ParaGard and Bleeding: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Ber...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I had this IUD for about 8 months. I will not lie when I tell you the insertion process is pretty painful. Awkward and quick, but it does hurt. I also had severe cramps for the entire next day. The kind of cramps that radiate into your back and down your legs. Once that first 2 days passed, I was fine...until my periods came. I knew heavy periods were all part of having ParaGard, but this was insanity. Periods lasted about 2 weeks, and I would bleed through an ultra-absorbency tampon in an hour. The cramping during my periods was also unbearable. I also had consistent diarrhea the whole time I had the IUD. Almost as if my whole midsection was trying to get rid of it in whatever way possible. I wanted to love it. But I hated it."

• 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."

• Lis...
• May 27, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard for one year and one month. The insertion was uncomfortable and painful, which was expected. I bled for the first three months straight. My period lasts 10 days, and I have two weeks in between. I get cramps that feel like contractions that make me almost fall to my knees or faint. I can't use tampons because I bleed too much, and I have to change my overnight pad every hour. I get cramps throughout the month even when I'm not on my period, and sharp shooting pains on my left side when I try to sleep. I have also developed cystic acne, which responds to nothing, hair loss, and mood disorders. I have had it checked by a doctor, and they said I'm fine. I am going to have it removed next week."

• Ray...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 22, 2019

For Birth Control "Had it 4.75 years. It was 100% effective at preventing pregnancy - its only upshot. My broad ligament needed massage to accept the foreign object. Increased bleeding throughout the month is no joke. I bled 7-10 days a month with IUD, very heavy. Could not go through the night! I spotted on ovulation and *every* time I had sex. It led to anemia. It makes your body double down on uterine lining - 2x as much blood to be shed each month. The symptoms of copper toxicity can be subtle! I could feel it in there all the time, like a sliver. Six of the last eight weeks before I had it removed, I had low back pain, 6/10, unable to bend my spine + extreme fatigue and was in such a depressed state. The pain only relented during my menstruation. It works by causing inflammation and disrupting your mineral balance. I would not recommend this form of birth control for anyone who struggles with inflammation, autoimmunity, anemia, or postpartum depression."

• Mad...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 15, 2017

For Birth Control "I’ve had ParaGard for almost 5 years, since I was 20. Never been pregnant or on any other type of BC. I remember the insertion being painful, like the worst cramps I’d ever felt, but brief, and then I was crampy for a few days. Overall, not horrendous. My first 4-5 periods on it were pretty gnarly, though, with really heavy bleeding and horrible cramps; I had to miss school/work even with ibuprofen. It has gotten better, though. Pre-IUD, my natural period was light with rare cramps. I love that it is non-hormonal, which is why I’ve kept it in for 4.5 years, but I’m getting really sick of the heavy 6-7 day period with heavy cramps and backache every single month. I’m considering getting it removed, but don’t know of a better option for BC."

• 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."

• Did...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 10, 2017

For Birth Control "I had the IUD in place for 9 years. Had increasing symptoms of worsening PMS, heavy bleeding, increased pain during menstruation. Last month, I found out I was pregnant. Great, now it failed completely. I had it removed and subsequently lost the baby. The story doesn't end there. For two weeks, I had excruciating pain and continued spotting. I went for a scan on Wednesday to find I had also an ectopic pregnancy growing in my right ovary. I went for emergency surgery and had my ovary and fallopian tube removed and an excess of 200 ml of internal blood removed. So, while the IUD technically did its job, it completely failed me in the end."

• Ann...
• April 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I had constant pain for a full year, and I bled all but about three days every month for the entire while. My body hated this IUD. I have a mood disorder and thought, no hormones, awesome! Not when you're thrown out of whack by a constant period anyway. I didn't get pregnant, and the method itself would be convenient if it didn't cause you to cramp and bleed all the time (and I'm talking clots the likes of which I have never experienced in my entire life). I basically stopped having sex at all for a year because who wants to when you're always on your freaking period? After months of various ob/gyns telling me 'Ooooh, just stick with it, it'll even out!' I finally did what I should have to begin with and got this stupid thing removed. The next day, my stabbing pains had stopped, and so had my bleeding. I'm back on Junel 21, and my PMS wasn't debilitating. Do yourself a favor and really weigh the pros and cons before you get the ParaGard."

• 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."

• 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."

• Ale...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 25, 2018

For Birth Control "So I’ve had 2 ParaGuards in my life. The first one made my skin break out like crazy. Took it out and got pregnant. The beginning of my pregnancy, I had severe bleeding for the first 2 months, such that doctors advised me that my baby wouldn’t make it through the pregnancy. Thankfully, my baby did. Fast forward, I got another one inserted. By the 2nd year, I started breaking out like crazy. By the 8th year, I started having severe and long 15 days plus periods. Gained about 50 lbs and can’t seem to lose weight no matter what. Will finally get it removed next week. Never again."

• 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. :/"

• Che...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 20, 2020

For Birth Control "It was effective for me, but I hated it so much I had it removed after about nine months. Insertion was definitely uncomfortable, and the cramping after was pretty bad, but I just used a heating pad and watched movies, fine the next day I think. But my periods were horrendous. Really bad cramping where I normally have hardly any. Couldn't sleep through the night because I'd bleed through everything too fast. Menstrual cup needed to be emptied about every two hours (previously could go 12). I guess I thought it was worth it enough to keep it for the nine months I did, but it was a relief to get it out. And my periods went right back to normal."

• Bab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2017

For Birth Control "I wanted to share my feelings on ParaGard since I just got mine a few months ago and have heard some pretty scary things about it. I am 21 and came off NuvaRing after 3 years of using it. The insertion of the IUD was the most painful thing I've ever felt, it made me nauseous, BUT it was over within 10 minutes. The following week was hell with nonstop cramps and bleeding. After a week, I felt great! My period came earlier than expected but was roughly the same as it was before having the IUD. 7-8 days with 3 days of debilitating cramps and enough bleeding to use a super tampon in 45 minutes. It didn't hurt worse or last longer! Now in month 2, I still feel great. My cycle messed up a bit, but it is getting more regular again. I love it!"

• Men...
• December 12, 2019

For Birth Control "After reading these reviews, I'm realizing all of my side effects are because of this. I made my 10 years with ParaGard in September. The only good thing is I did not get pregnant considering I've gotten pregnant off of 2 different types of birth control pills, patch, and NuvaRing. So this was the last option. Now everything else is on the bad side. This IUD has intensified my migraines to the point that I was admitted to the hospital. Heavy bleeding, bad cramps, mood swings, depression bouts, and BV plenty of times. I think the hardest one for me is the hair loss. I literally lost my edges due to this. Currently, this IUD is still in me, but next week it's coming out. For the last 3 weeks, I've been bleeding excessively more than usual. Literally, 1 overnight pad and super tampon every 2 hours. I've been incredibly weak in the mornings. The only reason I tolerated the 10 years is because I really don't want anymore kids as I have 3 (as I said earlier, I've gotten pregnant 7 times while using some form of birth control) as of today I'm totally done with this birth control method."

• Des...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I just recently got ParaGard inserted after getting the Lilletta removed. The Lilletta made me bleed non-stop, and as soon as I got the ParaGard inserted, the bleeding stopped, and I haven't been bleeding anymore."

• PZa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2018

For Birth Control "Please do not base your decision on these reviews! I literally almost backed out of getting the ParaGard because of posted experiences. I reminded myself my body hates hormones and may react differently, and I am so glad I trusted my instincts. Upon insertion, I experienced about 30 seconds of slightly above mild discomfort while my cervix was being dilated. A sharp, piercing pain was maybe a second when he put it in, and for the remainder of the day, I didn't even experience cramping or pain. I could tell there was a different feeling, but nothing that required medication. I have barely spotted since it's been in, but a couple of times I have bled similar to menstruation while using the restroom. Overall, and beyond pleasantly surprised thus far with my experience and feel free knowing I no longer have hormones being pumped into my body. Medicine is not a perfect science, so do your research, know your body, and talk with your physician. So glad I took the plunge and did this."

• Anonymous
• October 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 33 and have had bad luck with hormonal birth control. After finding myself in a committed relationship, I decided it was time to find an alternative. I had a colposcopy 1 week before the IUD insertion, so my lady parts were already pretty irritated before the insertion. I would recommend more time in between if you also need a colposcopy. Aside from that, it was much less painful than I expected. It was like one really, really bad cramp. I had quite a bit of bleeding afterward. The doctor said the clamp she had used to hold the cervix still had caused the bleeding. I had bad cramps for 3 days, then they backed off. I'm now having mild cramping with the start of my period. It's not heavy yet. I hope this is it! Medicaid paid 100%!"

• Ros...
• August 13, 2015

For Birth Control "I did not receive pre-medication before planned insertion. I had it inserted at age 24 and had never given birth. It was very painful to have inserted. I began having pain radiating down from my uterus to my hips, thighs, and knees. Now it mainly begins a week prior to my period. I have heavy periods, most of the heavy bleeding is only for 2-3 days. The other days are light to normal, with several days of spotting after. The PMS symptoms have been amplified. Pain during sex. Breakthrough bleeding. Occasionally, I get an extra period. I have kept the ParaGard because it is highly effective. I am allergic to hormonal contraceptives, spermicide, and have a latex sensitivity. So far, no babies."

• lol...
• October 5, 2019

For Birth Control "After terminating an unplanned pregnancy, I was advised to get the ParaGard coil. Having had regular and fairly light periods for years and maintaining a healthy weight, it was difficult to get used to the bloating and heavy bleeding. The coil felt like a constant, low-level pressure, and I often had the taste of metal in my mouth. My appetite increased. Despite exercising more, my weight increased (my face got chunkier and my belly and hips got wider). I couldn't keep on top of the pain and was taking painkillers six days a month. I decided to take it out six weeks ago, fed up with waiting for a couple of days' respite where I might feel normal. I have dropped about a quarter stone in that time - probably the amount I put on during the five months I had it in. There's been a chemical shift in the time I've had it in - I now get tired more easily, and even small amounts of alcohol leave me drained the next day. Hope this helps anyone else feeling similar things."

• Mom...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 8, 2018

For Birth Control "Lots of bad reviews, and I'm sorry to the many women who have had bad experiences with ParaGard. Mine has been great, and I totally recommend it. I haven't had any of the symptoms other women have had. As far as insertion, a slight pinch. No cramps after. Spotting, yes, for maybe two months, but no constant bleeding. Periods for the first three months were beyond horrible! But then calmed down. The period has gone from 4-5 days to 7 days, but only one heavy day. It does linger towards the end. I did bleed after sex for about 6 months. But other than that, it's been great. Strings don't bother my BF, no cramps, no lack of sex drive, no acne, no PMS, no irritability, no foggy mind, etc. I'm the same as always. Of course, everyone is different, and you know your body the best. Just know after the first few months, it does get better!"

• 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."

• Jsa...
• August 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I had my ParaGard inserted about 7 months ago, and insertion wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't still been sore from ripping during childbirth. With ParaGard, my period started lasting up to 9-10 days with heavy bleeding. I also started to have pain during sex. About 2 weeks ago, I developed eczema on my hand. Today, I had the ParaGard removed and felt instantly better. According to the OB/GYN, I may have a copper allergy because my cervix was red and inflamed. She said the eczema could have also been a result of it too. So, in summary, ParaGard does work in preventing pregnancy, but make sure you don't have a copper allergy beforehand, and remember that every woman is going to react to it differently."

• Fee...
• August 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had this device for about a year and a half. When I first had it put in, I did cramp for almost a week. Really bad cramps, and I spotted the entire time. I finally had a cycle, and I thought I was hemorrhaging. I'm 32, and I have two kids. I didn't even bleed that much after I had given birth. It was the scariest thing I've ever experienced. I had to wear adult diapers along with super plus tampons because there was so much blood. My periods were lasting up to two weeks. They are now down to about eight days with two days of very heavy bleeding. My vagina starts to have a funny smell, and there is discharge for about a week. As for this birth control being effective, I would say 100%. It's the side effects that are a pain."

• 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."