ParaGard and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 2)

• LZk...
• October 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on the pill for years. They made me emotional, killed my sex drive completely, and dried me out, so sex was incredibly painful. I finally gave up on it and relied on condoms, but I wanted something more reliable. Plus, condoms are kind of a killjoy and, well, just aren't the same. The only thing left was ParaGard. Yes, like many others, my periods started out horrendous, but eventually evened out over a year. Cramps, expect to take some ibuprofen and then maybe some acetaminophen. But again, they lessened with time. For me, it was totally worth it. I have an amazing sexual relationship with my husband. Totally worth all the cramps and heavier periods. For me, I felt like it gave me my life back."

• I t...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I used ParaGard for 9 months. In those 9 months, I had my first UTI, developed BV, bled for three weeks out of the month, and had horrible, horrible, horrible cramps. My body was so thrown out of whack. I really wanted this to work because, one, I didn’t have to take the pill every day and, two, no hormones. I waited out the 6 months they say it takes for your body to get used to it. I had cramps every day, on my period or not. My periods were so heavy I couldn’t leave the house at times. I kept telling myself it’ll get better, or maybe if I exercise more and eat better, then it’ll be better. Nope. It never got better. Finally, I had it taken out, and I have felt so much better. No more shooting pains of cramps that bring me to the floor wondering what I’m doing wrong. Yeah, this thing works as a birth control...cuz you never feel up to sex or won’t stop bleeding. I understand it’s different for everyone. For me, it was a horrible experience."

• Cel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 20, 2020

For Birth Control "I had it for 9 years. Insertion left me in the worst pain I’ve ever felt for a few days. Bloating continued for months after. I became prone to infections and had many throughout the years. I started seeing vitamin deficiencies along with being significantly weaker, fatter, and had more pains. I started having premature greying, cystic acne, and ovarian pain. Year 9 it worsened. I also had fibromyalgia, diarrhea, low back pain, and trouble staying asleep. The doctor did verify an ovarian cyst but still didn’t suspect the IUD. A friend did. I got it out, rebalanced vitamin deficiencies, and cut dairy. It has been 8 months post-removal and orgasming is easier, there’s no pain during sex anymore, period blood doesn’t smell, taste isn’t off, bowels and sleep are normal. No more ovarian cyst. I still have some issues, but they are improving. I would have never done this to myself if I had known how it does affect hormones and health significantly."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard in March 2020. I was in pain for a good 3 days. The cramps were horrible, and I was on my period for a week. It did work for birth control, though. That’s the only positive thing I can say. After my period seemed to end after a week, I was spotting for the longest time, then I started my period again. I seriously was on my period or spotting forever. I got my period twice in May. Now it’s been almost 3 months, and I couldn’t take it anymore, so I got it removed. I would not recommend at all."

• ati...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 25, 2021

For Birth Control "I picked the copper IUD because I know way too much about the negative side effects of hormonal birth control. Insertion was painful, and the first 6 months, my cramps sucked, and periods were super heavy. Things finally started to regulate, and I was happy, until this month when my period was 2 days late. I took a pregnancy test, and it was POSITIVE. I have only had my IUD for 1.5 years, and I have had it checked multiple times. When I had it removed, it was intact and in its correct position. I am so sad and so frustrated. Never thought this would happen to me, but I guess I’m part of that “1%.”"

• Sea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I had the copper IUD for 9 months. Overall, it's a good form of birth control. However, I got it removed because I think it led to horrible periods, not only more blood but also longer periods, up to 10 days, PMS depression, and hormone-related conditions. My hair also started falling out after 7 months, maybe due to anemia caused by blood loss. I think it's not wise to leave it in too long."

• juj...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I recommend ParaGard 200%! I am sharing my experience everywhere I can because after my second child, when researching getting ParaGard online, all I saw were negative reviews (because typically, people don't go online to post the good, they post the bad). I got my ParaGard IUD inserted 7 weeks postpartum from my second vaginal birth. I was so afraid of having it placed and thinking it may hurt, but I was so surprised I did not feel a dang thing! My doc said it is a side effect of having a baby, your cervix is a bit numb for some time. I had very minimal cramping and some bleeding for a week, then did not even notice it was there. My first period was crampy and heavy, but all were normal after that. Heavier, but normal."

• Cat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I have had mine for 5 years now. I do have heavier periods and cramping, but mine were light in the first place, so now they're average. I check my strings once a month on my period. I know that if there's ever a problem, my body will let me know. When I initially had it placed, the first one didn't sit right, needed to be removed and replaced after a month. Since then, I have had no problems. I could tell that first month that something was off. I was cramping, dizzy, spotting. What I should have done was call my gyn and tell her right away. There should be no pain, even right after. Once it's in and your cervix gets over its little shock, you shouldn't be aware of it. I have not had children, I have a small uterus. I haven't had to worry about pregnancy for 5 years now. I'm in a monogamous relationship, and it lets me feel protected. I'm not looking forward to getting it removed 5 years from now, but it's not something I'm going to worry about. If you have questions, call your doctor."

• PHR...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I used to never have cramps or PMS, but after receiving the ParaGard IUD, I began to have major PMS, to such a ridiculous extent that I had to plan social events around that week. The cramps have been even worse. I find myself doubled over in pain, even at work. I did my research and picked this IUD because it was NON-hormonal, and yet I’ve never felt so miserably hormonal in all my life. I’ve been dealing with it for two years because my insurance company won’t cover the removal."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2020

For Birth Control "I wanted to write an experience because I looked at multiple reviews right after I got ParaGard inserted, and it freaked me out. The insertion is very painful (I have never had a child before), so that pain was terrible. The first 2 weeks, I had really bad cramps, and my period was SO HEAVY. After my period ended, the cramping went away, no side effects, I hardly know it’s there. It’s way better than having multiple side effects from the pill, and I have had no spotting in between periods, which is common in hormonal IUDs. I had the Liletta for almost 2 years and spotted the whole time. I would recommend it for those who hate side effects from hormones. The cramping sucks at first, but it goes away! Every body is different, so trust your instincts, and if you think you’ll be happy with the ParaGard, I would try it out!"

• Dam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I switched from the Nexplanon to the ParaGard, and let me tell you how much of a life saver that was! I was ALWAYS moody, hungry, breaking out, and my libido was in the negatives. So I decided to toughen up and get the IUD inserted. It wasn't pleasant since I hadn't had kids and did not take any painkillers, but it was completely worth it! A day of extreme cramps in exchange for 12 years of no hormones and preventing pregnancy? Hell yeah! I can feel like myself physically and sexually again, which was impossible to come by on any hormonal birth control. I highly recommend the ParaGard."

• Col...
• December 17, 2018

For Birth Control "At first, I was really skeptical because there are a lot of bad reviews, but I decided to still try it out anyway. I have never written a review on anything in my life, but I love this IUD so much I thought my review might help some people! Getting it inserted did cause some pain, it was about two big cramps and then it was in! The next two days, I cramped very lightly, just like I would for a period, and Advil took the cramping away! My first period with the IUD was a bit harsh, medicine and a heating pad helped though, and I still went about my normal daily activities. My second period was about the same. All of the periods following that were completely back to normal, everything was exactly how it was before I got the IUD. I have had absolutely no physical changes, and I completely forget I have it. I love that it doesn't contain the hormones to change my body and that I never even notice it is there."

• Bre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 23, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard placed in after I had my first child. It was a tiny bit of cramps when it was placed in, but nothing too painful. I had the ParaGard for 3 years, the only issue was heavy periods and painful cramps. That was only during the days I was getting my period. Other than that, I did not have any other symptoms, it’s like it was never there. Everybody is different, the pill I used to take gave me tons of side effects. I’m glad I chose the ParaGard because I didn’t have to deal with all the side effects I got from taking the pill form of BC. Also, I didn’t get pregnant from it, which is why I wanted to be on birth control in the first place. I got my ParaGard taken out because I’m trying to have another baby. Once that happens, I will be going back to the ParaGard."

• Bla...
• June 23, 2019

For Birth Control "So I tried it 2x. 1st after my 2nd child. I gained lots of weight, got acne, cramps, and bleeding heavily. Finally, it fell out about 2 years later. My doc said my body rejected it. I feel like they have false ads saying it has little side effects. Gave it the benefit of the doubt, tried it a 2nd time since my birth control pills were no longer covered by my insurance. Huge mistake. Same thing all over: horrible acne, gained 40 lbs in 1 yr. Nothing helps me lose weight. I was going through tampons & an extra heavy flow pad within 1 hr. Kept bleeding through my clothes, not to mention 10-day periods. My life was on hold, had to miss work because I was bleeding so much. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore, got it taken out after 1 year. My skin is so clear, never break out anymore, not even before periods. My periods are back to 3 days and light. Lost 7 lbs in 1 month so far! Never again! False ads, lots of side effects. Obviously, I’m not the only one by reading some of the reviews. Wish I would have read on it sooner!"

• 007...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I took hormonal birth control for about 7 years, and then after switching off (due to irregular periods and being on it for so long), I noticed a decrease in stress, and I lost 9 pounds. This led me to wanting to avoid taking hormonal birth control again, so I looked into ParaGard. The insertion was painful but not terrible, and it took about a week for me to feel completely back to normal again. Now my periods are fairly consistent and really heavy, with a lot of cramping, but on the bright side, I don’t have to take a pill every day, there are no excess hormones going into me, and I’m baby-free. Woot."

• MCa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard IUD inserted in 11/2019. I am scheduled to get it removed next month. It has been a horrible experience. I experience heavy cramps and bleeding. The excessive bleeding led to anemia. I want to warn people, if you experience heavy bleeding and lethargy after getting the ParaGard inserted, please get tested for anemia - iron storage levels. It has impacted my entire life from having to take days off of work and being less energetic in general. Not to mention the heavy, long-lasting periods and horrible cramps that put me on bed rest for 5 days every month. It was not worth it for me, and ParaGard needs to warn patients about these side effects more often."

• Kar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 6, 2021

For Birth Control "I have had the IUD for almost 10 months now, and I am debating getting it taken out. I was prepared for more cramping and heavier periods (those are common side effects), but I wasn’t prepared for sharp cramping almost all the time. Before the IUD, I had a very predictable cycle every 35ish days and got cramps the first day or two of my period. Now I feel like I get a period randomly every 2-3 weeks, and there is no way to track when I will be bleeding/cramping or not. I feel in almost constant pain. Then I’ve also felt much more anxious, depressed, and irritable and have gained significant weight. There may be no way to know whether these symptoms are actually caused by the IUD or other things going on in my life, but they seem to have appeared right after insertion and are similar to other reviews. It’s hard to decide whether to get it removed because if I get it out, I have to try another option, which may have similar side effects anyway. Bleh :/"

• Kar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 6, 2021

For Birth Control "I have had the IUD for almost 10 months now, and I am debating getting it taken out. I was prepared for more cramping and heavier periods (those are common side effects), but I wasn’t prepared for sharp cramping almost all the time. Before the IUD, I had a very predictable cycle every 35ish days and got cramps the first day or two of my period. Now I feel like I get a period randomly every 2-3 weeks, and there is no way to track when I will be bleeding/cramping or not. I feel in almost constant pain. Then I’ve also felt much more anxious, depressed, and irritable and have gained significant weight. There may be no way to know whether these symptoms are actually caused by the IUD or other things going on in my life, but they seem to have appeared right after insertion and are similar to other reviews. It’s hard to decide whether to get it removed because if I get it out, I have to try another option, which may have similar side effects anyway. Bleh :/"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm sharing my positive experience with Paragard - I hesitated for quite some time because of some of the things I'd read online. I've had Paragard for 4.5 months now, and I wish I'd gotten it sooner! It's wonderful! Two main points - first, my period hasn't changed much. Still lasts 5 days, with 1-2 days of bleeding on the heavier side. No, I don't have to change my tampon every hour =) As for the cramps, mine have actually IMPROVED. I don't even have to take Midol anymore! My cramps used to be a constant, dull ache that would last all day - they were terrible. With Paragard, they come in short waves (lasting for like 10 seconds). They are so much more bearable now! No maintenance, no hormones, and highly effective? Best decision ever!"

• AMP...
• July 15, 2019

For Birth Control "It does prevent pregnancy, but I've had many problems with ParaGard. Ever since, my periods have been like night and day from what they were my entire life (I am 39 years old). I bleed 3 weeks a month, and my cramps are much worse. Today I made an appointment to have it removed. I chose to look up some info in the hopes of finding that others had gone through this, and relief is on its way. So many other issues I have read here are also things I've been dealing with. I've had depression and anxiety, I've gained 60 lbs. I've experienced vaginal odor that I never had before. I'm in shock that so many others have had these symptoms. I just thought I was going to get my normal periods back after it's taken out in 2 weeks. Now I'm attributing other serious issues to the IUD and hope so badly that things go back to normal in all areas. Not worth it! Do not get this IUD!"

• Col...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 23, 2016

For Birth Control "I've decided to post because I've heard so many horror stories about the ParaGard IUD. I've tried Depo, the pill, and even the Nexplanon implant, and they all didn't work due to hormonal side effects. They were all hell. I'm only 20, in college, and being miserable is the last thing on my mind due to birth control. The ParaGard IUD was my last option, and it has been absolutely amazing. Before any birth control, I had a heavy flow, very painful periods. With the ParaGard, my first two days are the only days I cramp, and it's not too bad. My flow is pretty normal, I can get away with wearing a regular tampon, and it lasts 6 days. I love it because I can predict my period, and it is very accurate. No mood swings or anything. AMAZING!"

• dan...
• April 20, 2015

For Birth Control "I got my ParaGard put in 3 days ago, and I will let you all know I was absolutely terrified. I researched and researched for weeks before and almost decided against it from all the horror stories I read. Ladies passing out, bleeding all the time, cramps from hell, etc. Well, my doctor herself had an IUD put in, so she firsthand knew how badly they hurt. The entire procedure took less than 5 minutes, and when I was done, I said, 'Was that it?? That's all?' It wasn't bad at all, and I had very, very minor cramping in the days following. It is absolutely worth it for what it's worth! Highly recommend."

• 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."

• 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!"

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

For Birth Control "I was on the pill since I was 17 years old. I am 25 now. I stopped taking the pill about two years ago because it was making me very moody, and it would make my hands and feet swell up. But then I got very serious with my boyfriend, and we started discussing birth control. And I thought about the pill again, but I didn’t want to gain weight and go through all of that again. So I did some research, and the only thing that I could find was ParaGard. It has no hormones, so I wouldn’t gain weight and all the other stuff that I didn’t like from before. I thought, why not? I’ll give it a try. So I got ParaGard. Let me tell you, the process is not comfortable by any means. From the time I got it until about a week later, I was cramping (like cramping I’ve never felt before), but after that week, I haven’t felt it at all. It is worth it! I promise. You just have to get past that first week. I HIGHLY recommend ParaGard. I never have to worry about it, and I don’t feel it."