ParaGard and Bleeding: What Users Say

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2022

For Birth Control "I was nervous because of the negative reviews and the horror stories about all the pain you experience during insertion. I held off on getting the Paragard IUD for 2 years, even though it was recommended to me. Insertion was OK, my doctor prescribed me an anxiety medication so that I would be able to stay calm and relax. I HIGHLY recommend this. The cramping for the next 3 days was pretty bad, more than period cramps, but nothing I couldn’t get rid of with over-the-counter pain meds. I bled for a few spotted days, and then my period started. I’ve had the IUD for 1 month now, I was worried the switch from hormones to no hormones would cause some issues in the first 3 months, but honestly, I feel great. Just had my first period, official IUD period, and I will say it started pretty heavy compared to what I’m used to, but bleeding has almost completely stopped and it’s been 4 days. Some cramping, but it’s not bad, and barely any PMS symptoms."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 2, 2022

For Birth Control "If you are able to deal with intense cramping and heavy bleeding for about 6 months to 1 year after first getting ParaGard, it’s totally worth it! I was on the pill for about a year, prior to getting the IUD, with horrible hormonal imbalance, lethargy, low libido, and borderline depression. I needed a change. The process of getting ParaGard inserted is not for the faint of heart. I took an ibuprofen beforehand, which helped immensely! But I would rate that pain as an 11 on a scale of 1-10!! For the first several months after getting the IUD, I experienced spotting throughout the month, with heavy bleeding the week of my period. I had intense cramping daily for about 3 months after insertion. At about the 6-month mark of having ParaGard, my intense cramps would occur one week before my period started, with the week of my period consisting of heavy bleeding along with cramps. At around month 8, I finally had my hormones in check from being off the pill, and my periods returned to normal."

• Anonymous
• June 24, 2022

For Birth Control "Getting ParaGard has been one of the best decisions I've made for my personal health. Hormonal birth control was wreaking havoc on my body and mind. I dreaded taking the pill every day. I was very nervous to try ParaGard, given all the poor reviews. I have had ParaGard now for 10 months and have had zero side effects. Insertion was about 10 minutes, and yes, it is painful (7-8/10 pain, IMO). However, I did not experience any bleeding, and I only had slight cramping for about an hour after insertion. My experience has been complication-free, however, I am someone who has never had cramping in the past, and I have always had light periods. My periods now are about the same or sometimes slightly heavier."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2021

For Birth Control "I was super nervous about getting an IUD after horror stories and reviews I had read. I thought about it and debated a whole year before deciding to go through and get ParaGard. I had been on hormonal birth control pills for about 14 years and was just sick of taking a pill every day and the effects it had on my sex life. I was drawn to ParaGard because it was hormone-free and good for up to ten years, but also the fact that I would be able to get pregnant immediately after having it removed if I chose. Insertion was more uncomfortable than I expected, being I’ve never had kids. I did have some light bleeding for about five days after, but it subsided. My first period after was also heavier than any I have ever had. The second was slightly better though, and so far I love ParaGard. They do recommend monthly self-checks, but I’m not laid back enough to trust it haha, so I do a weekly check for the strings. I’ve had no issues and am enjoying the freedom it has brought me."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2021

For Birth Control "I just want to start by saying I am not being paid to leave this review in any way. I am a 25-year-old female and was previously on the pill. The pill gave me horrible side effects, constant yeast infections, low sex drive, etc., so I switched to the ParaGard to get off the extra hormones. It has only been about a month, but I am feeling way better and my sex drive is back to normal. The insertion wasn’t that bad, it just felt like a really bad period cramp. My nervousness leading up to it was worse. I did bleed for 2 days after and had cramping as well as the lymph nodes in my groin being swollen, but after a few days everything went back to normal. I recommend it! And if it doesn’t work for you, getting it out is easy, it takes 5 minutes to get put in and take out."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 30, 2021

For Birth Control "I really wanted to love ParaGard. I kept it in for 3 years hoping it would get better, but unfortunately, it just doesn’t work for my body. I was tired of being on hormones, so I switched to ParaGard - yes, the insertion is painful. I had cramps for about 24 hours and then felt normal. I have to say I didn’t experience the majority of the common side effects (no painful periods, cramping, or heavy flow). That being said, I literally bleed or spot ALL the time. Constantly. With a day or two break in between. It is so exhausting and frustrating. I feel like I bleed on average 3/4 of the month. Getting it removed tomorrow to try a hormonal one, so we’ll see how it goes."

• ECa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2021

For Birth Control "I just got my ParaGard a little over a week ago, and it is true. If you have never had your cervix dilated, it's very painful, but once they were done, the pain improved a lot. I cramped pretty badly for a week after my insertion, and then no cramps, and bleeding is definitely heavier, but will have to wait longer and see. So far, I'm enjoying it."

• 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."

• Sam...
• November 17, 2020

For Birth Control "My overall experience with the ParaGard has been super good! The first two months I’d definitely have random cramps, and I had one period where the cramp was a bit more intense than I’ve experienced before. I also had one or three more intense periods where I bled a lot. And I would spot for pretty long after my period. But after 8-9 months of having it, I don’t have any issues at all anymore. I get close to no cramps now, my flow is medium, it’s light the first day, then it’s heavy for about two days, and then it’s regular for another one to two days, and light to almost gone the next one to two days. I get no random cramps, and my period comes like clockwork. Before the IUD, my natural period was medium flow, and I’d occasionally get cramps. I think the ParaGard is definitely worth giving a go. Personally, I’m so, so, so happy with it. My coworker has it too and is very satisfied with it as well!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I was really nervous to get the ParaGard IUD inserted after reading a bunch of scary reviews online. But I decided to go through with it anyway because I wanted a birth control with no hormones. The insertion was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be, just minimal cramping. I bled lightly for about a week after, and now I feel totally back to normal."

• KEM...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 5, 2018

For Birth Control "I had used so many other birth controls before this one. The Depo shot made me incredibly irritable and gain a lot of weight, Nexplanon made me bleed like crazy, and so did the Skyla. So I chose ParaGard because it was non-hormonal. Ever since, regular periods, no weight gain, no mood change, and happier than ever. Plus it lasts 10 years. I’m so glad I finally found something that works for me. The only thing I noticed was that my cramps were a little worse. Not the intensity necessarily, just the frequency."

• sho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2018

For Birth Control "I have never had children. Prior to the ParaGard, I had the Skyla IUD, which did not work for me. I have had the ParaGard for two months and am enjoying it! I make sure to take my multivitamins with iron to prevent anemia. My periods were slightly heavier, which were totally manageable with the help of OB tampons. I had heavy bleeding for 4 days and 2 days of barely existent bleeding (I had 10 days of bleeding with the Skyla, and 5-6 days is the normal duration of my period). I have not had any pain with this IUD other than right after the insertion. I love not feeling hormonal changes. I also did not feel breast tenderness prior to my period (? not sure if it's related). It's a good decision, I think! I also have not gained any weight and actually lost 2 lbs. No bloating either!"

• Aug...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 30, 2018

For Birth Control "A positive review! I have never had a child. I was on BCPs for 20 years and intended to get the Mirena implant, thinking the transition would be easier, even though I was interested in being completely hormone-free. I missed a pill before I went in for the procedure and was told I either had to wait, or I could get ParaGard because it functions as emergency contraception. I went for it, and I have been completely satisfied with ParaGard. I bled minimally at the time of insertion, once a day later, and since then it has been business as usual. I have very minor monthly cramping, just like I did before I took BCPs. I still only shed for 3 days and don't even need menstrual products at night. In fact, I had weird spotting for years on the pills, and that has entirely disappeared since getting this IUD a year and a half ago. I have never had many concerns with my reproductive health, so maybe these things make me a better candidate, but I hope this helps someone with their decision."

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 20, 2018

For Birth Control "I got my first ParaGard about 14 months ago. It was an easy choice because of reliability and the lack of hormones. I have been getting very severe cramps for the past 18 years of having a period, the cramping during the dilation of my cervix was not more severe than that, although it did make me briefly weak. It evened out fairly quickly, and I have honestly felt less severe cramps since I have been on it. The bleeding is a little heavier but not markedly so. I use a DivaCup when I am on my period, and last month accidentally didn't break the suction when I was removing it, and this dislodged my ParaGard, so it had to be removed, and I had a new one inserted today. For the new insertion, the cramping did not last as long as the first time (I was able to head back into work within an hour)."

• 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!"

• 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
• March 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I got ParaGard inserted near the end of December 2017. I decided to go hormone-free after bad experiences with the mini pill and the combo pill relating to YIs and BV. The insertion was fast. I've never had my cervix dilated before, so it was a pretty intense few seconds. Mild cramping for a week or two after. When I got to my first period, the cramps sucked. I bought my first heating pad, and my significant other listened to me use controlled breathing through the waves of pain. My second month was equally brutal. I almost threw up from the cramps and spent a full day in bed and was bleeding through regular tampons every half hour. BUT the third month was normal. One heavy day, a few medium days, and one or two light spotting days. And the cramps were tolerable and manageable. No BV, no YIs, no babies. I know everyone has their own experience, but don't let the negative reviews scare you away. If you can grit your teeth through the first few months, it's totally worth it, in my humble opinion."

• Nii...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 12, 2018

For Birth Control "I got mine in 2010. It was painful to get out, but I was told by the doctor it would be. I had some bleeding and spotting for about 6 months after I got it. On some random occasions, I do have some discomfort during sex, but it's so random that it does not bother me. I find that it happens when I'm about to start my cycle. Yes, I do get cramps now that I never had before I got the ParaGard, but I can deal with that. I actually have lost lots of weight. I'm not sure if it was this or the fact I'm no longer on the depo shot. All in all, I'm very happy with it. I've had no issues with it, and it's been in for 8 years now. I got it for 2 more years and plan to get another one after I have to get this one out."

• Anonymous
• February 1, 2018

For Birth Control "I had the ParaGard in place for 3.5 years prior to having children, then again for 1.5 years (& counting) after having children. Insertion the first time was painful but brief. The doctor had me schedule my appointment while I was on my period so that my cervix would be softer and instructed me to take OTC Tylenol to help with the pain. I had significant cramping for a few days after insertion and some cramping and heavy bleeding during my first few periods, then my cycles went back to normal and I had absolutely no symptoms for the next 3 years. I was able to conceive 1 month after having the ParaGard removed and had my 2nd ParaGard placed at my 6-week postpartum checkup after having my second child. Insertion (without any meds and without being on my period) felt like a quick pinch, and I experienced a day of mild cramping before everything went back to normal. My personal experience with ParaGard has been great, and I plan on using it for as long as I’m in need of contraception!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• coe...
• September 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard because I was sick of having to pick up my pill prescription, and I love the idea of a non-hormonal birth control. I really wanted to get my body back on its natural cycle, as I have been on the pill for years. The insertion was painful, as expected. Would not recommend working that day. But so far, I am loving it. I bled for the first 4-5 days, nothing too heavy, and have since stopped. My sex drive has already increased, and I lost 5 lbs within a week of being off the pill (added bonus). I have not reached my first period with it yet, so I am expecting more cramps/heavier bleeding, but that's a small price to pay, in my opinion. Lots of negative reviews on here, so I wanted to write a positive one!"