ParaGard and Pain: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Jan...
• August 16, 2018

For Birth Control "For starters, I’ve never had children, and I am a 22-year-old petite 5’0 small-framed woman. I went through every birth control option I could possibly go through, leaving me depressed, nauseous, sleeping all day. I finally went with ParaGard after 2 years off hormones, and it was the best decision I’ve made. Insertion was the scariest part, I took 750 mg of ibuprofen. It feels like your cervix is 80% numbed and being stabbed while they stick a cold probe in. It also feels like a giant period cramp. Afterwards, I was in extreme pain for 2 days. Like really bad pain where I couldn’t do anything, and ibuprofen wasn’t helping. I recommend if you have an insertion to have a weekend off. Otherwise, I’ve been normal since insertion. It changed my 3-day period into a 5-day heavy period. I was afraid my first period would be painful, but it felt just a little more crampy. I feel a lot of these bad reviews are from people who got off hormonal BC and went straight to ParaGard."

• Aka...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2019

For Birth Control "Just got my ParaGard October 21, 2019, 4 months after giving birth to my twins. TBH, it was a little painful, but it’s something you can bear to get if you really want this type of contraception. The same day I left after getting it done, the doc made sure it was in the right place and everything. When I got home, I was having very bad cramps, so unbearable it was crazy! Sometimes I felt it poking me here and there, but the next day I had a few cramps on and off too, but I was taking pain medicine to help with the pain because I usually don’t have pain or cramps while on my cycle at all. Today is the 4th day, and I’m feeling like a million bucks. No more cramps - I feel like I did before I got the IUD. This is all truth, the only thing I notice, though, is the bleeding seems like it’s out of control to me, but I guess my cycle is way heavier now. But so far I’m dealing with it, loving it, and feeling protected."

• Upf...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 1, 2018

For Birth Control "Backstory: 1st birth control, procedure at 20 years old, never been a mom, cost out-of-pocket approximately $300 USD. To the brave women who've made the responsible decision to consider stable, long-term birth control (condoms are NOT a long-term or reliable form of birth control), I applaud you. Pros: 10 years of coverage, one and done! Non-hormonal- 'nuf said! Partner comfort- he doesn't feel a thing, cheap (long run)- $700 vs. monthly cost of pills/shots, reliability- 99%. Cons: PAIN- during the procedure, 72 hours after, and the first year. This is natural, body trying to expel, very strong contractions. Advice: Buy NSAIDs, take 20 minutes before the procedure, buy a heating pad/have your honey warm you. Grit your teeth! Find a good doctor! My doctor treated me like a human being. She always guided me through what she was doing. I wish you all luck, happy hunting!"

• bon...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 11, 2019

For Birth Control "Had the IUD for a year, it was an okay insertion, not comfortable but not unbearable. But I had increased bleeding and pain. After I adjusted, the pain started to improve, but then after about 7 months, I had a ton of pain during sex and bleeding for days and days. Turns out my IUD expelled and was in my cervix. They say that only happens for 4 percent of women, though, so evaluate the risk."

• Amy...
• January 11, 2018

For Birth Control "The insertion was extremely uncomfortable, but quick. I experienced discomfort and pain in my ovaries, instead of my regular period cramping. My periods began lasting over two weeks, and I would bleed through super plus tampons and liners. Severe ovary, back, and leg pain. The psychological symptoms: I felt out of control, enraged, sad, exhausted, lifeless. After 6 cycles, I had it removed. I now have a normal cycle (26 days), 5 days of normal bleeding, no ovary pains, minor cramps, very little back and leg pain, no headaches, no major mood swings. All psychological symptoms are 'normal,' I'm slightly emotional and a little anxious, but I feel like myself."

• Jea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 18 years old with no kids, and I decided to try out ParaGard. I've been having it for almost two months now, and I have to say it's amazing. The process of putting it on was very painful. I never had a pelvic exam done, so that by itself was painful. I don't really remember the process. I was so nervous and a little scared, I didn't know what to expect. When she inserted the IUD, it was like a very sharp cramping pain. I let out a scream. The whole procedure took about 10 minutes. After that, I felt very uncomfortable. I wasn't in severe pain, but it was painful. The next day, I was in agonizing pain. I wanted to head to the hospital. It was cramping to the point where I couldn't even stand. Warm showers would lessen the pain."

• Jul...
• August 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard IUD in the beginning of January 2019 because of side effects from the pill. The insertion process is very painful. It causes your periods and cramps to be way worse than they have ever been. I checked my strings once a month after my period like I was told. At the end of February 2019, after checking it, I noticed I felt hard plastic. I made an appointment to get it checked. My IUD was starting to expel out of me. I got my second one inserted at the end of February 2019. The second one I checked frequently. I should’ve been even a little more worried because 6 months later the same exact thing happened. I ended up having to get it removed again. She said it may have expelled for me because I have a “tilted uterus,” meaning it’s tilted towards my back and because I haven’t had any children. I do not recommend it if you haven’t had children and know you have a tilted uterus like me."

• Nat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I ended up in the ER for serious pains after vomiting for over 24 hours, feeling like a case of severe food poisoning. I realized my lower abdomen was swollen and warm to the touch. When I pushed on it, I felt a sharp pain in my uterus. Doctors took an ultrasound and couldn't locate it at first because it had moved from the original position, perforating my uterus. They were able to surgically remove it, thankfully. I would not recommend anyone get one."

• Aly...
• January 30, 2017

For Birth Control "Just got the ParaGard inserted two days ago. Most horrendous pain I've ever gone through. Didn't even have so much as a pap before that. Doc was not gentle at all. She used too big of a speculum and had to swap for a smaller one, which made me start bleeding immediately. I haven't had any babies. I'd definitely say the pain is worth it in the end. I do have faith in this method. I did bleed a lot during the procedure and have been bleeding lightly since. I am still cramping, which is currently fluctuating between mild, moderate, and excruciating depending. Fiancé bought me a heating pad that I warm up in the microwave, which is soothing. Sitting with my legs up is helping, and warm showers. I'm excited to not have to worry about pills."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2017

For Birth Control "Got ParaGard inserted on my period. I'm 21 and have never had a baby. I would describe the pain as a couple of deep, strong cramps, but nothing horrible. My doctor numbed my uterus beforehand. I had cramps right away that were pretty bad, but nothing too crazy for the first few hours. After the numbing wore off, I had what I could only describe as intense labor pains/contractions. Advil did nothing, and it was awful. I called my doc, and she gave me Tylenol #3, which helped a lot. The pain subsided 3 days later, although I still have some cramps here and there when I exert myself too much, it's been good. My boyfriend doesn't feel the strings. My period has never been heavy, but now it's heavy. Other than that, I'm satisfied. I only paid $40 out of pocket!"

• Ouc...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 1, 2021

For Birth Control "I had 2 ParaGard IUDs. Had the first for the entire 10 years and the second for about 3 years. The first one hurt a lot when it was put in, but it was manageable. The second insertion was unbearable pain. Cramping afterward was misery with both. I had periods lasting from 10 to 14 days with both, large clots, etc. It was cheap and better than being pregnant, though. A couple of days ago, I went in for an annual check-up and another sonogram and biopsy to address all this bleeding and discovered that the IUD had migrated and my strings were missing. She had to dig around to find the strings, and it was excruciating, but it was over quickly. That was enough for me. No more IUD. But I got 13+ years of reliable birth control when I had no other options. The suffering was worth it for the most part."

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 9, 2021

For Birth Control "I really enjoyed the ease of not having to worry about birth control. However, I would not recommend this to anyone whose periods are even moderately painful. My periods doubled in length, and the pain was debilitating. The IUD was great aside from the extremely negative effects it had on my period. I chose ParaGard because I had difficulties with hormonal birth control in the past, but the pain I had with this IUD did not outweigh the benefits, so I had it removed. Insertion was also very painful, it was much worse than my recent insertion of a hormonal IUD. I would advise weighing the benefits and side effects of each option with your doctor and deciding what is right for you. Unfortunately, a copper IUD was not right for me and my body."

• Lin...
• July 30, 2015

For Birth Control "I just got ParaGard inserted today - was absolutely NOT terrible like everyone says. I will say I did a few things that may or may not have helped: I took Misoprostol vaginally (prescription from my doctor) to help soften my cervix 3-4 hours prior to my appointment, I had a 60-minute holistic massage 2 hours prior to my appointment (long story - didn't actually plan this due to my insertion or anything - just happened), and then I took 800 mg of Ibuprofen an hour prior to my appointment. I definitely felt what was happening, but it was NOT the pain level that everyone says - I'd say a 3 or 4 out of 10 and just for about 20-30 seconds. Definitely worth it for 10 years of not having to worry about getting pregnant or having hormones in my body!"

• 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!"

• KCa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I had to have my ParaGard removed and reinserted because it slid too low in my uterus. I almost fainted from pain the second time. Both times I had to take the rest of the day off. I agree with the other reviews that my period got crazy, heavier and more painful. And it took 6 months to return to semi-normal. But once over that hump, it’s been worth the years of protection."

• KCa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I had to have my ParaGard removed and reinserted because it slid too low in my uterus. I almost fainted from pain the second time. Both times I had to take the rest of the day off. I agree with the other reviews that my period got crazy, heavier and more painful. And it took 6 months to return to semi-normal. But once over that hump, it’s been worth the years of protection."

• Per...
• June 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I've had my ParaGard since 2009. It's reached the end of its 10-year lifespan, and I'm getting a new one at the end of this month. Insertion was painful enough that I've opted for general anesthetic for removal of the old ParaGard and insertion of the new one. But other than the pain I had with the original insertion, which was at least expected and over quickly, I've had little trouble with it. I had some pretty severe bloating for the first three months after insertion and some mild bloating for the next three months. After that, I felt perfectly normal again. My periods became just a touch heavier after getting the IUD, and they last on average one day longer, but I still have no issues with cramps. I rarely had them before the IUD, and I rarely have them now. Best decision I've made. My only regret is I didn't start using the ParaGard earlier in my life."

• It...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 31 years old, my husband and I decided we are not gonna have a baby in the next 5 years, and we are not fans of condoms, so I got the IUD. I chose ParaGard for no hormones. The doc told me it causes some cramps, but it goes away after some months. I got it in October 2016. I've been miserable since then. I suddenly changed to a weak, fragile person, devastated to do even regular daily tasks. The sharp pain suddenly started and went to my legs. Horrible pain. Ultrasound and X-ray showed it's perfectly placed! The pain made my doctor and me confused, and I even took the cancer tests. The pain got worse with activities and turning on. Completely ruined my sex life. I gave up and took it out after 3 months, everything is back to normal! Not worth it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2017

For Birth Control "Got the ParaGard inserted mid-Feb, after a pregnancy scare on the NuvaRing. Been non-stop heavy bleeding and cramping for 4 months straight. It's completely unbearable, and I've missed work and everyday tasks because the pain is so severe. I read the reviews, but decided to still go with an IUD after several friends said they had no issues. Figured people were being dramatic with reviews of pain upon insertion-assumed they were the same people who think Pap smears are painful-thought I could handle it... I felt like the wind was knocked out of me, and I almost passed out. My period was light to moderate before, and now it's uncontrollably heavy. Can't wear tampons anymore, and '10-hour leak protection' pads only last me about an hour."

• Cru...
• August 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been using the ParaGard IUD for one year now. I have 2 children and don't want any more. I tried both Mirena and Nexplanon, and both caused me to have 21+ days of bleeding at a time, so I had to go with the only long-term option of hormone-free birth control I could get. Insertion was not painful, I was prescribed Misoprostol, and a sonogram technician was present. The first 3-4 periods were heavy and painful, but after that, they became more normal. Overall, I'm happy with my decision to use this birth control, and really, I'm hoping this will continue to work out for as long as possible."

• Ash...
• January 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I just got mine in today and came to talk about the insertion process. A lot of the Internet says it hurts so badly, but I didn't have any issues - it barely hurt at all. Ask your doctors about Misoprostol - I have never had children, but that medication made it to where my uterus didn't have to be dilated, not to mention the less pain I experienced! It felt less bad than a stomach cramp, and a LOT less bad than a muscle cramp. Don't be afraid!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 1, 2019

For Birth Control "Paragard ruined my life. I have been sick and in pain, had surgeries, and even been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I found an article about copper toxicity and had my IUD removed, this was after years of agonizing pain and several other mental health problems that arose out of nowhere while having Paragard in. Now I am almost completely pain-free, 7 months post-removal. This thing has been poisoning me for years - I lost everything - this is the worst and scariest product on the market. I hope to help get it off the market. I will try until the day I die. The people who make and sell this are sick monsters!!!!"

• Cni...
• March 9, 2017

For Birth Control "Every woman is different, so make sure you talk to your doctor about what is best for you. But I personally don't think women who have never had a kid should get an IUD. I had an awful experience with Mirena (extremely painful placement) before I had a child several years ago. Experienced terrible pain after 30 days and had it removed. And bled for 6 months. But my doctor said that since I've had a child I should have a different experience with an IUD because my uterus is larger after having a child. So I decided to get ParaGard since there are no hormones and it lasts 10 years. I had it placed today, and it hardly hurt at all. Just some mild cramping. So far, so good... hopefully I continue to have a good experience."

• sd0...
• December 14, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard IUD for 1 year, and my periods are horrible. I pour blood and cramp so bad I can't move. I have a period twice a month, both lasting 7 days. Last month my strings came out, but the doctor wouldn't remove it due to having to cut me open to get it out. Now, a month later, horrid pain where I can barely move, and it's now embedded in my uterus. I would never recommend this to anyone. Worse decision I ever made."

• Anonymous
• August 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I just got the ParaGard inserted today about 2 hours ago. I'm 23, no kids, and have only taken the pill. I read so many reviews on pain and was pretty nervous going into it. I also took 3 Tylenol an hour before. The worst part is when they measure, and that was so bad and so painful I screamed and teared up a lot. It really felt like she had stuck a knife in my cervix. I also thought about not going through with the rest of it, but they insisted the worst was over. When she inserted the ParaGard, it wasn't nearly as bad as the measuring, but still, that is just cramps. I was also on my period, and my doctor says it's better that way so your cervix is open enough. The measuring took 20 seconds, and the actual insertion was 1-2 mins. WORTH IT!"