Cap or diaphragm

Combination birth control pill

Contraceptive gel

Copper IUD

Female condom

Hormonal IUD

Birth control implant

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Male condom

Mini pill

Natural family planning

Birth control patch

Birth control shot

Spermicide

Sterilization

Vaginal ring

Vasectomy

Withdrawal or pull out method

Copper IUD-review-id-e24e54b6-b22a-47f7-bffd-c42fb8de2679

This birth control contributed to me getting BV and frequent yeast infections AND it was placed way too low and cause sex to be painful and my IUD was oxidizing inside of me and when I got it out, the IUD was literally falling apart I would not recommend this birth control

Copper IUD-review-id-072d0cab-bd56-4a11-8e53-636130e99fd0

Paragard IUD-review-id-443accab-4b37-4543-a5cf-ddacd35d8d27

The insertion was unbelievably painful and I will not be getting it put back in after three months. 2 days in I nearly went back to get it taken out but decided to push through. The pain subsided however I occasionally get the most awful pains randomly which will last 3+ days sporadically with no period to go with it.

Copper IUD-review-id-0da16dde-0154-4388-bdc4-0d00ba574053

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.

Paragard IUD-review-id-71d3a575-741d-4f84-b524-2342a4119cea

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! 

Paragard IUD-review-id-bb1d72cb-82d9-4102-9247-c8cfcd2c89e2

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 

Paragard IUD-review-id-8d43b289-726e-4ec0-8f4d-9d31b1819bec

The incredibly high pain at time of menstruation, ovulation and even post-orgasm dissipated. 

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. 

Paragard IUD-review-id-53bae7bd-24c9-493e-a13f-92dcb25aaac5

Felt absolutely no differences. I would never know if it was still there or not. 

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. 

Paragard IUD-review-id-bd9377d4-33d6-4e6e-abe5-dea3cc9c0e23

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. 

Copper IUD vs Spermicide

Overview

Copper IUD ingredients

Spermicide ingredients

What Lowdown reviewers say

Benefits: What this birth control can help with

Check out our latest reviews

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Used for 18 mo - 3 yr

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• 2 weeks ago

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Used for 3 - 5 yr

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• 20th Feb 25

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Used for 1 - 3 mo

18 years old

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• 22nd Dec 24

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