Copper topical and Bloating: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• June 5, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got the ParaGard inserted roughly three months ago. For most of my teenage years / the beginning of my twenties, I was on the depo shot. Little did I know, it made me severely depressed. I've been so scared of putting hormones back into my body ever since the depo shot. So, I decided to go with the ParaGard IUD. It truly felt like the best option for me. However, it's been three months of nonstop heavy bleeding. Sure, we all know that bleeding is just a symptom of periods. I am constantly bloated, lethargic, and irritable. I personally cannot tolerate it any longer and am getting it removed."

• Ail...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 13, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "No, I have not gotten pregnant while using ParaGard. But I did suffer from bleeding lasting 12 days, abdominal pain, terrible cramps, weight gain, and bloat since having this device put in. I cannot wait to get this thing removed from my body!"

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 2, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "When I was on the ParaGard, there was not one day I had zero bleeding. So annoying for 5 months. I have never been depressed, but when I was on this, I was feeling sadness that I've never had. I was SO irritable, it was crazy how fast I could snap. I had extreme pain 2 weeks after they put the IUD in, like it felt like I was dying. Got an ultrasound, and everything was okay... it was so freaking scary, though. I was constantly bloated. Sex was painful, like very painful, and I had zero sex drive. I was always tired. I think I may have had copper toxicity."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 26, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "Copper toxicity, heart palpitations, uncontrollable cystic acne, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, bloating, prolonged spotting prior to period, lethargy, terrible cramping. Awful, awful birth control! I was not warned about any of these side effects prior to insertion."

• Jes...
• July 10, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I HATED this thing! I have NEVER had a long, heavy, or irregular period, but with this IUD, I had such heavy periods that I bled through my underwear every single period. Then my periods started to be longer and more frequent. I would have a mini period in between my main period and would spot every few days during my non-period times. I had horrible bloating. I couldn't lose my baby weight (my IUD was inserted 6 weeks after my 4th baby was born), and I've never had trouble losing my baby weight before. After it was removed, my periods gradually became less heavy, the bloating went away, I was more energetic, and I've been able to lose some weight. I would NEVER recommend an IUD to anyone."

• Ann...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the Paragard in for 10 years. Only real side effect was heavy bleeding and bloating. However, insertion was painful. When I went to remove it, as I was sick of the heavy bleeding and it had been 10 years, part of the IUD broke in my uterus (apparently it was embedded). Had to get a hysteroscopy, where they go into your uterus and find the broken piece and take it out. Absolutely not a nice experience (painful and generally unpleasant). Even though I did not get pregnant on Paragard, had I known that this could've broken off, I would have never, ever gotten it."

• Kds...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 10, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "Had the ParaGard for 14 months. I think it works for some people but not for me. First five months I had longer and heavier periods, random spotting in between periods, increased discharge, and cramping. After that, it just got worse. The bleeding was insanely heavy, periods were not on track, bloating, and cramps got worse. The worst side effects from ParaGard were I kept getting BV and UTIs back to back. I also had one cycle where my period lasted ONE month. Never had an issue with my periods or infections prior to having an IUD. I swear it was my body telling me to get rid of it. Today I finally got it removed. I really wanted this to work, but it really made me miserable."

• Hes...
• September 19, 2018

For Birth Control "I honestly got so sick from this IUD. My major symptoms included huge brain fog, depression, anxiety, constant urge to urinate, cold hands and feet, always bloated and 20 lb gain, and just generally always feeling 'off.' Then randomly I was watching YouTube videos where a guy was talking about how you are more susceptible to candida if you have a copper IUD. Because I had at different points assumed I might have a candida overgrowth, I decided to have the IUD removed and see if it improved anything. Honestly, within a few days all of my symptoms were gone. I can’t say whether an IUD is right for you or not, all I can do is share my story and reaffirm that we are all in control of our own personal health destinies. If something in your body doesn’t feel right, you can choose to have it removed!"

• Zar...
• August 9, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I am in my early 20s and wanted something minimal, non-hormonal, and long-term. The copper IUD seemed like the best choice. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield and only paid the $25 copay. The doctor did a great job of giving an overview of the procedure and informing me of what was going on while she was inserting it. The most painful/bothersome part is the insertion; if you are like me, who has not given birth or is not constantly sexually active, then you will feel your uterus respond. I had a really bad cramp during it, but then it subsided afterward. However, it isn't that bad as it lasts less than a minute. Afterwards, I felt a bit dizzy and fatigued; spotting also occurred but then stopped a few hours after. It has been 6 hours now, and I mainly feel bloated. Do take Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or Motrin. Hoping to be all clear and set to go for the next couple of years. Great decision as it's 99% effective. Do be aware the insertion is cumbersome and maybe increased cramping/longer periods."

• 31Y...
• July 23, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had the copper IUD for about 3 weeks, and I finally got it removed this morning. First, I got it inserted, and the first week I was having contractions and bleeding blood clots. Very heavy bleeding. It was so bad that I would get chills from the pain. Second, I started to have panic attacks, and my anxiety felt off the charts. Third, my brain felt super foggy. My brain felt like I was off on a cloud, and I couldn't focus at work. Fourth, I felt depressed and moody. It was like my emotions were up and down, and I couldn't help it. Fifth, I felt bloated and fatigued. I was told numerous times that this IUD didn't have hormones, but it sure had something in for me to get symptoms like this. I know that every woman is different, but with my experience, I would recommend the Mirena IUD over the ParaGard IUD ANYTIME. I had both, and by far, Mirena is better. For now, I'll stick with the old school birth control - 'The Pill.'"

• May...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got the IUD ParaGard! THIS IS THE BEST form of birth control I have tried so far!! I was on the pill for about 3 months and gained 8 pounds from it. Had the IUD inserted a week ago, and it was NOT painful at all!!!! I have not gained any weight from this birth control, and that is one of my biggest pet peeves and something I truly have a concern about. I recommend an IUD to anyone who wants a contraceptive that doesn’t interact with your hormones or screw them up. When I was on the pill, I was acting so wacky and forgetful all the time, it was insane!!!!! After getting it inserted, I didn’t go to the gym for about two days, keeping my activity to a minimum and being cautious. I do fear the risks that involve IUDs, but it is something I am willing to take. I did have some bloating for about two or three days after insertion, but nothing since then. I haven’t gotten a period yet since the insertion, but I am due to have one any day now, so we will see how that goes!!!"

• HBI...
• April 24, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I miss the peace of mind. Periods were mild for 4 days. They changed to 6-7 days of heavy bleeding plus 5-6 days of it getting dragged out for too long. I was constipated and bloated all the time, found myself sleeping 12-hour days and napping on my lunch break, hair loss on my temples, 25 lbs gained over the course of 3 years. Smell and consistency changed, had 4 known bouts of BV, which I had never had pre-IUD. Menstrual pain went from 2 to 8 (crying and sweating doubled over, no productivity, no sleep, burning pain, sporadic sharp pains, and the 'normal' dull period pain). 3 years passed and I still couldn't handle the menstrual changes or the cramping. It's been a month since removal. I am happy that I no longer have my period 50% of the time and to have back my normal-looking menstrual fluid instead of the strangely thin, often brown, and partially coagulated IUD menstrual fluid. Listen to your body. If you feel like garbage, get it out. If you haven't had a kid, get a smaller one. IUDs are worth a shot."

• Cha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had mine in for about a year now, and I bleed after sex every time, and my period lasts for about 10 days and is extremely heavy to the point where I have to wear a super tampon and a nighttime pad, and I have to change them both every two hours! I get such bad (contraction type) pain throughout the month, I also had funny smells and bloating! I feel like I'm not in control of my body, as my periods and other things prior to the IUD were very normal! I've just arranged to have it removed, and I can't wait! I wouldn't recommend this, as if it goes wrong like it has with me, it's another procedure to get it out!"

• LAM...
• June 1, 2017

Copper topical 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."

• Nom...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 17, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "Awful experience. Had ParaGard in for 9 years. Had major mood swings (which I never had, even when pregnant), high anxiety, hair loss, weight gain, and heavy, heavy periods (like can’t go through the night with a super tampon without changing it). Had it removed, and my bloating, fatigue, and anxiety disappeared."

• gon...
• September 29, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I've had this IUD for over 5 years. It never crossed my mind that the IUD could be causing all my problems until I came across copper toxicity while finally looking up if anyone else had problems. This IUD has ruined my life, my marriage, and my ability to be the mom I used to be. It has caused extreme fatigue. I am 28 years old and have felt my body slowly breaking down. First, it started with heavy bleeding and cramps, then I started cramping every day. I have period cramps and constant bloating. Then I was diagnosed with gastritis 3 years ago and polycystic ovary syndrome 2 years ago, and it was recommended that I get a hysterectomy by my OB/GYN. Again, I am only 28, so I didn't get it. Also, I have heart palpitations, dizziness, hot flashes, and hair loss."

• Col...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "After having my 3rd child, I had the ParaGard inserted in March 2017. I thought it was a great option because it was hormone-free. I got my first period, and it was normal, but in April, I did not get a period at all and was worried I was pregnant. The past month, I have been severely bloated to the point that I look 5 months pregnant. It's not the baby weight because I had been working out 5 days a week, and my stomach was relatively flat again until the last month. The bloating is very uncomfortable as well. It is now May 2017, and for the past two weeks, I have been nauseous, had cramps, and been spotting. I finally got my period yesterday, and it is very heavy to the point I bled through two outfits. I used to have a light period that lasted 2 days."

• you...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 21, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "Was it effective in preventing pregnancy? Yes. Did it make me miserable every day it was in there? Yes. Extreme pain in the cervix every two weeks, bright red, super heavy periods that would fill a cup in two hours when it's supposed to last 8-10. Weight gain and bloating. Extreme PMDD symptoms."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 23 and haven't given birth. Got a copper coil placed at the beginning of November 2016, and it was one of the most horrifying experiences I've gone through in my life. It wasn't necessarily because of the operation itself, but for the fact that I wasn't informed beforehand that I should've had a big meal before arriving, because the first thing they gave me was two pills of paracetamol to ease the discomfort of insertion. That morning, I only managed to grab a small bite before running to the clinic, so I basically had them on an empty stomach. (So ladies, make sure you have received all the vital information before getting anything placed! X) The insertion was quite okay. It was done fast. The doc gave me some instructions for the future, and I was ready to go. As soon as I exited the clinic, I started shivering and sweating. Back to the clinic, I sat on a chair, and that's when the world started spinning. For the next couple of hours, I was throwing up the paracetamol in the clinic's toilet. Didn't get much assistance, but luckily my boyfriend left work to pick me up. As soon as it was out of my body, the cramps and the pain started and lasted for a couple of days. Five days after, I only felt pressure. Then finally, I went back to normal. Phew. The pain comes back when I'm on my periods, around 2-3 days before it starts. I've got mood swings, feel bloated, and pressure in my lower belly. Then the cramps start, and last time lasted for a day, so I'm hopeful it's the same this time because I'm on my periods, and at this moment, it's very painful. Before the copper coil, I never had much issues with periods. One day it would just start and be gone in 4 days, now it takes around 7-8 days. Good things to say about ParaGard are that there's no hormones, which I love, and that I haven't gotten pregnant, so it works. I'll give it another 6 months or so to see if the pain will ease in time when my body gets used to it. If not, I will get it removed with no doubt."

• Mja...
• December 4, 2019

For Birth Control "Ever since I started using the copper IUD, my mood swings changed, libido back to normal, and the occasional bloating is gone. The abdominal cramps are so minimal, and most times I don't have to take any pain meds, and if I do, it's the mildest painkiller, like 500 mg of paracetamol. The bleeding is no more different from my teens before I started contraception, it's actually much improved."

• Pac...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 20, 2023

Copper topical for Birth Control "I've had the ParaGard for exactly 2 years now. The insertion was painful but didn't last long. My periods for the next 6 months were long, irregular, and painful but went right back to normal after those months. Cramping didn't get worse than I expected. They actually got better. But I started having a lot of bloating, excess weight gain, and a load of infections. BV, UTI, and the rest. I'll treat them and they'll just come back. However, I never got pregnant. I did get an ovarian cyst, which may have been caused by the IUD. I'm thinking of getting it removed, but I'm scared of getting pregnant."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I'm on week five with ParaGard, and I understand that it does not contain hormones. However, I have been gaining weight every week since I've been on it, an average of one pound a week. I have put myself on an all-protein diet and worked out, but the results still remain the same. I read in other threads that some people have also gained weight and feel bloated in the midsection, and some have expressed that some women might be allergic to copper. I will have to contact my doctor. Otherwise, the insertion was not too bad. The cramping isn't too bad either, and having peace of mind for ten years is a plus!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 6, 2018

For Birth Control "When I first looked into getting the copper IUD, I was terrified because of the terrible reviews, but I decided to try it. The insertion was horrible, I felt dizzy, and it was painful. I needed a day off work the next day because I was in pain, but it was definitely worth it. My first few periods on the copper IUD were very heavy, however, I had been on hormonal birth control for 7 years prior, so let's be honest, I didn't really know what normal was for me. I also had pretty bad back pain and headaches that would start 3 days beforehand, so I knew my period was on its way, and bloating as well. I think everything is settling down, and I haven't had the back pain, headaches, or bloating for about 4 cycles now, and my period lasts about 4 days, which is crazy! I still have one heavy day, which is about day 2, and it's pretty heavy, but again, worth not having to worry about pills or having hormones in my body. I have lost 5 kilos from a healthy diet and exercise on this, so it's not impossible."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 12, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I'm a 34-year-old mother of one and had my ParaGard in for a year and a half. The only positive thing I can say about this IUD is that I did not get pregnant. That being said, the side effects were so awful that I just recently had it removed. My periods were almost unmanageable. Think super plus tampon with a pad, and bleeding through both within 2 1/2 hours for the first few days. Please believe me when I say this is not an exaggeration. I also experienced painful cramping, spotting between cycles, weight gain, acne (not usual for me), and horrible bloating. I only give it five stars because, as I said before, I didn't get pregnant. However, I would never recommend this IUD to anyone and am very anxious to feel like myself again."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I also wanted to write a positive review. The first few days of having the copper IUD were difficult. Ibuprofen became my best friend. I was bloated and swollen in my abdomen area for the first week, but after that, everything was fine. I did experience my first period recently, and honestly, it wasn't that bad. My period before the IUD lasted about 5 days with medium flow. Once I got the IUD and on my next period, it was light the first two days with cramping 2 days before and about 3-4 days during my period. On the 3rd and 4th day of my period, it was pretty heavy, but after that, it went back to a normal flow. Definitely advise having super-size tampons if you're getting the copper IUD. Honestly, I'm fine with my period and was expecting it to be heavier, the nice thing is the heavy flow didn't last that long. In total, my period was about 7 days. I think I'll get used to it. I'm really happy with it and haven't experienced any other side effects since my period ended... no spotting, nothing :-)"