ParaGard and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Tha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2020

For Birth Control "My cycle started 5 days early. The first few days were very light, minimal cramping, and pretty bearable. Day 4 (which I’m on right now) is HEAVY, from the minute I woke up, a super plus tampon lasted about 1 hour and an hour and a half if I was lucky. I’m curious to see how this all plays out, seeing as I had really heavy periods as a teenager and that went away into adulthood. Now it’s bringing me flashbacks to high school. Within a 14-hour period of time, I think I used 8-10 super plus tampons! I’m willing to give it a few more months to see if this calms down. Hoping for the best because hormones don’t mix well with me."

• Bet...
• August 20, 2018

For Birth Control "This device has ruined the past two years of my life. I have had severe cramps, blood loss during just one day of my cycle of what should be the amount lost during the entirety of a cycle, and copper toxicity issues. I have had heart palpitations without any previously, and recently went to the ER due to those. I have had severe back pains and anxiety. I recently had the IUD removed, and these symptoms are subsiding. The back pain completely disappeared. It sounds like a great option at first, but prolonged exposure to copper can cause many complications within you. Copper also affects your adrenal system - which directly regulates hormones. So if you believe it is completely non-hormonal, it is still indirectly (and significantly in my case) affecting your hormones. Please do research on this device before you just place a foreign object in your body. I would not recommend it to anyone."

• ray...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I am 21 years old and have never been pregnant. I've had my ParaGard for about 4 months now. I did an immense amount of research on IUDs. Therefore, I felt I was completely prepared for the insertion as well as the effects thereafter. I was probably more anxious for the insertion process than I needed to be. It did not hurt as much as the horror stories stated online. It hurt for about 10 seconds as my doctor was measuring, then about 2 seconds for the insertion. After that, there was a mild cramp for the rest of the day and some spotting. Tada, 99%+ efficacy. I'd say the worst part would be the longer/heavier periods and random spotting. But I'd honestly rather have that than a child I'm not ready for. Do your research and know your options!"

• Emm...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I had ParaGard put in on March 28 of this year. It is now October, and I could not be more pleased with this birth control. After deciding that I no longer wanted to use the pill, I tried other options such as the arm implant and the patch, neither of which worked for me because they made me fat, emotional, and took away my sex drive. ParaGard gave me really bad cramps and heavy periods for the first two months. After that, my cramps went away completely, and I have not had them again since then. My periods have gotten lighter and lighter until they are now back to my normal flow. My sex drive is also now higher than ever before. I would recommend this to anyone that can bear through the cramps for the first few months."

• Fel...
• March 31, 2017

For Birth Control "So this morning I got my first ParaGard inserted. I am 20 years old and have never had a baby. I made the mistake of reading reviews and experiences, along with the horror stories about insertion. I figured that since I was so young and had never had a baby, this was going to be awful, downright excruciating. Well, it was not. I realize the pain varies from body to body, but if you were like me, reading and reading reviews, scared to death, it is okay, you will be fine, it legit lasts a minute. It does not feel like someone is tasering my uterus, nor is it the worst pain I have ever experienced (literally what I read and expected). Feels like a deep strong cramp, tolerable cramp."

• Ana...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2017

For Birth Control "My sister had it for 3 years and took it out when she was ready to get pregnant. Boom, pregnant the next month. Here's my story. I'm 28, and I just had my first wonderful baby girl. I have had a horrible experience with the pill, the patch, and the depo shot, which almost killed me, and I hope no one ever gets it. So I, like most people, was a little bit frightened to go back on birth control. After having my daughter, I'm 4 months postpartum. I think honestly the anticipation was worse than anything, lol. I took 800 mg ibuprofen (doctor's orders) before the insertion, which helped tremendously because all I felt was a slight discomfort, and it was over. I had some spotting and cramping (heating pad). I'm 4 days into it and no pain. Breastfeeding and no milk issues!"

• 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!"

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 16, 2020

For Birth Control "It's been alright. I have never had a baby before. Insertion was really painful, and I was crampy for a few days. Now, I just take a few ibuprofen when I have my period, and it is completely tolerable. I have not noticed any heavier bleeding than normal yet, but my period does last one day longer than it used to. I think it is a great option for people who want to avoid hormonal birth control. So far, so good!"

• Anonymous
• February 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard for 2 weeks now. I am concerned about the spotting I'm having and the sporadic cramps. I'm doing research to see if this is normal. By reading the comments, it seems to be really normal, but I don't think I like it. I'm going to give it a few more months and see what happens."

• Mam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 9, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard a couple of months after the birth of my second child. It was obviously a little painful to have it inserted, but nothing that lasted more than a minute or two. I had some mild cramping, but it subsided after a couple of days. The first month I had it, I noticed a thousand different ‘side effects.’ I did WAY too much research and was trying to link everything to the IUD. I decided to wait it out, and once I stopped thinking so much about it, I noticed it was all in my head. It’s been over a year since I’ve had it. My periods are always on schedule, and I don’t cramp at all, but I will admit they are much heavier and longer. I have zero problems with weight gain and actually lost about 10 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight. It does its job, and I love not having to worry about whether I took my birth control or not. Overall, I would definitely recommend it."

• Ns4...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 4, 2021

For Birth Control "2 years in, started ruining my life, lost my job because I couldn't get out of bed, developed high blood pressure, sleep apnea, endometriosis, fibroids, severe depression and suicidal ideation, weight gain, IBS, severe bloating, 2 weeks of bleeding and clotting, then 2 weeks of cramps and spotting, migraines, food intolerances. I could go on. Good luck trying to have it removed once it's in, it will take you months or you will have to find another way. The doctors swear the symptoms aren't from the IUD, but I have thousands of other girls that say differently."

• EGa...
• August 8, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been struggling for years with the negative side effects of other birth control methods. I have experienced nothing of the sort with the copper IUD. Having not had children yet, the insertion was very painful, it took three attempts for it to be properly inserted (this perhaps could be the fault of the inserter). However, I had only very light cramping after the insertion. I should say that previously to the copper IUD, I rarely experienced period cramps, so this was my biggest side effect fear. I am happy to say that after the first three months of periods, my cramping subsided and I have not had much cramping for my last two periods. The first three months were extreme pain, the cramps could be felt not only in my uterus but down my legs. Six months out, my period is almost painless, although heavier than it used to be, nothing unmanageable and not any longer. Don't let these reviews scare you, every body is different."

• ALR...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I decided to choose ParaGard because I haven't done well in the past on hormones. I tend to be very sensitive to hormones and feel sick, gain weight, and become very emotional. I decided to try ParaGard, and so far have loved it. Yes, you have cramps and slightly longer periods, but you get your period almost to the hour every month. I have always had heavier/worse cramps than most people I know, so this has been nothing for me (at least nothing some Advil or a little wine can't fix!) It was a little painful being put in, BUT it's effective right away and lasts for 10 years!! I have had this for almost a full year now and will definitely be keeping it until I decide to have children."

• ALR...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I decided to choose ParaGard because I haven't done well in the past on hormones. I tend to be very sensitive to hormones and feel sick, gain weight, and become very emotional. I decided to try ParaGard, and so far have loved it. Yes, you have cramps and slightly longer periods, but you get your period almost to the hour every month. I have always had heavier/worse cramps than most people I know, so this has been nothing for me (at least nothing some Advil or a little wine can't fix!) It was a little painful being put in, BUT it's effective right away and lasts for 10 years!! I have had this for almost a full year now and will definitely be keeping it until I decide to have children."

• Pac...
• October 20, 2017

For Birth Control "I had my ParaGard in for the full 10 years with little to no issues. Menstrual cramps were slightly more intense, but periods were pretty short. Insertion was easy, just a quick pinch/cramp and done. Removal was even easier and painless. I had mine taken out during my period a couple of days ago. Period seems slightly heavier, but no other side effects."

• ore...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I wanted to share my experience after reading negative reviews for the ParaGard. As others have said, I chose the ParaGard because it is a hormone-free birth control, and after taking the pill for many years with negative side effects, it finally seemed like a better alternative. I was very nervous going into my appointment after reading mixed reviews and hearing how painful it is for some. I almost told the doctor during the beginning of the procedure to stop because I was so scared. Then, with a slight sting, the entire procedure was over, and it barely hurt. In all, it was over within 5 minutes, and placing the actual ParaGard is only 2 of those 5 minutes. I was so relieved and kicked myself for getting so worked up. I've had it for 2 weeks now. The day after having it placed, I did have some uncomfortable cramps, but they were manageable. I spotted for 1 week, and now all of the side effects seem to be done."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2020

For Birth Control "I recently got ParaGard inserted, the insertion wasn’t too bad. It was instant cramps, though, and they increased as that day went on, so much so I took about 2 ibuprofen 800s and laid around with my heating pad. My period was due around the time, so I cramped up until it came about 4 days later. I normally cramp, so it was nothing out of the ordinary or that ibuprofen couldn’t handle. The bleeding, however, whereas my period is normally 4/5 days, I am now on day 6 and over it. Came to see how long periods normally last after insertion because really I’m over it, lol. I am not cramping at all anymore and can’t even tell it’s there. So far, so good."

• Suz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 18, 2021

For Birth Control "I had the copper IUD inserted as I had been on the pill for 5 years and decided to try something hormonal-free. I got put under local anesthetic, so can’t comment on insertion pain, but omg, the cramps were so terrible and heavy periods I had never experienced. I decided to push through, as they say it gets better. The IUD turned me from a healthy, happy woman to depressed, anxiety-nearly bipolar-like-with symptoms like I’ve never had and panic attacks I’ve never experienced-so terrible! My sex drive was nonexistent, I was at a loss, as I would have never thought my “hormonal-free” IUD would be causing these issues until I came on this page! My doctor told me I was suffering from chemically imbalanced depression/anxiety?? I had my IUD removed the next morning after seeing so many women going through the same thing. My depression has now gone, and I haven’t had a panic attack since (removed 2 days ago). I cannot stress this enough-don’t get the IUD."

• Kac...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I"

• Amy...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I had my ParaGard inserted in the office in June of 2015. Per my OB, it was in place at my 6-week check-up. In the first 4 months after insertion, I had moderate to severe cramping and was informed by my OB that this was normal. In June 2016, my IUD was no longer visible in my cervix. An ultrasound was scheduled. Four days later, I had a positive pregnancy test. The ultrasound confirmed the pregnancy and the IUD was not visible, so it was assumed to have fallen out. I gave birth in February of 2017. A follow-up X-ray and subsequent hysterectomy confirmed the ParaGard was still in my body, but not in my uterus. I had my ParaGard surgically removed in October 2017, and it was found to have perforated my uterus and small intestine."

• And...
• April 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I am a strong woman, I take care of myself, my body, and my mind. I eat healthy, I exercise. I am healthy. I have a daughter. I’m not on any medication. When they put the ParaGard in, it wasn’t extremely unpleasant, some pressure and a bit more like a strange sensation when they measured the uterus. No pain. Alright, after that insertion, which lasted less than 5 minutes, I was up getting dressed. The first couple of days, I felt a little discomfort, like cramps, but not strong enough to take ibuprofen. I had some spotting, but minimum for two or three days. Then after that, I felt nothing. My period started normal, and to my surprise, it was like before ParaGard, lasting 5 to 7 days. I’m normally spotting first, then heavy for one or two days, and then spotting until clean. Moderate pain on the heavy days that ibuprofen helps me feel better, like usual. No extra pain. After that, all normal, and now is my second month in it, and my period was normal again. So I’m happy with ParaGard. ❤️"

• 30-...
• September 26, 2019

For Birth Control "The cramping, good lord, the cramping. I would compare it to early to mid-labor contractions. Sometimes they would hit me so hard I would literally double over. For a solid week, every month. Flow, so heavy. Beyond what a super plus tampon and maxi pad could handle for more than a couple of hours. For a solid four days, with what I would consider normal flow for the next three. Now, I know this is non-hormonal, so it may have to do with my body rather than the actual IUD, but my mood swings were outrageous. Like a solid week of being sad, a solid week of being angry, a solid week of insomnia, a solid week of physical pain, repeat. Sometimes one of the first three would be swapped out (or accompanied by) heartbroken. I've been in a steady relationship for almost five years and just at random I would start to question everything about him and his motives. Before ParaGard, I didn't have any kind of emotional swing month to month, so I blame it, but it could also be me aging and my hormones changing."

• LKa...
• January 15, 2019

For Birth Control "Was looking for new birth control, as having been on the pill for over a decade was taking its toll. My weight and blood pressure were up, so I needed something new. Went off of the pill for about 6 months to determine what to do and ultimately went with the ParaGard. Never been pregnant, got the ParaGard inserted a bit before my 30th birthday. Insertion was awful, hence deducting one star. The 24 hours following insertion were also terrible - constant pain, and I was really worried it wouldn't work out. But after another day, the pain subsided. Not gonna lie - periods are a lot heavier and longer, so I deducted another star, but my pre-ParaGard periods were very short (2-3 days) and light, so now I suppose it's like having a regular period. Cramps are the same - no better, no worse. Libido is up, up, up! Husband has no issue and has never felt the strings or anything."

• Man...
• May 5, 2016

For Birth Control "Got my ParaGard a little over a month ago. Insertion lasted less than 30 seconds. It was mostly uncomfortable, not painful, instant cramps. Bearable with Advil. Spotted and had cramps for a month afterward, again bearable with Advil (and yes, I had sex, spotting wasn't heavy at all, I'm talking like the lightest panty liner ever). First period was light and short. It was actually better than my regular period. No more spotting and cramps after first period. Second period, NO CRAMPS, even lighter, even shorter. I forget I have it. Not pregnant. Sex is rad. No hormones. Going in for a follow-up in a few weeks. Loving life and loving my ParaGard, I even convinced my friend to get one and get off the pill."

• Do ...
• March 8, 2016

For Birth Control "This 'experience' is coming from me personally. Woman to woman. So, let me break it down for y'all. Pros: 1.) One and done-ParaGard only takes one doctor's visit to insert. Then, no worries for 10 years! That's right, 10 whole years. 2.) No hormones! Now I've never taken hormones but know their effect they can have on one's life, which made my choice in birth control fairly simple. 3.) Little to no side effects after a couple of months. If inserted correctly by your awesome doctor, you won't even feel the ParaGard. Now, the cons. 1.) The pain is real during and after the procedure. The worst cramps you've ever had times 56 :( If you have the option, have someone drive you home. And take two Advil before the procedure/invest in a heating pad. GL!"