ParaGard and Heavy Periods: What Users Say (Page 3)

• yog...
• December 19, 2018

For Birth Control "I first started ParaGard in 2012. The first couple of years, I didn't notice anything other than the usual side effects. My periods got really heavy, and I became seriously anemic. Around 2015, I began having extreme mood shifts right before my period. It was getting worse as time went on, so I went on an antidepressant, but it didn't do much with the PMS depression crashes. By 2017, my period was heavier than it had been in the past. I was also bleeding much more frequently. The extreme moods were so much worse. I was near suicidal whenever I would have PMS. Just to be totally accurate with this review, I have a history of depression and anxiety but had never experienced anything like this. I began reading reviews and other experiences with the ParaGard and heard similar stories. About six months ago, I got the ParaGard removed. My period went back to normal immediately after removal. The mood episodes are almost non-existent."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I recently got ParaGard placed about a month ago. The whole insertion process was a 5 out of 10 on the pain scale and only took around 5-10 minutes. I read multiple terrible painful reviews that discouraged me, but everyone’s body is different. The first period after placement came early and was 8 days rather than 4 days but not too unusually heavy. The second period came about a week early as well, and I’m on day 3 bleeding through regular tampons within an hour (which has never happened to me in my entire life). It’s worth it for the long-term effect, but be prepared for heavier periods and longer cramps."

• Jen...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I got my ParaGard in 2017, and I was nervous because I had not taken any painkillers beforehand, but it ended up only hurting as much as a bad menstrual cramp (for reference, pap smears don't tend to hurt me). They gave some ibuprofen, and I went back to work the rest of the day. I had cramps the following two days, but nothing worse than my normal period cramps. The first 3 months, my flow became a little heavier, and I had some spotting after periods. Also, slightly stronger cramps. I also got a yeast infection and a UTI, but that might have been because I had started having unprotected sex with my monogamous partner, and I was not as careful about hygiene after sex (go pee and wash up every time!!). Since then, I haven't had any problems. Periods are still a little heavier, but not monstrous, and totally worth the benefits of carefree birth control. If you are experiencing problems, talk to a health care professional, but I would suggest waiting a year to see if symptoms level out."

• LCa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm on my 2nd ParaGard. The first one lasted for 10 years after the birth of my son. My periods got heavier and lasted an extra 2 days or so, but otherwise no issues in 10 years. I'm still relatively young (36), so I decided to get another one as a form of contraception. So far, so good. I'm very pleased, and I don't have to worry about having another pregnancy. I'm looking for a more long-term solution."

• Par...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2022

For Birth Control "I had my copper IUD inserted three and a half months ago. Insertion was fine. I had a heavy period that lasted 16 days, accompanied by extreme period pain, diarrhea. After the second period (16 days) ended, I began to experience mood swings and deep lows. My cystic acne began. After 20 years of clear skin, and almost no mood swings, the non-hormonal IUD was throwing my body into disarray. Ridiculous bloating and pain continues. My skin is getting worse. I believe my body is rejecting the copper IUD. This is definitely not for me, and I am getting it removed ASAP. Do not recommend!!"

• dem...
• October 20, 2015

For Birth Control "I just got my ParaGard removed after having it in for about 8 months. I wanted ParaGard because I'm sensitive to hormonal birth control, and right now, ParaGard seems to be the only hormone-free option. Unfortunately, the side effects were just too much for me and only seemed to be getting worse as time went on, instead of better. Some of the lovely things I had to deal with on ParaGard: - Painful cramps-not just around my period, but also whenever I would exercise - Long periods-they lasted about 2 weeks. Seriously. - Heavy periods-the jokes about the elevator scene in The Shining are completely accurate - Constant nausea, dizziness, and headaches - Weight gain. My body just didn't want ParaGard inside of me and made my life miserable."

• Ali...
• July 28, 2017

For Birth Control "Insertion was extremely painful. Two weeks on painkillers straight after. Pains in lower abdomen and groin still after four months. Heavy periods. Two times BV, one time yeast infection. Loss of libido. Worst of all: mood swings, anxiety, depression, including suicidal thoughts. Taking it out next week! Too much copper is toxic and, unfortunately, not well understood yet. Google 'copper toxicity.' Also, a foreign object in the uterus still messes up your hormones. Please don't get one, ladies! Be careful with what you choose, all contraceptive methods for women can be dangerous, even this 'non-hormonal' one - was even worse for me than the pill!"

• Sky...
• September 2, 2017

For Birth Control "After reading dozens of horror stories about IUDs, you have to realize that the majority of people do perfectly fine on them. After 6 mo. on ParaGard, I absolutely love it. Pros: Stress-free, full protection for 10 years, no maintenance, no hormonal changes, and NO WEIGHT GAIN. Cons: intermittent spotting for 5 mo. (avg is 4-6 mo.), heavy periods during that time, some chance of UTI or BV in between periods, my pharmacist recommended daily Acidophilus, which worked great. Definitely worth the small inconveniences. Don't listen to the small fraction of people who are very vocal on the internet. I gained 16 lbs on hormonal birth control and lost it all within 2 mo. with ParaGard."

• KSa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I had the ParaGard for 14 months, and I give it five stars because it did prevent me from getting pregnant, but the side effects were awful. First six months, it was just random spotting and heavier, longer periods, but after that, I got recurrent UTIs and BV. I had a period that lasted a whole month, which resulted in anemia. The amount of blood during my period was truly alarming. I would take all the precautions and still have “accidents” because the flow would increase out of nowhere. I always had to carry extra clothes during my time of the month. Also, cramps got worse with each cycle. I also had constant bloating. All of this ended when I finally had it removed, and I am so happy I did."

• CJa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 19, 2019

For Birth Control "If you are like me, then you may love this birth control! I have tried everything... pills, patches, the shot, hormonal IUDs. Every single hormonal BC has resulted in severe mood swings for me! I get severe PMS without birth control, and hormones just make it worse. The good thing about my body is that I have very light periods and no cramps. I have not had any changes in my PMS symptoms, and I have been using it for about 6 months. Downside: getting it inserted was excruciating for me. I have not had any children, so that probably made it worse. I felt painful contractions for several hours. Had mild discomfort for a couple of days. I do have a heavier period now, but the trade-off is worth it for me. I have not gotten pregnant and have a regular sex life with my husband. This birth control has been a godsend for me. I think it is a great solution for people who don’t have physical period symptoms and who suffer more from PMS. The temporary pain was worth it for me."

• pbh...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 6, 2020

For Birth Control "I had Paragard IUD for about 5 years. Starting around year 2, I started getting very, very heavy periods that lasted for well over a week at a time and came back every 3 weeks. I felt like I was always bleeding. That was the main reason I had it removed, but afterwards, I realized that there were a lot of other effects that I didn't make the connection until now. I felt a lot more lethargic, depressed, and gained over 30 pounds. I never had PMS-type symptoms before, but I would rage when I had Paragard. I had it removed and replaced with a hormonal IUD this October, and I already feel so much better."

• Ste...
• October 24, 2019

For Birth Control "10/10. I have had it for 9 1/2 years!!!!! No problems whatsoever. I have always had cramps and heavy periods, so no change there. Can't say it affects my weight since I have been the same weight since childbirth, lol, but it has saved me thousands by preventing pregnancy 100%, lol. I never have to worry about taking pills or wearing condoms (I'm married). I didn't feel any pain when it was put in, but then again, my cramps are bad, so that pinch was nothing. I will be having this IUD placed again once this one expires in a couple of months. Highly recommend."

• Dre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had the ParaGard in for a month. I read the reviews and was royally freaked out about insertion. In real life, the procedure was quick, mildly uncomfortable, and as soon as the IUD was in, I got a dull, period-like cramp that stuck around 'til that night. That's it! The next week: light spotting. I was also freaked out about my period being horrific, BUT I've always had heavy/painful periods, and I suspect most of the reviewers complaining about this side effect had easy-peasy periods pre-ParaGard. On the IUD, mine lasted a few extra (light flow) days, and only on one of them did I need painkillers for cramps -- normal for me! The IUD affects every body differently; so far I'm really happy with it as an effective, non-hormonal method."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• July 29, 2019

For Birth Control "Horrible experience with ParaGard. Heavy periods, which I expected, but they were consistent and on time. I noticed right away I felt light-headed. The fourth month, I noticed I was forgetting things, I became very dizzy and felt like my head was constantly fuzzy. Then came the migraines. I could hardly function by month nine. I thought I was going to pass out the majority of the days. One day at work, I had a complete panic attack, my heart rate went sky-high and I couldn't catch my breath. My hands went numb. I had it out after about a month, still have some headaches, and now have these little eye floaters that I never noticed until I had it removed. I am highly convinced this IUD caused me to have all of these problems as I have never had them before. The migraines and the majority of the brain fog have gone away, but I am still living with symptoms a month later. I am getting tested to see if I have copper toxicity still after having it out and I still do not feel completely normal and back to myself."

• Ana...
• October 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I got ParaGard in February of 2015. It is now October of 2015, and the side effects have yet to subside or lessen at all. That is over 8 months, when the side effects are supposed to lessen after 6. Honestly, this would be a great birth control, but it made my period much heavier and longer. I used to only get mine for 3-4 days, and now it's almost 7 days with very heavy bleeding the first few days. My cramps are much worse, and the worst part is I get my period almost every 2-3 weeks. It sucks. I took this to avoid hormones, but PMSing so much is essentially the same problem. Anyways, I plan to get it removed within the next couple of weeks. I cannot say for sure if it was effective. I had high hopes for this, but it just wasn't for me."

• S M...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I am a 21-year-old, no children. The insertion was mildly uncomfortable, but with labor breathing techniques, bearable. I had spotting for a week after the insertion. My period for the first year was very heavy, up to 15 days. Cramping was mild throughout. After one year, my period has calmed down and is now back to the 7 days as before I had the IUD. No other side effects. I would definitely recommend the ParaGard to anyone who wants a hormone-free IUD. But be prepared for the heavy periods, as it takes time for the IUD to settle in your uterus. I was close to giving up, but finally, my period has returned to normal, and boy, am I happy."

• Cap...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard inserted in May 2013 without thinking to read any reviews first. The insertion was quite uncomfortable, followed by very uncomfortable days. My periods became longer, more painful, and heavier for about 2 years, but they have finally evened back out to normal. I am 28 now and have not had children, so the biggest downside is the constant paranoia of, is it still there (the strings were cut too short for me to check myself). When I am not doubting the location of it, I love it. I enjoy the reassurance that I likely won't become a Mommy before I'm ready. There seem to be varying experiences here, so if you choose to try it, give it time for things to return to normal unless the side effects are clearly too severe."

• Ash...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 4, 2024

For Birth Control "I've had my ParaGard for 3+ years. Yes, my periods are heavier. I had my iron levels checked and they are good and normal. But that's the only change. My period is regular, and I haven't had any other bad side effects like other hormonal birth controls. I'll take heavy periods any day vs. crazy acne, weight gain, anxiety, and mood swings. I'd say if you want to go the non-hormonal route, it's the best. If you're worried about your iron levels, just be sure to eat iron-rich foods."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard IUD for 6 years now, and I love it. I have had no big issues with it. I got it 6 weeks postpartum and didn't feel anything when inserted, but I did have some spotting. Changes I've noticed since I have it: heavier periods and heavy cramping. I have spotting up to a week before my period and cramps that are really strong. I have had more vaginal discharge, like every day almost. And the vaginal odors are more noticeable, but not horrible. BUT all this is worth it because there are no hormones, and you don't have to worry about forgetting to take a pill."

• Cra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 31, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had 2 ParaGard IUDs. Took the 1st one out to get pregnant, got the 2nd after my daughter was born. Both times, I had heavier periods, but it seemed better than hormonal birth control that makes me crazy. After 2 and a half years, I started having strange side effects. Lots of acne, dry skin, swollen lymph node, anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, hopelessness. My doctor said that my swollen lymph node is associated with the liver. My acupuncturist said she thought I had liver congestion. I researched excess copper in the body. ALL. MY. SYMPTOMS. Had it removed within 2 days. Felt immediately better. My acne started healing within a few days. Not feeling depressed anymore. It was great until it wasn't."

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had ParaGard for about a year. It made my periods longer and a lot heavier, especially days 2 and 3. Before my period, I would get really bad cramps and fatigue, also terrible migraines, as well as after my cycle ends. I have had a lot of hair shedding, and I tried eating healthier, drinking more water, and taking care of my hair, but still shedding! I have gained 30 pounds, but I actually eat less than before I got the ParaGard, and got BV twice. I am getting it removed tomorrow because I believe the copper is causing these negative side effects. The only good thing is I never got pregnant!"

• Cla...
• January 14, 2020

For Birth Control "At first, the pain when I first got it inserted was bad, and periods so heavy and long. Every two weeks I bled, cramps I have never experienced in my life, and a tender stomach. I pushed forward as they said symptoms get better over time. Not so. Symptoms for me got worse. I ended up trying to counteract the pain and cramps with the pill to stop the pain. After 12 months with constant dull aches in my lower abdomen and painful cramps throughout the month, and periods I only could describe as feeling like acid and irritating my skin on my vagina, I spoke to the doctor, and he thought I was bonkers. The last straw was having sex would just feel like knives up near my cervix. My boyfriend said to me one night, 'Did you put chili in you?' I said, 'No, why?' And he said his penis was on fire. I couldn’t believe it! I didn't think it could burn his penis! So, I went straight to the doctor and explained this to him, and I got it removed and have a scan on my uterus to see if any damage."

• Mis...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 25, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard 6 years ago. Biggest change on it was my period. I went from a light 4-day period every month to a very heavy 10-day period every month. I am so used to it now, I feel like I am always bleeding and on my period now. My doc wants me to get on the Mirena to help with the heavy periods, but I am declining it and giving my body a break from IUDs. I am having the ParaGard taken out in two days. Only thing I love about the IUD is not worrying about getting pregnant and taking something daily. Also note, if your insurance doesn't cover it, Planned Parenthood offers IUDs."

• abm...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 25, 2016

For Birth Control "After my son was born, my husband and I decided we didn't want any more children! I know myself enough to know that an implant, pill, or injection is not for me. IUD was the way to go. I was torn between Mirena and ParaGard. What ultimately drew me to the ParaGard was the hormone-free factor. I've had my ParaGard in for almost a year now, and I can't say enough how awesome it is. The only side effect that I have noticed is that my periods have gotten slightly heavier, but they also actually have gotten more regular and consistent. I'm not sure that that has anything to do with the ParaGard, it's just what I've noticed. It's low maintenance, obviously, and gives me the peace of mind I was looking for. Love it and will use it forever!"