ParaGard and Bleeding: What Users Say (Page 2)

• SLB...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 30, 2015

For Birth Control "Getting the ParaGard was the best decision I have ever made for myself. For the first 3 months, I bled much heavier than normal and experienced some severe cramps. However, by the 4th month, my bleeding and cramps significantly reduced. I have a moderate flow, heavier than I had before ParaGard, but it is very manageable. I cramp still, maybe once every four months. I do not like taking hormonal birth control. With ParaGard, your period does not disappear (something that worried me to no end), and you don't have to worry about missing pills or dealing with weird side effects like becoming emotionally unstable (pills made me suicidal) or gaining weight. Not to mention, ParaGard is probably the most cost-effective birth control available."

• lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I got ParaGard in January of 2016. I was attracted to the thought of being hormone-free, and it sounded more natural to me. I had been on birth control for about 6 years, so I was really excited about just being back on my own. I thought I might be able to even lose a few pounds since it is hormone-free. Also, not having to worry about pregnancy or forgetting to take a pill was very attractive. After only two months, I've decided to get my ParaGard removed due to the following reasons: extremely heavy periods... I mean buying the 'ultra' size tampon and having to change it every 2-3 hours, bleeding on the sheets overnight, taking a bath and standing up and literally seeing the blood just dripping into the tub... like hemorrhaging almost."

• Par...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2020

For Birth Control "I decided to get this BC because it had no hormones, and it is the worst decision I made. Before it, I always had a normal period. However, after the coil insertion, my first period was so heavy that I ended up in accidents and emergencies. I was bleeding so heavily that all my clothes and shoes were soaked in blood, and nothing stopped the bleeding till I got it out! I lost a lot of blood. I needed meds to stop the bleeding."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2023

For Birth Control "When I was a student 7 years ago, I could not afford insurance, so I went to a free clinic. I had been taking birth control pills for years, and I don’t know why the OB-GYN recommended I try an IUD when I was fine with the mini pill. I went ahead and had it placed. I immediately regretted it. Within a few days, I started getting vaginal itching. Then I got a yeast infection, which I have never had before. Then came irregular, heavy bleeding. In my first month, my period was heavy and lasted 10 days when I only had a period for 3-4 days on the mini pill. In the second month, I had 2 periods with only a week break in between. I continued to experience vaginal itching for the next 3 months. I was too scared to go back to the clinic to have it removed because I wanted to make sure I had insurance in case something went wrong during the removal. After 4 months, I finally graduated college and got a job with health benefits. I immediately set up an appointment to have it removed."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2023

For Birth Control "When I was a student 7 years ago, I could not afford insurance, so I went to a free clinic. I had been taking birth control pills for years, and I don’t know why the OB-GYN recommended I try an IUD when I was fine with the mini pill. I went ahead and had it placed. I immediately regretted it. Within a few days, I started getting vaginal itching. Then I got a yeast infection, which I have never had before. Then came irregular, heavy bleeding. In my first month, my period was heavy and lasted 10 days when I only had a period for 3-4 days on the mini pill. In the second month, I had 2 periods with only a week break in between. I continued to experience vaginal itching for the next 3 months. I was too scared to go back to the clinic to have it removed because I wanted to make sure I had insurance in case something went wrong during the removal. After 4 months, I finally graduated college and got a job with health benefits. I immediately set up an appointment to have it removed."

• Mon...
• December 13, 2020

For Birth Control "Recently got the ParaGard put in after avoiding birth control for 10+ years. I didn’t want anything with hormones and was terrified of birth control altogether. I did a ton of research and asked my OBGYN a million questions before finally deciding on ParaGard. The insertion was WAY less painful/uncomfortable than I was led to believe. Minor cramping for about 30 seconds and that’s it. She warned me about a “pinch,” but I didn’t even feel it. Other than the first few days of bleeding/spotting, I barely remember it’s in there. No changes to my skin/mood/etc. I consider myself very lucky after reading all the reviews, but everybody is different. It’s worth a try to see if it works for you because at the end of the day, they can just take it out if it doesn’t work for you. The first few periods weren’t exactly pleasant, but what period is? I’ve read over time the additional pain/added days go away, which IMO makes this no-hormone option well worth it."

• Hap...
• June 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I love being on the ParaGard. I was initially scared after reading all the bad experiences with heavy bleeding and cramping, but I had a good experience. Details about me: I’m in my late 20s, gave birth twice. Before any type of birth control, I had normal periods, with average bleeding and almost no cramping. After ParaGard, the first month, I bled A LOT for 9 days straight. 2nd month, bleeding normalized and I bled for exactly 3 days. Since then, this has continued. I rarely have any cramping, and when I do, it’s bearable. I would not change a thing. I’m guessing since I’m lucky to have had almost no cramping during my periods since I started menstruating at 13, that rolled over to the ParaGard. My uterus reacts very well to changes in my body. After ParaGard insertion, I had some cramping for about 48 hours, but it was nothing that kept me from functioning."

• Vic...
• February 8, 2020

For Birth Control "I had a copper IUD inserted after breast cancer rendered hormonal birth control no longer an option for me. I would not recommend it to anyone. Insertion was painful. I was on bedrest for about two days. I have a very high pain tolerance, and I was miserable for the first six months. I got my period twice a month, for 7-15 days, and I would get cramps so painful that I couldn't stand up straight, and I was bleeding so heavily that my menstrual cup was overflowing every few hours. Usually, I have to empty it once a day. Since then, things have only gotten moderately better. The bleeding has eased up, but my cycle is still very irregular, and the cramps have not gotten any better. I was in fantastic shape when I got my IUD. Since then, I have put on a considerable amount of weight because the pain I am in for what amounts to about two weeks out of each month is preventing me from keeping as active as I would like. I'm considering getting it removed."

• Mis...
• December 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on ParaGard for 6 months, and I’m ready to have it removed. My bleeding has been heavier and longer, and I’ve had more spotting and also irregular periods. I can’t have this any longer because I noticed a very nasty vaginal smell. I take care of myself and barely have sex because of it. The only plus side is no pregnancy. But I am ready to look for an alternative. I might go back to the arm implant."

• Anonymous
• September 11, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard for about two months now. A month before my wedding, I had the ParaGard inserted and thought my non-hormonal birth control worries were over. My goodness, was I wrong. The procedure was painful, I was bent over in pain for the next few days. I got my period on my honeymoon. I am a very active person. My period is usually very light: 4-5 days, no cramps, and done! Not with the ParaGard. I was on the floor of the shower in so much pain. It felt like my insides were being ripped apart. I had to constantly take pain meds. I had to use a heating pad constantly! I bleed so much. I was literally gushing blood! On top of all this, I am newly married and have absolutely no sex drive. It's horrible. I hate the ParaGard."

• Kan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve never commented on things like these, but seeing all the terrible comments also made me want to share my experience. I had this inserted after I went in for a Plan B to Planned Parenthood, as it works as an emergency contraceptive. They offered it for free at the time, so I took a day to do research and decided to go for it (you have 120 hours after the event to use it as an emergency contraceptive). I received it when I was 20 and have had it for 5 years. It has worked well. I have had no issues with it. I felt like I had become more moody, but the doctor said it is not related to this. The insertion was uncomfortable, but nothing too painful. You just feel heavy cramping for a bit, and then with the ibuprofen, I was fine. I did bleed for 1 month on and off, but my periods have been steady now. Last about 4 days. Normal to no cramping. And still not pregnant!!"

• Kri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the ParaGard inserted two weeks ago. I'm 38 and have had two children. The insertion hurt, not really painful though. It took only a few moments. They gave me a pad to wear home, but I never even spotted. But the cramps were pretty strong. But nothing I couldn't bear. The next day I spotted a little, just wore a panty liner. Cramps lasted three days and the spotting a week. Then I started my period. No cramps, medium to heavy flow. I wore a super tampon for about two hours between changes. Period lasted a week. Finally stopped bleeding and had sex for the first time since insertion. No pain or cramps. My boyfriend didn't even feel the strings. So far, loving it."

• Pla...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 23 and have had ParaGard in for 6 months. I got it because I was going to be working abroad without access to daily BC options. The insertion was almost painless, just a pinch feeling. About an hour after, I began to feel cramps and some pain. The next day, it was mild and then gone by nighttime. My first period was way heavier than I was used to! I also had terrible cramps and pains. I wanted to get ParaGard removed, but I couldn't since I was abroad. The next few periods were also painfully crampy with heavy bleeding, but I noticed the pain decreased with each period. Now I have had seven periods, and it is back to normal with just very minor cramps. The bleeding is not as heavy either. I am happy I never had it removed!"

• Tri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 17, 2016

For Birth Control "So happy this lasts for 10 years! 25 years old (I had it inserted a year ago). Now I give it 9/10 due to the heavy bleeding for the first 3-4 months. Once you get over that hill, it's amazing. No hormones, which was VERY important for me personally. So if you're looking for a very effective birth control, look no further! Just expect heavy bleeding for at least a few months. It gets better, you just have to let your body adjust to the new device."

• Tha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2018

For Birth Control "I got my ParaGard inserted on Dec 22, 2017, after being on birth control pills for 5 years. I had read the good and the bad reviews, and although I was scared to get it since I have never had any kids, I got it anyway. Went to my appointment expecting to be in a lot of pain. Getting it inserted was honestly very uncomfortable, but I took it, and after, I was cramping a bit on and off and began to spot. To not make this story longer than what it is, I pretty much started to bleed heavily for 15 days, which was apparently normal according to the nurses, and now it has completely stopped along with the cramps. I am super happy about not bleeding, and I have high hopes in this working for me and my partner. Will try and update soon!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2017

For Birth Control "I was hesitant to get the ParaGard after seeing some of these reviews, and I know everybody is different - so I'm here to share a positive one. I made the switch from being on the NuvaRing for 4 years. My gyno prescribed me painkillers to take for the insertion, so the procedure was absolutely painless. Afterwards, there was cramping and bleeding, but that was expected. I spotted and cramped until my next period, which was about 2 weeks. Yes, there was more blood and more cramping than I was used to, but nothing some Advil can't fix. After my first period, no cramping or spotting in between cycles, and my cycle is completely regular. With every period, the cramps and bleeding seem to get more tolerable. I'm very happy I made the switch!"

• GAK...
• February 26, 2016

For Birth Control "Had ParaGard inserted May 2015, six weeks after the birth of my last child. I was breastfeeding, so I had no symptoms at all that I had it in place until I introduced solid foods to my 6-month-old. My period came back very painfully and with a vengeance! From Nov to Feb, I have seriously bled every 10 days for 8-10 days in length. I pretty much only have 1 week of no bleeding per month as of right now. My bleeding is so heavy that I am changing my overnight pads every hour for days. Forget tampons! They cause too much pain in my abdomen and lower back. Just tonight, as I was in line at CVS buying more pads for my 5th day of heavy flow, a lady pointed out that I had bled through my jeans (so embarrassing) 45 minutes after changing my pad."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2022

For Birth Control "I lost a baby last July. In August, I needed a DNC because there were remaining tissues, and I had already loved the idea of ParaGard being non-hormonal. I decided to have it put in right after the DNC, extremely painful experience, it took my breath away. Maybe due to my situation, I was extra tender. I felt great knowing I could basically have carefree sex with my partner. However, within a month, I started experiencing strange anxiety, like I just had to get outta wherever I was. Now, here we are 6 to 7 months into having the ParaGard, and I'm suffering overwhelming anxiety, fast heart rate, panic attacks, inability to accomplish something alone like an adult should, wretched acne, bad crampy periods, bad bleeding, iron deficient. Removed today, and I feel a sigh of relief! Copper toxicity was beginning, I do believe. I don't recommend this. I'm crampy upon removal. Research!! I discovered my symptoms were similar to those on here after I read into this. You're not crazy."

• Kam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 7, 2021

For Birth Control "I had the ParaGard inserted in August of 2018. I bled straight until February 2019. Full regular periods with only about a spread-out three weeks of no bleeding during that time. Once periods did normalize, they are so heavy I am going through ultra-size tampons every four hours! That is not normal for me or really anyone, and I am anemic. After the pandemic, I went to see the doctor in March 2021 and was given the mini pill on top of the IUD to see if this will help with the period heaviness. If not, then I will have to have the IUD removed and try continuing on the pill or another IUD. I will say other than the ungodly bleeding, there were no other side effects, no weight gain or sexual drive changes like I had with other hormonal birth control. So if I do have it removed, I will be sad to see it go, but I can’t continue to bleed like this."

• yog...
• December 19, 2018

For Birth Control "I first started ParaGard in 2012. The first couple of years, I didn't notice anything other than the usual side effects. My periods got really heavy, and I became seriously anemic. Around 2015, I began having extreme mood shifts right before my period. It was getting worse as time went on, so I went on an antidepressant, but it didn't do much with the PMS depression crashes. By 2017, my period was heavier than it had been in the past. I was also bleeding much more frequently. The extreme moods were so much worse. I was near suicidal whenever I would have PMS. Just to be totally accurate with this review, I have a history of depression and anxiety but had never experienced anything like this. I began reading reviews and other experiences with the ParaGard and heard similar stories. About six months ago, I got the ParaGard removed. My period went back to normal immediately after removal. The mood episodes are almost non-existent."

• Ann...
• December 9, 2018

For Birth Control "DO NOT RECOMMEND. I just removed ParaGard after 2 years of having it. In the beginning, everything seemed to be fine, apart from heavy bleeding, which I was prepared for. Most of the days of my period, I had to have a tampon and a pad in order to stop the bleeding. In the past year, I had reoccurring yeast infections almost every month. I tried changing my diet, taking probiotics, without any change. However, the real problem was of the mental kind. Over the years, my mood swings and depression got much worse, with episodes of intense anger, anxiety, and sadness days before my period. It all culminated last month when I felt deeply depressed and suicidal for no apparent reason – I finally decided to have the IUD removed. The removal was terrifying because the ob-gyn couldn't find the device, so she had to use the ultrasound and apply 3 anesthetic injections to my cervix during the removal. I'm so happy that I did it, I feel so much better and calmer now."

• Ale...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had this ParaGard IUD for 9 months now. I am 29 years old and have never had a baby. I am very happy with this IUD overall. Insertion was painful, but nothing ibuprofen couldn't handle. My periods increased by 1-2 days, and the bleeding is heavier. Cramps are slightly more painful, but again, nothing medicine can't control. I love being hormone-free and that this will last ten years if I want it. I do have some random spotting here and there, but it never lasts more than a day at a time, and it is so slight sometimes I don't even notice it. I know there are a lot of bad reviews, and it seems scary, but I am so happy I did it, and I would recommend it to my friends."

• Nin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2016

For Birth Control "Had the IUD inserted on 08/01/2016 in August, no cramps initially, but about 2 hours after the insertion I started feeling cramping, but nothing Advil and a warm towel didn't help with. My periods before the IUD were a maximum of 2 days and very light. With the IUD, my periods are 4 days long with heavy bleeding on days 2 and 3, but a super tampon and a pad could help you with that. Overall I am satisfied with the product, but everyone's body is different! Do not let others' reviews turn you away from giving this product a shot. If it doesn't work for you, you could always have it removed."

• Rob...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 13, 2017

For Birth Control "After 4 years of painful periods, my ParaGard embedded and perforated my uterus. I went to my doctor after experiencing bleeding for over a week. I was shocked to learn I was pregnant and had to have a D&C to save my life. The ParaGard caused internal scarring and possible infertility. This was the worst experience of my life, and I warn everyone to avoid this birth control method. It is ineffective and can turn life-threatening. I share my personal experience to inform others of the risks, which were not fully shared with me."

• Anonymous
• October 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I had two children before getting the IUD, so my insertion was pretty much painless. I did experience some bleeding afterwards, and I felt a little strange a few weeks later, but I eventually felt normal again. I'll continue to update my review on this product."