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

• K-b...
• November 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had my ParaGard for one year, and it's been great! Insertion was not pleasant, but it only lasts a moment, and now it's nothing but a distant memory. My periods were heavier and my cramps more severe for the first three months, but after that, they returned to nearly the same as before. So many people wrote about their terrible experiences that reading up almost stopped me from doing it, and now I'm so glad I got it anyway. Just remember that those who had a negative experience are more likely to post about it, so there's a bias! It's also totally possible that it will go just fine and be a fantastic BC method. Don't be too afraid to try it and see if it's right for you, you can always take it out if it's not."

• 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."

• Akb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 11, 2016

For Birth Control "For me, I chose ParaGard as a hormone-free birth control. I've had mine for almost 5 years. I love it! Insertion was quick and easy, felt like a cramp, but was gone moments afterward. The first few days I had mild spotting and a few cramps. My periods are now heavier for a day or two of my cycle, but have gotten less heavy in the past 6 months, and I occasionally have light cramps. My periods are regular (4-5 days of bleeding) and come as expected each month. I honestly forget the ParaGard is there for the most part. My husband never 'feels' a thing, and we don't stress about accidentally getting pregnant. I am 25, no children, no past pregnancies."

• 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!"

• 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."

• oli...
• April 23, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had mine in for over six months now, and I love it. My periods were light before insertion, and I've never had cramps. For the first three months after insertion, my periods were very heavy, but the blood flow has decreased every time. Still no cramps. Very painful first day of insertion, but 100% worth it. I also love how there are no hormones and it's long-lasting. Would highly recommend. But if you don't mind hormones and have a heavy flow, go with the Mirena."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 26 ...
• November 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I felt compelled to get on and write a review because most of the reviews sound so bad that I almost didn't get it, but I am so happy I did. Yes, insertion does hurt. I had mine put in while I wasn't on my cycle, which supposedly makes it worse, and no lie, it did suck. But it's less than 5 mins, and that's nothing when comparing the security of contraception. I was crampy for about 1 week while things settled, but I took 1 Aleve and the pain subsided. I also had spotting during that week, but then it went away. Now I don't feel it at all, and my partner doesn't either. Before my IUD, my periods were approximately 4-5 days with only using maybe 2-3 tampons a day, now they are slightly heavier, 3-4 a day for about 6-7 days. I've had it for 4 months, and I love it!"

• LZk...
• October 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on the pill for years. They made me emotional, killed my sex drive completely, and dried me out, so sex was incredibly painful. I finally gave up on it and relied on condoms, but I wanted something more reliable. Plus, condoms are kind of a killjoy and, well, just aren't the same. The only thing left was ParaGard. Yes, like many others, my periods started out horrendous, but eventually evened out over a year. Cramps, expect to take some ibuprofen and then maybe some acetaminophen. But again, they lessened with time. For me, it was totally worth it. I have an amazing sexual relationship with my husband. Totally worth all the cramps and heavier periods. For me, I felt like it gave me my life back."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 16, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm 32, and I've had the ParaGard for 6 years now. I got it after having my daughter at 26. It was recommended to me due to blood clotting issues and hormones. I went in to see my GYN, and it took about 5 minutes. It was inserted 6 weeks after having my baby. It didn't hurt, it just felt like a pinch. It works GREAT! My husband and I love it! The heavy periods and spotting occasionally are worth it. Recently, I have experienced some back pains, but it goes away, and it doesn't happen often. I totally recommend it. #ThumbsUp"

• Mel...
• February 8, 2015

For Birth Control "When they first tried to insert the ParaGard, the doctor had a problem. My uterus is flipped some type of way. Anyways, it took the doctor and assistant to do it. A little pain, but nothing like giving birth. I do have heavier periods, but no bad cramps. Might be too much TMI, but my sex drive has gone up since having the ParaGard because it doesn't have hormones. I was on birth control and felt so tired and lazy. I love ParaGard, best birth control for me."

• Emi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 6, 2025

For Birth Control "I got ParaGard a few months after having my daughter in 2023. I wasn’t awake for insertion, but it was only mildly painful after. I honestly forget it’s there most of the time. My cycles were pretty short and pain-free prior, and they aren’t much different now. Occasionally, I’ll have some cramps or a heavier period, so I guess that is likely why, but it is no big deal. My boyfriend does say he can feel it sometimes, but it doesn’t seem to bother him. There have been a few times after sex where I had terrible cramps all the next day, and I kept thinking it was from the IUD for some reason, but I don’t really know for sure. I’ve tried the ring, patch, many kinds of pills, the one in the arm. It all made me feel on edge all the time. I would snap and freak out about the smallest things. When my coworkers noticed, that’s when I had enough. I am so grateful to not have hormones or worry about pregnancy. The sporadic days of mild side effects are totally worth my sanity!"

• 568...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 8, 2024

For Birth Control "My doctor warned me against ParaGard, but for someone who’s had a bad experience with hormones, including depression, I thought I would give it a try. It’s been the best option, and I will never look back. My periods were painful and heavier at the start, but they were painful before I got the copper IUD, so I managed. Coming up to my first year, my periods have become regular and only hurt on the first 1-2 days, easily managed with Panadol/ibuprofen. Overall: If you have bad period pains and heavy flow, and you can manage it, then you should be able to deal with the copper IUD. If your body doesn’t get along with hormones, then it’s a no-brainer!!!"

• 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."

• Rel...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 22, 2023

For Birth Control "I have had the Paragard IUD twice. After I had my daughter, I got the IUD. I kept it for 5 years until I was ready to have another child. I then had my son and got Paragard again. I've currently had this one in for 8 years. I don't have any problems with this birth control. It is EXTREMELY effective! I've never had any severe issues. Heavier periods? Yes. And I have had acne my entire adult life that I suspect is from the IUD, but I'm really not certain. All in all, I highly recommend this birth control."

• Pea...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 14, 2021

For Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard twice now. The first time for 5 years and this time 6 years and counting. I have had no problems from it. It does its job as birth control. I have full confidence in it. This time having it in, I do have heavier periods, however. My periods also are 16 days apart for at least the last year that I've been tracking it. The first time I had it, my periods were normal. I still highly recommend it. It's also nice that it is hormone-free, so I'm not messing with my body in that way. Best birth control I've ever taken."

• Ros...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 28, 2021

For Birth Control "I am a very calm female with a good mental state, 23, good health, no kids. I got the bar in my arm and after 8 months of continuous bleeding, I reached an all-time low of anxiety and depression (did not get out of bed or eat for 7 days). I got the bar removed and immediately felt better in the upcoming weeks. I was terrified to have any type of hormonal BC because I clearly don’t react well. So I got ParaGard. Insertion was fine, I cramped 2 days after and haven’t felt it, no problem at all but heavier periods. I developed several right ovarian cysts, but you can get those simply by ovulating anyway normally (so I have to start a low dose of birth control to prevent cysts :( ) My IUD has also slipped lower after a year, happens in ~4%, so in 5 weeks I will have it replaced with ParaGard again. Hopefully everything’s smooth. Perfect for someone who forgets to take the pill. Everyone reacts differently, but this has been amazing for me!"

• Tri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I got my Paragard 6 months ago, and for me, the insertion was okay, there were just 2 hot, deep period cramps. The measuring was the worst part of my insertion, but the IUD went in nicely. It is slightly uncomfortable, but nothing too unbearable. After I got my IUD, I went home and just slept because the sharp cramps would just come and go. After a few days, the cramps started to stay away, and I was getting used to my body within the first 3 months. It just made my period heavier, but I was already used to a heavy period, so that’s that. I have had a good experience so far, and I love 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."

• Cat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I have had mine for 5 years now. I do have heavier periods and cramping, but mine were light in the first place, so now they're average. I check my strings once a month on my period. I know that if there's ever a problem, my body will let me know. When I initially had it placed, the first one didn't sit right, needed to be removed and replaced after a month. Since then, I have had no problems. I could tell that first month that something was off. I was cramping, dizzy, spotting. What I should have done was call my gyn and tell her right away. There should be no pain, even right after. Once it's in and your cervix gets over its little shock, you shouldn't be aware of it. I have not had children, I have a small uterus. I haven't had to worry about pregnancy for 5 years now. I'm in a monogamous relationship, and it lets me feel protected. I'm not looking forward to getting it removed 5 years from now, but it's not something I'm going to worry about. If you have questions, call your doctor."

• Bre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 23, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard placed in after I had my first child. It was a tiny bit of cramps when it was placed in, but nothing too painful. I had the ParaGard for 3 years, the only issue was heavy periods and painful cramps. That was only during the days I was getting my period. Other than that, I did not have any other symptoms, it’s like it was never there. Everybody is different, the pill I used to take gave me tons of side effects. I’m glad I chose the ParaGard because I didn’t have to deal with all the side effects I got from taking the pill form of BC. Also, I didn’t get pregnant from it, which is why I wanted to be on birth control in the first place. I got my ParaGard taken out because I’m trying to have another baby. Once that happens, I will be going back to the ParaGard."

• 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."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2020

For Birth Control "I wanted to write an experience because I looked at multiple reviews right after I got ParaGard inserted, and it freaked me out. The insertion is very painful (I have never had a child before), so that pain was terrible. The first 2 weeks, I had really bad cramps, and my period was SO HEAVY. After my period ended, the cramping went away, no side effects, I hardly know it’s there. It’s way better than having multiple side effects from the pill, and I have had no spotting in between periods, which is common in hormonal IUDs. I had the Liletta for almost 2 years and spotted the whole time. I would recommend it for those who hate side effects from hormones. The cramping sucks at first, but it goes away! Every body is different, so trust your instincts, and if you think you’ll be happy with the ParaGard, I would try it out!"

• 007...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I took hormonal birth control for about 7 years, and then after switching off (due to irregular periods and being on it for so long), I noticed a decrease in stress, and I lost 9 pounds. This led me to wanting to avoid taking hormonal birth control again, so I looked into ParaGard. The insertion was painful but not terrible, and it took about a week for me to feel completely back to normal again. Now my periods are fairly consistent and really heavy, with a lot of cramping, but on the bright side, I don’t have to take a pill every day, there are no excess hormones going into me, and I’m baby-free. Woot."