ParaGard and Heavy Periods: What Users Say (Page 5)

• 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!"

• 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!"

• Dre...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I was scared when I saw all of the bad reviews on ParaGard, but my DH pointed out that the people who write reviews are usually those who don't like it, and all the people who have no problems just get on with their life and never think of it again. So I decided to review it after actually experiencing it. For me, the insertion didn't hurt much. There was pressure (obviously), and it hurt a couple of times, but just a prick and not the whole time. Some women bleed, I didn’t. I was prepared for the pain and heaviness of my periods. The first time I got my period, it hurt VERY badly for about 1 hour or 2. I took a hot shower and a Motrin, and it went away. My period is irregular when it used to be to the day. There is 1, sometimes 2, days/period when my flow is very heavy! I go through super tampons in 1 hour. I sometimes have wicked cramps, but not every period. I usually spot a little days before and after my period. We still use condoms around the time that I am fertile just to be careful. This isn’t necessary, but I REALLY don’t want to get pregnant. We decided to use the ParaGard because it doesn’t have hormones, and I highly recommend it!"

• Mom...
• August 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I've had this ParaGard IUD for two years. I got it a few months after giving birth. I wanted a method that would not add hormones to my body after having such horrible side effects from hormonal birth control. Insertion was equivalent to a pap smear, if you can count that as a positive. Prior to this IUD, I had no cramps during my period, light PMSing, light flow. After this IUD, cramps are really bad - like giving birth bad. I never had to take pain relievers to minimize the pain, now it is necessary. My flow is heavy - like Red Sea heavy. Like tampons, a large menstrual cup, or extra-large heavy flow pads will not hold it. I had never stained my clothes this bad before. Sex drive is non-existing. Does it work?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm in my mid 40s and never had kids. I've used the pill and condoms for years. I wish someone had advised me to take painkillers before getting the IUD put in. My GYN said it would hurt me more since she had to dilate my cervix. It was very painful, but the whole thing took 5-10 minutes. I felt dizzy afterward and was cramping and spotting for 2 days. My 1st period was longer, much heavier, and the cramps were absolute torture. Now in my 3rd month, it's shorter and less painful. For those who aren't sure, I'd say it's worth getting the IUD if you know what to expect and are willing to deal with it."

• Eli...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 16, 2015

For Birth Control "I had tried the Paragard twice. The first one in my 30s and the last one just a year ago, I was 41. Like many, I did not have a great experience with birth control pills, moodiness, breast soreness, so I wanted no hormones. But unfortunately for me, Paragard's side effects were too much to deal with. The first time I had lots of cramping and heavy periods, but the second time I was hoping it would be better, and it was actually worse. I can deal with heavy periods and cramping, but in addition, I have developed pain in the lower back, it was pretty bad, a feeling of stabbing constantly. I had it checked and was told the position is right. I gave it 8 months, hoping it would get better, but I gave up. The constant discomfort was really affecting my life."

• jen...
• January 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I had ParaGard for over 5 years now, and I'm pretty pleased with it. You do get heavier and longer periods and slight cramping that I used to never get. Another side effect that I have noticed, but I'm still not 100% sure, is the birth control is hair shedding."

• 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."

• May...
• March 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been using ParaGard for almost 3 years now. So far, so good. But since I got it inserted, I don't have a regular period. Just spotting here and there. I don't even need to use a pad. I'm worried because most women have complained about heavy periods, but mine is totally opposite. I am having thyroid problems also. I wonder if it's because of the IUD. The doctor said it's okay not to have a period, but my belly is so bloated and looks like I'm 8 months pregnant."

• Anonymous
• May 26, 2017

For Birth Control "I had ParaGard inserted 6 weeks after my second child. I've had it for over 10 years. Insertion was pretty painful, about a 6 on the pain scale. For 3 days after, my abdomen was swollen, and I was uncomfortable enough to need prescription pain relief. My periods last 2 days longer, are heavier, and ovulation can hurt really bad about twice a year. I had horrible side effects with hormonal birth control. It's been the best BC I've ever had, it really is liberating to not have to worry. I'm 5 years overdue to get it removed because where I live, no one was trained to deal with it. I'm going to get another one when I have this one removed."

• 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."

• Jay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 14, 2018

For Birth Control "The first 2 years with ParaGard were good. I did experience insanely heavy periods (bleeding out of a super tampon and pad within 2 hours). I was able to lose weight and loved the idea of non-hormonal birth control. Fast forward to year 2 - 2.5 with the ParaGard and would not wish any of the symptoms I experienced on anyone else. I developed cystic acne (something I never had, even as a teen), which left me still to this day with scarring on my chin. It increased dark hairs and spotting on my chin/lip area. I also will have to blame the IUD on some incontinence issues that were immediately resolved when I had the IUD removed."

• Jes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had one child before ParaGard insertion. I’m a 25 y/o very athletic female. I’ve had it inserted since 2015. My boyfriend and I have very, very regular sex, and it has worked so far. I usually forget it is there. My boobs and butt did get bigger, but my waist stayed tiny. I can only say that my periods have gotten heavier, and my libido is way higher. You couldn’t pay me to have this thing removed."

• 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."

• Jen...
• May 23, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard since March of 2015 (it's now May 2016) and am looking to have it removed. Pros: It's hormone-free (huge plus if you're a breastfeeding mom and don't want your milk supply to decrease). And the insertion process wasn't so bad. Some cramping afterward and bleeding for quite a few days after. Cons: I constantly have discharge and have to wear pantiliners on a regular basis. And I'm not talking light discharge. It's thick, gooey, and mucousy. I have gone to two different OBGYNs regarding this (to make sure I didn't have an infection) and both said it's a normal side effect. It seriously grosses me out and this is the main reason I am getting it taken out. My periods are also heavy and last 7-10 days. It's awful! Time for a new BC."

• Anonymous
• June 27, 2016

For Birth Control "I decided to try out the ParaGard after giving birth to my 2nd child. I'd already tried the pill and depo, neither worked for me, so ParaGard was recommended for me due to the no hormones and longevity. The initial procedure was so painful for me I thought I was dying, considering that I've never given birth vaginally. My OB-GYN had to attempt three times before successfully getting it done (my uterus is tighter than most, so the utensil kept being pushed out). But the ultimate deal breaker for me is the irregular periods and discomfort during sex. My cycles come twice a month sometimes, and they're so heavy that I have to use a tampon and pad at the same time and lasting longer. Sex is uncomfortable at times, and I often have no sex drive at all."

• Ski...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 13, 2016

For Birth Control "Worst mistake of my life. I found out after a year of terrifyingly heavy periods that lasted all but 5 days a month and cramps that made me an invalid regularly that this IUD contains copper-plated nickel. DO NOT USE THIS IUD if you have ANY sort of sensitivity to nickel! You will wish you could die, and you will feel sick 100% of the time. I toughed it out for a long time with ParaGard to see if it would get better. It didn't. Don't wait if a BC disagrees with you...you might lose a year of being functional and happy because of a BC that ruins your physical and/or mental health like this one did for me."

• 35...
• September 20, 2019

For Birth Control "Not pregnant, but holy ouch!! I had the ParaGard for about 18 months. It caused significant cramping from the get-go. My doctor said the discomfort should ease with time, but it never really did. Longer periods: I would cramp for 2-3 days, spot for a day or so, have 4-5 days of menstruation and intense cramping, then 2-3 more days of spotting. Heavy periods: super plus tampon in 3-ish hours for the first 2-3 days. For the last six months of having it, mid-month cramping was normal, sometimes with spotting. My doctor said everything still looked good and we could remove it if it became too uncomfortable. Out it came and I couldn't be happier. I'm about two days from my first period after having it removed--not one cramp! If I still had the ParaGard, I would need Tylenol or Advil or both by this point. Also, I have a pretty high pain tolerance (no meds for childbirth). My cramping was about a 7 on a pain scale of 10 for the first few days of each period."

• 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."

• Sam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 18, 2015

For Birth Control "1st off: this is my 4th time with an IUD. The 1st ParaGard I got while lactating and not having periods... clinician couldn't get the IUD in, and the 2nd time trying, she forced it in. Perforated my uterus... had to have 2 surgeries to have it removed. Then, years later, had ParaGard again... this time they did a paracervical block, and the insertion was painless. My periods were so heavy, though, and without realizing it, I think I became severely anemic. I had it removed, and within 2 weeks, I started to feel alive and normal again. That is when I realized I must have been anemic. Years later, I had Mirena put in due to my long spotting periods. Couldn't tolerate the hormones. Have another ParaGard now for 2 years, and I am exhausted all the time."

• Anonymous
• January 15, 2016

For Birth Control "Don't get one. I had mine for 3 months, and the experience was awful. My periods were extremely heavy (soaking through 2 pads) and never-ending. I just had it removed because I have been bleeding for 3 weeks."

• Nuc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 1, 2017

For Birth Control "I had mine inserted as soon as I could after giving birth (about 6 weeks afterwards). I have one child with no desire to have another, but my doctor would not tie my tubes due to my age (younger 20s). Therefore, I opted for the next best thing: the ParaGard. My only complaints are my periods are a lot heavier, and I tend to cramp when my cycle begins and during ovulation. I never had cramps prior to having the ParaGard inserted. These possible symptoms were relayed to me prior to placement, so I was mentally prepared. All in all, I'm 3 years in, and I absolutely love this thing. If my doctor still refuses to tie my tubes when I'm older, I'll just have another inserted."

• Can...
• July 17, 2017

For Birth Control "I do not recommend this birth control to anyone. Become informed prior to having a foreign object inserted into your body. I had horrible panic attacks, constant feeling of nausea, digestive issues, heavy periods, and painful sex. My PMS symptoms were 20 days out of a month. I had the ParaGard for over 4 years before having it removed 2 weeks ago. Getting a piece of plastic with copper wrapped around it shoved into my cervix was a bad idea. I had my first period last week since removal, and it was a much easier process. We are given these 'safe and effective' forms of birth control so most doctors can push other forms of medications to treat symptoms from the side effects. The pharmaceutical companies run this country. Beware."

• Lin...
• October 7, 2017

For Birth Control "Paragard was the first BC ever used at 27 yrs old, after my second child. The first 3-6 months were horrible heavy periods, but they adjusted to heavy bleeding the first 2 days of my period. Everything was going great until 2 yrs later, now 29, out of nowhere I started feeling heart palpitations, trouble breathing, sweating. I figured it was high blood pressure and scheduled an appointment right away. I'm perfectly healthy but was asked to get lab work done and also asked about my birth control. The doctor told me that IUDs cause heart palpitations. Lab work came back with mild anemia, so now I'm really bummed out because I no longer feel safe with these BC options, but also after doing some research, heart palpitations may persist after removal."

• Sam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 12, 2019

For Birth Control "The only bad part about ParaGard as a birth control is the 2 days of really heavy periods paired with cramps that I’ve never experienced with other birth control methods, but it is still well worth it, though. I love not having to be concerned about hormones at all, and it lasts such a long time. Been on it about 7 months now."