ParaGard and Bleeding: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Jus...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 16, 2018

For Birth Control "I have utilized ParaGard 3 times now. I absolutely love it. The first time was after my first child in 2005. I had it recommended by my OB. It was a bit uncomfortable going in (each time) and I did have spotting a few days after each. But I had it removed prior to conception each time and now I have 3 beautiful children. One time it did slip out and had to be replaced, but no other issues. After my most recent child in 2015, my now OB recommended Mirena. It was the worst 6 months of my life. I had horrible headaches, bleeding on and off all month every month, cramping all the time. I went in and had it swapped back to ParaGard and have now gone almost 3 years without further incident. I love that it has no hormones. I have not gotten pregnant while it was in. I was able to conceive almost immediately after taking it out each time. I never had any side effects and liked that my cycle was not affected, as awful as it can be sometimes, because of the absence of hormones."

• d_f...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 1, 2018

For Birth Control "I'm 24 years old and have had the ParaGard IUD for about 2 years now. It's a great birth control, so I recommend it for anyone. There are a few things to be aware of. Painful cramps and heavier bleeding are to be expected. I get my period extremely regular, so I know exactly when and what the change is. No birth control method is perfect, but I feel the ParaGard IUD is an amazing product. The main and most important reason why I have the ParaGard IUD is because of my severe migraines. I appreciate the fact that my IUD does not interrupt or worsen my migraines (according to my GYN, my neurologist, and myself)."

• TJa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 27, 2018

For Birth Control "I have had ParaGard for almost 4 years. It’s been effective, and I am not aware of any side effects. My body does not react well to traditional hormonal birth control, so this was an ideal choice for me. Pills and Depo had undesirable side effects, and the 'natural' method is how I got pregnant with my son (ha!). The only drawback to ParaGard is the heavy, longer periods. Without the IUD, my periods are 3 days. With it, they run 6-7 days. The bleeding is heavier but not unbearable. I do have some insecurity about it failing as time passes, but that’s because I am 41 and vehemently opposed to another child. I do recommend it."

• Jhe...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I had the ParaGard inserted on Nov. 2007, and I am having a replacement inserted soon. It's been 9 years and 8 months. I've read that you can have it in for up to 12 years, but I don't want to risk it. My mom, who informed me about the 5-year IUD, had it inserted after I was born back in 1990. My mom had my brother in 1998 and then after my little sister. So, no problems there after it was removed. After having my second child, I went to her for advice on birth control. She advised me to go with the IUD since it went extremely well when she had it. Everyone's body is different, so it's always good to consult with your doctor. Aside from sometimes having heavy bleeding and very few cramps, I love the ParaGard!!!"

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2017

For Birth Control "New to ParaGard, love it. Never had kids, want to eventually. Insertion was not terrible, a pinch to measure then another pinch to insert & done. I was prescribed 3 pills to soften the lining of my uterus & I guess they worked. I took Aleve before & continued through the next 2 days. I had my SO come with me for insertion & I'm glad I did. I could have driven home but it was nice to be able to relax with my cramping & not worry about driving. I'm very glad I took a half day at work! Thermacare heat pads were my BFF for the first 2 days. I spotted on and off for 8 days but since have had regular bleeding & some cramps. My body adjusted well to hormone-free BC & not having to remember a pill is liberating!"

• Cni...
• March 9, 2017

For Birth Control "Every woman is different, so make sure you talk to your doctor about what is best for you. But I personally don't think women who have never had a kid should get an IUD. I had an awful experience with Mirena (extremely painful placement) before I had a child several years ago. Experienced terrible pain after 30 days and had it removed. And bled for 6 months. But my doctor said that since I've had a child I should have a different experience with an IUD because my uterus is larger after having a child. So I decided to get ParaGard since there are no hormones and it lasts 10 years. I had it placed today, and it hardly hurt at all. Just some mild cramping. So far, so good... hopefully I continue to have a good experience."

• mom...
• November 9, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard for about 9 months now. I was opting for the Essure procedure when I went to the doctors. After personally looking at the coils and getting info from the gynecologist, I decided on the ParaGard instead. I am happy with it. It didn't hurt at all having it put in. Just a little tugging, and minutes later it was in. The first month was really heavy bleeding for days. Since I have had it in for 9 months now, it has gotten less bleeding, but I still have one day a month it is really heavy. No spotting during the month."

• 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."

• 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."

• Lai...
• May 9, 2016

For Birth Control "I was so scared to get it, but I went in and it was so easy. You feel a little pinch and a small cramp, and you are done. Very mild cramping after, like the onset of a period. You bleed a little for a day. I did it 8 weeks after having my baby. I haven't had it long enough to comment on how it affects my period, but the process was a piece of cake."

• ARe...
• February 9, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had the ParaGard for about a month. I've had no problem with it. I had a C-section 11 weeks prior to insertion. Insertion didn't hurt, other than cramping while they were measuring how far to put my IUD. I had light cramping for about two days and spotting and bleeding for about 5 days, which is expected. After that, everything was great. Checked the strings, everything in place. No problems. Now, before I got pregnant, I already had heavy periods, and ParaGard does not help with that at all. I can't take hormonal BC due to a blood clotting mutation. When I got my first period after insertion, flow was heavy, which is normal for me. Cramping, on the other hand, was more than expected. Nothing I couldn't handle, though. I give 9 out of 10."

• Zyn...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 29, 2015

For Birth Control "Honestly, this is the best birth control ever, and I had heavy periods and cramps, but heavy bleeding can come from having low iron. I had it for 9 months, and I forget I have it sometimes. The first few periods are heavy, but who cares? I'll recommend this to anyone."

• crl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2015

For Birth Control "Love my ParaGard! Insertion was a breeze for me. The first month was pretty rough as my body adjusted to it, but after that it's been smooth sailing. The only thing I am having trouble with is getting used to the heavy bleeding. My periods before the IUD were pretty light, so I'm still having issues with leaking at night and remembering to change my cup more frequently during the day. I'm planning on making a switch to cloth overnight pads, so hopefully that will help. My cramps are not nearly as bad as they used to be, they've actually disappeared for the most part, which was a pleasant surprise, especially as someone who tends to get pretty severe period cramps. Best birth control I've tried so far!"

• Liz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 16, 2015

For Birth Control "Just had mine put in today, and it wasn't as bad as I expected. There was a little pressure upon insertion, but otherwise, it went like a normal yearly visit. My doc explained everything along the way, and everything went great with only slight bleeding. I did get lightheaded and slightly disoriented after, but they cooled me down, and I am doing perfectly fine. So far, only slight cramping experienced and very minimal bleeding."

• Jai...
• August 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I got a ParaGard at 24 and have never been pregnant. The insertion was not too painful, having the speculum inserted for about 3 minutes was uncomfortable, and it just felt like period cramps the rest of the day. The first time I was sexually active a few days after insertion, it hurt a bit, but that was it. No pain after that, but had pretty continual bleeding for 3 months. The bleeding was very light, I put a DivaCup in all day and didn't worry about it, didn't even need it at night. Only once, at about 3 months in, after fairly rough sex, I had a stabbing pain in the lower right side of my abdomen. Took an Advil, which made it go away. Went to the doctor, and the IUD was in the proper place. The doctor said it could have been ovulation."

• Swe...
• July 8, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 34 years old, and I have had two children previously. I was so nervous yesterday when I went in to have my ParaGard inserted. I had read so many online reviews, and I was terrified. My doctor mixed up my appointment, and my consultation actually became the day of insertion. I was nervous because I was not on my period, and I had not taken any medicine for pain. As my doctor started, I was breathing very heavily to try to relax. Once she started, she asked me if I was okay, and by the time I knew it, it was over. I had one cramp and one small pinch, and that was it. It was not that bad for me. I had immediate bleeding, and I am having a little spotting today, but nothing I can't handle. I just got it, so I give it a 9."

• tee...
• May 14, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm 19 and have been with my boyfriend since I was 15. I have no kids and the pill I started to forget, and the hormones just are out of control. I've had this in for 3 weeks now. The worst part for me was putting it in. I felt a lot of pressure and discomfort. I had cramping after and all the next day. I bled for 10 days, then it stopped. I just took pain meds before and after. I would recommend it. On another note, if your man is big, he can feel it a little bit inside of you, but it doesn't hurt him, just a different feeling. And wait like 2 weeks to have sex."

• Sea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 8, 2015

For Birth Control "I wanted to leave a review because I feel that naturally, people with bad experiences are more likely to post than people who had positive experiences. For me, the copper IUD has been the best form of birth control I've used. Insertion was extremely painful, but the potential to have 10 years of hormone-free birth control is worth it. The 1st month, there was a lot of light bleeding and occasional cramping while the IUD 'settled' in. The cramping at the start of my 1st period was hell, the 2nd period less so, and now the 3rd period is almost pre-insertion levels. Periods are heavier and longer, but I am so relieved to 1) have a sex drive (bad experiences with hormones) and 2) 10 years of no pills in my future! I don't notice my IUD anymore, 3 months in."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2015

For Birth Control "No issues at all here. People said it hurts getting it in- didn't hurt me. People said it caused them heavy bleeding- not me. Severe cramps- nope. Spotting/bleeding between periods- no. I'm also sure that what you 'experience' with ParaGard may depend on how your cycles were before getting it put in. I love it."

• 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."

• Sar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 13, 2021

For Birth Control "I have had ParaGard now for 6 months. The insertion I found completely intolerable, but once it was in, my experience has been mostly positive. My mental health is much better after going off the pill, and my blood pressure has also gone back to normal. The only thing is that my periods are wild. I bleed a lot, very heavily, and on the worst day of my cycle, I will get cramps that seriously take my breath away with how strong and sharp they are. It is mitigated by doubling up on Tylenol and Advil, but it's still no joke. Still, it's better than my oral birth control pills, and unless something happens, I'll be sticking with ParaGard for the foreseeable future."

• CBa...
• December 20, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve had the ParaGard for 2 years now. The insertion for me personally wasn’t a big deal. It wasn’t comfortable by any means, but I was expecting it to be a lot worse. There was major cramping, and I bled for the next 4 days, but it wasn’t anything unmanageable. My periods post-ParaGard were a little sporadic, and then I got back on track. They returned to normal about 4-6 months later with no trouble. About a year after the ParaGard, my periods became extremely heavy and unmanageable to a point where I was having to wake up during the night to change tampons and Diva Cups. I’m not sure if anyone else has these issues, but I’m still continuing to experience them... where I’m having extremely heavy periods after them going back to normal for a while. This experience is not the same for everyone, as I have overall had a great experience and do not want to change just because of this issue."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2020

For Birth Control "I recently got ParaGard inserted, the insertion wasn’t too bad. It was instant cramps, though, and they increased as that day went on, so much so I took about 2 ibuprofen 800s and laid around with my heating pad. My period was due around the time, so I cramped up until it came about 4 days later. I normally cramp, so it was nothing out of the ordinary or that ibuprofen couldn’t handle. The bleeding, however, whereas my period is normally 4/5 days, I am now on day 6 and over it. Came to see how long periods normally last after insertion because really I’m over it, lol. I am not cramping at all anymore and can’t even tell it’s there. So far, so good."

• Gin...
• August 13, 2019

For Birth Control "The insertion of ParaGard was not painful at all. I was expecting it to be very painful based on the online comments, but it felt like a regular Pap smear. I was a bit nauseous afterward, but it went away. It’s great “forget about it” birth control. It’s in, I can have sex, and that’s it. My partner can’t feel it at all. Zero added discomfort during sex. It’s not hormonal, so I have zero of those types of side effects. Zero weight gain, mood swings, cravings. Only 8/10 because it’s not perfect! There are some side effects that are bearable for me, such as extremely heavy period, longer lasting period, and slightly worse cramps. My period now lasts 7-8 days instead of 4. On one of the days, I do usually have bad cramps, but I’m able to manage them with ibuprofen. As far as the heavy bleeding, I manage it with a Diva cup! So much easier than going through tampons. One of my friends uses the Flex Disc with her ParaGard, and that manages the bleeding better as well."

• Sim...
• August 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard 2 years ago. The insertion process wasn't bad, I had mild cramping during insertion and strong menstrual cramping after, which lasted 2 days max. I experienced very heavy bleeding for about 4 to 6 months. I had to wear thick pads and often bled through. After approx. 5 months, the bleeding began to normalize. I like the fact that ParaGard is very effective, however, my complaints are overactive bladder, breakthrough bleeding, and long periods. My periods last 9 to 16 days. I consulted my doctor on my concerns and was informed that this is normal and within the side effects of the ParaGard. Although my bleeding isn't heavy anymore, I dislike that it lasts so long. I am contemplating having it removed."