ParaGard and Heavy Periods: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Ber...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I had this IUD for about 8 months. I will not lie when I tell you the insertion process is pretty painful. Awkward and quick, but it does hurt. I also had severe cramps for the entire next day. The kind of cramps that radiate into your back and down your legs. Once that first 2 days passed, I was fine...until my periods came. I knew heavy periods were all part of having ParaGard, but this was insanity. Periods lasted about 2 weeks, and I would bleed through an ultra-absorbency tampon in an hour. The cramping during my periods was also unbearable. I also had consistent diarrhea the whole time I had the IUD. Almost as if my whole midsection was trying to get rid of it in whatever way possible. I wanted to love it. But I hated it."

• 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!"

• BKa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 6, 2017

For Birth Control "33 y/o with 1 child, ParaGard (copper IUD) over 2 years now. Originally chose due to non-hormonal option (had extreme nausea on the pill.) POSITIVE: had immediate nausea relief, no daily pill, no mood swings or weight changes. NEGATIVE: long, heavy, painful periods like never before and did not improve over time. 1-2 days became 7. Super Plus tampon each 45 minutes and lots of stained clothes. A simple tampon change on a 'ParaGard period' can make your bathroom look like a scene from Dexter. Hubs felt IUD string poking him until the doctor tucked it farther up inside the cervix. It served its purpose for a season of life, but now I'm willing to give hormones another try and switching to Mirena."

• Lua...
• July 26, 2019

For Birth Control "Honestly, my body did not respond well to it. Even though it’s not supposed to affect your moods, it affected mine. 99% of the time, I couldn’t explain why I was feeling the way I did or why I just felt like I was in a cloud or something. Before I got the ParaGard, I never experienced what I was going through. I got it removed a couple of days ago, and I’m hoping that everything goes back to normal soon. Also, my periods were super heavy, and the cramps were bad. I never felt nauseous when I was going to get on my period until I got the ParaGard."

• CNa...
• June 16, 2020

"I got my ParaGard a little over a year ago, and getting it inserted was not comfortable, but it was fast, so the pain wasn't too bad. I didn't have any cramping after it was inserted, but I did start my period the next day, and it didn't stop for 6 weeks. I've also had very painful cramps and super heavy periods ever since then, and had frequent UTIs for the first 6 months. My OB said they occur from bacteria climbing the IUD string, so I'm not sure if this is a normal thing for IUDs, but it's not fun. I would suggest having your OB check the length of the string a month after getting it because mine shifted down and was too long for my cervix, which caused pain during sex. Getting it trimmed was fast, but again not fun. Positives with the ParaGard are that it works, you don't have to think about it, and once it's in, you're good for 10 years. But consider the side effects before committing because it's a lot to go through if you're just going to take it out a couple of months after getting it placed."

• 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
• July 7, 2016

For Birth Control "When I first got ParaGard, my periods were very heavy for the first 9 months, and they lasted 9 days! Now, I've had my birth control for 1 year and 2 months, and my periods last 5-6 days and are moderate! Also, I had mild cramping in the beginning, and now I have no cramping at all! :D I LOVE PARA-GARD. The only birth control that works for me and is HORMONE-FREE!"

• Men...
• September 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard since 2012, and I've not had any pregnancy mishaps. I check my string regularly, and my cycles are normal. When I first had it put in, my periods were very heavy with more cramping. Sometimes it would be lighter, and at other times it would be so heavy I'd change a super tampon every hour and still bleed through! This has improved greatly with time. The only side effects that I have had are that I have a cyst that ruptures maybe 2 times a year, and I gained weight right before getting this put in, and I've still not been able to lose the weight. I will get this taken out in the next year due to starting a family, but I will get another one once we are done growing our family. I enjoy this product, and it's easy to maintain; no hormones, no forgetting."

• 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."

• nwl...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 24, 2017

For Birth Control "I had ParaGard placed over 2 years ago after constantly experiencing negative side effects from all other forms of birth control. Insertion was awful. Awful. It felt like I was in labor all over again and missed a day and a half of work because of how severe the cramps were. The side effects I noticed right away were very heavy periods and very painful cramps. Then, within a year, I noticed I had become very restless, moody, low energy, and constantly bloated. Thinning hair, tired, some weight gain, and unable to sleep. I just had my ParaGard removed over a week ago and already notice a huge, positive difference in my body and mind! I didn't hate ParaGard, but definitely won't get it again."

• jve...
• November 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I was on ParaGard for about 3 and a half years. Insertion didn't hurt at all for me. I had it placed after my second child was born. Everything seemed fine for a long time, except for the super heavy periods. I accepted the periods in exchange for convenient BC. However, the periods got worse. I was starting to lose my hair, and I had no energy. I got blood work done and my ferritin levels were crazy low. Doctor told me to take heavy-duty iron supplements. That helped my energy levels, but the hair continued to fall out. I also had a huge increase in anxiety, panic attacks, heart palpitations. I never had these kinds of symptoms in the past, and I'm starting to wonder if it was all related to the ParaGard. Just had it removed."

• 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"

• Ros...
• August 13, 2015

For Birth Control "I did not receive pre-medication before planned insertion. I had it inserted at age 24 and had never given birth. It was very painful to have inserted. I began having pain radiating down from my uterus to my hips, thighs, and knees. Now it mainly begins a week prior to my period. I have heavy periods, most of the heavy bleeding is only for 2-3 days. The other days are light to normal, with several days of spotting after. The PMS symptoms have been amplified. Pain during sex. Breakthrough bleeding. Occasionally, I get an extra period. I have kept the ParaGard because it is highly effective. I am allergic to hormonal contraceptives, spermicide, and have a latex sensitivity. So far, no babies."

• Zyn...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 29, 2015

For Birth Control "Honestly, this is the best birth control ever, and I had heavy periods and cramps, but heavy bleeding can come from having low iron. I had it for 9 months, and I forget I have it sometimes. The first few periods are heavy, but who cares? I'll recommend this to anyone."

• Que...
• January 11, 2016

For Birth Control "Had it for 2 months (had to get it removed because it was sitting too low). Loved it while I was in. Insertion was very painful, but it did not hurt the week after. Period was heavy for the first 3 days, and I had to use a super jumbo tampon and pad. However, my once serious menstrual cramps were completely gone (no Midol needed). Would recommend to a friend. Wish it didn't sit low, would have kept it in forever. Don't be discouraged by the negative reviews."

• Tde...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I had my ParaGard for 9 1/2 years. I only have 1 child who is 14 now. I had her when I was young, so I knew I didn't want to have any more kids for a while. Nevertheless, I have been with my husband now for 10 years, and we both love it! Other than a heavy period for the first 4 months, it was smooth sailing for me since then. Yes, I still have PMS symptoms every month, but it's no different than if I had no birth control. Now it's time for me to part ways with my ParaGard because it will expire soon, and I am seriously wanting to have a new one replaced. I am in my 30s now and not sure if I want to have any more kids. But my husband doesn't have any, so we shall see."

• CNY...
• May 17, 2017

For Birth Control "I chose ParaGard because it is currently the only non-medicated birth control option in the United States. It's important to remember that each person experiences side effects differently, so keep an open mind. Initial insertion was the worst pain I've ever experienced and had to have prescription-strength pain relief prescribed... But after a few days, I was back to normal. I have now had my IUD for over a year, and the side effects are pretty consistent - I know what to expect now, and I stay prepared. Heavy periods, intense cramping, night sweats during my period. I always keep panty liners in my purse because this thing has a mind of its own. Is it worth it? Yes. If you can stand some pain, you'll be fine!"

• Bon...
• September 8, 2018

For Birth Control "I have gotten pregnant not once, but twice using the ParaGard. The only reason I even gave it a three is because it kept me not pregnant for about 4 years the first time and 1 year, 3 months the second time. The insertion is uncomfortable, but not extremely painful and only lasts about 30 seconds anyway. Periods will be heavier and maybe more cramping than hormonal birth control, but really not that bad, and it was great not having extra hormones in my body. If it kept me not pregnant, I would probably be giving it a 9 or 10, if that tells you anything! But it failed for me... TWICE!!!"

• Jen...
• October 1, 2018

For Birth Control "I had an IUD for 6 years. My periods became very heavy and long. The IUD moved, causing it to go to a ten-day period. My Dr. then attempted to remove it and found that an arm had broken off somewhere at some point. They are now charging me for the surgery to find it. I do NOT recommend this product."

• Jes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I give this birth control, ParaGard, a 9/10 because it's highly effective for preventing pregnancy. However, the side effects I don't like so much. I continue to get BV a few times a year. My periods are not so bad, but occasionally I would get heavy periods. What worries me most is the infections (BV) I continue to get even after getting treated, a few months later, I get it again. I'm going to get it removed next week."

• sha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I had my ParaGard placed immediately after birth 10 months ago. They let me know there was a higher chance of it expelling since my cervix wasn't closed yet, but it didn't. I breastfeed my daughter and didn't get my period back until 6 months postpartum. I will say my periods are VERY heavy, and the first day or two the cramps are pretty bad, but I will take that over getting pregnant any day of the week. It hasn't affected my milk supply. I so far personally love it and see it as a great option if you're like me and don't do great on hormonal birth control."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 8, 2019

For Birth Control "ParaGard is a godsend. I chose it because it has absolutely no hormones and couldn’t be happier with my decision. Insertion was extremely easy-some pressure and light cramping. I cramped for a few days after insertion and spotted for a few weeks. My period is definitely heavier and more crampy than usual, but nothing unbearable. And I am hoping this changes after a year or so. Don’t let the negative reviews scare you-try it for yourself. ParaGard got me off hormones and changed my life for the better!"