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

• 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."

• Nen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 5, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard inserted about late February. The insertion itself hurt like hell, I almost passed out driving home. I spotted for almost 2 weeks after insertion. My periods were extremely painful and really heavy for the first 6 months. For some odd reason, I didn’t get a period the 7th month, and now I’m on month 8, and things have gotten so much better. I kept contracting BV, and the doctors were no help, as well as the antibiotics tore my stomach up. My cramps have lessened, they are still there but not as many and not as severe as they used to be. I was recommended to take Advil liquid gels when having cramps, the best. I often forget I have this IUD in. I was really skeptical about getting it because of the reviews, but I’m glad I did!"

• Pea...
• November 27, 2019

For Birth Control "Inserted ParaGard 1/2006, immediate mental health issues started, felt like a zombie, severe depression, worthless feeling, unmotivated, mean, dark thoughts, gained 30 pounds, thinning hair and loss, back pain, joint/body aches, heavy periods, cranky, low libido. Vaginal odor, bacterial infections despite celibacy, insomnia, brain fog, forgetfulness, unable to lose weight. Removed 11/11. Lighter periods, able to sleep, lose weight, depression lessened, no more vaginal odors or infections."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard for about 6 months now, and it has been great. The insertion was as expected, with the cramping, but once you get through it, it’s okay with Advil. My periods have been heavier, just on the first few days, but it’s nothing unmanageable and definitely worth not putting hormones into my body like with other birth controls. I definitely feel like myself, rather than on other BC, and that’s what I wanted. Weight has stayed the same, sex drive has stayed the same, and skin has stayed the same. It has been a great fit for me! Gives me peace of mind until I decide I want kids one day, which is great."

• 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."

• 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."

• KRa...
• June 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I love my ParaGard! I’ve had it for a month. Insertion was uncomfortable, but nothing you can’t handle. Some cramps the first week, and a slightly longer, heavier period, but again nothing not manageable. I love how I can’t feel it and how it is hormone-free. No adverse side effects, and the best part is how I still ovulate and keep a healthy cycle. I’ve been on the pill and Mirena before and had emotional PMS and also terrible acne. None of that with ParaGard so far, and I often react quickly to things. Don’t fear all the negative reviews. Usually, people who are most angry write the most reviews. Most people get it, enjoy it, and move on with their lives without writing a review. I feel healthy and positive and love owning my own birth control in a positive and non-hormonal way! No one method is perfect, but for me, it’s a great fit based on what’s available."

• 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."

• Bab...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard in for nearly 9 years now (since I was 15), and its lifespan is almost up. When I first got it in, it definitely caused some seriously heavy periods and bad cramping. I'd say this went on for the first 5 years to some extent, but it mostly tapered off after the first 2 or 3 years. I was also in my teens at the time, and I had heavy periods before insertion as well. I suspect puberty was largely the cause of my bleeding being so heavy for so long. Thankfully, I'm now puberty-free 4 years and counting. If you can handle the increased bleeding, I highly recommend the ParaGard. I've had no other side effects up until recently, and my sex drive is great! Unfortunately, in the past year, I've had some strange spotting between periods (though my periods themselves are 7 days every 28 days like clockwork), and after some tests, my gyno thinks I may have low-grade inflammation caused by the IUD, so I'll be getting my trusty old gal out and replacing her with a Kyleena soon."

• jsl...
• December 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I got the IUD in May 2015 and just had it taken out (Nov 2018) due to a complication. Insertion wasn't bad at all, just a little pinch, and that was it. I went to lunch after! For the first 3 years, it was great. Heavier periods and more cramping, but no moody changes/depression/weight gain - so I would say the pros far outweigh the cons. I never had bad periods anyways, so the heavier version of what I had wasn't bad. The issue for me came when I lost 40 lbs in 2 months due to other personal issues. Losing that much weight that quickly caused the ParaGard to shift and sit too low, which caused awful periods and terrible cramping - my body was trying to expel it since it was no longer correctly placed. I ended up having to get it out and got Skyla in today (which was 6/10 pain scale insertion for me - where I would say ParaGard was 3/10), just thought I would try something new and see how it goes! ParaGard was great though - loved that it was hormone-free and lasted 10 years. Hope this helps!"

• Ama...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 13, 2018

For Birth Control "Overall, I love ParaGard! It’s so nice not to have to worry about anything. Once it’s in, you don’t have to worry about pregnancy, taking a pill, getting a shot, etc. It also lasts 10 years. My partner never expressed any discomfort with it either. He said he feels it sometimes, but it’s not uncomfortable. However, I experienced pain when I got it in, and now my periods are very heavy with typically more cramping and breast tenderness. I still love it though. It’s also hormone-free."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve had it for about 3 months now and got it because hormonal birth control did not work for me. It made me extremely moody and depressed. I would gain 10-20 pounds and was constantly hungry. Finally decided to try this even though I was skeptical about the poor reviews. My period lasts about a week with heavier periods and definitely more cramps than I had, but nothing unbearable. In my opinion, no birth control is going to have no side effects, so it is worth it to me. I do have slightly more acne than normal, but I think it’s due to the lack of hormones my body is used to from pills. It’s been the best birth control for my body so far!"

• Ont...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 26, 2018

For Birth Control "I've had the ParaGard in for 9 months now. I initially had very painful and heavy periods, but after being on hormonal birth control that messed me up, I was happy to put up with this. My periods are now very regular, light, and short. I have some mild cramps the first two days, but nothing out of the ordinary. The rest of the month, it's amazing to be protected against unwanted pregnancies with no input from myself."

• Aly...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2018

For Birth Control "Don't overlook this IUD, especially if you react badly to artificial hormones. I tried at least 5 different hormonal birth controls before finally giving the ParaGard a try because I was afraid of the side effects. However, I've had it for a couple of weeks, and it's totally manageable! I will probably give another review in a couple of months, though. The periods are definitely way heavier than my normal flow, and I've already had two periods since insertion, but I'm hoping it will level out soon. The cramps are fine, and I still respond to my normal pain medication (I take 400 mg Ibuprofen for cramps with no problems). Please don't let the bad reviews of the ParaGard scare you away! After so many different birth control methods, this is so far my favorite."

• TJa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 27, 2018

For Birth Control "I have had ParaGard for almost 4 years. It’s been effective, and I am not aware of any side effects. My body does not react well to traditional hormonal birth control, so this was an ideal choice for me. Pills and Depo had undesirable side effects, and the 'natural' method is how I got pregnant with my son (ha!). The only drawback to ParaGard is the heavy, longer periods. Without the IUD, my periods are 3 days. With it, they run 6-7 days. The bleeding is heavier but not unbearable. I do have some insecurity about it failing as time passes, but that’s because I am 41 and vehemently opposed to another child. I do recommend it."

• Ime...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 1, 2018

For Birth Control "I used ParaGard after my second child because I didn’t want more children. This was a perfect contraceptive for me since I could use it long term. From a young age, I had heavy periods the first couple of days of my cycle, and my period lasted up to 7 days. I suffered from cramps since I started menstruating at the age of 11. Cramps the first two days were torture. Initially, it was back pain, then it changed to cramps. The IUD cut my period to 3-4 days, and I didn’t get cramps. It was painful during sex for the first three years. I had it removed in my eleventh year. I haven’t noticed major issues during or after using ParaGard. Only you know your body and can make the best decision for you."

• Kim...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 25, 2018

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard inserted in June 2017. It did hurt, but only for a second or two, a very sharp cramp. I was able to go right back to work after and just had some minor cramping throughout the day. I did take ibuprofen before my appointment and every four hours for the day. My periods were definitely longer and heavier the first five months, now they are pretty much the same as before I got it inserted, except for sometimes five days instead of four. I absolutely love it and highly recommend it. My doctor did say I was a perfect candidate since my periods have never been an issue. I have never had cramping, heavy flow, or long periods. After those first five months, my period has been back on track."

• 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."

• rea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 26, 2017

For Birth Control "Got it fitted over a year ago and can't complain. Yes, the periods are heavy on it but regular and predictable. Btw, for all the negative reviews here that sound as if the same person wrote it during the same timeframe, read the label - it is non-hormonal! It also says that the periods will get heavier but more regular. It's much better and safer than having foreign hormones being released into your body for sure, do the research. Of course, it may not be for everyone, and especially not for those that still want to have kids! But there is no need to write fake bad reviews for the only non-hormonal protection there is on the market for millions of women to be safer."

• Gin...
• July 3, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had mine since April and love it. Other than longer and heavier periods, it is great."

• Kon...
• June 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I have mixed emotions as I write this review. I was so excited to be on ParaGard. I was so happy to finally be off hormones. The insertion was uncomfortable but not excruciating. I loved this IUD. My periods were heavier, but not unmanageable, and still regular. The only problem? I noticed in the last 7 months, I was losing so much hair. When I finally concluded it was my ParaGard (after much consideration and research), I was told it was not the ParaGard, it was being off hormones. Well, I followed my instincts and got it removed. My hair is no longer falling out, and it is growing back! And, I haven't even started hormonal birth control yet. The ParaGard is great, and I loved it for 7 months. Just make sure to listen to your body."

• 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!"

• Naz...
• April 29, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 29 and have 2 kids. It's been 2 months since I had it inserted. The truth is, I never read reviews before going for the insertion. Now that I'm reading them, it's funny to me because I didn't feel the slightest pain during and after the insertion. I came to read the reviews now because I'm currently battling a yeast infection. I've only had yeast infections once in my life, and that was just before I got to know I was pregnant with my second child. So the cause of the first incident, as I was told, was pregnancy. I was getting worried I might be pregnant, but reading some of the reviews has made me see that it's one of the side effects. The only effect I've noticed is bleeding during ovulation, and my periods are heavier and last longer than before."

• 6...
• January 21, 2017

For Birth Control "I got my ParaGard IUD 6 months ago, and I love it! Yes, there is still occasionally spotting, and my period is a little heavier than it used to be, but I won't have to worry about pregnancy for the next 10-12 years. If I want to become pregnant during that time, it is only a matter of a doctor's appointment and a little tug, then BOOM, pregnancy is possible. The insertion did hurt a lot. Like severe cramping for a few seconds and then a bit more cramping for the next day or so. After that, I have lighter cramps for a few weeks, but it was completely worth it to not have to worry about hormones (which my body hates) or unexpected pregnancy. The only reason this review is a 9/10 is because my period is heavier and cramping is more than before."

• Jpi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I am a 21-year-old college student and first went on a hormonal birth control (Lutera) when I was 18 to help with irregular periods-and after almost a month on it, I was a raging hormonal maniac. I was too traumatized for a while to look into other options, and then I thought a non-hormonal IUD would be the solution to my birth control woes. My first insertion went relatively smoothly-I psyched myself out beforehand, but it was just uncomfortable, not painful. Unfortunately, 3 months after insertion, the IUD partially expelled. A month later, I had a new one put in, which I've had for a year now, and though I still get painful, heavy periods with some spotting between (a trade-off I can handle), I really am happy with my decision to get ParaGard."