ParaGard and Heavy Periods: What Users Say

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 12, 2025

For Birth Control "I've had the ParaGard IUD for almost exactly a year now. As expected, my periods were heavier for a while. After three months, they started getting more spaced out. I was told this wouldn't happen since ParaGard is nonhormonal, but that's been my experience. My cycle went from a more or less predictable 29-31 days to 40 days, back down to 30, and then around 45. After about nine months, they started getting back to normal. Now my past three have been on schedule. I've even stopped bleeding so heavily. Outside of the first few months, I haven't had any worse than usual cramping. Insertion was somewhat difficult (my doctor couldn't get it inserted, so she sent me home with mifepristone to soften my cervix and had me come back the following morning), but the pain was nowhere near as horrendous as I've heard other people report."

• Cra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 6, 2024

For Birth Control "Let me first state that I've only ever used the hormonal birth control inserted in your arm prior to this. I decided to try the non-hormonal type, as the hormonal had caused a lot of weight gain. Insertion was fine. No pain or issue. Very short process. The doctor warned me that it could cause heavy periods and cramping, which I was not worried about because I'd never had cramps before in my life, and periods are usually very light and short for me anyway. However, I must say that I've never experienced so much pain in my life. At first, the severe cramps were every few months, which was fine. I'd lay down in the fetal position, take some Midol, and let it pass. But now, for the last few months, it's been every. Single. Month. And starting yesterday morning, I've had those same horrible cramps all day, even now. I'm worried there may be a perforation. In terms of effectiveness, it's great. No pregnancy. Please try it before turning it down, though. Everyone is built differently!"

• 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."

• Sas...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 11, 2023

For Birth Control "So much better than hormonal birth control. Only negative is heavier periods. But I am not gaining weight or putting extra hormones in my body."

• Ros...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 22, 2022

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard since 2019. The only difference I've seen is a little bit heavier flow during my periods for a couple of days. I've always had very bad menstrual cramps, so those haven't been different since having ParaGard inserted. I don't have any pain or bleeding in between periods. I love that I can have intercourse with my husband without a care in the world about getting pregnant. Not having to make sure I take a birth-control pill every day (which, by the way, gave me debilitating migraines). I love that it's non-hormonal, so I don't have to worry about it affecting my mood or my skin. If I ever have concerns, I just go to my OBGYN, and he does an ultrasound to check the placement. So far, very good! My advice: y'all know your body. Be your own advocate. If your intuition is telling you something isn't right, don't put it off to the back of your mind. Get checked out."

• Han...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 25, 2022

For Birth Control "Just leaving a positive review. For me, I got the ParaGard in after baby number 5. I didn't want my tubes tied as I'd had them tied in the past, and it was terrible on my body (look up Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome). But I did not want hormones. I gain weight in my gut every time. So I went in and got the ParaGard. I was on the heaviest day of my period when it was inserted. My doctor was excellent, and it was placed easily and quickly. I felt a pinch and a little lightheaded for a moment. After that, I was good. My period is a little heavier (it's always been heavy and 7 days long though, so not much difference). I've not had spotting or any cramping. I think it's good to share both negative and positive reviews. I've had this for a year now and love it."

• Jos...
• June 23, 2022

For Birth Control "I got my ParaGard 2 months after having my 2nd child. My experience didn’t hurt much, just a little poke. Had cramping for about a week, and then a week later I got my period. It was really heavy, but it only lasted about 4 days or so. So far, everything has been great! Every month I get my period, the first 2 days are heavy and my period lasts about 5 days. So far I love it, my sex drive has been great. I don’t have to worry if I took my pill or not. I actually got pregnant on the pill with my second child, and after that, I made the decision to get the ParaGard. Another thing is we can’t compare ourselves with other women’s IUD stories. We are all different. Try it for yourself."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 14, 2022

For Birth Control "I agree with what someone else put, saying people only put reviews when they've had a bad experience. I did read these reviews before deciding to get the ParaGard myself and definitely do not regret my decision. It's been about two years that I've had it now, and yes, my periods are more heavy and my cramps hurt me. But it is nothing unbearable. I've always had a short period (4 days normally), and that has stayed the same. When I first got the IUD, of course, my hormones had to regulate from being off the pill, so for about half a year, my period was irregular. But once again, I highly recommend the ParaGard if you're looking for a non-hormonal birth control method. 10/10 in my experience. And yes, insertion is very uncomfortable but totally worth it for the number of years of protection you get!"

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2021

For Birth Control "I was super nervous about getting an IUD after horror stories and reviews I had read. I thought about it and debated a whole year before deciding to go through and get ParaGard. I had been on hormonal birth control pills for about 14 years and was just sick of taking a pill every day and the effects it had on my sex life. I was drawn to ParaGard because it was hormone-free and good for up to ten years, but also the fact that I would be able to get pregnant immediately after having it removed if I chose. Insertion was more uncomfortable than I expected, being I’ve never had kids. I did have some light bleeding for about five days after, but it subsided. My first period after was also heavier than any I have ever had. The second was slightly better though, and so far I love ParaGard. They do recommend monthly self-checks, but I’m not laid back enough to trust it haha, so I do a weekly check for the strings. I’ve had no issues and am enjoying the freedom it has brought me."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2021

For Birth Control "I read horror stories about ParaGard, but I really wanted non-hormonal birth control, so I did it, and I am so HAPPY with it! It hasn't caused any worse cramps at all for me. The periods are a little heavier, but they are getting back to normal after a few months. 10000% worth giving it a go."

• eli...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 3, 2021

For Birth Control "After a year of use, I have had zero problems with ParaGard. Reading bad experiences scared me at first, but I realized (as my doctor said) the majority of people only leave a review if it's bad. Insertion slightly unpleasant, but no big deal, periods a little heavier for a few months, but nothing major. Absolutely love that I don't have to worry about birth control and can just forget about it. 100% recommend!"

• Lhs...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 5, 2021

For Birth Control "I had ParaGard for 8 years. Got it inserted when I was 18 and removed when I was 26 to begin trying to have a baby. For the first 6 months, periods were heavier, but eventually subsided to where I just needed a super tampon. While I had ParaGard, I never got pregnant and never had any issues with this except that in the last 4 months of use, I began to get recurring ovarian cysts. Once I got it removed, they immediately vanished. I became pregnant 2 months post-removal, so the IUD/cysts didn’t affect fertility. After my baby is born, I’ll be reinserting ParaGard. Everyone is different, find what works for you and be aware there can be complications with any birth control option."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I understand everyone’s body is different, but after reading reviews on drugs.com for multiple things, I’m convinced people only really write reviews after a really bad experience. As my gyno told me, people don’t write reviews when they are content. So I’m going to write a review to say the copper IUD is 1000% the way to go if you are looking for non-hormonal birth control. I spent years on the pill that gave awful side effects. I have had zero side effects from the IUD. Yes, my first period was heavy. I’ve had moderate to heavy periods for most of my life accompanied with cramps, it’s nothing that is not manageable. If you are looking for peace of mind for ten years without risking the horrible side effects of hormonal birth control, get this."

• Mmp...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 15, 2021

For Birth Control "I have had my ParaGard IUD for 9 years now. After reading all these reviews, I feel I must be one of the lucky ones. I have never had an issue since I had it put in. I do have a period every 3 1/2 to 4 weeks. I do have one day of a heavy period, but then it goes away altogether by the next day. My periods last about 3 days: 1 heavy, 2 barely. I also had a gastric bypass with it still in place, and it also didn't have any impact. No medical issues. No pain. Some cramps more than usual. I am 46 and had it put in at 37."

• Lit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2020

For Birth Control "I got my ParaGard 3 months ago and love it! Yes, the periods are definitely more painful, and they are heavier, but nothing my menstrual cup can't handle. I forgot I have it in 99% of the time, and insertion also wasn't that painful as well. I love it, and if hormonal birth control doesn't work for you, I highly, highly recommend ParaGard!"

• Jan...
• September 10, 2020

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard for 3 years. I love it. Absolutely no changes or side effects. That's why I love it, because it's non-hormonal and doesn't affect you mentally or screw up your bodily functions. It's just copper. Insertion was quick and easy. The only difference is my period comes more often now and is heavier than usual. But I don't mind because it's worth it for having the best hormone-free, most effective birth control that lasts for 10 years."

• KRI...
• March 9, 2020

For Birth Control "I have the ParaGard for almost 10 years now. It was a while ago, right after I had my son. During my six-week postnatal check-up, I believe that it was inserted. I don't remember it hurting at all. The only complaint initially was a heavy period, which sometimes lasted 14 days, longer and longer. That eased up about 4 to 5 months in. I haven't had any issues, regular period cramps, but not each month. Strings are there every month, no pain, no infections, no weight gain (aside from what laziness produced), nothing serious at all. My son is 10 next month, so it works."

• Sat...
• February 23, 2020

For Birth Control "I am extremely happy with my ParaGard! The stress leading up was worse than any part of the procedure itself; it's like a very strong cramp, but it's over in a second. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen before and got it inserted on the last day of my period. Over the next few days, the cramps and bleeding got worse, but subsided after a week or so. Had a period 3 weeks after insertion. The flow was heavier and lasted longer for the first few periods, but it's back to about what it was before. Cramps are nothing ibuprofen can't help with. I have health anxiety, so I was super nervous about the ParaGard. I'd tried hormonal birth control and nothing worked. Now, I forget about it 99% of the time. Been to the gynecologist a million times because I was convinced it was puncturing my uterus, and it hasn't budged once. I exercise intensely with no issues, and the same for sex. As far as copper poisoning, I've had ZERO of the symptoms the other reviews talk about."

• Dee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 24, 2020

For Birth Control "Don’t let these reviews scare you, try for yourself & see how you feel!! Insertion was very painful for me, but I am always in pain with any cervix procedure or check (even during labor). So I knew that was a possibility for me personally. Afterwards, I had cramping the entire day. A week later I got a very heavy period with heavy cramping the first day, it lasted about 14 days. I have had the ParaGard for 6 months now, my periods are back to normal after the first 4 months and I never feel it inside. I had light periods before insertion & they are still light after. I’m very happy with mine, try for yourself before letting these reviews scare you. Most people only review if something goes wrong. There are tons of women who are happy with theirs who do not think to come online & review it."

• Abb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I love this BC. I’ve had the ParaGard for about 2 years. It has worked wonderfully for me. I don’t do well with hormonal birth control, so this was the perfect fit for me. My periods were very heavy for the first 4-5 months. If you can get past that, it’s very worth it. My periods are shorter and lighter now than before I had the ParaGard. I’ve seen no sign of any other side effects, and hey!!! I’m not pregnant!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Bls...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 22, 2019

For Birth Control "The only regret I have with ParaGard is not getting it sooner. I love it! I put off getting an IUD for so long because of hearing about how painful the insertion was and was surprised when it only felt like a heavy cramp. It wasn't bad at all. In the 3 months since, the only difference I've noticed is slightly heavier periods. My sex drive hasn't changed at all, I haven't gained a single pound, and now I don't have to worry about birth control for 12 years. I couldn't be happier with my decision."

• Jaz...
• June 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had the Paragard copper IUD for three years now, and it's the best decision I ever made as far as contraception goes. I spent five years reading articles and reviews about IUDs before actually getting one because I was so terrified after reading so many horror stories, but decided to bite the bullet because the pill makes me so bloated, and I hate condoms. I haven't had children, so the doctor recommended Mirena, but I wanted something without any hormones or anything in it, so I chose the copper. It was definitely an uncomfortable experience having it put in, and painful for about 30 seconds, but it was over very quickly. I had cramping and a heavy period for about four or five days afterwards. For the first four months, my periods were a fair bit heavier than usual, and now they're just a little bit heavier than they were before I had the IUD, but I never had very heavy periods to start with. I probably wouldn't recommend the Paragard if you have heavy periods already."