ParaGard and Acne: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Rel...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 22, 2023

For Birth Control "I have had the Paragard IUD twice. After I had my daughter, I got the IUD. I kept it for 5 years until I was ready to have another child. I then had my son and got Paragard again. I've currently had this one in for 8 years. I don't have any problems with this birth control. It is EXTREMELY effective! I've never had any severe issues. Heavier periods? Yes. And I have had acne my entire adult life that I suspect is from the IUD, but I'm really not certain. All in all, I highly recommend this birth control."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on the progestin-only pill for 10 months and pretty much hated it. Had to be on it because I couldn't have any birth control that contained estrogen due to a family history of blood clots. The POP was effective, yes, but I had crazy mood swings, acne, low sex drive, and it gave me vaginal dryness, which made sex extremely painful. My gyno had been trying to get me to try the IUD for almost a year, so I decided to try it since I about had it with that pill. I went in today for my insertion. I had some issues because my cervix was tight, and I have an introverted uterus. She had to use the sonogram to help place it correctly. So what should have been a 5-minute procedure took 20 minutes. It was painful, but bearable. Just felt like period cramps."

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

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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2017

For Birth Control "This was one of the worst experiences of my life. I had the copper IUD inserted about 5 months ago and got it removed today! Those were the worst 5 months of my life! To start off, the insertion was extremely painful (I've also never had any children). From there, all the awful side effects started. Periods from hell! I bled like I've never in my life before, cramps were so bad I had to call out of work a few times, and only laying in bed with a heating pad helped them. I lost so much blood I ended up with anemia and looked like a walking zombie all the time. Then, after about 2 months of this, my face began to break out with very painful cystic acne everywhere. (I've never had a problem with acne my whole entire life). Worst thing ever."

• Bel...
• August 28, 2018

For Birth Control "It’s almost a week ago that I got the ParaGard. I decided to switch to ParaGard from hormonal birth control pills because hormones made me gain weight. I also couldn’t tolerate the hormones anymore because I was depressed, my nipples hurt, and I had vaginal dryness. The insertion was very painful because my cervix was too small. My GP was also inexperienced. During the insertion, I felt massive cramps, and I also started to bleed, which lasted for 4 days. I took 2 Naproxen hours prior to the insertion. After 10 years of feeling like a zombie on birth control pills, I finally feel myself again. I’ve lost a little bit of weight, especially around my thighs, my nipples don’t hurt, and I feel less depressed. I also don't have massive food cravings like I did on the hormonal contraceptives. My acne is back, unfortunately, but this is manageable with acne skincare products. I also suffer from vaginal discharge with a little bit of blood, but in time, I think this will go away. I think my body needs time to adjust."

• Lov...
• September 14, 2017

For Birth Control "The ParaGard was a nightmare! I wish someone told me of copper toxicity! I had the ParaGard in for 2 years after having my youngest son. I broke out with bad cystic acne all over my face. I bled every time I had sexual intercourse. I would cramp during my period, and I never cramped before the IUD. Also, I would beep going through a metal detector in the federal building when I never beeped prior to getting the ParaGard! Such a relief getting it removed. My face cleared, but I now have the scars on my face to remind me of the torture I was putting my body through just using that."

• Vic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 21, 2018

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard IUD inserted about a year ago. I took about 800 mg of ibuprofen before insertion. It felt like a very, very bad cramp but was over quickly. Bad cramps lasted for the rest of the day. I sometimes have spotting in between my periods. I also have been having bad cramps between my periods. The duration of my period is about the same as before, as well as my flow. However, I have had TERRIBLE acne soon after it was inserted. I'm 22 years old and have never had more than a few pimples at a time until about a month after it was inserted. It's too coincidental not to be the cause."

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

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."

• Hmk...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 24, 2021

For Birth Control "Insertion was definitely not comfortable (felt like a drawn-out, severe cramp), but it felt better after a day. I have had it for 8 years now, and I don’t know how I feel. Overall, never having to think about pregnancy is a blessing, but I’m not sure what is due to the ParaGard and what was just my body. I have light to severe cramps a week before, during, and occasionally after my period. The days before and during the first couple of days of the cycle are often excruciating. I take ibuprofen daily. My sex drive seemed to disappear, largely because I am in mild to moderate pain almost always. I am 31 years old and have cystic acne. I have always experienced cramps and light acne, but have they been worse? Prolonged? I don’t even know anymore. I’m afraid of hormone-based birth control. Every other option is a roll of the dice. I’ve recently started experiencing a sharp tightening or severe stabbing cramps during sex and am considering asking my partner for a vasectomy."

• kje...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I've had the ParaGard for about a year now and am not mad at it. No pregnancy fears-which is fantastic. The insertion was a bit painful, but I've had cramps worse than that before. My periods have been worse and longer, but my fiancé doesn't mind period sex, so it's not a big deal for us. It gives us protection with little to no downside. I have developed cystic acne about a month after getting it inserted, though. And because of that, I've had to give up dairy and peanuts, which is hard since I already have food sensitivities that prevent me from eating most other dairy alternatives. I'm currently trying Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo with the ParaGard and hoping I can drink milk again! If not, and if the pill doesn't have the bad effects of the previous pills I've tried, then I'm getting my ParaGard removed."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2017

For Birth Control "Having bad experiences with hormones in pills causing mood swings and acne, I wanted to try the non-hormone ParaGard, and I was SO scared of insertion. I read horror and good stories on it and almost backed out, but I didn’t. An hour and a half before, I took two Midol and listened to music with one headphone out so I could hear the doctor and braced for the worst. It wasn’t painful at all, more like annoying! A slight pinch and a little bit of cramping, and so quick. He said, “I’m almost done,” and I was in shock how fast it went - not even 5 minutes that I had been there, more like 2-3, and it was over! Definitely thankful, and so far so good. Worth a try."

• eri...
• June 22, 2017

For Birth Control "This gave me depression. The copper toxicity did not allow for me to lose weight, I had ongoing infections that immediately went away after removal. I had low sex drive and acne a month after having it inserted. My discharge smells more than usual."

• Anonymous
• March 1, 2022

For Birth Control "Insertion was extremely painful. I fainted and ended up vomiting. Afterwards, it felt like moderate period cramps for a few days and some spotting. My periods have always been irregular, but with this IUD, it’s like I barely get one. When I do get one, the bleeding is very light and there’s not really any cramping. The only thing I’ve noticed is that I started getting cystic acne on my chin, and my anxiety has worsened. I got this IUD because hormonal birth control made me super depressed. This IUD has worked for me, and I don’t have many complaints."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 10, 2022

For Birth Control "Unfortunately, mine expelled after 6 months. My periods were heavier and longer, at least 10 days long per menstrual cycle. I liked that there was no weight gain with this birth control, I managed to be able to lose weight. However, I did break out in bad acne, I am not sure if this was related or not, as there are no hormones in it. The cramping was worse initially, however, at the 3-month mark, the cramps weren’t as bad. One day, I was going to the bathroom, and I saw the strings sticking out. I had to get it removed for expulsion. Even though my periods were longer and heavier, I wanted to get another ParaGard put back in, as I love the concept of no hormones, however, my OB-GYN said because I have not been pregnant or had childbirth, my uterus is smaller and it would more than likely come out again. I was switched to Kyleena. With all that being said, I would still prefer ParaGard, however, it was not an option, and my insurance would not cover it, unfortunately."

• KRC...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 14, 2025

For Birth Control "I was happy to get a hormone-free birth control, but I didn't get a side effect-free option. I started getting bad acne right after I had it put in. It went away after a few months, then shortly after, a rash (pityriasis rosea) formed on my abdomen, followed by a rash of little blisters all over my abdomen, armpits, and groin. My skin burned if I sweat or wore the wrong clothes. I got a biopsy, which came back for lichen dermatitis. Over 8 months, I changed everything I could to get rid of it and got meds, creams. Finally, I told my doctor to take the IUD out. It’s been 48 hours since then, and the rash is significantly better! I think it’s great for some people, however, there are still side effects!!"

• 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."

• Har...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2022

For Birth Control "Had my IUD placed at the end of October 2021. Things were GREAT the first 2 months besides the super heavy periods (which I had to use my first ever ultra tampon). Mid-January, things got a little rough. I started getting a full-blown period every other week. Clots, heavy flow, you name it. Also, every day for the last month, it felt as though I was hit in the mid to lower back with the constant throb of pain. Daily headaches and also more acne along the jawline. Sex was great the first month, then became painful at certain, yet very normal angles. Getting it removed after 4 months and going back on the pill."

• Meg...
• October 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I have recently gotten ParaGard on 9/27/16, and so far I've had light spotting and cramping. Did hurt when getting it inserted considering it was the second one directly behind the first one due to the first one not being placed high enough. I've also never had kids. I had the Skyla IUD for about 7 months and did not do well with it due to cramping and terrible acne. Hoping for better luck with this due to no hormones. Can't speak on effectiveness yet since I've only had it 7 days. Also haven't had my first cycle with it yet or anything in terms of that. Will update again a little later."

• MsL...
• May 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had the copper IUD for close to two weeks. Unprotected sex with my boyfriend and long-term birth control are the ONLY pros. Cons include: acne, anxiety, low sex drive, fatigue, weight gain (4 pounds in one week), cramps, random shooting pains. I am a thin woman with a high metabolism and have found it impossible to lose the weight. I look puffy and feel horrible. I wouldn't wish this experience on anyone. I'm getting it removed today."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2021

For Birth Control "Positive experience! I was so nervous. I got it a few days ago, and I love it so far. I took 600 mg of ibuprofen an hour before. The insertion was quick. They gave me stuff that numbs your cervix. It felt like a really intense period cramp for 10 seconds (during the measurement and insertion). It was definitely tolerable! I had cramping and low back pain for about 48 hours after, but now I’m feeling great! I am experiencing some light spotting. I switched because I was struggling with hormonal birth control. I tried the Nexplanon and 2 pills. I was constantly bleeding on the Nexplanon. And with the Nexplanon and pill, I had been experiencing EXTREME fatigue. Think like needing 12 hours of sleep to even possibly feel like you got enough sleep. I have been off of hormones for 10 days now (I got it put in on the last day of my period), and I am already starting to notice my fatigue improve! I also believe the hormones were making my acne worse, but it is too soon to tell."

• can...
• May 23, 2015

For Birth Control "My experience with ParaGard was horrible. I had heavy periods, outrageous cramps, acne, mental issues due to the implant because now that I've had it removed, I feel excellent. When I had it removed, there was rust on the copper. I do not suggest anyone has ParaGard implants ever. It was the biggest mistake that I ever made having the implant put inside of me, and I am so grateful that I finally had it removed."

• Emm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2021

For Birth Control "ParaGard was an absolute disaster. Night sweats, super heavy long periods, chronic pain, depressed mood, worsened acne."

• Alm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been having acne, heavy periods for weeks, not hungry at all, and my sex life has almost stopped since I only have barely one or two days without bleeding every 2 weeks."