ParaGard and Cramps: What Users Say

• Bun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 5, 2025

"My experience today getting the ParaGard inserted at a Planned Parenthood was amazing. I took naproxen 550 mg before my appointment, and I took another tablet of 500, and I took lorazepam 2 mg, and I think it helped. I had unprotected sex on Tuesday, July 2, and needed a backup emergency contraceptive just in case my Ella emergency contraceptive did not work, since I think I might have ovulated. Planned Parenthood does offer sedation or pain medication options for insertion, but my clinic does not start that until two weeks, and I did not want to miss the window to use a copper IUD to protect myself from pregnancy, so I opted to move forward with my appointment without any pain meds. The insertion process was not that bad, it was actually the best experience I’ve had compared to the first time I had my Mirena put in at Kaiser. I passed out. I’m leaving this IUD for three weeks, and I’m removing it and going back to celibate life. Oh, if you’re worrying about the cramps, it’s manageable."

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 12, 2025

For Birth Control "I've had the ParaGard IUD for almost exactly a year now. As expected, my periods were heavier for a while. After three months, they started getting more spaced out. I was told this wouldn't happen since ParaGard is nonhormonal, but that's been my experience. My cycle went from a more or less predictable 29-31 days to 40 days, back down to 30, and then around 45. After about nine months, they started getting back to normal. Now my past three have been on schedule. I've even stopped bleeding so heavily. Outside of the first few months, I haven't had any worse than usual cramping. Insertion was somewhat difficult (my doctor couldn't get it inserted, so she sent me home with mifepristone to soften my cervix and had me come back the following morning), but the pain was nowhere near as horrendous as I've heard other people report."

• Ano...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 4, 2025

For Birth Control "I am a 48-year-old woman, and I just had my 3rd ParaGard IUD inserted. Yes, it was a bit uncomfortable and crampy, but a few hours later, things are almost completely back to normal, and I believe it will be again a painless, comfortable, and worry-free birth control for as long as I need it this time. My old 2 ParaGard IUDs, I had for 10 years each time with no issues besides maybe a period that is a day or 2 at the most longer. I hope this hormone-free birth control works for you as it did for me."

• Cra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 6, 2024

For Birth Control "Let me first state that I've only ever used the hormonal birth control inserted in your arm prior to this. I decided to try the non-hormonal type, as the hormonal had caused a lot of weight gain. Insertion was fine. No pain or issue. Very short process. The doctor warned me that it could cause heavy periods and cramping, which I was not worried about because I'd never had cramps before in my life, and periods are usually very light and short for me anyway. However, I must say that I've never experienced so much pain in my life. At first, the severe cramps were every few months, which was fine. I'd lay down in the fetal position, take some Midol, and let it pass. But now, for the last few months, it's been every. Single. Month. And starting yesterday morning, I've had those same horrible cramps all day, even now. I'm worried there may be a perforation. In terms of effectiveness, it's great. No pregnancy. Please try it before turning it down, though. Everyone is built differently!"

• Tee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2023

For Birth Control "Here’s my honest review. I am 22 years old and got the IUD inserted back in December. The procedure itself wasn’t too bad. They’ll pinch your cervix to help insert it (which is very painful, and I didn’t take any pain meds beforehand since I have a high pain tolerance). 24-72 hours after insertion, I had some spotting, moderate cramps, and lower back pain. Fast forward a few months, with very little to no issues. My periods are still the same (averaging about 3-4 days). The only other annoying issue is that before I start my cycle, I get some pretty nasty cramps. They can be so painful that it almost hurts to walk, or the pain circulates around my kneecaps. Otherwise, no side effects from the IUD."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2022

For Birth Control "I was nervous because of the negative reviews and the horror stories about all the pain you experience during insertion. I held off on getting the Paragard IUD for 2 years, even though it was recommended to me. Insertion was OK, my doctor prescribed me an anxiety medication so that I would be able to stay calm and relax. I HIGHLY recommend this. The cramping for the next 3 days was pretty bad, more than period cramps, but nothing I couldn’t get rid of with over-the-counter pain meds. I bled for a few spotted days, and then my period started. I’ve had the IUD for 1 month now, I was worried the switch from hormones to no hormones would cause some issues in the first 3 months, but honestly, I feel great. Just had my first period, official IUD period, and I will say it started pretty heavy compared to what I’m used to, but bleeding has almost completely stopped and it’s been 4 days. Some cramping, but it’s not bad, and barely any PMS symptoms."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 2, 2022

For Birth Control "If you are able to deal with intense cramping and heavy bleeding for about 6 months to 1 year after first getting ParaGard, it’s totally worth it! I was on the pill for about a year, prior to getting the IUD, with horrible hormonal imbalance, lethargy, low libido, and borderline depression. I needed a change. The process of getting ParaGard inserted is not for the faint of heart. I took an ibuprofen beforehand, which helped immensely! But I would rate that pain as an 11 on a scale of 1-10!! For the first several months after getting the IUD, I experienced spotting throughout the month, with heavy bleeding the week of my period. I had intense cramping daily for about 3 months after insertion. At about the 6-month mark of having ParaGard, my intense cramps would occur one week before my period started, with the week of my period consisting of heavy bleeding along with cramps. At around month 8, I finally had my hormones in check from being off the pill, and my periods returned to normal."

• Han...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 25, 2022

For Birth Control "Just leaving a positive review. For me, I got the ParaGard in after baby number 5. I didn't want my tubes tied as I'd had them tied in the past, and it was terrible on my body (look up Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome). But I did not want hormones. I gain weight in my gut every time. So I went in and got the ParaGard. I was on the heaviest day of my period when it was inserted. My doctor was excellent, and it was placed easily and quickly. I felt a pinch and a little lightheaded for a moment. After that, I was good. My period is a little heavier (it's always been heavy and 7 days long though, so not much difference). I've not had spotting or any cramping. I think it's good to share both negative and positive reviews. I've had this for a year now and love it."

• Anonymous
• June 24, 2022

For Birth Control "Getting ParaGard has been one of the best decisions I've made for my personal health. Hormonal birth control was wreaking havoc on my body and mind. I dreaded taking the pill every day. I was very nervous to try ParaGard, given all the poor reviews. I have had ParaGard now for 10 months and have had zero side effects. Insertion was about 10 minutes, and yes, it is painful (7-8/10 pain, IMO). However, I did not experience any bleeding, and I only had slight cramping for about an hour after insertion. My experience has been complication-free, however, I am someone who has never had cramping in the past, and I have always had light periods. My periods now are about the same or sometimes slightly heavier."

• Jos...
• June 23, 2022

For Birth Control "I got my ParaGard 2 months after having my 2nd child. My experience didn’t hurt much, just a little poke. Had cramping for about a week, and then a week later I got my period. It was really heavy, but it only lasted about 4 days or so. So far, everything has been great! Every month I get my period, the first 2 days are heavy and my period lasts about 5 days. So far I love it, my sex drive has been great. I don’t have to worry if I took my pill or not. I actually got pregnant on the pill with my second child, and after that, I made the decision to get the ParaGard. Another thing is we can’t compare ourselves with other women’s IUD stories. We are all different. Try it for yourself."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2022

For Birth Control "I just wanted to share my experience for insertion as I just got it this morning a few hours ago. So my experience was not at all as bad as I thought it would be from reading reviews. I am on day 3 of my period, and I have 1 child age 22. I had 3 mild to moderate cramp/pinch feelings. The 1st was when they inserted to measure the cervix, and the 2nd/3rd was when they actually stuck the IUD inside and spread the wings. It was about 3 minutes. Not at all a bad pain as some said, but everyone is different. On a scale of 1-10, it was more a 2 or 3. I’ve had period cramps worse than that, honestly. I would note that I took 3 Aleve 1 hour before the appointment. Afterwards, I have some mild cramping in my lower abdomen and a little extra bleeding than before I went. Nothing major. I will update as time goes on in reference to how I like it or how things go long-term. I chose ParaGard because I didn’t want hormones. I’m 39, and I wanted something to last until menopause. I would do it again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 19, 2022

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard for almost 3 years now and would never go back to hormonal birth control. I knew I wanted an IUD and chose the copper IUD because I wanted to still get my period every month so I wasn't convincing myself I was pregnant if I didn't get it. I have a high pain tolerance, so keep that in mind, but insertion wasn't too bad. I had some light cramping for 2 or 3 days, then none until my first period. The first 4 months were very heavy flow with cramping, but nothing that wasn't manageable. I love my IUD, and if you can tolerate cramping and wait out the first couple of months until your body adjusts, I highly recommend ParaGard."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 14, 2022

For Birth Control "I agree with what someone else put, saying people only put reviews when they've had a bad experience. I did read these reviews before deciding to get the ParaGard myself and definitely do not regret my decision. It's been about two years that I've had it now, and yes, my periods are more heavy and my cramps hurt me. But it is nothing unbearable. I've always had a short period (4 days normally), and that has stayed the same. When I first got the IUD, of course, my hormones had to regulate from being off the pill, so for about half a year, my period was irregular. But once again, I highly recommend the ParaGard if you're looking for a non-hormonal birth control method. 10/10 in my experience. And yes, insertion is very uncomfortable but totally worth it for the number of years of protection you get!"

• Par...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve had the ParaGard in for over 8 years. It’s the only birth control I’ve used, so I have nothing to compare it to. It’s effective, non-hormonal, and my periods are moderate to heavy but still the same length (3 days). I don’t experience heavy cramps, but I’ve never cramped during my cycle. I love it because it’s like nothing’s even there. When I first got it, I had two periods in one month, but my cycle was back on track 3 months later. The procedure itself was quick and painless—a little discomfort for a short period of time, but after a few deep breaths, it’s all over. I highly recommend."

• NSo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I have never been on birth control in my life. I recently just had a baby and don’t want another one anytime soon. So I knew I had to get on some type of birth control. One thing I knew is that I didn’t want to get on a BC with hormones. ParaGard was suggested by my OB. At 7 weeks postpartum is when I had it inserted. I honestly did not feel the procedure. It was quick. I didn’t have any pain during the procedure. After maybe about 2 hours later I started to get some cramping and spotting. Again, nothing too painful. I'm so content with the ParaGard. I also can have it removed when my husband and I decide to have another baby. Everyone is different. Be sure to talk to your doctor and consult with them, express what you’re looking for in birth control, and I assure you they can help you make the right decision for you, your body, and your health."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2021

For Birth Control "I just want to start by saying I am not being paid to leave this review in any way. I am a 25-year-old female and was previously on the pill. The pill gave me horrible side effects, constant yeast infections, low sex drive, etc., so I switched to the ParaGard to get off the extra hormones. It has only been about a month, but I am feeling way better and my sex drive is back to normal. The insertion wasn’t that bad, it just felt like a really bad period cramp. My nervousness leading up to it was worse. I did bleed for 2 days after and had cramping as well as the lymph nodes in my groin being swollen, but after a few days everything went back to normal. I recommend it! And if it doesn’t work for you, getting it out is easy, it takes 5 minutes to get put in and take out."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 30, 2021

For Birth Control "I really wanted to love ParaGard. I kept it in for 3 years hoping it would get better, but unfortunately, it just doesn’t work for my body. I was tired of being on hormones, so I switched to ParaGard - yes, the insertion is painful. I had cramps for about 24 hours and then felt normal. I have to say I didn’t experience the majority of the common side effects (no painful periods, cramping, or heavy flow). That being said, I literally bleed or spot ALL the time. Constantly. With a day or two break in between. It is so exhausting and frustrating. I feel like I bleed on average 3/4 of the month. Getting it removed tomorrow to try a hormonal one, so we’ll see how it goes."

• Mim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2021

For Birth Control "The first day I had ParaGard installed, I had terrible cramps. The pain lasted almost 2 days. Make sure you install it on a Friday so you have at least 2 days off to adjust. After that, ParaGard has been amazing. I used to use hormonal birth control and had gained 12 pounds on Nikki and Lutera. I couldn’t lose the weight no matter what! After switching to ParaGard, I lost 7 pounds so far (with diet, of course). My acne is better (because it’s hormone-free), and my periods are normal. My periods last the same amount of days it would before ParaGard. However, I switched from a regular tampon to a super tampon. Cramps are the same as before. Nothing major. With ParaGard, I have the peace of mind that I won’t get pregnant! (I was still worried when I was taking the pill)."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I understand everyone’s body is different, but after reading reviews on drugs.com for multiple things, I’m convinced people only really write reviews after a really bad experience. As my gyno told me, people don’t write reviews when they are content. So I’m going to write a review to say the copper IUD is 1000% the way to go if you are looking for non-hormonal birth control. I spent years on the pill that gave awful side effects. I have had zero side effects from the IUD. Yes, my first period was heavy. I’ve had moderate to heavy periods for most of my life accompanied with cramps, it’s nothing that is not manageable. If you are looking for peace of mind for ten years without risking the horrible side effects of hormonal birth control, get this."

• ECa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2021

For Birth Control "I just got my ParaGard a little over a week ago, and it is true. If you have never had your cervix dilated, it's very painful, but once they were done, the pain improved a lot. I cramped pretty badly for a week after my insertion, and then no cramps, and bleeding is definitely heavier, but will have to wait longer and see. So far, I'm enjoying it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2021

For Birth Control "Positive experience! I was so nervous. I got it a few days ago, and I love it so far. I took 600 mg of ibuprofen an hour before. The insertion was quick. They gave me stuff that numbs your cervix. It felt like a really intense period cramp for 10 seconds (during the measurement and insertion). It was definitely tolerable! I had cramping and low back pain for about 48 hours after, but now I’m feeling great! I am experiencing some light spotting. I switched because I was struggling with hormonal birth control. I tried the Nexplanon and 2 pills. I was constantly bleeding on the Nexplanon. And with the Nexplanon and pill, I had been experiencing EXTREME fatigue. Think like needing 12 hours of sleep to even possibly feel like you got enough sleep. I have been off of hormones for 10 days now (I got it put in on the last day of my period), and I am already starting to notice my fatigue improve! I also believe the hormones were making my acne worse, but it is too soon to tell."

• JTa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2021

For Birth Control "I hope this helps someone out there. I got ParaGard IUD in November 2020 to avoid getting pregnant, and because it’s the most 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Putting the IUD in for me hurt a lot. If you never had kids, then you’ll be thrown off guard like I was. The pain is for about 5 minutes. It will hurt after insertion. I had cramps for days and sometimes, random cramping through the last few months. This has been my best month so far. The only thing is you’re more susceptible to yeast infections, unfortunately. I do recommend this. Some pain for long-term relief."

• Mmp...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 15, 2021

For Birth Control "I have had my ParaGard IUD for 9 years now. After reading all these reviews, I feel I must be one of the lucky ones. I have never had an issue since I had it put in. I do have a period every 3 1/2 to 4 weeks. I do have one day of a heavy period, but then it goes away altogether by the next day. My periods last about 3 days: 1 heavy, 2 barely. I also had a gastric bypass with it still in place, and it also didn't have any impact. No medical issues. No pain. Some cramps more than usual. I am 46 and had it put in at 37."

• Lit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2020

For Birth Control "I got my ParaGard 3 months ago and love it! Yes, the periods are definitely more painful, and they are heavier, but nothing my menstrual cup can't handle. I forgot I have it in 99% of the time, and insertion also wasn't that painful as well. I love it, and if hormonal birth control doesn't work for you, I highly, highly recommend ParaGard!"

• Mon...
• December 13, 2020

For Birth Control "Recently got the ParaGard put in after avoiding birth control for 10+ years. I didn’t want anything with hormones and was terrified of birth control altogether. I did a ton of research and asked my OBGYN a million questions before finally deciding on ParaGard. The insertion was WAY less painful/uncomfortable than I was led to believe. Minor cramping for about 30 seconds and that’s it. She warned me about a “pinch,” but I didn’t even feel it. Other than the first few days of bleeding/spotting, I barely remember it’s in there. No changes to my skin/mood/etc. I consider myself very lucky after reading all the reviews, but everybody is different. It’s worth a try to see if it works for you because at the end of the day, they can just take it out if it doesn’t work for you. The first few periods weren’t exactly pleasant, but what period is? I’ve read over time the additional pain/added days go away, which IMO makes this no-hormone option well worth it."