ParaGard and Bleeding: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• Jen...
• June 9, 2017

For Birth Control "38, 2 children, the oldest is 9. I had ParaGard inserted about 6 weeks ago. In order to perform the procedure, the doctor required that I be on my period. The day of the procedure, I did not take any medicine for pain, nor did I have any other prep. The insertion took between 7 and 10 minutes. The doctor had to dilate my cervix slightly with a tool, which led to some minor bleeding. The actual insertion was uncomfortable with lots of pressure, but I would not describe it as painful. I did bleed lightly for about 4 days after the insertion, hardly any cramping. I had very light spotting for 2 weeks. My period came on time, normal bleeding, but it lasted 7 days versus the usual 5 or 6. It has not been noticeable during sex."

• BW1...
• April 19, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 30 and have been on Sprintec BC pill since I was 16. I was so tired of the low sex drive that the pill gave me, so I decided to make the move to ParaGard. The insertion was very painful, I took two Advil Liquid Gel pills prior to showing up to my doctor. I like to think I have a high pain tolerance, but I won't lie, it wasn't fun. It's now day 3, and I'm still cramping and bleeding, but it's getting better. At the moment, I would do anything to get rid of the cramping, but I have hope that this was the right move for me!"

• MBA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2017

For Birth Control "I recently had my IUD inserted 4 days ago. I am 21, have never been pregnant, and let me tell you that pain was so uncomfortable, but it went away quickly. I took ibuprofen and still had some painful but tolerable cramps. The day of my insertion, I was on my cycle, pretty heavy bleeding, but it went away faster than it ever has when I was on the pill."

• Geo...
• March 28, 2017

For Birth Control "If you are reading reviews... stop. ParaGard reacts differently to everyone that gets it. I almost scared myself out of getting it after days of reading the reviews, but you will never know if you do not go through with it. I'm not lying, it was painful day one and two, but it really is not bad! My periods are the same as they used to be (last about 4 days with moderate flow), just a bit crampier a week before and when I ovulate. The pain is nothing a few Advil can't solve. A few side effects that I experienced: I was bloated for the first couple weeks, spot bleeding here and there, cramps are sharper. Honestly, that's it... for me, this was the BEST option on the market!"

• No...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2017

For Birth Control "So it's been 6 days since I had ParaGard inserted, and let me tell you, I'm doing a helluva lot better than day 1. The insertion was a pain I'd never felt before and had me thinking it's been placed incorrectly. I had chosen to get the insertion 4 hours before I was due in for work, but inevitably ended up calling out. I laid on that table for over an hour trying to get the room to stop spinning so I could make the drive back home. Once I could finally stand, I went straight home and curled up with a heating pad, ibuprofen, and a glass of wine. I spotted the next day, which led to me bleeding heavily for two days. The bleeding has now pretty much stopped. I was able to have sex with my partner with no worries or pain. So far, so good (:"

• Aly...
• January 30, 2017

For Birth Control "Just got the ParaGard inserted two days ago. Most horrendous pain I've ever gone through. Didn't even have so much as a pap before that. Doc was not gentle at all. She used too big of a speculum and had to swap for a smaller one, which made me start bleeding immediately. I haven't had any babies. I'd definitely say the pain is worth it in the end. I do have faith in this method. I did bleed a lot during the procedure and have been bleeding lightly since. I am still cramping, which is currently fluctuating between mild, moderate, and excruciating depending. Fiancé bought me a heating pad that I warm up in the microwave, which is soothing. Sitting with my legs up is helping, and warm showers. I'm excited to not have to worry about pills."

• Emi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard IUD inserted almost two weeks ago, and it's been okay so far. When I got it inserted, it felt like cramps, but nothing that I couldn't handle, and I was just fine after the insertion. Just some slight cramping the first week, and the second week I started my period and had a lot more cramping than I'm used to on a period, but nothing that made me stay home from work. So far, it's been pretty okay, and I will put another review in a few months to update. I've read horror stories about this birth control, but it hasn't been too bad for me. Just more cramping and more bleeding on my period, and I only bled a lot for one day and cramped badly for the first day."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2016

For Birth Control "Had ParaGard inserted one month ago today. I'm 44 and gave birth twice. Only a pinch was felt, and the whole process took about 10 minutes. I did have my period. I took 2 Advil before the procedure. No cramping or pain at all after. The first period after the insertion was 3 days of intense bleeding. Then 3-4 days of light bleeding. Some light spotting in between periods. Boyfriend hasn't complained he feels it, but I have had light bleeding after sex. Hoping that and the heavy periods diminish after a few months. I would definitely recommend."

• sus...
• May 31, 2016

For Birth Control "I am writing this for girls who have Crohn's disease and a low immune system due to the medications for Crohn's. I was on a very low dose of birth control, and it simply was not for me! I became very depressed, I bled during sex, as well as experienced a lot of discomfort and had spotting for the entire 8 months I was on it. I got the Paragard inserted two months ago. I really have to say I love it, and I am glad I made the decision to get one! I only had periods that lasted 3 days with no cramps, and so far, I have only experienced cramps one week before and after my period and have not required any ibuprofen. If you think you are a good candidate, try it out. It's been great."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2016

For Birth Control "ParaGard Update: It's been exactly 2 months since I've had my ParaGard placed. Pros: don't have to worry about taking a pill daily anymore, no hormonal side effects, and most importantly, no pregnancy :). Cons: I can feel the presence of the IUD during sex every now and then, or randomly if I cough or laugh. My Gyno and other IUD users I know said my body needs more time to adjust, but I hate feeling it. Another con is the heavy bleeding (went from 3-4 days pds. to 1 week pds.), but that should also adjust over time. I can't say I love it yet, but I'm willing to give it more time. No birth control method is perfect, but you have to be willing to give it a shot if the pros outweigh the cons. In my opinion, nothing's worse than that pill!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 19, 2016

For Birth Control "After my 2nd child, we were pretty sure we were done. But getting fixed was too permanent! I've had ParaGard for six years, and overall, I'm happy with it. I've tried every kind of BC pills from low to high hormones. I also used NuvaRing and the Depo shot. My body can't handle any kind of hormones! For me, the insertion was not painful. The first two years were heavy bleeding, spotting all the time, and bad cramps with a period of 10 to 14 days. It's a little better now, but I still have 7 to 10-day periods, and 4 to 6 days of heavy bleeding. But for me, the cons are worth not getting pregnant!!"

• EnG...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard IUD for about seven years now. The first few periods were really tough. I considered removing it. After a few months, my periods were no different than how they were before. I can understand initial heavy cramping and bleeding that a few have mentioned. For me, it did subside. My periods are relatively regular, give or take a few days, and last about 5 days. Not having to even think about birth control is such a luxury for a married person who does not want to become pregnant. Depending on the time of the month, the string can hang a bit out of the cervix, which can be bothersome (yes, I check), otherwise, I have no complaints. I'm afraid it will hurt during removal though. :/"

• Ame...
• December 30, 2015

For Birth Control "So far, I have had the ParaGard for about 4 months, and I can't complain. It's good for 10 years, and after recently giving birth to my second child, I love the long-term option. It's been effective so far. But there are some downsides, heavy bleeding definitely is a factor in deciding if you want it. When I say heavy, I mean changing a tampon almost 6-8 times a day. But in my opinion, it's worth it. Also, the cramps are not great. They feel like mild contractions, again, to me, it's worth not getting pregnant again. Insertion was not bad compared to the reviews that I read before getting it. I believe having kids factors into the amount of pain there is. Basically, it was a minor pinch, and that was it! That day, I forgot I had even gotten it."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 7, 2015

For Birth Control "23, no kids, 1 year. I am one of the lucky statistics that, for some unknown reason, expels IUDs (twice now with the ParaGard), but I did want to share, despite that, my positive experience in general. Being young, I knew this would be a convenient means of long-term birth control, the no hormone aspect really enticed me. Have had bad experiences with Nexplanon and pills. Insertion: wasn't horrible for me, felt like a weird, really invasive pap that clamped down inside you for 5 seconds. 2 days of cramping and heavy bleeding after. Positives: convenience, no weight gain, acne, hair loss, or anything like that. Negatives: heavier period bleeding, possibly painful sex. My cervix was super sensitive and sex was less pleasurable than before."

• Mom...
• March 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard at my 8-week PP appointment after my first in August 2012. Had it in till October of 2013 when we decided to have another baby. I had no period for the first 4 months (I also breastfed) and had pretty heavy periods for 4 months once I started again. After those horrible 4 months, I got back to regular with mild periods. Had no problems getting pregnant after removal, conceived December 2013. Just had my second child in September of 2014 and got the ParaGard again at 8 weeks PP. I'm now 6 months PP with still no period (I'm also still breastfeeding, so we'll see once I'm done). The first time placement hurt horribly. I bled quite a bit and cramped the rest of the day. But this last time placement wasn't painful one bit. LOVE it!"

• Emm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 21, 2024

For Birth Control "Okay, I have VERY mixed feelings. To start, I had very regular, easy periods that I wouldn’t call heavy and only lasted 5-7 days before getting my ParaGard. I had it for four months before I had to take it out. The hormone-free option really appealed to me. I had had a 16-week miscarriage a month before I got it. I had hemorrhaged during all of that and was slightly anemic. During the four months I had it, I bled so incredibly that I could no longer use a menstrual cup and needed to use a super tampon and an overnight pad in tandem for the first 6 days of my periods. Then I would have 3-5 days of light bleeding/spotting after my periods. My anemia had gotten so bad that even while on prescription-grade iron, I was more anemic than ever. I didn’t have any cramps which I previously did have, and maybe this was in my head, but I felt like I PMSed so much longer and more intensely than prior to ParaGard/my pregnancy. It was completely covered by my insurance, so that was a plus!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2022

For Birth Control "Because I feel a good candidate to share my review. I had the ParaGard twice. Once after my last child, and had it for 10 years with no issues at all! It was great. Fast forward 6 years after the removal of my first ParaGard, and it’s been 4 weeks, and I haven’t stopped bleeding. The cramps are no more worse than before, but it’s the nonstop bleeding for me that has me just about over it. So what am I saying? Your body can have either reaction, and you shouldn’t let bad reviews deter you from getting this until you try it for yourself. From my understanding, it could go on with the side effects I am having for at least the first cycle, but the fact it prevents pregnancy, and this is what I was going for, is a plus for me."

• Ate...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 28, 2021

For Birth Control "I switched from Mirena to ParaGard in December 2020. I felt my mood swings disappear and my food cravings disappear as well. I got my first period in January 2021 and have had a monthly cycle. One cycle was so heavy that I could not leave the house for one day because nothing would contain the bleeding. Then I resumed a regular 8-day cycle. I now have had a light period for 30 days. I'm waiting for the bleeding to end. Hopefully, it is just a one-time thing. The bleeding is never-ending."

• Lem...
• December 15, 2020

For Birth Control "I got ParaGard inserted as a birthday gift for my boyfriend! I’ve had it for almost a year now. Insertion was awful. It’s been a painful year for me with a crazy amount of bleeding & cramps. The first 6 months I had 10-day periods and intense cramping. I went back to the hospital and was told that Ibuprofen helps with bleeding. Now with Ibuprofen, my periods are down to normal 4-6 day periods. It seems like every month my periods are getting shorter and less painful. One thing I really don't like is the cramp that I feel 3-4 days before my period starts. Out of nowhere, I will have 3-4 hour-long terrible cramps but no bleeding. I basically live addicted to Ibuprofen and I am always ready to take one as soon as a cramp starts. Despite all the cons, I am actually happy with it because my relationship with my boyfriend totally improved since we stopped freaking out about the possibility of me being pregnant. Also, stay away from vibrators because it can cause cramping."

• kat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 25, 2020

For Birth Control "I would like to start off by saying the ParaGard is a bit painful for insertion. The bleeding sucks! I have been on it a little over two years. I've been experiencing spotting before and after my periods to this day. I do have brain fog and severe cramps. BV has been coming and going, and before ParaGard, I'd only had BV once with my firstborn. Didn't get ParaGard until my second baby was born. Really contemplating getting this out. I have talked to my OB about the side effects, and she swears it's all natural! This birth control is not for everybody. Trust your body!"

• gma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 30, 2019

For Birth Control "The insertion was horrible! The cramps for the next 2 days were horrible. After a couple of days everything was all good. I'd cramp randomly, but that's it. Sex is painful now when it never used to be. My period is like a ghost period, I'll get the cramps for 2-3 days, then I'll spot, then I'll bleed light, then heavy. It lasts for about 2 weeks. It sucks some days I want to take it out and some days I forget it is there. I've tried 6 different birth controls, really hoping this one works and I can lose the 30 lbs I had gained with the previous birth controls."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had the ParaGard for about two months now, and it works because I don’t have to worry about being pregnant, but the periods are so bad. I’m currently on my third period with it, and it is getting a little better, but it’s still pretty bad. The first few days of it, my cramps are so bad that I’ve even called off work because of them. They feel really bad, and I feel like I’m gonna faint sometimes. I also bleed so much on my periods now. My periods used to last like 4-5 days with barely any cramping, but now they last for like 8 days, and for like four days of it, I’m having excruciating pain. I’m gonna keep it for a while because I really do like the thought of not having to worry about getting pregnant. If it doesn’t get better, I’m probably gonna remove it though and go to Mirena."

• Hai...
• July 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I first got ParaGard inserted in April 2019 for $40 CDN (32 USD) in Jamaica (I live in Jamaica ATM). I had read before that the insertion was painful, but I did not expect it to be that bad. (I took 600 mg of Advil before the insertion as well). After the insertion (which hurt), I laid curled up in a ball on my boyfriend's lap for a good portion of the night because it hurt too much to move. I went to bed early that night after more Advil. The next day was very painful to move as well. By the third day, the pain was a lot better. After the insertion, I bled a lot and had to wear a pad for 5 days. My period has gotten significantly heavier and longer since the IUD. They now last 8-9 days, however, the cramps are minimal. I make sure to take multivitamins with zinc so I do not get copper toxicity from the IUD. (Zinc reduces copper). Also, multivitamins with iron included are good because you will bleed for longer for 6 months' time."

• Bel...
• August 28, 2018

For Birth Control "It’s almost a week ago that I got the ParaGard. I decided to switch to ParaGard from hormonal birth control pills because hormones made me gain weight. I also couldn’t tolerate the hormones anymore because I was depressed, my nipples hurt, and I had vaginal dryness. The insertion was very painful because my cervix was too small. My GP was also inexperienced. During the insertion, I felt massive cramps, and I also started to bleed, which lasted for 4 days. I took 2 Naproxen hours prior to the insertion. After 10 years of feeling like a zombie on birth control pills, I finally feel myself again. I’ve lost a little bit of weight, especially around my thighs, my nipples don’t hurt, and I feel less depressed. I also don't have massive food cravings like I did on the hormonal contraceptives. My acne is back, unfortunately, but this is manageable with acne skincare products. I also suffer from vaginal discharge with a little bit of blood, but in time, I think this will go away. I think my body needs time to adjust."