Copper topical and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 5)

• IUD...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 10, 2021

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had the IUD, and it was almost the end of me. I had it for just 2 years. Currently, I have side effects of nerve damage, insomnia, chest pain, high copper toxicity, body pain, hair loss, cystic acne, UTI, weight gain, brain fog, depression and anxiety, blurry eyes, deafness, metal taste, nausea, migraine. I can go on and on. It did not work for me because it's toxic to women. There is no benefit for this."

• Now...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 6, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had ParaGard for 8 years. I was loving the fact there are no hormones. I did not have any side effects of weight gain, ache, or anything. However, about the 7th year, my cramps on my left side lower body were getting bad the week prior to the menstrual cycle, pain level an 8. But more recently, my pain was so significant that I was taking 600 mg at the bare minimum, twice a day. My muscles in my buttocks were knotted up down to my frontal thigh. Extreme pain. Missed days of work. I recently had it removed, already I feel SO MUCH better. Love & Hate ParaGard."

• Anonymous
• May 16, 2017

For Birth Control "If you have a low tolerance for pain: Request a Valium (for before), and strong pain meds for after the procedure. This was the most painful medical procedure I have encountered so far (and no kids yet!). My body went into shock and shortly after, I fainted off the exam table into my boyfriend's arms, like a true Scarlet O'Hara. Extremely embarrassed, I made like a sloth and headed home to rest. The next few days were light spotting and manageable cramping. Moving forward; your period will be more painful/heavier/longer. Take it easy when getting intimate after healing and invest in a heating pad! All said and done; no pills, no hormones, no feeling it during sex or physical activities. It's the most practical BC on the market. Worth it!"

• Jes...
• May 10, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got the ParaGard IUD about 7 months ago. The initial process of getting it inserted was pretty painful but so fast! I wouldn't say my experience with the IUD was terrible, but it has its downsides. I've always had bad cramps and a pretty decent flow. I knew going into this that ParaGard would only make these things worse. Honestly, I can deal with the cramps and 10-day-long periods. However, recently I'm discovering that I've gained about 20 lbs in the past 6 months. It's all happening in my midsection, and I've read other women's stories claiming the same. It wouldn't surprise me if it was the ParaGard. I've always easily gained weight on birth control, that's why I went with ParaGard. I plan to have it removed next week."

• kay...
• March 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on Mirena for 3 1/2 years. Mirena was okay for me in the beginning, however, I started realizing I gained a lot of weight-I mean A LOT-from 120 to 160 lbs. I also had no sex drive at all, I literally didn't want anything at all with my husband, to the point that it was more of a duty than a pleasant experience for me. I decided to switch birth controls. I overall didn't mind the IUDs. I got the Paragard on 02-29-2016. I noticed spotting for the first 3 days, then I was okay. It stopped. One week, no bleeding, no cramping, nothing, I was feeling normal again. I started my period on March 14th and it's already March 21st, and I am still with my period. I think it's normal due to me not having a period for 3 1/2 years. Sex drive is coming back, so I'm happy :-)"

• Bir...
• April 13, 2021

Copper topical 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."

• Rac...
• June 14, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "Everyone has a different experience with birth control methods, and mine was terrible. I got ParaGard inserted on June 27, 2013, and had it removed on June 12, 2017. The insertion pain was terrible, I took way too much Motrin to help with the pain, and it did nothing. My periods became heavy, bleeding and passing clots. The bleeding was nothing compared to the pain. I cramped for a full week before my period would arrive. They woke me up in the middle of the night, I would writhe in pain. All four years, my periods were regular, until my most recent period was 6.5 weeks long. All testing was inconclusive. I gained 50 lb with no change in diet, and it's hormone-free. Not sure why. I began getting yeast infections."

• A...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 18, 2022

Copper topical for Birth Control "I've had this device for 4 years, and for 4 years I've experienced symptoms that have kept me suffering more than any other period in my life. After my second child, the copper IUD was recommended by my gyno. The entire time, I have suffered from intense depression, extreme fatigue, uterine cramps, cervical pain, weight gain, hair loss on my head, excessive hair growth elsewhere, discharge, spotting, brain fog, and long, painful, heavy, clumping periods. I've been through several anti-depressants, on birth control pills simultaneously, and bio-hormones to address issues that I believe have been caused by copper toxicity and from the copper interfering with my natural hormone process. I could feel the device inside of me and my body begging for it to be removed on a daily basis. It's not as carefree and amazing as some people promote it to be. I'd rather be on pills than have another one of these things inside my body, blackening and rusting like the one I had removed was doing."

• Kay...
• November 11, 2019

Copper topical 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."

• chl...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 14, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "ParaGard was inserted July 2016 and removed June 2017 (almost a year!). The first week after it was installed, I had debilitating cramps for three days straight and constant bleeding. Every month, my periods were twice as heavy, twice as long, and 10 times more painful! I was told this would calm down after 6 months, so I persevered. If anything, my periods got MORE painful to the point where I couldn't leave the house in case I'd be hit by a wave of contractions. On a side note, I felt anxious, depressed, introverted, alone (I'm usually so social and confident!), worthless, and I experienced social anxiety for the first time! I also gained 20 lbs, which is definitely not due to a change in diet/exercise. If anything, I was eating better!"

• Cel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 6, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard going on 3 years now. The process went smoothly but did have serious pain afterward and took a good while before I could have sex. When we did have sex, both could feel it for the first 6 months. Now we only feel it every now and then. I have gained a lot of weight since and recently extreme pain even when I'm not on my period. I have to have a nap every day, I literally can't stay awake. I have been checked out and they say everything is fine. I thought it was a chemical imbalance and started taking extra vitamins and still everything is the same. Not sure if it is the ParaGard or just me. I know IUDs affect everyone differently, just make sure you take notes on any changes."

• Suv...
• March 5, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had Paragard inserted 8 weeks after my 2nd baby was born (2 years back). The process was not painful but uncomfortable. Paragard has helped me in having no pregnancies-so it does what it's supposed to. But at the cost of what! I was 5'3'', 120 lb when I got it. I started gaining weight, not sure whether Paragard is to blame. My periods are so heavy that I can't use tampons and have to change the thickest pad every 2 hours for 2 days out of 5 days. My blood tests show I am anemic despite the fact I am particular about my diet. I have had constant yeast infections, 1 episode of UTI, which I never had before in my life. There is a constant discharge, and a pantyliner is a must. I'm getting it removed. Pattern-most bad reviews are by people who had it for a while."

• Gur...
• March 16, 2017

For Birth Control "IUD copper worst mistake of my life. I have 2 children and had it inserted right after a miscarriage in November 2016. Was so excited to have it because I heard so many good things about it from my friends. However, it gave me the most painful cramps one can imagine. My period would last for 10-13 days and it was so heavy I had to stay home, miss work. The clots were so huge and very, very painful. I gained weight. Also, I had very long, heavy periods. I would bleed after sex, I would have this brownish discharge constantly, and pain - it was a nightmare. So, had it removed 14/03/17. Will go back on the pills, hope I remember to take the pill."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 6, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I've had mine in for about two years. Over the last several months, I've noticed severe episodes of depression, up-and-down spikes in mood. I have had intense bleeding (going through three super tampons in one night). I've gained weight, which could be due to the lack of motivation for 7-9 days of my period, along with food cravings. I don't feel normal. I'm legitimately nervous for my period each month, knowing my mood will be so low and irrational. I've made an appointment to take the IUD out as that is the only thing that I have changed. I try to live a very healthy lifestyle."

• Sjo...
• May 20, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "Awful! Made me have heavy periods for 2 years! Painful sex, depression, weight gain, anemia, insomnia, caused my gallbladder disease and if not bad enough, embedded in my uterus and had to be surgically removed. Don't use."

• Ass...
• July 1, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "This was the worst birth control I ever tried. Only after 6 weeks of having it, I started to lose hair and had two bald spots, and I instantly gained 10 pounds! I also had constant pelvic and lower back pains. I knew something was wrong when my clothes didn't fit, yet I had been working out 5 days a week. The day I had it inserted, I had actually lost 30 pounds since I had my son 3 months prior, and then this IUD set me back! ParaGard appears to be a good choice for many women that do not want to take hormones. However, the copper actually does affect your hormones, and it can also have serious life-threatening side effects as well. I ended up removing it."

• Lib...
• July 13, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I've had my implant for about 3 years now, the only complaint that I have is the cramping around my period is sometimes unbearable (but manageable). I regularly check to make sure it's in place, so far so good! The procedure of getting it implanted is the most uncomfortable part, though. However, if you've had a pap, it won't be an unfamiliar feeling. No mood swings, no weight gain, no happy accidents!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2021

For Birth Control "I got the copper coil inserted on May 21, and I have had it removed today. The insertion was okay, but this was because I took Diazepam the night before and the morning of the appointment. I had a little bit of period pain afterward, but this went away after I took some tablets. I had spotting for 3 weeks or so. Then my periods came, and they were the same as before, possibly even lighter with no pain. So far, so good, however, as the months went on, I kept having pain all throughout the month. I thought it was normal until I started experiencing painful sex, and I went to see my GP, who told me I have Pelvic Inflammation Disease and I needed to get the coil removed ASAP, as well as prescribing me a 2-week course of antibiotics. I don’t think the coil was worth the risk at all. I have gained weight, which I am now struggling to lose, and it’s caused severe acne. Overall, my mental and physical health has not been good."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2018

For Birth Control "Had the copper IUD for 6 going on 7 months. After 6 months of regular periods, I am now bleeding for 2 weeks at a time, I get a 4-day break, then bleed for 2 more weeks. Previously, I had been using the injection but stopped as it gave me a 10 kg weight gain... but I'll be going back to my doctor for the injection and removal of my IUD. (Please note that every woman is different. I've had friends that urged me against the injection I was on as they bled for 6 months straight, whereas my period stopped after the 1st one. We are all unique and need to see what works the best for our bodies."

• The...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 23, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "After receiving my IUD 6 weeks after my daughter was born, I was just relieved I could not become pregnant and I was still able to happily breastfeed. Periods were not an issue other than breakthrough bleeding around ovulation time. My biggest issue with this IUD is the toxic reaction I had due to the copper. I am diagnosed with anxiety, but I had never felt anxiety so bad in my LIFE than on this thing. I avoided all and any social situations, I was unable to work and cope with life. I was placed on extreme anti-panic attack and anxiety meds that I could not wean off from. I went from being healthy and fit to gaining 50 lbs. After feeling frustrated, I looked up my birth control and sure enough this is COMMON!!!!!"

• Joc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 21, 2022

Copper topical 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 :)"

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been using the copper IUD for a little under two months, but so far I can do nothing but rave! The insertion was a lot less painful than I imagined. There was absolutely a pinch and discomfort, but nothing worth screaming or 'passing out' over. Since then, I have completely forgotten it was there. My period is heavier and crampy! But it only lasted four days, and that’s less than I usually have it for. No side effects with my hormones (why I stopped pills). I love it!"

• Sar...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 28, 2024

Copper topical 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!"

• Tou...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 3, 2015

For Birth Control "It was incredibly convenient, and I don't regret having it for all of 3 years, but I will be removing it ASAP. I had the insertion in 2012. There was minimal discomfort during the insertion. Note that I pride myself on having a high tolerance for pain. Initially, the first few months, I experienced new PMS symptoms like lower back pain and heavy bleeding as expected. Then periods normalized, were heavier, but nothing I wasn't warned about. Then I had 3 great years of worry-free sex. Most recently, my cramps have been intense enough to require medication. Now my husband reminds me that I said I would take it out last month, every month. I will be removing it. Other symptoms: hair loss and weight gain, though I can't be sure of the cause."

• Min...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2023

For Birth Control "I don’t do well with birth control. Literally, every kind of hormonal birth control makes me angry and depressed and makes me gain weight. So I really wanted the copper IUD to work with me. The insertion itself did not hurt. It was uncomfortable for a second, but nothing major. It did make me crampy for a few days. What eventually made me take this out was the side effects: heavy periods. I went from a regular 4-day period to a heavy 7-8 day period. Not to mention, the cramps during and right before, I got it was horrible. Like I just had to use my heating pad. Each month, they progressively got worse. I feel like my body didn’t like that I had a foreign body in my uterus, and I kept having issues down there, like BV, but that came out negative, so I don’t know what it was. I even thought maybe STD, but that was negative as well. As soon as I took this out, it went back to normal. I also got a cyst."