ParaGard and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Reb...
• April 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had the ParaGard for a month now, and I absolutely love it! I got it inserted 3 months after having my son, and I didn't even feel them put it in. Afterwards, I had mild cramping and spotting for a few days, then it went away. I am breastfeeding, so I have not gotten a period yet, but my cycles have always been heavy. I would have a heavier cycle than get pregnant again so soon! Or deal with synthetic hormones! The only complaint I have is the increase of discharge I have constantly. Other than that, I love it and would recommend it for any mother."

• Fit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I am 21, never had kids, have regular periods that are light-medium, and am very active. I recently got the ParaGard inserted. The insertion was only painful for a brief 3 seconds (I also forgot to take ibuprofen before my appointment). The next few days consisted of some strong cramping that came in cycles, but it only required one dose of 400 mg of ibuprofen a day to help with that. I only have some light spotting that requires panty liners, however, the cramps and spotting are decreasing with each day. Had sex on day 3, and everything felt normal! It is now day 5 for me, and I have resumed working out with moderate intensity. Don't listen to the horror stories, you may be one of those lucky people (like me) that have a good experience!"

• 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."

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 27, 2017

For Birth Control "ParaGard was totally the right decision of IUD for me! I did not want to deal with the side effects of the hormones in the Mirena (or the other brands). I had a lot of friends get those removed because the hormones messed with them. Insertion was not nearly as bad as I anticipated. Definitely uncomfortable and worse than a pap smear, but nothing I couldn't handle. I took plenty of ibuprofen that day and watched a season of Game of Thrones. Not a bad day. My first two periods afterward were heavier, crampy, and less predictable, but after that, they got back on schedule, and the cramps are no worse now than before the IUD. In fact, they may be more mild for me now. My boyfriend can sometimes feel the string, but who cares, he can deal!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 23, 2017

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard put in today, and I have never felt such bad pain in my entire life. I would consider myself to have quite a high pain tolerance, and I almost passed out while the doctor was measuring my cervix. All of the color drained out of my face, and everything became sparkly. The doctor and her assistant were very helpful and walked me through the whole process, but nothing could prepare me for the pinching, cramping pain. I am spotting just a little, and the cramps are still pretty bad. Ibuprofen wouldn't cut it for me, so I had to take something a bit stronger with a glass of wine and a heating pad, but other than that, the cramping is definitely a lot better than it was 5 hours ago."

• INe...
• March 16, 2017

For Birth Control "I am 20 years old now and have had ParaGard in for about 3 months. I can honestly say this was such a good decision! I have never had kids or an abortion, so I am not the usual patient for these. To describe my experience, I researched a lot about this before I went in and thought getting it in was going to hurt like crazy. It didn't. It felt mildly uncomfortable for about 10 seconds, then that was it. As for the first few days after, the cramps were bad, I'll admit that. I have never had period cramps before then, so I will admit I was pretty miserable, but it was definitely worth it in the long run! Ever since, I have had little cramping, and my periods have been ever so slightly heavier than usual but not that bad! Highly recommend!"

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2017

For Birth Control "I was really worried based on some of the reviews, but my Dr. assured me I was a good candidate for it. So I got the ParaGard today, and the process was very quick with zero pain (recently gave birth though) due to my Dr. using ultrasound to make sure he placed it correctly. So far, only experienced light spotting with no cramping. Only took less than a minute to place it. Right now, I will give it a 10 based on experience today. So far, I feel completely normal, and it's been about 10 hrs since I had it placed, but if anything changes, I will be back with an update."

• Sss...
• January 30, 2017

For Birth Control "I came to talk about the insertion, which happened about a week ago. I got myself all scared beforehand watching reaction videos, but it was totally fine. The doctor prescribed me some Xanax beforehand, so I was more relaxed, but it didn't hurt at all. It was a little uncomfortable, but I actually laughed at the cramping because it didn't hurt. It kinda felt cool. Don't be afraid!"

• D R...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard for just over a month. I felt compelled to write a review because I feel like people only review things when they have a bad experience, and there aren't enough good reviews out there. I read horror stories about the insertion. But to my relief, it barely hurt. The most painful part was the speculum being removed. I did not have any cramping after, and I went to the gym the next morning. The first two weeks were great. No side effects at all. About ten days before my period, I got cramps on and off and a little spotting. When my period finally started, I was expecting the worst based on the horror stories. Day one was pretty heavy, but after that, it was lighter than usual and only lasted five days. I love my ParaGard so far!"

• Lit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2017

For Birth Control "Needed a birth control without hormones. Two days before the procedure, I had to take Cytotec twice a day until the procedure to soften my cervix. I had really bad cramping, light bleeding, and acid reflux from the Cytotec. On the day of IUD insertion, I took Valium... This did nothing for my anxiety. If it weren't for my boyfriend being by my side the entire time during the procedure, I wouldn't have gone through and would have begged the doctor to stop and let me leave without ParaGard. I've never had such a terrifying experience. I cried the entire procedure from pain and discomfort from being exposed. Never had a Pap smear, so I never felt so exposed. The pain was a 9.5. I wish I found a place that used IV sedation."

• Ker...
• January 2, 2017

For Birth Control "The ParaGard is hands down the best method of birth control! I had a lot of trial and error finding the right kind of birth control for me. I've tried pills, the Depo shot, and the Implanon. They always had some kind of bad side effect on me, from weight gain to acne to migraines. I just wanted something all-natural that would get the job done. I decided to give the ParaGard a try even though I didn't like the fact of something being inserted in my uterus. It's done an amazing job. Insertion and removal were quick and almost painless, with some mild cramping. Periods were light and maintainable. I couldn't 'feel' it either. Now I'm ready to have my first baby, but it's going right back in afterwards!"

• Weh...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard inserted a few days before I left for France. I took the pill that softens your cervix the night before and Advil a few hours before. I was also on my period, which supposedly makes the insertion easier. The procedure barely hurt at all! Just a little discomfort like a Pap smear, but for slightly longer. I had moderate period cramps that day, and I was back to normal the day after! After day one, I have felt too good! I feel invincible and excited to know that I will not be having any accidental babies! I love not worrying about having to take the pill. I am curious how this will affect my next period, but so far, I love it so much, and the procedure seriously was not bad for me at all. Good luck, guys!"

• Jbu...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had the IUD in since 2009, it caused cramps for about 3 days, and spotting then was normal. It works by causing your cervix to swell some, and copper is a natural birth control. I confirmed with my doctor that the ParaGard does not contain nickel before I had it placed. Also, you are warned before its placement that many experience heavy bleeding and more cramps. In fact, my cramps have lessened in the past few years. If your normal cramps keep you in bed or cause you to buckle, avoid IUDs. Always be open and honest with your doctors, and older women and women who have had children tend to respond better."

• 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."

• Jen...
• November 16, 2016

For Birth Control "I read a lot of reviews before getting ParaGard, and they almost made me not get it because some sound so awful. But I have honestly had a great experience, and so I wanted to share that. When I first got it in, I was not on my period, so the insertion process was painful. I had cramps and heavy bleeding for about 3 days after, and then the cramps went away and the bleeding lightened. The bleeding was over with in about 5 days after insertion. I honestly didn't have any spotting between then and my first period post-insertion. My first period after the bleeding was heavier than before I had it, but nothing super excessive, and the heavy bleeding was only for 2-3 days. My period ended in 6 days. Next period was the same. No spotting in between."

• Bil...
• October 21, 2016

For Birth Control "This is my 2nd month on ParaGard. I'm 28 years old, with one 3-year-old child. I posted my experience getting it inserted, which wasn't bad at all. Weight has been so much easier to control due to no hormones. I've lost a significant amount already. Overall, I feel fantastic. But today, boy, have these cramps been hell. This is the 4th day of my period. It seems as though they're at their strongest when having a bowel movement, so beware. My flow has always been heavy, so it's nothing of a shock, but the cramps have been significantly stronger. Exercise and heating pads WORK. Highly recommend Always Infinity pads for heavy flow. I'm now lasting around 7-8 days bleeding."

• Par...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2016

For Birth Control "I opted to get the ParaGard since it is hormone-free. The doctor told me to go when my period is its heaviest and to take 2 Advil beforehand. He also mentioned it would most likely be painful since I never had kids before. I waited two months for the device to be shipped. ParaGard has to call you twice to confirm you want it shipped. I don't answer strange numbers on my phone, and they did not leave a voicemail. I had to call them directly to get it straightened out. The day that it was inserted, I was in a lot of pain. I almost blacked out, and I felt nauseous for 2 hours afterward. I fell asleep for 2 hours when I got home, and when I woke up, I felt like I was having bad period cramps. I felt fine the next day."

• Kat...
• October 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 27, no children, was on HBC for 10 years. I've had ParaGard for one week, and I could not be more pleased so far. Insertion was unbearably painful, but I went to Planned Parenthood, and they give you nothing for pain or to open your cervix, nor did they feel the need to schedule the insertion during my period. I had a panic attack from the pain, and my doctor couldn't care less. Glad I had my husband with me!! Anyway, though, the ParaGard itself is amazing. After the initial pain subsided, I spent the night with a heating pad and ibuprofen. I had cramps for the next couple of days, then it stopped. I got my period 3 days after insertion, no cramps, not heavier than normal, and it was over in 3 days. I wish I had found this sooner!"

• 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."

• Wal...
• October 11, 2016

For Birth Control "Just got my ParaGard put in this morning, couldn't sleep the night before and was so nervous the morning of. Honestly, so easy and quick. My doctors gave me a pill to insert in the vagina the night before, I guess to soften the cervix. And took an Ativan and hydrocodone an hour before my insertion. Definitely helped, only experienced a few cramps, and it was done within minutes. I seemed to have high blood pressure, which is why they recommended this IUD because it contains no hormones. So far, I love it. I'm 31 now and it lasts 10 years. Definitely a great choice."

• Anonymous
• October 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 33 and have had bad luck with hormonal birth control. After finding myself in a committed relationship, I decided it was time to find an alternative. I had a colposcopy 1 week before the IUD insertion, so my lady parts were already pretty irritated before the insertion. I would recommend more time in between if you also need a colposcopy. Aside from that, it was much less painful than I expected. It was like one really, really bad cramp. I had quite a bit of bleeding afterward. The doctor said the clamp she had used to hold the cervix still had caused the bleeding. I had bad cramps for 3 days, then they backed off. I'm now having mild cramping with the start of my period. It's not heavy yet. I hope this is it! Medicaid paid 100%!"

• Bab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I got my ParaGard in about three months ago, and so far it's been amazing! A little crampy the first couple of days after insertion, but that's it. Now, three months later, my periods are shorter and less heavy."

• mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2016

For Birth Control "So I barely got the IUD today. And it was the best decision ever. I read a whole bunch of other experiences, so I freaked myself out and went on YouTube and just freaked myself even more. Honestly, the process of the insertion was not painful at all. My whole body was shaking because I was so nervous, but it did not hurt. After I went home, I started cramping a little. I got the IUD inserted at 1 pm, and it's almost 8 pm, and the cramps are a little painful, but it's nothing I can't handle. I would highly recommend this to any other girl who wants to get one. I am 22 years old, and I had my daughter at 18, so I do not want children for a while because I am trying to focus on college and getting my degree, so this was a perfect choice for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2016

For Birth Control "I love ParaGard! I had Skyla before this, and ParaGard has been SO much better. From the moment I got Skyla, I had nonstop cramps and bleeding. It was like I could constantly feel it, even though my doctor insisted it was in the correct spot. I was scared to get ParaGard because I thought it would be the same, but it hasn't been at all! After the first few days, I stopped cramping and bleeding and can no longer feel it at all. Before you get it, I would strongly recommend asking your doctor for Misoprostol to make the insertion less painful. I had it for Skyla but not ParaGard, and the insertion process was a lot worse."