ParaGard and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I was so nervous about getting my IUD that I pushed it off for nearly a year. The pain is what scared me the most. I finally got it, and it honestly wasn’t bad at all. It took about 5 minutes with the doctor, and there were only 1-2 deep cramps that hurt but weren’t unbearable. It was when the doctor cleaned and measured the uterus or something. The insertion wasn’t even that bad. It felt like a menstrual cramp that came from a much deeper place. After it was done, I was like, oh really? Nice. My cramping the rest of the day was on and off. But it wasn’t horrible, it was more of just a little bit more than regular cramps I would get. I’m on day 2 and really no cramps! My flu shot is hurting longer than my IUD, lol. If you’re worried, this post is for you! It’s not the worst pain you will ever feel or as painful as giving birth. It was a bad cramp for about 20 seconds and some cramping on and off for the rest of the day! I’m so happy with my experience so far!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard - due to having the hormonal IUD that caused me to gain weight, have extreme anxiety, and have terrible mood swings. Insertion was pretty painful, but it really just depends on how good you can handle pain. The next day after my insertion, I barely had any cramps. Anyone needing reassurance about the Copper IUD due to issues with the hormonal IUD, I would say go for it! Everyone’s body is different. Some people can’t handle pain like others."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Bro...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I've had my ParaGard in for almost 6 years. I've had absolutely no problems with it. My periods come like clockwork every month, I do have mild cramps that only come when I'm in my first 2 days. I would definitely recommend this birth control."

• 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."

• Yaz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Wanted to share my experience with ParaGard being inserted. It took maybe 2 minutes for the entire process. My doctor let me know what she was doing during the entire process. She warned me of a pinch that might happen (right before she did what she did). I didn’t feel much of anything. Then she told me, “Now here come the cramps,” a few seconds later, which I’m assuming was her actually putting the IUD in place. I did feel menstrual-type cramps. It lasted a few seconds, but taking deep, slow breaths helped a lot. I cramped for about 2 days, and I’ve been having spotting to low flow since. No complaints so far! Hoping this actually works well, considering I haven’t been on any form of birth control since I was a teen because my body and hormones do not mix! She also had me lay there for a few minutes after she was done to prevent me from feeling dizzy, and she told me to sit up slowly. I didn’t feel dizzy when I did get up. So far, I would definitely recommend this birth control!"

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I shared my experience when I first got my ParaGard, and here is my 3-month update. I absolutely LOVE it! I had some annoying cramps and spotting the first couple of weeks after getting it in. Spotting has since slowed down tremendously. My periods are heavier for sure, but it seems like the blood is lighter and thinner. I never had cramps before and now have a day where I get one or two relatively hard cramps with pain on my left side, but it is totally manageable. There is a price to pay, and I'd say it's worth it."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the copper IUD, ParaGard, inserted about two months ago. The insertion was uncomfortable but was way less painful than I was expecting. After insertion, I had cramping for about two days, but heating packs REALLY helped. My periods are longer. Prior to insertion, my period would only be 1-2 days long, but now it is 2-4 days long. Best decision I’ve ever made!!"

• Maj...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had ParaGard for almost 7 years. I had this inserted after a sexual assault, as my doctor was concerned that Plan B may not be as effective as possible because of my weight. I took the doctor's advice and took Advil prior to the procedure. The insertion was rather quick, and except for the pinch, relatively painless. I had slight cramping for a few hours, but was back to normal by the end of the day. I’ve always experienced heavy periods and cramping with irregular days in between. There has been no worsening of my symptoms. In fact, my periods have become lighter and shorter, with only 1-2 heavy days instead of the five + in my younger years. Although maybe that’s just a part of aging (I’m 44 now). Although I didn’t seek this out as regular birth control in the beginning, I’m glad I got it. I can’t feel it, I’ve not experienced painful intercourse, or incapacitating cramping. This is the best BC I’ve ever used."

• Jen...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I got my ParaGard in 2017, and I was nervous because I had not taken any painkillers beforehand, but it ended up only hurting as much as a bad menstrual cramp (for reference, pap smears don't tend to hurt me). They gave some ibuprofen, and I went back to work the rest of the day. I had cramps the following two days, but nothing worse than my normal period cramps. The first 3 months, my flow became a little heavier, and I had some spotting after periods. Also, slightly stronger cramps. I also got a yeast infection and a UTI, but that might have been because I had started having unprotected sex with my monogamous partner, and I was not as careful about hygiene after sex (go pee and wash up every time!!). Since then, I haven't had any problems. Periods are still a little heavier, but not monstrous, and totally worth the benefits of carefree birth control. If you are experiencing problems, talk to a health care professional, but I would suggest waiting a year to see if symptoms level out."

• Nev...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I rate ParaGard a 10 for effectiveness because this device 100% protected me from pregnancy. However, it was excruciatingly painful having this thing inside me, especially when not on my period (I had really manageable, pain-free periods!). So after a full week of horrifying cramps that had me yelling out in frustration, I was fed up and removed it 8 months after insertion. I was cramping horribly the night before removal, with three Advil not even taking the edge off, and as soon as it was out, I felt like a new person, and the light cramping expected after removal never even made an appearance. No cramping whatsoever, and my horrifying cramps usually came like clockwork. Highly effective BC method, but not worth the prolonged agony, in my opinion. My body is happy it’s finally gone."

• FFa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I had my IUD in for 4.5 years. I have no complaints; just bad cramps and discomfort if sex is too rough. But I recently got it removed; upon removal, one of the arms of the ‘T’ broke off and was misplaced in my uterus. They told me I had to get minor surgery done in order to remove the fractured piece of my IUD. Weeks of stressing out; last week, I found the IUD piece on my bedroom floor. Unsure how it expelled from my uterus through my cervix, but I’m still in shock and confused. Saved me major surgery though, I suppose. I would recommend an IUD for contraceptive; just be mindful about all possibilities."

• Ste...
• October 24, 2019

For Birth Control "10/10. I have had it for 9 1/2 years!!!!! No problems whatsoever. I have always had cramps and heavy periods, so no change there. Can't say it affects my weight since I have been the same weight since childbirth, lol, but it has saved me thousands by preventing pregnancy 100%, lol. I never have to worry about taking pills or wearing condoms (I'm married). I didn't feel any pain when it was put in, but then again, my cramps are bad, so that pinch was nothing. I will be having this IUD placed again once this one expires in a couple of months. Highly recommend."

• Jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I got a ParaGard put in yesterday. My doctor double-checked with me and asked if I was sure that I wanted it. I've read so many horror stories on here, and I do hope to not be one of them. But, I recently had a D&C after I miscarried at 11 weeks (Oct 11, 2019). And 2.5 weeks later, I had the copper IUD put in, which was yesterday. My doctor was kind enough to numb me, and the whole procedure took maybe 2 minutes. Afterwards, I had some cramping, but I took an Ibuprofen, and I went straight to work. I was fine for the rest of the day. Today, I feel completely normal and can't even tell that I have it in my system. My periods have always been light, no cramping, and short (3-4 days). So, I'll make an update in 3-6 months to see how the period changes."

• 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."

• Jaz...
• June 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had the Paragard copper IUD for three years now, and it's the best decision I ever made as far as contraception goes. I spent five years reading articles and reviews about IUDs before actually getting one because I was so terrified after reading so many horror stories, but decided to bite the bullet because the pill makes me so bloated, and I hate condoms. I haven't had children, so the doctor recommended Mirena, but I wanted something without any hormones or anything in it, so I chose the copper. It was definitely an uncomfortable experience having it put in, and painful for about 30 seconds, but it was over very quickly. I had cramping and a heavy period for about four or five days afterwards. For the first four months, my periods were a fair bit heavier than usual, and now they're just a little bit heavier than they were before I had the IUD, but I never had very heavy periods to start with. I probably wouldn't recommend the Paragard if you have heavy periods already."

• 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."

• Sol...
• May 30, 2019

For Birth Control "So I never write reviews, but I felt compelled to write this because of my experience. I have never been on birth control, and I should have been a long time ago. Being a health nut and skeptic, I never felt comfortable with the idea of putting something unnatural in my body. However, like any other people in their '20s or a human being for that matter, I was sexually active. I have had many pregnancy scares and took way too many plan B's. I was tired of the anxiety and fear of pregnancy that I associate with sex. I finally grew a pair and decided to get a Copper IUD because it fit all my natural desires. No chemicals, no hormones = happy girl. I have had it for about two months now. Insertion was definitely uncomfortable, but as everyone says, take ibuprofen before the appointment. My periods are heavier, but nothing that super tampons cannot handle. I have cramps now, which is new for me, but I push through it. Everyone's body is different, and that must be understood!"

• Dre...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I was scared when I saw all of the bad reviews on ParaGard, but my DH pointed out that the people who write reviews are usually those who don't like it, and all the people who have no problems just get on with their life and never think of it again. So I decided to review it after actually experiencing it. For me, the insertion didn't hurt much. There was pressure (obviously), and it hurt a couple of times, but just a prick and not the whole time. Some women bleed, I didn’t. I was prepared for the pain and heaviness of my periods. The first time I got my period, it hurt VERY badly for about 1 hour or 2. I took a hot shower and a Motrin, and it went away. My period is irregular when it used to be to the day. There is 1, sometimes 2, days/period when my flow is very heavy! I go through super tampons in 1 hour. I sometimes have wicked cramps, but not every period. I usually spot a little days before and after my period. We still use condoms around the time that I am fertile just to be careful. This isn’t necessary, but I REALLY don’t want to get pregnant. We decided to use the ParaGard because it doesn’t have hormones, and I highly recommend it!"

• bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I was able to have ParaGard inserted under G.A. along with a polypectomy (removal of a polyp). When I awoke from anesthesia, I had such mild cramping I wasn't even sure if I could call it that, a 0.5 on a scale of 1 to 10. It continued like this for 24 hours. I felt almost normal. Periods have been longer, with spotting for 2 days prior and post. Cramping has also intensified and lasts about 2 days off and on, but is in no way debilitating and can be easily managed or avoided with 1 or 2 Advil in the course of a day. Before the IUD, I would only get cramps every 3 or 4 months. Never have I ever 'felt it inside me.' I questioned whether it was really there, to be honest. I have a hard time feeling the strings because they wrapped around my cervix within the first 2 weeks after insertion, and my boyfriend has never felt them either. Regarding spotting between periods, I don't think I have that issue, though I do notice extremely light spotting right around ovulation time for 2 to 3 days. Then it disappears again."

• New...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I just got ParaGard inserted today, so obviously I don't have much experience with it. I have many family and friends who have them and helped with my decision to get it. I took an 800 mg ibuprofen beforehand. The process took about 10 minutes. Parts of it were uncomfortable, but the only part that hurt was the measuring to your cervix. I got cramps about 10 minutes after, now I'm laying in bed with a heating pad about an hour later, and feel mostly fine. Will update with more once I experience more!"