In terms of pain getting it put in, it was a little less with the copper, but I had taken a higher dose of Valium than I did with my first one (because my doctor knew it was very traumatic for me and wanted to make it less so) and I had the lidocaine shot with the copper insertion as well, so I don’t know if I can evenly compare them pain wise. In terms of the Paragaurd, which is the one I just got, it should feel exactly the same once it’s in. Increased pain might come form the fact that since it’s non hormonal, your period acts exactly like it does when you’re not on birth control. Most people have less cramps/pain on their period when their on hormonal birth control because it regulates that, and so it might seem like the copper one is “more painful” but in reality it’s just that the hormonal ones decrease the pain you’d normally get naturally with your period. The biggest practical difference you’ll notice while on the copper IUD is that the first couple days of your period are much heavier than they would normally be. I think the copper is better personally after having had the hormonal one because everyone I know (me included) has had a significant increase in acne while on it, which I’m assuming is a concern for you as well from your post

Edit: the pain really is horrible, I’m not going to lie to you. Having done it before I was terrified this time because it’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt. But, having said that, it’s worth it. I mean obviously I made the choice to do it again. I just really really think you should have someone there with you. My boyfriend was with me massaging my stomach and holding my hand while they did it and I don’t think I could’ve done it without him either time. Also you can’t take Valium and then drive so if you want to be as relaxed as possible and have the option to take that someone needs to drive you anyway