ParaGard and Pain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• Suz...
• April 15, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had ParaGard for 5 years, and it has been perfect for me. I have never had children, and insertion HURT. I hadn't prepared or taken any painkillers. I needed painkillers for a week, and my next three or four periods were more painful. To be fair, I had previously been on the pill, which regulated my periods and made them nearly painless. I love not worrying about birth control, and the pain of insertion was for sure worth it. It doesn't bother my husband at all. I would recommend this as a long-term bc. I had to go on hormonal bc very young to be allowed to take an unrelated medication. I wanted to do something natural that I didn't have to remember daily. I would just recommend painkillers before you get it put in!"

• lol...
• October 5, 2019

For Birth Control "After terminating an unplanned pregnancy, I was advised to get the ParaGard coil. Having had regular and fairly light periods for years and maintaining a healthy weight, it was difficult to get used to the bloating and heavy bleeding. The coil felt like a constant, low-level pressure, and I often had the taste of metal in my mouth. My appetite increased. Despite exercising more, my weight increased (my face got chunkier and my belly and hips got wider). I couldn't keep on top of the pain and was taking painkillers six days a month. I decided to take it out six weeks ago, fed up with waiting for a couple of days' respite where I might feel normal. I have dropped about a quarter stone in that time - probably the amount I put on during the five months I had it in. There's been a chemical shift in the time I've had it in - I now get tired more easily, and even small amounts of alcohol leave me drained the next day. Hope this helps anyone else feeling similar things."

• Bab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2017

For Birth Control "I wanted to share my feelings on ParaGard since I just got mine a few months ago and have heard some pretty scary things about it. I am 21 and came off NuvaRing after 3 years of using it. The insertion of the IUD was the most painful thing I've ever felt, it made me nauseous, BUT it was over within 10 minutes. The following week was hell with nonstop cramps and bleeding. After a week, I felt great! My period came earlier than expected but was roughly the same as it was before having the IUD. 7-8 days with 3 days of debilitating cramps and enough bleeding to use a super tampon in 45 minutes. It didn't hurt worse or last longer! Now in month 2, I still feel great. My cycle messed up a bit, but it is getting more regular again. I love it!"

• Mad...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm 22, never had children. When seeking birth control, I wanted something non-hormonal as I struggle with an eating disorder and was deathly afraid of weight gain or worsened depression. ParaGard was the only option. Insertion was quick and painful, but bearable (no pain meds or anything). An hour later, I was fading in and out of consciousness in the worst pain I'd experienced yet. I have put up with severe, drop-you-to-the-ground crying cramps increasingly over the last 4 years. I have pain and spotting throughout the month. About three-quarters of my life revolves around when I will be bloated, bleeding profusely, and in ER-level pain. Sex is painful, and my fiancé and I are struggling with that. The bleeding is so heavy I have become severely anemic and have finally had enough. It was nice not having to take a pill, but my experience was awful. I'm done missing classes and work and swimsuits and intimacy."

• gem...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 23, 2021

For Birth Control "After 3 years, 9 months of having ParaGard IUD in my uterus, I discovered I was pregnant, confirmed by a blood test at the doctor's office. I went to have a formal pelvic ultrasound at the hospital to determine if I had an ectopic pregnancy, and they discovered my IUD was displaced but could not conclude if I was ectopic, although they saw what appeared to be a cyst on my right ovary and I had a cyst in my uterus. They tried to remove the ParaGard in the hospital, but they couldn't get it out as it was embedded in the uterine lining. The process was painful. I left the hospital with no resolution. My doctor's office followed up and had me do another blood test a day later to see if the pregnancy hormone level increased. It increased nearly 50%, and they ruled out ectopic pregnancy. I had a follow-up doctor's office appointment where they did an in-clinic procedure to remove undesired pregnancy tissue and the embedded IUD. I have been physically, emotionally, and mentally traumatized by this experience."

• Bga...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 26, 2016

For Birth Control "Insertion is painful, but quick. I spotted for two or three days following the procedure and only cramped the day of. I'm breastfeeding, so I have not yet had a period, so I can't comment on whether or not it's heavier than normal yet."

• Par...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2016

For Birth Control "I opted to get the ParaGard since it is hormone-free. The doctor told me to go when my period is its heaviest and to take 2 Advil beforehand. He also mentioned it would most likely be painful since I never had kids before. I waited two months for the device to be shipped. ParaGard has to call you twice to confirm you want it shipped. I don't answer strange numbers on my phone, and they did not leave a voicemail. I had to call them directly to get it straightened out. The day that it was inserted, I was in a lot of pain. I almost blacked out, and I felt nauseous for 2 hours afterward. I fell asleep for 2 hours when I got home, and when I woke up, I felt like I was having bad period cramps. I felt fine the next day."

• cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2016

For Birth Control "I had my Paragard inserted about 3 weeks ago without pre-medicating (I was suggested to take 600-800 mg of ibuprofen beforehand, but I forgot. DO NOT MAKE THIS MISTAKE). I think I have a high pain tolerance, but the pain I experienced during insertion landed on my top 3 most painful experiences. It's 2 of the sharpest, most intense cramps you'll never want to feel again. Anyway, I spotted fairly lightly (I have light periods) for 3-4 days and mild to moderate cramps. Nothing that ibuprofen can't handle! I can feel the strings if I really look for them. My boyfriend hasn't noticed it, and I haven't had my period on it yet. But after the cramps and spotting subsided, my (sex) life improved thanks to no more worrying! :)"

• Mon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the copper IUD a month ago, I had no pain and barely any spotting. After 2 days, I had some days of bleeding. I didn't get my period and had 3 negative pregnancy tests. After 2.5 weeks (with no complaints), I experienced the worst pain and started bleeding extremely. I thought my IUD was expelling. I went to the provider 2 days later, and I was told that I was pregnant, the screen showed something in my uterus that looked like a baby. The doctor removed my IUD, and I had to go to radiology for a better ultrasound of the baby to see what is going on, I went straight away. They sent me to the hospital by ambulance because that thing in my womb, that they thought was a baby, might not be a baby after all, and the excessive fluid buildup in my pelvic area was very concerning. Turned out I was okay and that 'baby' in my womb was a side effect of the copper IUD. I am not pregnant, it is the lining of my uterus that formed a sack with blood and huge clots in my uterus. It still has to come out."

• 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!"

• Cra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had an AWESOME experience with my ParaGard and wanted to share it since people tend to only post negative reviews online. I got my ParaGard about a month ago. There definitely was pain/cramping at the time of insertion, but it wasn't really horrible; it felt like really, really bad period cramps for a few minutes, and then it subsided. I had pretty bad bloating/gas/cramps for the first week and a half, and then it subsided. I'm at the end of my first period with it at the moment. My periods are usually ~5 days long, and with the ParaGard it has been about 7 days. Cramps are definitely a bit more painful, but nothing Advil can't take care of! I love love LOVE my ParaGard and definitely recommend it!"

• don...
• March 1, 2019

For Birth Control "DON'T DO IT! I had ParaGard for a full year and thought about/researched IUDs for a few months before getting it. Yes, it's nice not having to take a pill every day or worry about getting pregnant, but the negative side effects FAR outweighed any benefits. I'm only fully functional half the time since having this IUD. At least two weeks each month, I experience emotional mood swings, anxiety, fear, and cramping that makes me double over in pain. Then I get my period, where I am bedridden and depressed for 3-4 days. I feel terrible - cramping, bloating, lots of pain. I usually feel so bad that I don't eat properly, shower, or take care of myself. Also, the strings do not soften. My boyfriend gets poked by them, which is painful for him, and it has made our sex life very stressful, uneventful, and infrequent - SPECIFICALLY because of this device. I would NEVER EVER recommend it to anyone. I cannot wait to have it removed and feel like myself again."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I just recently decided to switch from the NuvaRing that I had been on for nearly 2 years to the ParaGard. I was very anxious and depressed on the ring, so I am hoping that changes with this non-hormonal option. Insertion was insanely painful. During the procedure, I was seeing stars. The cramps I have had after insertion have come and gone. It's been a week straight of sharp pains every now and then with a constant dull pain. I am staying optimistic regardless of these awful reviews. Everyone's body is different, and obviously, the side effects will differ from person to person. My advice to anyone thinking about getting one is be aware of what can happen, but you never know what will happen until you try it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I just recently decided to switch from the NuvaRing that I had been on for nearly 2 years to the ParaGard. I was very anxious and depressed on the ring, so I am hoping that changes with this non-hormonal option. Insertion was insanely painful. During the procedure, I was seeing stars. The cramps I have had after insertion have come and gone. It's been a week straight of sharp pains every now and then with a constant dull pain. I am staying optimistic regardless of these awful reviews. Everyone's body is different, and obviously, the side effects will differ from person to person. My advice to anyone thinking about getting one is be aware of what can happen, but you never know what will happen until you try it."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2017

For Birth Control "I just put the ParaGard in 08/24/17. I was told to come in while I was on my period. During the procedure, I felt a little discomfort, nothing too bad. The midwife who did it for me was very gentle and told me when to breathe while she inserted it. Before inserting it, she told me to feel the tip of the strings so I knew what it felt like if I needed to ever check to see if it was still there on my own! (super gross, I know). After the procedure was finished, I was given ibuprofen (600) in case I had pain after. I was fine the whole day after with no pain, I worked a full 8-hour shift after with a little bit of discomfort, but again not too bad. I finished my period, and I was still fine. I have tested with my husband and was fine. He didn't feel a thing."

• 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."

• Wor...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 28, 2024

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard in 11/2015 and removed 10/2024. I remember insertion being painful-really bad cramps-but it didn’t last more than a couple of days. I experienced longer/heavier periods-before, it was no more than 5 days, with it, it was 6. My cramping was slightly worse, but inconsistent. Some months were fine, and others I had bad cramps. There were a few times during the 9 years that I experienced pain/discomfort, like during intense exercise or abdominal stretches. Twice, I felt it shift during sex and had painful cramps afterward (happened +5 years in). I had partners that felt it during sex, but it was never a major issue. I would just say listen to your body-I felt more cramping, had it removed (not painful), and my OBGYN told me it had started to become embedded. For me, despite everything, ParaGard did what it was intended to do: I never got pregnant, and I didn’t have to ingest hormones or remember to take a pill for that result. No regrets, but now switching to a new IUD."

• 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."

• Cyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2020

For Birth Control "I had nothing but constant complications, pain, terrible menstrual cramps, pelvic infections, and yeast infections from this IUD! Why any female would want to put a foreign object up into her uterus that's made of copper is beyond me! If you like pain, infections, heavy bleeding, and then a possible hysterectomy, then go for it!"

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm a 34-year-old with no children and thought ParaGard was a good choice because of the no hormones. The instant my doctor inserted the IUD, I had the most uncomfortable pain in my life (and I've had kidney stones and have a high pain tolerance). I felt like I was having the worst period of my life with stabbing pains from my pelvis shooting through my vagina. The pain and bleeding lasted 2 weeks. I had to miss work some days it was so intense. My doctor assured me it would get better in 3 months, that my body had to adjust to it. But every period lasted 2 weeks or longer! The pains were sharp and literally took my breath away at times. THIS WAS THE WORST PAIN IN MY LIFE!!!!"

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had my ParaGard for three months now, and I LOVE it. I was terrified to get this put in, as I had never been on birth control before, and after reading all of the reviews about the insertion process, I was practically shaking in the OB-GYN office. Not one bit of it was painful for me. It just felt a little funny, but when he inserted it, there was a tiny baby cramp that went away almost instantly. For the record, I have not had any kids, I am tall and thin, and have 3-day medium flow periods, which haven't changed since getting on this, and I only had spotting the first month. I had bad cramps once when I wasn't wearing proper shoes at a job where I walk on hard brick all day, but they went away with 2 Motrin."

• Mia...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 12, 2019

For Birth Control "Hormonal birth control wreaks havoc on my body. I had the ParaGard inserted in March 2018. Insertion was extremely painful, and I continued having cramps the rest of the day. My first period and the next 5-6 months were excruciating. Even though I’m in my mid-30s, I’ve never had cramps. Before ParaGard, my period was typically 3-4 days. With the ParaGard, my period was painful, with a pain radiating from my uterus down to my toe. I used several tampons and would bleed through pads with wings, ruining clothes and sheets. I had it removed about 10 days ago, and since then I’ve lost weight, I’m less irritable, have decreased anxiety, feel less bloated, and have more energy. My only issue now is that I get a headache every day around 2 pm."

• tes...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 29, 2017

For Birth Control "Try and stick it out! Insertion was painful, and periods were a lot more crampy for about 3 months after. I decided to give it a few months to settle (as my doctors advised) and get it removed if it didn't. By the 4th month, period pains were fine again. Initial pain aside, I don't think you can beat the copper IUD. No hormones or side effects on the body apart from initial discomfort, and it's 99% effective. I tried various pills, and all were too hormonally imbalancing, took a toll on my skin, moods, and cycle. Condoms are obviously an important safeguard in one-off situations, but they're not foolproof, and they can be irritating, and I've found they exacerbate cystitis. In a relationship, the non-hormonal IUD is great!"