ParaGard and Cramps: What Users Say

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I understand everyone’s body is different, but after reading reviews on drugs.com for multiple things, I’m convinced people only really write reviews after a really bad experience. As my gyno told me, people don’t write reviews when they are content. So I’m going to write a review to say the copper IUD is 1000% the way to go if you are looking for non-hormonal birth control. I spent years on the pill that gave awful side effects. I have had zero side effects from the IUD. Yes, my first period was heavy. I’ve had moderate to heavy periods for most of my life accompanied with cramps, it’s nothing that is not manageable. If you are looking for peace of mind for ten years without risking the horrible side effects of hormonal birth control, get this."

• Loa...
• June 17, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been on ParaGard for 10 months now... where do I even begin... (I’ve always had horrible cramping on my periods but this is different cramping). I read a lot about this and have yet to hear anything about the cramping that I have. It’s not this severe all the time but it literally takes my breath away. It’s normally just the first 2-3 days but it’s like a stabbing pain in my uterus... and here’s the real weird part, it’s not just my uterus. The stabbing, breath-taking pain shoots up my butthole... Yes, you heard me... it makes me feel like I’m constipated with severe, shooting gas pains that might explode. So, I had an ultrasound/internal exam and they said everything was fine. I’m still on this... because there really aren’t many birth controls left that I haven’t already heard horror stories (even though this is one) or have tried. But hey, I’m not pregnant so I guess it’s effective. Let me know if you get these pains..."

• Dee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 24, 2020

For Birth Control "Don’t let these reviews scare you, try for yourself & see how you feel!! Insertion was very painful for me, but I am always in pain with any cervix procedure or check (even during labor). So I knew that was a possibility for me personally. Afterwards, I had cramping the entire day. A week later I got a very heavy period with heavy cramping the first day, it lasted about 14 days. I have had the ParaGard for 6 months now, my periods are back to normal after the first 4 months and I never feel it inside. I had light periods before insertion & they are still light after. I’m very happy with mine, try for yourself before letting these reviews scare you. Most people only review if something goes wrong. There are tons of women who are happy with theirs who do not think to come online & review it."

• All...
• January 30, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the IUD after having bad reactions to hormonal birth control. On paper, ParaGard sounded great: no hormones, no long term side effects... no problems. Immediately after insertion, I began having horrible lower back pain accompanied by excruciating menstrual cramps that left me curled up in a ball on the floor. My periods lasted for 2 weeks with spotting for a week after. Then came the insomnia, anxiety, and crippling depression. I totally lost interest in everything I used to like and found myself having suicidal thoughts, which was an absolute first for me. My doctor said there was no connection between the IUD and my symptoms, so I kept with it long enough to experience daily migraines, extreme joint pain, painful bloating, hair loss, constant exhaustion, and insane brain fog. After an entire year of misery, I finally got it removed. I am pretty upset with the lack of information available about this product. I would NEVER RECOMMEND this device to anyone."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 23, 2020

For Birth Control "I came on here to read reviews before getting my ParaGard. For some background, I have no children and have been diagnosed with PCOS. Some of the things people said had me scared and ready to cancel my appointment. I am so glad I went through with it! The insertion felt like a quick menstrual cramp. I couldn't believe how easy it was. As far as the side effects go, I've had none aside from one day (day 2) of a slightly heavier period and there was slight cramping for a few hours after insertion. I've had it for over a year now and have had no issues whatsoever. Remember, people rarely share their good experiences. You won't know how it affects you until you try it out for yourself."

• Sat...
• February 23, 2020

For Birth Control "I am extremely happy with my ParaGard! The stress leading up was worse than any part of the procedure itself; it's like a very strong cramp, but it's over in a second. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen before and got it inserted on the last day of my period. Over the next few days, the cramps and bleeding got worse, but subsided after a week or so. Had a period 3 weeks after insertion. The flow was heavier and lasted longer for the first few periods, but it's back to about what it was before. Cramps are nothing ibuprofen can't help with. I have health anxiety, so I was super nervous about the ParaGard. I'd tried hormonal birth control and nothing worked. Now, I forget about it 99% of the time. Been to the gynecologist a million times because I was convinced it was puncturing my uterus, and it hasn't budged once. I exercise intensely with no issues, and the same for sex. As far as copper poisoning, I've had ZERO of the symptoms the other reviews talk about."

• Lil...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 26, 2021

For Birth Control "I had the ParaGard inserted 3 years ago. The pain was minimal, and I experienced minor cramping. My periods became much heavier, between 7-12 days. Earlier this year, I began experiencing my first signs of copper toxicity: severe panic attacks, painful muscles and joints, and fatigue. Then the second copper dump came about 2 weeks ago. My chest and back are inflamed and painful, my joints pop everywhere, limbs tingle with pins and needles, extreme fatigue, and anxiety. I had enough yesterday morning and removed it myself. Don't listen to the studies that tell you it doesn't cause copper toxicity, copper is stored in the tissues, not the blood or urine, and those trials did not test for it correctly. Proceed with caution. The only positive side to this is that I never fell pregnant, so in that regard, it worked, but the side effects were too horrible to keep it."

• No ...
• November 8, 2019

For Birth Control "When I first heard about the copper IUD, I was really excited because it's non-hormonal, and that's the reason why I chose this option. My IUD insertion was about 10 minutes. The process of getting inserted was uncomfortable but still manageable. The first three months were awful because my period would be two weeks long and spot on and off for the rest of the month. On top of that, I was constantly getting cramps and lower backaches. After six months, my cramping did get better and the period shortened up, but it was still heavy as anything. I'm about 11 months in with this IUD and I'm considering getting it removed. Even though it claims to be non-hormonal, it definitely messed up my hormones a lot. I'm constantly getting acne when my skin has been clear most of my life, and I feel bloated all the time. My PMS symptoms are way worse than before. Bottom line is I’ve had it with this IUD. If any of you guys have similar symptoms as me, did it get better after copper IUD removal?"

• Tan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I just had the ParaGard inserted a few days ago. I had terrible experiences with hormonal birth control (the pill and implant). The insertion did hurt a lot, and I cramped/spotted after. I went home, wrapped myself in a heated blanket, and woke up feeling much better the next day. So far, so good, just wanted to share my experience in case anyone was scared of the insertion process."

• Zen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 9, 2020

For Birth Control "I got ParaGard inserted a year and 7 months ago because I needed a non-hormonal BC. So far, I haven’t gotten pregnant, so it’s doing its job. I’m also not having emotional issues like how I did with hormonal BC, so I’m rather pleased. The insertion process was uncomfortable, but not unbearable. It took about 15 minutes, most of which was prep. The insertion itself was maybe two minutes. I made sure to research a birth control specialist to ensure I was getting someone with a lot of experience, as most issues occur upon insertion. I felt bloated and weird for a week or so after, but nothing else was out of the ordinary. The first six months were so bad during my period. I got such bad cramps I had to call my doctor to ensure I wasn't having a complication. After the six-month timeframe, my periods began going back to how they were pre-ParaGard. My periods are now only four days long and not very heavy. Overall, I’m pleased with this as birth control."

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2015

For Birth Control "After reading some of the scary reviews in this forum, I almost talked myself out of getting the ParaGard. I think that people are more likely to post if they've had a bad experience, so I wanted to add my own story to the mix. I've had a ParaGard for about a month now, and opted for ParaGard over birth control pills or a hormonal IUD because I liked the idea of a hormone-free option. Previously, I'd been on birth control pills for several years, and although my experience with the pill was generally positive, it took my body a while to regulate after I discontinued use the first time. After doing some research, I decided to have the ParaGard inserted at Planned Parenthood as opposed to my regular OBGYN because the providers there insert dozens of these a day and have more experience with them. I've never had a baby, and the insertion was uncomfortable but bearable. It basically felt like a very intense cramp, but was over in a few minutes. I'm sure that it helps to have an experienced provider. Following the insertion, I felt like I had mild to moderate menstrual cramps, but was able to return to work for the rest of the afternoon with minimal discomfort. In the week following the insertion, you will need to wear panty liners because you leak a clearish brownish fluid, which feels a bit strange. The feeling freaked me out at first, but it went away pretty quickly and stopped altogether within a week. In the weeks that followed, I had intermittent menstrual cramps as my body adjusted. My biggest fear was that my cramps during my period would be unbearable (they are usually very bad), but I was happy to find out that they weren't any worse than usual, although my period was heavier. If you are looking for a hormone-free option, I'd recommend ParaGard. The key is just knowing what to expect early on."

• Ari...
• August 27, 2018

For Birth Control "I had this IUD inserted two and a half years ago. At first, I had mild cramping, heavy periods, but I got used to that. Constant, copious discharge was inconvenient, but I wore panty shields every day. But after a while, I just found myself constantly ‘coping’ with the symptoms. I started to gain weight no matter what I did, still not suspecting the IUD until I started thinking back to when I began to have unexplained weight gain. I had it removed 5 days ago, and I’ve lost 4 lbs, no longer feel bloated all over, and my blood pressure is now back to normal instead of the unusually high reading on ParaGard. NEVER AGAIN! For those of you who think we are being mean for posting a negative review, it’s not meant to be harmful but helpful to other people suffering the same way. Everyone is different, just sharing my experience so other people are aware, as I wasn’t for 2 and 1/2 years."

• HQa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 9, 2020

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard implanted for a year and a half now. I absolutely love it now, but getting through the first six months was patchy. I'm glad I stuck with it though because my period is not as irregular. My mind doesn't feel as cloudy or crowded. The cramps come and go, with some period cycles being more painful than others. But overall, I'm glad I made this choice."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I've had my ParaGard for about 2 months now. I have had 2 children, and my 2nd child was 5 months old when I had it inserted. Insertion was no big deal to me, it was painless, and I had no problems. Took about 2 minutes! I do understand that is largely due to the fact that I've given birth twice and within the last year. I had light spotting for about 3 days, which was expected. I had some mild cramping the day after, but nothing that bothered me. When my period came, it was heavier than normal, which is the only reason I rated ParaGard lower than 10. After the first week, I basically forgot I even have it. It's been a blessing for me. Birth control pills and any other form of birth control that uses hormones affects my emotions A LOT, as well as some severe and long-term spotting. I highly recommend this IUD for anyone who has experienced similar reactions to birth control. (Also, take into account that satisfied users are less likely to leave a review than ones that have had a problem!)"

• Nis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 23, 2022

For Birth Control "I got my coil removed 4 days ago after 4 years. For years I’ve suffered with backache, headache, foggy head, not enjoying sex (feeling like something was hitting a brick wall inside), bleeding after sex, cramping 3 weeks out of a month, and constantly tired. Basically showing every sign of cervical cancer, having scan after scan, convincing myself this is it, something really is wrong. Everything at scans normal. Got the coil out even though the doctor was hesitant, and after 3 canceled appointments by them within an hour, my back did not hurt anymore. Day 2, the brain fog wasn’t there when I woke up. I woke up with ease, didn’t have to force myself, headaches gone. Day 3, I began to get my sex drive back, and I enjoyed my partner for the first time in ages. Day 4, absolutely no discharge, which is something I’d been suffering with on a daily basis for a while. I knew 2 weeks prior to removal that I had copper toxicity. Please, please reconsider it, it’s ruined the last 4 years for me."

• 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."

• Sis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 5, 2019

For Birth Control "I will say I started off loving ParaGard. Insertion was easy. My first one expelled within the first month, which is common, but I got a new one placed. I loved it for about 2 years, then I learned about copper toxicity. I can account some of my SEVERE disabling mental illnesses to this device. The first 6 months, cramps were worse but manageable, and ever since, my PMSing has gotten horrible. I basically have flu symptoms for 2 days before every cycle. My breasts grew practically overnight somewhere between 16-18 months with the ParaGard. Before, I was barely filling out an A cup, now I’m a D cup. Nonhormonal my ass, it influences hormones. I’ve had stomach problems, UTIs, yeast infections, smells from down there, pain with sex, chronic fatigue, bloating, allergies developed, memory issues/brain fog, and skin problems (acne and persistent eczema that I’m just finally getting to clear up). I’ve gained weight and overall just feel like garbage. Please avoid this device."

• KLT...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 12, 2023

For Birth Control "Insertion was extremely painful to me, but I was okay an hour later. I had it for one week before I wanted it out of me, the cramps were so bad I had to sit down no matter where I was, or I'd feel the urge to vomit. I kept it for 13 months, hoping it would get better, but it didn't. I was told to expect cramps and longer/heavier periods, but I didn't expect 10-14 day periods with spotting in between. I can count the days I didn't bleed on one hand. I had emotional issues with ParaGard as well. I was anxious, angry, and depressed, I had nothing going on in my life that would have caused the mental health issues, so I know it was the IUD. It claims to be 'hormone-free,' but it does affect hormones. Long story short, I hated ParaGard. I'm working on getting a refund and getting the side effects that myself and other people had listed in the pamphlet through the FDA."

• Tan...
• September 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I used Nexplanon before and had terrible mood swings, so I thought ParaGard would be a better alternative, being non-hormonal. I had ParaGard for 4 months and noticed I was way more fatigued and anxious, with bad cramps, and my period was heavy, I was bleeding through an extra-large maxi pad in an hour. I went to get it out, and they said it was stuck and I may have needed surgery to get it out! It took three tries to finally yank it out a few days ago, and I already feel so much calmer and less in pain. Instead, I’m going to use natural family planning (apps like Lily allow you to track your cervical mucus and temperature and cycle to be more effective) with barrier methods like condoms or cervical caps during my fertile times. I’m really disappointed in this contraception method. I have PCOS as well and found it made my symptoms much worse than before. I wish I didn’t get it to save myself 4 months of anxiety and laying in bed with debilitating cramps."

• Nan...
• December 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I did a review a month ago about the insertion. This review is just an update on how the Cooper IUD ParaGard is working for me for my first month. Every girl concern: sex is great, he doesn't feel it, I don't feel it or get any discomfort during intercourse. Menstrual: for my surprise, my period is the same, is not heavier, I don't have abnormal cramps, just the usual ones for the first or second day. Days are the same for me. Overall, every person and every body reacts differently, but to have your own experience, you just have to try it. For me, it has been the best BC I have used. Don't just judge the IUD based on what you read, and give it a try. Ten years of no worries is worth it."

• Nat...
• January 23, 2020

For Birth Control "I had ParaGard for 9 weeks. Insertion was the most painful experience of my life. I was in bed with severe cramping and back pain for the next 3 days after insertion. I took Tylenol and Ibuprofen for pain, but it didn’t touch it. My periods lasted 2 weeks and an additional week of spotting. The entire 9 weeks, I was bloated and constipated. I gained 7 lb during that time. I am very athletic, who exercises 5-7 times a week (yoga, pole fitness, Pilates, and gym). I am also vegetarian and keep the same diet pattern and the same weight for over 18 years. So I don’t want to hear that I gained weight because of overeating. As a matter of fact, my portions were smaller than usual because I was bloated most of the time. I started having migraine headaches 4 weeks after insertion that gradually increased to an everyday thing. I started to have heart palpitations and anxiety. I DON’T RECOMMEND ANYONE ParaGard. No one tells you about these side effects."

• yyr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 15, 2019

For Birth Control "To have it inserted wasn't really bad. I was impressed it's for 10 years and is not hormonal. I had some cramps, some bad ones, and my period is definitely much heavier and lasts 10 days. It didn't change after the first 6 months, but I started bleeding between my periods. And having pain only on the left side. I am dealing with acne now and had horrible migraines nearly every day. I went to the doctor. They said I'm fine. I am feeling very tired. I can't sleep properly and I don't have energy. I also have chest pain, and again the doctor said I am fine. I used to enjoy sex, but now I'm never in the mood-never! For so long. After reading other women's reviews, I related to their symptoms and can't believe the doctors don't tell you about all these side effects. I can't wait to have it removed and don't want to hear about it again! I would not recommend it to any woman. It's sad that we have to go through all this. I'm going to try the fertility awareness method. Take care! Lots of love to all women!"

• KRa...
• June 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I love my ParaGard! I’ve had it for a month. Insertion was uncomfortable, but nothing you can’t handle. Some cramps the first week, and a slightly longer, heavier period, but again nothing not manageable. I love how I can’t feel it and how it is hormone-free. No adverse side effects, and the best part is how I still ovulate and keep a healthy cycle. I’ve been on the pill and Mirena before and had emotional PMS and also terrible acne. None of that with ParaGard so far, and I often react quickly to things. Don’t fear all the negative reviews. Usually, people who are most angry write the most reviews. Most people get it, enjoy it, and move on with their lives without writing a review. I feel healthy and positive and love owning my own birth control in a positive and non-hormonal way! No one method is perfect, but for me, it’s a great fit based on what’s available."

• Wor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I got my Paragard inserted about a year ago, and I paid nothing since my health insurance covered the cost. I rarely had cramps during my period before getting Paragard. After the insertion, I do get some cramping at the time my period starts, but it is manageable, and I rarely take painkillers. But the procedure of inserting it was a pain, and I experienced the worst cramping on the day of the insertion. I could still manage the pain with ibuprofen and naproxen. I noticed heavier menstrual bleeding and some spotting here and there for the first few months, but they subside gradually. Overall, I am very happy with my decision to get Paragard because it is worry-free! Never had a child before and not planning to have one until I take this out in 10 years."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 26, 2019

For Birth Control "Cannot wait to get this out of me. I have had horrible insomnia, fatigued and tired all the time, feel weak, headaches, sometimes get nauseous for no reason, I have HORRIBLE cramps, menstruating or not, I've had the WORST anxiety and depression issues, awful thoughts that worsen it, no libido whatsoever, hair is constantly tangly and dry, and I get these weird painful, rashy bumps on my face that stick around FOR EVER. I just don't feel like ME anymore and it all started after I got this IUD in Feb 2018. DON'T risk this."