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

• Kar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 6, 2021

For Birth Control "I have had the IUD for almost 10 months now, and I am debating getting it taken out. I was prepared for more cramping and heavier periods (those are common side effects), but I wasn’t prepared for sharp cramping almost all the time. Before the IUD, I had a very predictable cycle every 35ish days and got cramps the first day or two of my period. Now I feel like I get a period randomly every 2-3 weeks, and there is no way to track when I will be bleeding/cramping or not. I feel in almost constant pain. Then I’ve also felt much more anxious, depressed, and irritable and have gained significant weight. There may be no way to know whether these symptoms are actually caused by the IUD or other things going on in my life, but they seem to have appeared right after insertion and are similar to other reviews. It’s hard to decide whether to get it removed because if I get it out, I have to try another option, which may have similar side effects anyway. Bleh :/"

• Sea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 8, 2015

For Birth Control "I wanted to leave a review because I feel that naturally, people with bad experiences are more likely to post than people who had positive experiences. For me, the copper IUD has been the best form of birth control I've used. Insertion was extremely painful, but the potential to have 10 years of hormone-free birth control is worth it. The 1st month, there was a lot of light bleeding and occasional cramping while the IUD 'settled' in. The cramping at the start of my 1st period was hell, the 2nd period less so, and now the 3rd period is almost pre-insertion levels. Periods are heavier and longer, but I am so relieved to 1) have a sex drive (bad experiences with hormones) and 2) 10 years of no pills in my future! I don't notice my IUD anymore, 3 months in."

• aa1...
• June 6, 2019

For Birth Control "Do NOT get the ParaGard. I have had it for 4 years, and it's a nightmare. If you have heavy periods, they will become like a flood of blood every month. The flow did NOT reduce over time. I'm talking literally gushing clots with brutal cramps. But it works as birth control, hence the 1 extra star and why I kept it in. Then, over the past year (after having it for over 3 years at that point), I started developing increasingly worse PMS symptoms, which grew into PMDD. Especially over the past few months, I am suffering from severe PMDD that I believe to be caused by the copper IUD. Do some research on how copper raises estrogen and copper toxicity. I have an appointment to get rid of this awful thing in just a few days. I cannot wait. It has taken so much of my life - I literally can't get out of bed during days 2-3 from the level of bleeding and cramps - and move on with my life. This is 'non-hormonal' (why I went on it) but literally has messed up my hormones."

• Bls...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 22, 2019

For Birth Control "The only regret I have with ParaGard is not getting it sooner. I love it! I put off getting an IUD for so long because of hearing about how painful the insertion was and was surprised when it only felt like a heavy cramp. It wasn't bad at all. In the 3 months since, the only difference I've noticed is slightly heavier periods. My sex drive hasn't changed at all, I haven't gained a single pound, and now I don't have to worry about birth control for 12 years. I couldn't be happier with my decision."

• Lou...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 13, 2019

For Birth Control "Got ParaGard 2 years ago. First, it was the most horrible pain I've ever experienced. Now, since I have the same horrendous pain every month, I'm getting used to the struggle. I noticed that my coochie is a lot more acidic, and after periods (a lot heavier with a waterfall flow, by the way-super Tampax lasts 2 hours inside me till the blood starts running through my legs), I keep getting some brownish, weird cervical mucus for 3 or 4 days. Anyway, it's good to be hormone-free, but copper IUD still has a lot of bad side effects and cons."

• 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."

• Gem...
• June 4, 2020

For Birth Control "Really conflicted on ParaGard. For more than two years, I was happy to deal with the side effects (heavier periods with stronger cramping) if it meant safe, non-hormonal birth control. However, due to some recent heavy and fresh bleeding outside of my normal period, something didn't feel right, so I went to an OBGYN for an exam and an ultrasound. If you think something's wrong with your IUD, make sure you get an ultrasound! After the visual exam, she said it seemed fine, but an ultrasound revealed that my IUD had dropped too low into my cervix and was partially twisted, with one arm not fully deployed. They suspect when I got it inserted I wasn't properly measured, and my too-small uterus had been trying to expel it over time. The technician said that if it couldn't be easily removed in the office ASAP, they'd need to do it in a hospital. Thankfully, it came out with no issues. My doctor recommended Kyleena because it's smaller, but I'm not sure I'm keen on another IUD."

• Han...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 23, 2023

For Birth Control "Never ever got on with contraception but was forced to due to high levels of fertility. I thought due to being non-hormonal, I'd try a ParaGard IUD. I had awfully heavy periods and continue to do so, huge clots, etc., but still don't mind this. However, I have disrupted sleep, constant vivid dreams, good or bad, every night. I also get racing intrusive thoughts, I get bloating, and weight gain. I have gained so much weight, which I've never struggled with due to being highly active. Has anyone else had these issues?"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Aca...
• February 16, 2022

For Birth Control "Removing the copper ParaGard was the best decision I have ever made for myself. I realize this form of BC has worked well for many of you, and that is really fortunate... but for those women who are unsure, please do research on copper toxicity before getting this inserted. I failed to do this, and for four months I had cystic acne, heavy periods, and I felt completely depressed. Copper made my uterus swell, and the effects from that negatively impacted my entire body. I am so glad it's out of me. If anyone tells you, 'the ParaGard doesn't cause all those side effects and it's completely in your head,' they are completely wrong."

• 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."

• lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I got ParaGard in January of 2016. I was attracted to the thought of being hormone-free, and it sounded more natural to me. I had been on birth control for about 6 years, so I was really excited about just being back on my own. I thought I might be able to even lose a few pounds since it is hormone-free. Also, not having to worry about pregnancy or forgetting to take a pill was very attractive. After only two months, I've decided to get my ParaGard removed due to the following reasons: extremely heavy periods... I mean buying the 'ultra' size tampon and having to change it every 2-3 hours, bleeding on the sheets overnight, taking a bath and standing up and literally seeing the blood just dripping into the tub... like hemorrhaging almost."

• Ang...
• December 30, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had my ParaGard for 5 months. I experienced spotting the following 2 days. So far, I haven't had any major problems. My periods are heavier on days 2 and 3. I don't feel the ParaGard at all, not even during sex. I am bipolar, so I needed a non-hormonal birth control. Hormones decrease the effectiveness of my medication."

• Spr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had my ParaGard in for about 3 months. I'd definitely recommend it. I was on the pill before, it's such a relief to not have to worry about birth control anymore! The initial placement was uncomfortable, I would describe it like bad cramping: totally bearable and worth it. I had bad cramping, a lot of fatigue, and a very heavy flow for the first 3 periods where I'd have to change my pad every hour, and even so, I had a lot of leakage. It gets lighter each time now, though, my period seems to be returning to normal. I was afraid at first but am back to using my DivaCup, just being very careful to be gentle and always breaking suction before moving it. I'd describe all side effects as minor and very worth it. Team IUD! Pregnancy-free until 2027!"

• juh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Got ParaGard when I was 20, got it taken out when I was 25 and had Skyla put in, then six months later got ParaGard put back in... here are my thoughts: Skyla, painful insertion, gained weight when the doctor said I wouldn't, moody, bled for about 4 months straight. ParaGard insertion was easier, spot when ovulating, heavier periods but nothing horrible, no weight gain or PMS symptoms EXCEPT bloating. I bloat on ParaGard, but will take that over most symptoms. I have never had a baby or been pregnant, had light periods before, weigh about 150 lbs."

• Kri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the ParaGard inserted two weeks ago. I'm 38 and have had two children. The insertion hurt, not really painful though. It took only a few moments. They gave me a pad to wear home, but I never even spotted. But the cramps were pretty strong. But nothing I couldn't bear. The next day I spotted a little, just wore a panty liner. Cramps lasted three days and the spotting a week. Then I started my period. No cramps, medium to heavy flow. I wore a super tampon for about two hours between changes. Period lasted a week. Finally stopped bleeding and had sex for the first time since insertion. No pain or cramps. My boyfriend didn't even feel the strings. So far, loving it."

• M M...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I got my ParaGard IUD inserted this past January. I am 21, with no children, and I have never been on birth control before this. I was diagnosed with manic depression back in 2010, and although I am no longer taking prescription meds, I will always be manic, moody, and very temperamental. Because of this, the idea of a birth control with hormones really scared me! I knew it would affect my emotional and mental health in a severe way where everyone around me would suffer, lol. ParaGard is hormone-free, which is what initially caught my attention. It's been almost 8 months, and I'm loving my IUD. Minor cramps during menstruation, whereas before I never experienced cramping. My period is also slightly heavier, but it's manageable!"

• Lon...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 21, 2024

For Birth Control "I have had my copper IUD in just over 10 years now, and I’m due to have it taken out tomorrow and replaced. I’ve been so torn whether to just get a new one or switch to a low-dose hormonal IUD. But my experience with this copper IUD has been good, and I’ve never had any problems. I do get a regular medium, sometimes heavy period per month, but it’s never been an issue for me. I know everyone is different and everyone’s body is different, so no matter what someone else’s experience has been or what you read about, does not mean your body would react the same way. We can only try things, and if it doesn’t work out, then try something else."

• Liz...
• January 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm currently 22, and I've had my IUD for close to four years (March). I love it. I do have to warn, though. It does cause heavier periods for the first few months. Mine went from three days to about a week long. There will be cramping. It is painful some days. But I've never had cramps to begin with, so this was new. If you can get through the first 4-6 months of this, it is the best form of birth control. I always recommend it to my lady friends."

• GMa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I got my ParaGard in May of 2014, and I love it! I don't remember much pain during the insertion process, but I did have a child 6 months prior to getting it. During the first 6 or so months, my periods were extremely heavy, to the point I was lightheaded for the first few days due to the extreme blood loss. I also had extremely bad cramping along with it; I never got cramps with my period before getting this. Because of this, I was at the point where I was about to get it removed, but I wanted to give it another month before doing so. I am glad I waited! Once my body got used to it, I was completely fine! I haven't had any problems since then. I don't even know it's there anymore! I recommend it to anyone who can't take the pill."

• kt1...
• November 16, 2015

For Birth Control "I read tons and tons of reviews and was terrified to try ParaGard, but my gyno told me that one of the causes of my frequent yeast infections was my NuvaRing. I am terrible with pills and loved the idea of having something inserted once and never having to worry about it again. My gyno gave me a pill that dilated/softened my cervix that I took before along with 3 Advil. To be honest, it was very painful. I do, however, have a very, very small pain tolerance, and it was super quick, literally, the entire process was done in under 2 minutes. I felt a little achy after that, but that was it. It has been 5 months, and I love it. To be honest, my periods are much heavier and the first two were kind of rough, but they are still very consistent-5 days, no more."

• 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."