ParaGard and Pain: What Users Say

• Dee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 24, 2020

For Birth Control "Don’t let these reviews scare you, try for yourself & see how you feel!! Insertion was very painful for me, but I am always in pain with any cervix procedure or check (even during labor). So I knew that was a possibility for me personally. Afterwards, I had cramping the entire day. A week later I got a very heavy period with heavy cramping the first day, it lasted about 14 days. I have had the ParaGard for 6 months now, my periods are back to normal after the first 4 months and I never feel it inside. I had light periods before insertion & they are still light after. I’m very happy with mine, try for yourself before letting these reviews scare you. Most people only review if something goes wrong. There are tons of women who are happy with theirs who do not think to come online & review it."

• KCo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I got my ParaGard out after 9 years of having it in. I was experiencing copper toxicity and wonky hormonal shifts. Symptoms: ovarian cysts (very expensive appointment to confirm through sonogram), cystic acne, liver started to struggle (vitamin blood test proof), easily got sick, body pains, dizziness, panic attack, trouble sleeping, daily diarrhea (not even docs or my mom could figure this out). After dramatically changing my diet to cater to reducing cysts and cystic acne, no dice. I was still in incurable pain at random (ibuprofen, magnesium, CBD, hot pad all did not work). It wasn't until I shared my story online that I found the cause was my IUD! Total spent over this issue is likely anywhere between $2K-$5K total. I just want awareness spread more than anything."

• RCa...
• February 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I got a ParaGard IUD 8 weeks after giving birth to my 3rd child. 2 weeks after insertion, I started having really bad pain in my lower left abdomen. My OB checked and couldn't find the strings. A sonogram was ordered and showed the IUD had moved and was stuck in the uterine muscle. I was referred to a surgeon to have the IUD removed, but by then, my pain had gone away. I had another sonogram, and this time, only a few weeks later, the IUD had fully perforated the uterus and was now near my ovaries. I had to have laparoscopic surgery to have it removed. I did my research, and I know for a fact the manufacturer isn't being upfront about warnings on the label. Three quarters of women who have the IUD perforate the uterus are women who have had a baby in the past 36 weeks and/or are nursing. The reasons being simple: #1 your muscles are soft from just carrying a child, #2 your uterus is still contracting and moving when you nurse. Please be aware of this information, it can save you a lot of pain."

• Tan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I just had the ParaGard inserted a few days ago. I had terrible experiences with hormonal birth control (the pill and implant). The insertion did hurt a lot, and I cramped/spotted after. I went home, wrapped myself in a heated blanket, and woke up feeling much better the next day. So far, so good, just wanted to share my experience in case anyone was scared of the insertion process."

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

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."

• Pea...
• March 10, 2019

For Birth Control "Let me start by saying I'm 64 and no longer need to use birth control. (Lucky me.) I do not have experience with ParaGard. I do have experience with the copper T's given to women in the 70s. I loved it for two months when I was 18, and then the odyssey began. I developed a PID which spread through my fallopian tubes (damaging them severely), blew out into my abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis, which nearly killed me. I still have occasional pain from it 46 years later, had a lot of trouble conceiving in my 30s. I have adhesions - some attached the tubes to organs, some surrounded my liver and diaphragm. I caution all women about putting copper in your bodies, it's not worth the risk of lifelong pain and fertility issues. Spend time looking into the companies that manufacture these products and look at the history of rejection. They love to deny the ill effects until there are enough deaths and lawsuits that inevitably come their way. Please be careful."

• Nuk...
• January 18, 2021

For Birth Control "I personally feel as though there isn’t enough research on the ParaGard Copper IUD to make some of the claims that they made when mine was inserted 4 years ago. I believe it wears down in the body and causes a chemical reaction as your bloodstream intakes more copper than it is supposed to. A lot of my symptoms lined up perfectly with copper toxicity, and I have been better since removal and treatment. The whole experience was excruciating every month, and periods became a 3-week-long ordeal (between mental health issues and pain that wouldn’t let up and pain that caused me to feel unable to sit comfortably, due to its severity and spotting for a month and skipping my period for months). I felt kind of dumb for having left the ParaGard in for so long when I found out how many women usually make it at most 1 year with it. No thanks. Just because it was non-hormonal doesn’t mean it didn’t keep me feeling completely unbalanced and in complete pain with a lot of mental health issues."

• Aub...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I had ParaGard inserted after the birth of my second child. While this was “effective” in preventing pregnancy, it caused so many issues with my body! I had few symptoms for the first 3 years other than increased yeast infections and occasional spotting. Year 4, everything went downhill! The ParaGard side effects got worse. I had constant infections (yeast and BV), spotting became more frequent as time went on, and I ended up bleeding for 2 months straight. I had extreme fatigue, complete loss of sex drive to where it was affecting my relationship, weight gain, heart palpitations, hip/back pain, swelling and water retention, horrible PMS, joint pain, among many others. I had it removed after having it for 7.5 years, and 95% of my symptoms have completely vanished. The product is effective as a birth control, but the issues it causes with our bodies are not worth it."

• Nat...
• January 23, 2020

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."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I got this ParaGard, and after about 1 year, I started to have horrible brain fog, couldn’t remember words, then started to have vision problems and dizziness. Then came the headaches and cystic acne. The headaches were present every day, felt like pressure was too high inside my head. My ear started to click, I could hear my heartbeat in my ear. I was always super tired and moody, it was so hard to get out of bed. Then I started having nystagmus and bruxism to the point of breaking my teeth and having jaw pain. Got it removed, and 90% of the symptoms went away. The liver stores the copper, so it is hard to detect on serum. Worst thing I’ve done in my life."

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

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."

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

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."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard in March 2020. I was in pain for a good 3 days. The cramps were horrible, and I was on my period for a week. It did work for birth control, though. That’s the only positive thing I can say. After my period seemed to end after a week, I was spotting for the longest time, then I started my period again. I seriously was on my period or spotting forever. I got my period twice in May. Now it’s been almost 3 months, and I couldn’t take it anymore, so I got it removed. I would not recommend at all."

• Msa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I hope this review helps someone make the decision not to get this. This birth control ruined the whole year of 2019 for me, and I still don't see the light at the end of the tunnel. It affected my hormones, gave me sinus problems, which led to ear problems. I was getting sciatica pain, restless legs, hip pain, brain fog, anxiety attacks. I gained so much weight, joint pain. A lot of these have gone away, some have diminished, and some I still deal with, even though it's been 6 months since removal. I had it for 2 years and 8 months, and I was in perfect health before this."

• Msa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I hope this review helps someone make the decision not to get this. This birth control ruined the whole year of 2019 for me, and I still don't see the light at the end of the tunnel. It affected my hormones, gave me sinus problems, which led to ear problems. I was getting sciatica pain, restless legs, hip pain, brain fog, anxiety attacks. I gained so much weight, joint pain. A lot of these have gone away, some have diminished, and some I still deal with, even though it's been 6 months since removal. I had it for 2 years and 8 months, and I was in perfect health before this."

• PHR...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I used to never have cramps or PMS, but after receiving the ParaGard IUD, I began to have major PMS, to such a ridiculous extent that I had to plan social events around that week. The cramps have been even worse. I find myself doubled over in pain, even at work. I did my research and picked this IUD because it was NON-hormonal, and yet I’ve never felt so miserably hormonal in all my life. I’ve been dealing with it for two years because my insurance company won’t cover the removal."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2020

For Birth Control "I wanted to write an experience because I looked at multiple reviews right after I got ParaGard inserted, and it freaked me out. The insertion is very painful (I have never had a child before), so that pain was terrible. The first 2 weeks, I had really bad cramps, and my period was SO HEAVY. After my period ended, the cramping went away, no side effects, I hardly know it’s there. It’s way better than having multiple side effects from the pill, and I have had no spotting in between periods, which is common in hormonal IUDs. I had the Liletta for almost 2 years and spotted the whole time. I would recommend it for those who hate side effects from hormones. The cramping sucks at first, but it goes away! Every body is different, so trust your instincts, and if you think you’ll be happy with the ParaGard, I would try it out!"

• Col...
• December 17, 2018

For Birth Control "At first, I was really skeptical because there are a lot of bad reviews, but I decided to still try it out anyway. I have never written a review on anything in my life, but I love this IUD so much I thought my review might help some people! Getting it inserted did cause some pain, it was about two big cramps and then it was in! The next two days, I cramped very lightly, just like I would for a period, and Advil took the cramping away! My first period with the IUD was a bit harsh, medicine and a heating pad helped though, and I still went about my normal daily activities. My second period was about the same. All of the periods following that were completely back to normal, everything was exactly how it was before I got the IUD. I have had absolutely no physical changes, and I completely forget I have it. I love that it doesn't contain the hormones to change my body and that I never even notice it is there."

• Lou...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 13, 2019

For Birth Control "Got ParaGard 2 years ago. First, it was the most horrible pain I've ever experienced. Now, since I have the same horrendous pain every month, I'm getting used to the struggle. I noticed that my coochie is a lot more acidic, and after periods (a lot heavier with a waterfall flow, by the way-super Tampax lasts 2 hours inside me till the blood starts running through my legs), I keep getting some brownish, weird cervical mucus for 3 or 4 days. Anyway, it's good to be hormone-free, but copper IUD still has a lot of bad side effects and cons."

• coe...
• September 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard because I was sick of having to pick up my pill prescription, and I love the idea of a non-hormonal birth control. I really wanted to get my body back on its natural cycle, as I have been on the pill for years. The insertion was painful, as expected. Would not recommend working that day. But so far, I am loving it. I bled for the first 4-5 days, nothing too heavy, and have since stopped. My sex drive has already increased, and I lost 5 lbs within a week of being off the pill (added bonus). I have not reached my first period with it yet, so I am expecting more cramps/heavier bleeding, but that's a small price to pay, in my opinion. Lots of negative reviews on here, so I wanted to write a positive one!"

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 16, 2020

For Birth Control "It's been alright. I have never had a baby before. Insertion was really painful, and I was crampy for a few days. Now, I just take a few ibuprofen when I have my period, and it is completely tolerable. I have not noticed any heavier bleeding than normal yet, but my period does last one day longer than it used to. I think it is a great option for people who want to avoid hormonal birth control. So far, so good!"

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

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."

• LKa...
• January 15, 2019

For Birth Control "Was looking for new birth control, as having been on the pill for over a decade was taking its toll. My weight and blood pressure were up, so I needed something new. Went off of the pill for about 6 months to determine what to do and ultimately went with the ParaGard. Never been pregnant, got the ParaGard inserted a bit before my 30th birthday. Insertion was awful, hence deducting one star. The 24 hours following insertion were also terrible - constant pain, and I was really worried it wouldn't work out. But after another day, the pain subsided. Not gonna lie - periods are a lot heavier and longer, so I deducted another star, but my pre-ParaGard periods were very short (2-3 days) and light, so now I suppose it's like having a regular period. Cramps are the same - no better, no worse. Libido is up, up, up! Husband has no issue and has never felt the strings or anything."

• gg8...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 21, 2014

For Birth Control "I had the ParaGard for 6 years, and it was great. I was having panic attacks, and somebody told me it was a reaction to the copper, so I had the ParaGard removed. Most stupid decision I ever made was getting it removed. I went back to my midwife to get another ParaGard, and they could not get it inserted correctly. I wish I would've kept it in. The first time it was inserted was easy and pain-free. The second time around was pretty painful. It depends on the person and how it feels."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2014

For Birth Control "I got ParaGard as my first form of birth control because I didn't want to deal with hormones. I went through 2 models within 5 months. It turned out that my uterus was too small for the IUD. While I was on it though, the only side effects I had were a slight increase in my period (two days longer and a little bit heavier) and a more sensitive cervix. If my boyfriend even slightly hit my cervix, it would send a jolt of pain up my spine. I really didn't mind it, and I wish I could still be using it. I wouldn't worry about the copper. And because it's hormone-free, there is very little risk of having symptoms caused by chemicals (like moods or weight gain)."