ParaGard and Heavy Periods: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Cor...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I love my ParaGard! The insertion took less than five minutes. There was a bit of discomfort, but it just felt like an intense cramp to me. It was very manageable. I've had it for over a year now and have had no problems whatsoever. It has stayed in place, I've had a period every month, and the only side effect I've experienced is a heavier flow. Totally worth it. I wish I had gotten this sooner."

• Hap...
• June 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard for seven months. For side effects, my period is more substantial and a day or two longer. I knew this before getting it. Before getting ParaGard, I bled about 5-10 mls/day (Diva cup) for 3-4 days. After ParaGard, I bleed about 10-25 mls/day for 4-6 days. For menstrual pain, there wasn't a difference. My periods before weren't painful and rarely required pain meds. The only con I have is the insertion of the ParaGard. There were complications due to my vaginal anatomy and cervix position, which were discovered during the procedure. My vaginal canal is longer than average, and my cervix is positioned higher and pointed slightly towards my back. Also, it is recommended that the insertion happens during the 2-3 day of your period because the cervix is more open. I followed my doctor's advice, but on the second day of my period, my cervix was still firm and closed. Overall, I am very happy with my ParaGard."

• 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!"

• Kim...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 25, 2019

For Birth Control "Oh my! I just had my ParaGard replaced today due to having it for 10 years. I want to point out that every single person is different. Please remember this. I had zero negative complications except for heavier periods the first few years. They did return to normal. Please do not let negative reviews stop you from trying this. It’s been the best birth control, as I had one child and that shop is closed. Again, try it for yourself. This or any IUD for that matter."

• Jes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had one child before ParaGard insertion. I’m a 25 y/o very athletic female. I’ve had it inserted since 2015. My boyfriend and I have very, very regular sex, and it has worked so far. I usually forget it is there. My boobs and butt did get bigger, but my waist stayed tiny. I can only say that my periods have gotten heavier, and my libido is way higher. You couldn’t pay me to have this thing removed."

• Mma...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 30, 2018

For Birth Control "The insertion was more anxiety than anything. I didn’t find it painful, just a bit of pressure. Periods have become very, very heavy and pretty painful, but its purpose of birth control, ease of use, and out of sight, out of mind type birth control is unbeatable. Also, I switched to this method because hormones did not agree with me, and I couldn’t be happier. The positives outweigh the negatives. I’ve had it for almost 2 years."

• sho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2018

For Birth Control "I have never had children. Prior to the ParaGard, I had the Skyla IUD, which did not work for me. I have had the ParaGard for two months and am enjoying it! I make sure to take my multivitamins with iron to prevent anemia. My periods were slightly heavier, which were totally manageable with the help of OB tampons. I had heavy bleeding for 4 days and 2 days of barely existent bleeding (I had 10 days of bleeding with the Skyla, and 5-6 days is the normal duration of my period). I have not had any pain with this IUD other than right after the insertion. I love not feeling hormonal changes. I also did not feel breast tenderness prior to my period (? not sure if it's related). It's a good decision, I think! I also have not gained any weight and actually lost 2 lbs. No bloating either!"

• Ang...
• September 25, 2018

For Birth Control "I know we all have individual experiences with ParaGard, and I’m sorry for those women that it did not work for. As we all look for what we think is best for our bodies, I was nervous when I finally had it inserted and had a heavy period for the first 4-6 months that it got my mom scared. To the point she begged me to have it removed. But I stood my ground and gave it the benefit of the doubt that this is the right contraceptive for me. And it is the right one! I have had it for 8 years now, and of course I have one day of heavy cramps for a day or two every cycle. But Imodium actually helped big time! I will finally be removing it next year as we are going to try for another baby. I will still get ParaGard after I give birth again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 27, 2018

For Birth Control "Did have heavier periods for the first year, but now have much lighter periods."

• Mag...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 25, 2018

For Birth Control "ParaGard has been great for me. The transition from the pill to the ParaGard took a while, but everything is great now. Hurt like anything going in, but I feel so much better off of hormones. My periods were heavier for the first two months, but went back to normal at month 3."

• Bev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2018

For Birth Control "I had my ParaGard placed 4 months after my last child was born. I was breastfeeding, so I never had any of the heavy periods that can be a side effect. It's been amazing. Best birth control investment."

• Mom...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 8, 2018

For Birth Control "Lots of bad reviews, and I'm sorry to the many women who have had bad experiences with ParaGard. Mine has been great, and I totally recommend it. I haven't had any of the symptoms other women have had. As far as insertion, a slight pinch. No cramps after. Spotting, yes, for maybe two months, but no constant bleeding. Periods for the first three months were beyond horrible! But then calmed down. The period has gone from 4-5 days to 7 days, but only one heavy day. It does linger towards the end. I did bleed after sex for about 6 months. But other than that, it's been great. Strings don't bother my BF, no cramps, no lack of sex drive, no acne, no PMS, no irritability, no foggy mind, etc. I'm the same as always. Of course, everyone is different, and you know your body the best. Just know after the first few months, it does get better!"

• ora...
• March 9, 2018

For Birth Control "I decided on the copper IUD after much deliberation, and I'm constantly so happy I did. I started having sex in 2012, and we continued using condoms until I decided to get an IUD in 2014. The insertion process was very quick, although the cramps afterward were pretty debilitating until the ibuprofen kicked in. After that, the only side effects I experienced were heavier periods and slightly worse PMS. My periods have always been very irregular, so I can't speak to that, but I do think that they're slightly longer than average now (between 5-10 days) and occasionally happen more frequently. Obviously, this works very differently for everyone, but I really cannot recommend this kind of long-lasting birth control enough, especially in the ever-changing political climate."

• 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!"

• not...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 15, 2017

For Birth Control "I recently had my ParaGard removed after approximately 7 years. I had a few heavy periods but not a big deal. I understand that some people have more trouble than others. However, some people also can handle less than others. I had my child at 37 (at this time I was financially and emotionally able to take care of a child without financial support). It was an easy birth and I was up, showered, and fine within a few hours. I did raise her on my own... Note to women (and men): if you decide to have a child, know that you may be doing it on your own, so do not depend on anybody else (or taxpayers) to pay for your child. I like this form of birth control as it did not require me to remember pills and no way I could 'accidentally' ;) get pregnant."

• taa...
• November 2, 2017

"After trying 5 different birth control pills over the years and suffering from major mood swings, depression, hair loss, etc., I read several reviews on the ParaGard IUD, the majority of the reviews were negative and terrifying. However, getting the ParaGard IUD has been the best option for me. The insertion hurt but wasn't overwhelming. I took ibuprofen and brought my heating pad. The insertion took maybe 15 minutes. I spotted for 2 days, and then it was fine. Prior to getting the ParaGard, my periods lasted 2 days, and now they are 4 days. Periods are heavier, but it's worth it."

• 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."

• 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."

• A C...
• June 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had the ParaGard for 10 years, and it is the best birth control decision made. I've only encountered a couple of heavy periods a year, but not bad at all. I wouldn't switch it for any other birth control."

• Scr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2017

For Birth Control "I had the ParaGard inserted 2 months ago and am on my 2nd period with it. I'm 33 with 2 daughters and cannot tolerate hormones, they make me angry and make sex painful. So far, I love the ParaGard. I was nervous after reading all the reviews about the insertion, and I even voiced my concerns to one of the nurses at Planned Parenthood. She told me she had the Mirena inserted during her lunch break and was able to work fine. She had no kids and said it wasn't bad, she also told me how many women she witnessed being dramatic during insertion, and that as long as I took the Aleve, it wouldn't hurt too much. Insertion went smoothly and painlessly. Now my periods are a little heavier but not longer, no other side effects."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"