Copper topical and Bloating: What Users Say

• All...
• January 30, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got the IUD after having bad reactions to hormonal birth control. On paper, ParaGard sounded great: no hormones, no long term side effects... no problems. Immediately after insertion, I began having horrible lower back pain accompanied by excruciating menstrual cramps that left me curled up in a ball on the floor. My periods lasted for 2 weeks with spotting for a week after. Then came the insomnia, anxiety, and crippling depression. I totally lost interest in everything I used to like and found myself having suicidal thoughts, which was an absolute first for me. My doctor said there was no connection between the IUD and my symptoms, so I kept with it long enough to experience daily migraines, extreme joint pain, painful bloating, hair loss, constant exhaustion, and insane brain fog. After an entire year of misery, I finally got it removed. I am pretty upset with the lack of information available about this product. I would NEVER RECOMMEND this device to anyone."

• All...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 21, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I expected to get worse cramping and periods the first 6 months or so after insertion of ParaGard, which is fine. After about 2 years of having it in, I started getting hormonal issues (low thyroid, loss of period for up to 6 months at a time, recurring BV, horrible bloating, water retention, and fatigue either the week before or during my period - sometimes this lasted 2.5 weeks). I do think the BV is related to the IUD, but I'm not sure about the other symptoms. Can anyone else relate?!"

• No ...
• November 8, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "When I first heard about the copper IUD, I was really excited because it's non-hormonal, and that's the reason why I chose this option. My IUD insertion was about 10 minutes. The process of getting inserted was uncomfortable but still manageable. The first three months were awful because my period would be two weeks long and spot on and off for the rest of the month. On top of that, I was constantly getting cramps and lower backaches. After six months, my cramping did get better and the period shortened up, but it was still heavy as anything. I'm about 11 months in with this IUD and I'm considering getting it removed. Even though it claims to be non-hormonal, it definitely messed up my hormones a lot. I'm constantly getting acne when my skin has been clear most of my life, and I feel bloated all the time. My PMS symptoms are way worse than before. Bottom line is I’ve had it with this IUD. If any of you guys have similar symptoms as me, did it get better after copper IUD removal?"

• Zen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 9, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got ParaGard inserted a year and 7 months ago because I needed a non-hormonal BC. So far, I haven’t gotten pregnant, so it’s doing its job. I’m also not having emotional issues like how I did with hormonal BC, so I’m rather pleased. The insertion process was uncomfortable, but not unbearable. It took about 15 minutes, most of which was prep. The insertion itself was maybe two minutes. I made sure to research a birth control specialist to ensure I was getting someone with a lot of experience, as most issues occur upon insertion. I felt bloated and weird for a week or so after, but nothing else was out of the ordinary. The first six months were so bad during my period. I got such bad cramps I had to call my doctor to ensure I wasn't having a complication. After the six-month timeframe, my periods began going back to how they were pre-ParaGard. My periods are now only four days long and not very heavy. Overall, I’m pleased with this as birth control."

• Nop...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 30, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "Worse health decision I’ve ever made. I’m 28 and had it for 6 years. My once thick hair fell out in clumps. Pain, bloating, and PMS symptoms all month. 12-day HEAVY periods. Just because it’s non-hormonal doesn’t mean it’s not going to affect your hormones, and just because copper is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe to shove into your uterus."

• Ari...
• August 27, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had this IUD inserted two and a half years ago. At first, I had mild cramping, heavy periods, but I got used to that. Constant, copious discharge was inconvenient, but I wore panty shields every day. But after a while, I just found myself constantly ‘coping’ with the symptoms. I started to gain weight no matter what I did, still not suspecting the IUD until I started thinking back to when I began to have unexplained weight gain. I had it removed 5 days ago, and I’ve lost 4 lbs, no longer feel bloated all over, and my blood pressure is now back to normal instead of the unusually high reading on ParaGard. NEVER AGAIN! For those of you who think we are being mean for posting a negative review, it’s not meant to be harmful but helpful to other people suffering the same way. Everyone is different, just sharing my experience so other people are aware, as I wasn’t for 2 and 1/2 years."

• Sis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 5, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I will say I started off loving ParaGard. Insertion was easy. My first one expelled within the first month, which is common, but I got a new one placed. I loved it for about 2 years, then I learned about copper toxicity. I can account some of my SEVERE disabling mental illnesses to this device. The first 6 months, cramps were worse but manageable, and ever since, my PMSing has gotten horrible. I basically have flu symptoms for 2 days before every cycle. My breasts grew practically overnight somewhere between 16-18 months with the ParaGard. Before, I was barely filling out an A cup, now I’m a D cup. Nonhormonal my ass, it influences hormones. I’ve had stomach problems, UTIs, yeast infections, smells from down there, pain with sex, chronic fatigue, bloating, allergies developed, memory issues/brain fog, and skin problems (acne and persistent eczema that I’m just finally getting to clear up). I’ve gained weight and overall just feel like garbage. Please avoid this device."

• Nat...
• January 23, 2020

Copper topical 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."

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

Copper topical 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."

• Geo...
• March 28, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "If you are reading reviews... stop. ParaGard reacts differently to everyone that gets it. I almost scared myself out of getting it after days of reading the reviews, but you will never know if you do not go through with it. I'm not lying, it was painful day one and two, but it really is not bad! My periods are the same as they used to be (last about 4 days with moderate flow), just a bit crampier a week before and when I ovulate. The pain is nothing a few Advil can't solve. A few side effects that I experienced: I was bloated for the first couple weeks, spot bleeding here and there, cramps are sharper. Honestly, that's it... for me, this was the BEST option on the market!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 28, 2013

For Birth Control "I have had a Paragard IUD for 3 years and have had constant BV and odor. I have been treated several times with oral antibiotics and gels. I have bad cramps during my cycle and heavy periods. I also have cramping and bleeding between periods and feel bloated most of the time. I am getting it removed this week."

• Tal...
• September 6, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I'm 24. In the 2 years of having the copper IUD, I developed horrible lower back pain resembling sciatica. I went from being 125 lbs to 185 lbs despite regular exercise. Before, I always lost weight with no effort. My stomach bloated up, looked 7 mo pregnant all the time. I was fatigued and suddenly had problems with frequent vaginal infections. I was only 22, and I felt like an old woman. I had it removed, felt instant relief. Overnight, the bloat was gone, 'sciatica' gone. No more aches and pains. Weight has melted off. I'm looking and feeling like my normal self. Doctors told me my symptoms weren't possible side effects from the ParaGard. Copper resembles an estrogen in the body, an excess leads to weight problems. The IUD, by design, causes inflammation in the uterus, leading to high cortisol and a suppressed immune system. Excess copper doesn't show up on blood work, it is stored in the tissues. Tissue analysis showed that I had toxic levels of copper."

• Han...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 23, 2023

Copper topical for Birth Control "Never ever got on with contraception but was forced to due to high levels of fertility. I thought due to being non-hormonal, I'd try a ParaGard IUD. I had awfully heavy periods and continue to do so, huge clots, etc., but still don't mind this. However, I have disrupted sleep, constant vivid dreams, good or bad, every night. I also get racing intrusive thoughts, I get bloating, and weight gain. I have gained so much weight, which I've never struggled with due to being highly active. Has anyone else had these issues?"

• Ns4...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 4, 2021

Copper topical for Birth Control "2 years in, started ruining my life, lost my job because I couldn't get out of bed, developed high blood pressure, sleep apnea, endometriosis, fibroids, severe depression and suicidal ideation, weight gain, IBS, severe bloating, 2 weeks of bleeding and clotting, then 2 weeks of cramps and spotting, migraines, food intolerances. I could go on. Good luck trying to have it removed once it's in, it will take you months or you will have to find another way. The doctors swear the symptoms aren't from the IUD, but I have thousands of other girls that say differently."

• ECa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 27, 2022

Copper topical for Birth Control "Have had this IUD twice. First time, 3 years, no issues besides bloating and anxiety. Had it removed to conceive. The 2nd IUD I got inserted 6 weeks postpartum. No issues after the first few months. About a year in, I was having sporadic sharp pains and uncomfortable sex. I got the strings checked twice, and they were fine. Year 2, I began to have severe panic attacks, crippling anxiety, and was having moments I felt absolutely and utterly insane. It was all very confusing and scary. I was crying all the time, tired, dizzy, and had a short temper. The month before removal, pelvic pain was worse, and I started to feel ill and develop low-grade fevers. I read reviews here and realized it could be the copper IUD. I had it removed, and they found it was partially expelled, broken, and leaning to one side, causing me pain and the fevers. It’s been out nearing a month. My mind feels new. I believe ParaGard ruined years of my life. I don’t recommend this to anyone."

• Sti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had this inserted 6 days ago. Insertion was much more painful than I expected (and this is from a mom who had a drug-free birth nine years ago!), perhaps because I had not taken any painkillers in advance. I literally cried out at a certain moment. I am trying to be optimistic about the benefits, but the last two nights I’ve had severe cramps - like labor contraction cramps that leave you doubled over. I’ve also felt extremely bloated and hyper-conscious of a weight/pressure/presence in my lower abdomen. There has also been constant discharge and spotting. Will see if these symptoms get better in the next months and curious to see how my period will be. Will then decide whether it’s worth keeping it in."

• aln...
• December 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I typically don't post, but I thought I should share. If you have cramps on your normal menstrual cycle, the cramps only get worse. Much worse. I have a decently high pain tolerance and have been a whim for 2 days now. I have only had Paragard for 1 month, and they say it gets better over time, so I am hoping that it really does get better, but those are the only symptoms I've had other than spotting during the month. Workouts haven't been suffering, nor has my weight changed much at all. I do bloat from time to time, though. Hope this helps."

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

Copper topical 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."

• Par...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2022

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had my copper IUD inserted three and a half months ago. Insertion was fine. I had a heavy period that lasted 16 days, accompanied by extreme period pain, diarrhea. After the second period (16 days) ended, I began to experience mood swings and deep lows. My cystic acne began. After 20 years of clear skin, and almost no mood swings, the non-hormonal IUD was throwing my body into disarray. Ridiculous bloating and pain continues. My skin is getting worse. I believe my body is rejecting the copper IUD. This is definitely not for me, and I am getting it removed ASAP. Do not recommend!!"

• KSa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 19, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had the ParaGard for 14 months, and I give it five stars because it did prevent me from getting pregnant, but the side effects were awful. First six months, it was just random spotting and heavier, longer periods, but after that, I got recurrent UTIs and BV. I had a period that lasted a whole month, which resulted in anemia. The amount of blood during my period was truly alarming. I would take all the precautions and still have “accidents” because the flow would increase out of nowhere. I always had to carry extra clothes during my time of the month. Also, cramps got worse with each cycle. I also had constant bloating. All of this ended when I finally had it removed, and I am so happy I did."

• Boy...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 21, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard in for 6 years now and love it! I have tried other forms of birth control in the past and always seemed to have a hard time with the hormones. I have tried lower doses and I still end up with the moodiness, bloating, irritability, and major mood swings at random times. I have experienced none of that with this. Getting it put in was not the most comfortable experience... I did, of course, experience cramping for a couple of hours after, but then it subsided and I was fine. My periods were a little on the heavier side for the next 6 months, but after that, my periods went back to normal. I have had no issues whatsoever and am happy with the ParaGard. My sister-in-law was also on the ParaGard for 8 years and then decided she wanted to try to have another child. She had it removed after 8 years and was able to get pregnant within 2 months of having it removed. She also had a positive experience with it."

• PGS...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 17, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "Paragard side effects were painful intercourse, depression, constipation, bloating, severe anxiety, irritability, and change in the vaginal ecosystem. Worst, most miserable choice of my life. I am and have always been a very happy and upbeat person. I got the IUD removed and was IMMEDIATELY back to myself. Don't waste years of your life with this horrible device!"

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 11, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "For ParaGard, you have to manage your expectations. It took about 6 months for my cycle to regulate itself. The pain was horrendous upon insertion and a few weeks after, but this is to be expected. I cannot take hormonal birth control, so this was my last option. It is effective, but if your pain threshold is low, I do not recommend this. I have to take Aleve before lifting weights because my uterus becomes irritated and I will experience bloating and intense, sharp pain. Outside of these few times of pain and bloating, it feels like nothing. I check the strings once a month, get it regularly checked on every few months in my OBGYN office, and I think maintenance is minimal yet very important. I am 23 and have never had children, so it may be different for people of varying lifestyles."

• Rmo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2021

Copper topical for Birth Control "Horrible experience! ParaGard is a non-hormonal birth control, but it messed me up. I was not myself at all. Brain fog, mood swings, depression, bloating, cramps, sciatic pain, and constipation, to name a few side effects. I had it taken out about two weeks ago. I'm glad I had it removed when I did. My IUD was starting to embed itself into my uterus. If I had waited any longer, I would have needed it surgically removed. I feel like myself again now that it is out. Listen to your body... if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't! ParaGard is not worth it!"

• car...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 9, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "If you can put up with cystic acne, headaches, gallbladder failure, abdominal pain, bloating, hair loss, IBS, torn joints (knees), liver pain, food intolerances, severe contraction pains, severe bleeding, and low libido AND INSOMNIA, then ParaGard is for you! These symptoms accumulated over 5 years. You won’t notice right away until you start wondering what is wrong with you. My doctors tell me I am “getting older...” but these symptoms aren’t from old age! Don’t get it! Nightmare!"