Side effects
Paragard IUD common side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
Period like cramps
72% of Paragard IUD reviewers reported period like cramps
Lower back pain
56% of Paragard IUD reviewers reported lower back pain
Vaginal discharge
39% of Paragard IUD reviewers reported vaginal discharge
Migraines
33% of Paragard IUD reviewers reported migraines
Tender breasts
33% of Paragard IUD reviewers reported tender breasts
Paragard IUD rare side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
6% of Paragard IUD reviewers reported body hair increase
6% of Paragard IUD reviewers reported thrush
6% of Paragard IUD reviewers reported pelvic infection
Possible Paragard IUD side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
- Period like cramps (72%)
- Lower back pain (56%)
- Vaginal discharge (39%)
- Migraines (33%)
- Tender breasts (33%)
- Headaches (33%)
- Dizziness (28%)
- Nausea or vomiting (22%)
- Vaginal dryness (11%)
- Breast enlargement (11%)
- Hair loss (11%)
- Cystitis (6%)
- Sweating more than usual (6%)
- Migraine with aura (6%)
- Body hair getting darker (6%)
- High blood pressure (6%)
- Body hair increase (6%)
- Thrush (6%)
- Pelvic infection (6%)
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses (0%)
- A latex allergy (0%)
Reviews
3.7
18 reviews
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Community reviews
Used for 5 - 8 yr
47 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 2 weeks ago
Cooper IUD is very effective for me, i experienced a lot of virginal discharge at first, then reduced after some years and then it increased again sometimes thick and yellow though at checking, I don't have any infection. I have also stopped periods in the last few months, may be it is menopause since I am 48.
Very positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
29 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 17th Jul 25
I have had the Paraguard IUD for 7 months, it is effective but there are still many side effects that I feel may not be explained upfront. I experience cramps so much worse, a few days of the month the pain magnitude is so bad it affects my normal functioning and focus. I have experienced late appendicitis pain and these cramps are consistently quite a bit worse. I also developed pre-menstrual cramps a week before menstruation, which are also quite bad. Aside from this, I developed some acne around my chin and jaw that I did not have issues with before. The cramps have not gotten any better in the 7 months I have had it since insertion.
Worse skin
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
28 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 14th Jul 25
Painful insertion. Worst period of my life the month after insertion. Puked 3 times and lightheaded due to how much i was bleeding. Overly emotional, cramping, exhausted, and nauseous but hey my acne is better after switching from nexplanon to copper iud.
Very negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 3rd Oct 24
I’ve had it for over a year, I’m happy with it since it’s been effective in preventing pregnancy but I’ve all the sudden been getting weird side effects and hormone imbalances and bloating.
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 2nd Aug 24
I love the copper IUD as I was looking for a non hormonal way of birth control. Besides the heavy bleeding and intense cramps during my period, it’s great!
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 31st Jul 24
I wanted the copper IUD because it was non-hormonal and my DR said the only real side effect was worse periods (which she said would be fine for me because my periods are were not too bad in the first place. Insertion was not as painful as I thought it would be. Periods have become extremely painful and mood has definitely suffered
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 30th Jul 24
This was super painful to implant and more pain each month I used it during my period-longer and heavier as well as cramping and spotting each month at ovulation. Eventually I had the device removed and I started taking a birth control pill to regulate my hormones in hopes of lowering instance of migraines due to hormonal fluctuations. Now on a pill designed to prevent hormonal migraines, I realize that during my IUD years I had much less frequent migraines so perhaps there is no correlation between my migraines and birth control.
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 30th May 24
I had Paraguard for almost 7 years. When it was first inserted (insanely painful) I was told it would last for 12 years, however it fell out recently. Only half fell out, as one arm broke off and I was recommended to have a hysteroscopy under full anesthesia to remove the missing part. Luckily it came out on its own and I didn’t require the operation but it was a terrifying experience. Throughout the past 7 years the only issues I had was very heavy periods and severe cramps (including sharp pain when going to the bathroom). Other than that, it was great for me and nice to have regular periods.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
1 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 19th Mar 24
I've never used any forms of birth control before, so I don't know what to compare it to other than being normal and not on birth control. Insertion was uncomfortable but not very painful, and I had pain in my cervix and spotting for about a week afterward. My body adjusted very quickly and I had normally spaced periods right after. The most noticeable difference is that my period is lighter and longer. My sex drive noticeably decreased, and my emotions are dampened/numbed. I forget that I even have it 99% of the time, as I don't notice it in my daily life. If all you're looking for is plain and simple low-maintenance birth control, this is it.
Worse skin
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments