Contraception Reviews

Side effects

Paragard IUD side effects

3.7

18 reviews

What Lowdown reviewers say

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Mood

33% no impact on mood

Bleeds

78% heavier periods

Sex drive

56% no impact

Weight

72% no impact

Skin

67% no impact on skin

Cycle return

40% in 1 month

Paragard IUD

Paragard IUD common side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

1

Period like cramps

72% of Paragard IUD reviewers reported period like cramps

2

Lower back pain

56% of Paragard IUD reviewers reported lower back pain

3

Vaginal discharge

39% of Paragard IUD reviewers reported vaginal discharge

4

Migraines

33% of Paragard IUD reviewers reported migraines

5

Tender breasts

33% of Paragard IUD reviewers reported tender breasts


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


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

Filter reviews

Community reviews

Copper IUD  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
47 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

Paragard IUD  

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.

Read more

Very positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Copper IUD  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
29 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  17th Jul 25

Paragard IUD  

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

Copper IUD  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
28 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  14th Jul 25

Paragard IUD  

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

Copper IUD  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
18 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  22nd Dec 24

Paragard IUD  

Good


Worse skin

3 helpful

0 comments

Copper IUD  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  3rd Oct 24

Paragard IUD  

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

Copper IUD  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  2nd Aug 24

Paragard IUD  

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

Copper IUD  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  31st Jul 24

Paragard IUD  

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

Copper IUD  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  30th Jul 24

Paragard IUD  

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

Copper IUD  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  30th May 24

Paragard IUD  

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

Copper IUD  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  19th Mar 24

Paragard IUD  

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

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