramping for the next 3 days was pretty bad, more than period cramps, but nothing I couldn’t get rid of with over-the-counter pain meds. I bled for a few spotted days, and then my period started. I’ve had the IUD for 1 month now, I was worried the switch from hormones to no hormones would cause some issues in the first 3 months, but honestly, I feel great. Just had my first period, official IUD period, and I will say it started pretty heavy compared to what I’m used to, but bleeding has almost completely stopped and it’s been 4 days. Some cramping, but it’s not bad, and barely any PMS symptoms."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 2, 2022

For Birth Control "If you are able to deal with intense cramping and heavy bleeding for about 6 months to 1 year after first getting ParaGard, it’s totally worth it! I was on the pill for about a year, prior to getting the IUD, with horrible hormonal imbalance, lethargy, low libido, and borderline depression. I needed a change. The process of getting ParaGard inserted is not for the faint of heart. I took an ibuprofen beforehand, which helped immensely! But I would rate that pain as an 11 on a scale of 1-10!! For the first several months after getting the IUD, I experienced spotting throughout the month, with heavy bleeding the week of my period. I had intense cramping daily for about 3 months after insertion. At about the 6-month mark of having ParaGard, my intense cramps would occur one week before my period started, with the week of my period consisting of heavy bleeding along with cramps. At around month 8, I finally had my hormones in check from being off the pill, and my periods returned to normal."

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2022

For Birth Control "I love this IUD. After having my son, I had the Mirena and experienced horrible side effects. I had Kyleena after, and my anxiety was horrific, and the strings kept poking my partner no matter how short they were cut, so I chose to go hormone-free. The insertion process was one of the worst experiences ever, but totally worth it. My sex life is incredible, feels like nothing is there. My first period was a little painful, but nothing my menstruation crustacean couldn’t fix. It also lasted about a day more than usual, but again, not that painful. I’m so happy with this!"

• Ros...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 22, 2022

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard since 2019. The only difference I've seen is a little bit heavier flow during my periods for a couple of days. I've always had very bad menstrual cramps, so those haven't been different since having ParaGard inserted. I don't have any pain or bleeding in between periods. I love that I can have intercourse with my husband without a care in the world about getting pregnant. Not having to make sure I take a birth-control pill every day (which, by the way, gave me debilitating migraines). I love that it's non-hormonal, so I don't have to worry about it affecting my mood or my skin. If I ever have concerns, I just go to my OBGYN, and he does an ultrasound to check the placement. So far, very good! My advice: y'all know your body. Be your own advocate. If your intuition is telling you something isn't right, don't put it off to the back of your mind. Get checked out."

• Han...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 25, 2022

For Birth Control "Just leaving a positive review. For me, I got the ParaGard in after baby number 5. I didn't want my tubes tied as I'd had them tied in the past, and it was terrible on my body (look up Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome). But I did not want hormones. I gain weight in my gut every time. So I went in and got the ParaGard. I was on the heaviest day of my period when it was inserted. My doctor was excellent, and it was placed easily and quickly. I felt a pinch and a little lightheaded for a moment. After that, I was good. My period is a little heavier (it's always been heavy and 7 days long though, so not much difference). I've not had spotting or any cramping. I think it's good to share both negative and positive reviews. I've had this for a year now and love it."