ParaGard and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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!"

• Thr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had my ParaGard for about 9 months now and couldn't be happier! I've tried to wait a decent amount of time before reviewing it, but I couldn't wait any longer. I'm 25, no kids, history of regular periods (clockwork), no prior usage of hormonal birth control prior to insertion. My insertion was quick and easy but mildly uncomfortable. I had it inserted on my period after having taken 2 Advil prior, and afterward, my periods were light and virtually pain-free! I usually have really bad cramps, but for 4 months, they weren't an issue. Period stayed on its normal schedule but lasted a day longer. Periods are now slightly back to normal but still great (4 days, mild cramping), sex is great (still able to do all the fun stuff), and no changes to body or mood!"

• Cor...
• November 27, 2017

For Birth Control "POSITIVE PARA-GARD EXPERIENCE! - 29 yrs old, no kids, periods always regular, retroverted uterus. Insertion-uncomfortable but lasted 10 min, breathe and take your Motrin. Cramps after insertion, bloating, went away after a couple of days. Next weeks had minor drop of blood, spotting here and there. Had a significant spot of blood 5 days before period was due... it was enough to have to clean up, but then stopped completely. Got my period 3 days early, had cramps that morning, took Motrin, that was it for cramps. Period was HEAVY-1 light, 2 filling up Diva cup quickly (overflowed one night I'd wear pads until confident), 1 light, 1 spotting-Total 5 days. Husband can't feel it or hasn't mentioned it. All in all... best decision ever! Good luck, ladies!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2017

For Birth Control "Having bad experiences with hormones in pills causing mood swings and acne, I wanted to try the non-hormone ParaGard, and I was SO scared of insertion. I read horror and good stories on it and almost backed out, but I didn’t. An hour and a half before, I took two Midol and listened to music with one headphone out so I could hear the doctor and braced for the worst. It wasn’t painful at all, more like annoying! A slight pinch and a little bit of cramping, and so quick. He said, “I’m almost done,” and I was in shock how fast it went - not even 5 minutes that I had been there, more like 2-3, and it was over! Definitely thankful, and so far so good. Worth a try."

• 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."

• Lex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2017

For Birth Control "My experience was great! I was so nervous about inserting it in, but it was painless. My doctor told me to cough while she was inserting it, and I felt nothing. I had no pain, just felt tired that day, but besides that, the cramping was very mild, feeling nothing really (lasting only 2 days). It’s been 1 week so far, and I feel like nothing is there. Best birth control for me. I’ve taken the pills before and would forget to take my pills and stress out. Now I’m stress-free and so glad I have chosen this form of birth control."

• Kat...
• October 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I felt the need to share my experience because it was very unlike the majority of what has been shared here. A lot of these stories had me scared to death. So, my pain tolerance is VERY low, and I thought this was going to be the worst pain in my life. Long story short, it really wasn't. Of course, there was a sharp pain, but after that wave, there was only about a minute left, and then it was over. I also went and got it put in on my period to help reduce the pain. I would rate it an honest 9/10 pain for about 30 seconds. The cramping afterward was pretty strong, like a 6 or 7/10, but pain meds should help with that. The cramping was pretty mild the next day. There was additional blood with my period, which has lasted a couple of extra days. I have no regrets."

• Cra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had an AWESOME experience with my ParaGard and wanted to share it since people tend to only post negative reviews online. I got my ParaGard about a month ago. There definitely was pain/cramping at the time of insertion, but it wasn't really horrible; it felt like really, really bad period cramps for a few minutes, and then it subsided. I had pretty bad bloating/gas/cramps for the first week and a half, and then it subsided. I'm at the end of my first period with it at the moment. My periods are usually ~5 days long, and with the ParaGard it has been about 7 days. Cramps are definitely a bit more painful, but nothing Advil can't take care of! I love love LOVE my ParaGard and definitely recommend it!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 4, 2017

For Birth Control "Yes, ParaGard hurt like hell when it went in four years ago, and the first few days left me achy. I occasionally have some cramping during my periods. But I will say, it was so worth it. No issues with pregnancy at all and none of the side effects from the high hormone pills I used to be on. These people who experienced crazy changes shouldn't be so harsh since the negative experiences are so rare. Also, I don't know if some of these side effects people are mentioning are directly related to the IUD... it is easy to blame something when it could be something else. Be informed and make the choice based on sound scientific research, not some review."

• 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!"

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I am on my 4th month of ParaGard, and the horrible cramping/long periods have ended! I usually have very light periods to begin with, so maybe that is why I only had 3 longer-than-usual periods with this, while other people have that for up to a year. Either way, I highly recommend!"

• Ace...
• September 13, 2017

For Birth Control "The ParaGard has worked perfectly for me. I think much of the frustration I read about is the natural discomfort the body goes through adjusting to a foreign object. In some cases, people's bodies reject it, which seems like a pretty natural side effect to me. I had pain the first few weeks after insertion, and ibuprofen worked wonders during that time. I also experienced bad menstrual cramps the first 3 periods after insertion, my flow was heavier at first but mellowed out with time. I used to be on a 5-week cycle, and now I'm on a 4-week one. I love my IUD. I've had unprotected sex with a long-term partner and never had to worry. I still wear condoms with new sexual encounters because STDs are a real thing. But my IUD has been great for 3 years!"

• Sar...
• August 20, 2017

For Birth Control "I had ParaGard for nine years, and it worked really well. I had it removed about a week ago since my husband had a vasectomy. I did have super heavy periods and heavy cramping during my time with ParaGard. I have light periods and never have cramps with my period. It was worth having such heavy periods as to not get pregnant. I can't take birth control pills due to hormones giving me horrible migraines (I tried many different types). This was such a lifesaver. I would highly recommend it to anyone."

• TLa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2017

For Birth Control "After almost being scared away from this IUD, I realize that each individual was in different age groups and may or may not have had children. I am 45, 4 kids, the last one is 2. I cannot take regular birth control as it is a depressant for me. After reading several blogs, reviews, and Facebook, I almost canceled. My final research from a natural doctor explained a lot. So I suggest that you find a naturalist and read articles based on their findings about this specific IUD. My appointment was done with my doctor and a sonogram technician, she was able to implant the IUD while fully being able to see inside of the cervix. I had mild cramping and went home and had a mild. There have been no side effects, I couldn't be happier, highly suggest 10 years, 99% guarantee. Know your body and what you do to it, you should be fully satisfied!"

• Ama...
• June 21, 2017

For Birth Control "I was so nervous to get the ParaGard IUD after reading the awful experiences others had! But I was nervous for no reason. I had my last daughter 2.5 months ago and have a 19-month-old as well. This was effective and not so final as a vasectomy. The entire insertion MAYBE took 3 minutes. ZERO discomfort! She said I would feel cramping and pressure but felt nothing at all. I couldn't believe it was over. After, I felt no different. Went on about my day as usual... around 8 hours later, I did feel slight menstrual cramps for about 5 minutes, lol, but that was the worst of it. Will definitely post what my next period is like, but I am VERY satisfied so far."

• Syd...
• June 20, 2017

For Birth Control "Getting it put in was not painful! Just uncomfortable... After the insertion, the cramps were painful, but everyone is different. Don't go by reviews, whether to get it or not. Most people only write reviews when they are hating something. It is not as bad as everyone makes it seem. It is worth a try."

• Raj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2017

For Birth Control "I have ParaGard inserted last week. I feel light pain while inserting, light cramps, overall, good. I started with birth control pills, my periods stopped, and I quit the pills and decided to have ParaGard. When I read the reviews, I was scared, but it's the best birth control method."

• Anonymous
• May 26, 2017

For Birth Control "I had ParaGard inserted 6 weeks after my second child. I've had it for over 10 years. Insertion was pretty painful, about a 6 on the pain scale. For 3 days after, my abdomen was swollen, and I was uncomfortable enough to need prescription pain relief. My periods last 2 days longer, are heavier, and ovulation can hurt really bad about twice a year. I had horrible side effects with hormonal birth control. It's been the best BC I've ever had, it really is liberating to not have to worry. I'm 5 years overdue to get it removed because where I live, no one was trained to deal with it. I'm going to get another one when I have this one removed."

• Cin...
• May 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I was very nervous about getting the ParaGard IUD after reading many reviews. I decided I still wanted to try it, and honestly, insertion was not painful at all. I read from so many different reviews of women describing it as the worst feeling they've experienced. I was also advised to take ibuprofen before my appointment, which I didn't do. I just felt pressure and not pain. I guess I was lucky! I don't really cramp, and when I do, it's not too painful. Prior to the ParaGard, my periods were very light, which has changed a bit. They're not too heavy. Overall, happy I went through with it!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 21, 2017

For Birth Control "I had this placed when my third child was 2 or 3 months old. Some background: I had my first kid at 18 and immediately started pills after I had him, but managed to get pregnant when he was 5 months old. After baby #2, I did the shot and NuvaRing and got pregnant when #2 was 2 (the NuvaRing had fallen out prematurely)! I heard horror stories about ParaGard but decided to give it a shot, and it is amazing. Honestly, the insertion pain wasn't that bad. The speculum part hurt much more than insertion. I had cramps for a few days and super heavy periods for about a year and spotting in between periods for 3 years. I'm at 4 years now, and my period is super consistent and normal flow. Husband doesn't feel it at all, and neither do I."

• Hop...
• May 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I had ParaGard first inserted in my late 20's after having my son (10 years ago-2007). I went and had it removed recently and had another one inserted (2017) since it's a very effective birth control. The first time it didn't hurt much. This time though, the cramping and backache are excruciating. It hurt a little when inserted, but the pain and cramping started slowly, and now it's a 13 on a scale of 1-10. It's not steady cramping and pain. It comes and goes. It's been 5 days since the insertion, and my pain is still very bad. Overall, aside from this pain since the insertion, it makes my periods heavier and longer (9 days). I do get discharge in between my periods sometimes, which is not a big deal. Better dealing with that than having a 4th kid."

• Eri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I got this in about February, it's now May. This birth control is by far the best! No weight gain! Like I've had with Implanon or the shot. The cramps hurt at first, but nothing ibuprofen can't take care of. And it's non-hormonal, and I'm a crazy lady when hormones are added to my body. Best birth control yet!!!!! You must try!!!"

• Bab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2017

For Birth Control "I wanted to share my feelings on ParaGard since I just got mine a few months ago and have heard some pretty scary things about it. I am 21 and came off NuvaRing after 3 years of using it. The insertion of the IUD was the most painful thing I've ever felt, it made me nauseous, BUT it was over within 10 minutes. The following week was hell with nonstop cramps and bleeding. After a week, I felt great! My period came earlier than expected but was roughly the same as it was before having the IUD. 7-8 days with 3 days of debilitating cramps and enough bleeding to use a super tampon in 45 minutes. It didn't hurt worse or last longer! Now in month 2, I still feel great. My cycle messed up a bit, but it is getting more regular again. I love it!"

• Aam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2017

For Birth Control "New to IUD, never had kids. Easy insertion, no cramping, no heavy flow -- I wish I'd gotten a ParaGard IUD sooner!"