ParaGard and Spotting: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2017

For Birth Control "I was hesitant to get the ParaGard after seeing some of these reviews, and I know everybody is different - so I'm here to share a positive one. I made the switch from being on the NuvaRing for 4 years. My gyno prescribed me painkillers to take for the insertion, so the procedure was absolutely painless. Afterwards, there was cramping and bleeding, but that was expected. I spotted and cramped until my next period, which was about 2 weeks. Yes, there was more blood and more cramping than I was used to, but nothing some Advil can't fix. After my first period, no cramping or spotting in between cycles, and my cycle is completely regular. With every period, the cramps and bleeding seem to get more tolerable. I'm very happy I made the switch!"

• taa...
• November 2, 2017

"After trying 5 different birth control pills over the years and suffering from major mood swings, depression, hair loss, etc., I read several reviews on the ParaGard IUD, the majority of the reviews were negative and terrifying. However, getting the ParaGard IUD has been the best option for me. The insertion hurt but wasn't overwhelming. I took ibuprofen and brought my heating pad. The insertion took maybe 15 minutes. I spotted for 2 days, and then it was fine. Prior to getting the ParaGard, my periods lasted 2 days, and now they are 4 days. Periods are heavier, but it's worth it."

• Jer...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2017

For Birth Control "Getting the IUD inserted was a very smooth process. My doctor gave me a paracervical block, which numbs the cervix. I believed that helped tremendously. There were some twinges and pressure, but it was over very soon, and I was expecting crazy pain after reading bad experiences here, but I did not experience any of that. She measured my uterus before inserting the ParaGard to make sure it would fit. The minimum is 6.5 cm. I have tried hormonal pills in the past and ended up having chest pains and weird arm numbing. On the scare and chance that I could have a blood clot from hormonal pills, I elected for the ParaGard (NON-HORMONAL copper IUD). I think this is the best choice for me, and aside from spotting from the insertion, I have had no issues."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 21, 2017

For Birth Control "I had this placed when my third child was 2 or 3 months old. Some background: I had my first kid at 18 and immediately started pills after I had him, but managed to get pregnant when he was 5 months old. After baby #2, I did the shot and NuvaRing and got pregnant when #2 was 2 (the NuvaRing had fallen out prematurely)! I heard horror stories about ParaGard but decided to give it a shot, and it is amazing. Honestly, the insertion pain wasn't that bad. The speculum part hurt much more than insertion. I had cramps for a few days and super heavy periods for about a year and spotting in between periods for 3 years. I'm at 4 years now, and my period is super consistent and normal flow. Husband doesn't feel it at all, and neither do I."

• Reb...
• April 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had the ParaGard for a month now, and I absolutely love it! I got it inserted 3 months after having my son, and I didn't even feel them put it in. Afterwards, I had mild cramping and spotting for a few days, then it went away. I am breastfeeding, so I have not gotten a period yet, but my cycles have always been heavy. I would have a heavier cycle than get pregnant again so soon! Or deal with synthetic hormones! The only complaint I have is the increase of discharge I have constantly. Other than that, I love it and would recommend it for any mother."

• Fit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I am 21, never had kids, have regular periods that are light-medium, and am very active. I recently got the ParaGard inserted. The insertion was only painful for a brief 3 seconds (I also forgot to take ibuprofen before my appointment). The next few days consisted of some strong cramping that came in cycles, but it only required one dose of 400 mg of ibuprofen a day to help with that. I only have some light spotting that requires panty liners, however, the cramps and spotting are decreasing with each day. Had sex on day 3, and everything felt normal! It is now day 5 for me, and I have resumed working out with moderate intensity. Don't listen to the horror stories, you may be one of those lucky people (like me) that have a good experience!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 23, 2017

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard put in today, and I have never felt such bad pain in my entire life. I would consider myself to have quite a high pain tolerance, and I almost passed out while the doctor was measuring my cervix. All of the color drained out of my face, and everything became sparkly. The doctor and her assistant were very helpful and walked me through the whole process, but nothing could prepare me for the pinching, cramping pain. I am spotting just a little, and the cramps are still pretty bad. Ibuprofen wouldn't cut it for me, so I had to take something a bit stronger with a glass of wine and a heating pad, but other than that, the cramping is definitely a lot better than it was 5 hours ago."

• Ana...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2017

For Birth Control "My sister had it for 3 years and took it out when she was ready to get pregnant. Boom, pregnant the next month. Here's my story. I'm 28, and I just had my first wonderful baby girl. I have had a horrible experience with the pill, the patch, and the depo shot, which almost killed me, and I hope no one ever gets it. So I, like most people, was a little bit frightened to go back on birth control. After having my daughter, I'm 4 months postpartum. I think honestly the anticipation was worse than anything, lol. I took 800 mg ibuprofen (doctor's orders) before the insertion, which helped tremendously because all I felt was a slight discomfort, and it was over. I had some spotting and cramping (heating pad). I'm 4 days into it and no pain. Breastfeeding and no milk issues!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2017

For Birth Control "I was really worried based on some of the reviews, but my Dr. assured me I was a good candidate for it. So I got the ParaGard today, and the process was very quick with zero pain (recently gave birth though) due to my Dr. using ultrasound to make sure he placed it correctly. So far, only experienced light spotting with no cramping. Only took less than a minute to place it. Right now, I will give it a 10 based on experience today. So far, I feel completely normal, and it's been about 10 hrs since I had it placed, but if anything changes, I will be back with an update."

• D R...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard for just over a month. I felt compelled to write a review because I feel like people only review things when they have a bad experience, and there aren't enough good reviews out there. I read horror stories about the insertion. But to my relief, it barely hurt. The most painful part was the speculum being removed. I did not have any cramping after, and I went to the gym the next morning. The first two weeks were great. No side effects at all. About ten days before my period, I got cramps on and off and a little spotting. When my period finally started, I was expecting the worst based on the horror stories. Day one was pretty heavy, but after that, it was lighter than usual and only lasted five days. I love my ParaGard so far!"

• Mom...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 13, 2017

For Birth Control "Had ParaGard inserted in May of 2016 and so far, loving it!! Procedure was uncomfortable but not painful. Did have my period but didn't take anything beforehand. Didn't even know you could take something to soften your cervix! No cramping after. First two periods were intense, to say the least. Very heavy bleeding, but you know that will happen. My period always had 1-2 heavy days. Some spotting between periods. After the 3-month mark, periods were better, but the IUD did increase my period from 4 days to 7 days. But only about 3 of those days are medium to heavy. Would definitely recommend!!!"

• Ash...
• August 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 26 and a mama of 2 beautiful girls, so I decided a few months ago that I'm good on babies for a while and that I wanted to go with the non-hormonal form of birth control (Paragard). A few weeks ago, I had it inserted, which was a little uncomfortable, it pinched, but it was quick and easy and over with in a matter of minutes. Four days after it was inserted, I started my period, which lasted seven days (three days longer than before), and it was a lot heavier than before. Since then, I've had a lot of clear discharge, and every couple of days I will spot, with mild belly aches. But honestly, it's nothing to make me change my mind, I don't have to deal with daily pills or hormones. So far, I'm loving it!"

• MzL...
• August 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I started off with the Mirena and had it for 4 1/2 years with no issues. Took it out because my husband and I wanted another baby! So now I have the ParaGard and I've had it in for 1 1/2 years with no issues. First day a little cramping and spotted for three days very lightly. This is the best ever, and it's good for 10 years. I would recommend it to anyone. And it's hormone-free."

• Akb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 11, 2016

For Birth Control "For me, I chose ParaGard as a hormone-free birth control. I've had mine for almost 5 years. I love it! Insertion was quick and easy, felt like a cramp, but was gone moments afterward. The first few days I had mild spotting and a few cramps. My periods are now heavier for a day or two of my cycle, but have gotten less heavy in the past 6 months, and I occasionally have light cramps. My periods are regular (4-5 days of bleeding) and come as expected each month. I honestly forget the ParaGard is there for the most part. My husband never 'feels' a thing, and we don't stress about accidentally getting pregnant. I am 25, no children, no past pregnancies."

• AST...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I have two kids - both born vaginally. Needless to say, my cervix is used to being stretched. I decided on the ParaGard (due to it being hormone-free and my pre-existing mental health problems) shortly after I gave birth a year ago, but it took me a year to overcome the horror stories. I'm here to tell you that yesterday, I bit the bullet and got it done. It was easy. In less than a minute. The little tube the IUD slides through to deploy into your uterus looks big and painful, but take 800 mg Motrin beforehand and you shouldn't feel anything more than a scrape and a pinch. I had a minuscule amount of spotting, and a day later I still have mild cramps, but it's nothing I can't handle. Highly recommended!!!"

• Kri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the ParaGard inserted two weeks ago. I'm 38 and have had two children. The insertion hurt, not really painful though. It took only a few moments. They gave me a pad to wear home, but I never even spotted. But the cramps were pretty strong. But nothing I couldn't bear. The next day I spotted a little, just wore a panty liner. Cramps lasted three days and the spotting a week. Then I started my period. No cramps, medium to heavy flow. I wore a super tampon for about two hours between changes. Period lasted a week. Finally stopped bleeding and had sex for the first time since insertion. No pain or cramps. My boyfriend didn't even feel the strings. So far, loving it."

• Pha...
• May 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I had my IUD put in last Thursday. I have four children, so the pain during the insertion was a 3 on a scale of 10. Had spotting, which now, three days later, turned to a light flow. No cramping yet. So far, so great. Will give another review after check-up next month."

• Man...
• May 5, 2016

For Birth Control "Got my ParaGard a little over a month ago. Insertion lasted less than 30 seconds. It was mostly uncomfortable, not painful, instant cramps. Bearable with Advil. Spotted and had cramps for a month afterward, again bearable with Advil (and yes, I had sex, spotting wasn't heavy at all, I'm talking like the lightest panty liner ever). First period was light and short. It was actually better than my regular period. No more spotting and cramps after first period. Second period, NO CRAMPS, even lighter, even shorter. I forget I have it. Not pregnant. Sex is rad. No hormones. Going in for a follow-up in a few weeks. Loving life and loving my ParaGard, I even convinced my friend to get one and get off the pill."

• 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! :)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard for six years, and I don't regret my decision for getting it inserted. I absolutely love it! No hormones... it hasn't caused me any side effects that I'm aware of. It did kind of hurt when it was inserted, and I cramped the day of. I spotted for about two to three days, but after that, I was fine. I took birth control pills for years, and after having the ParaGard for six years, I will never go back to the pills. I have a normal menstrual cycle... it isn't too heavy... and I don't cramp every month; however, some months I do. Unfortunately, I have heard of women getting pregnant while on the ParaGard, but not everything is 100%. Most of the time... the ParaGard does prevent pregnancy, and I would definitely recommend!"

• 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."

• Man...
• January 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 19 and never had kids. I had the copper ParaGard IUD inserted 3 days ago. The insertion was a breeze. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen an hour before getting it inserted. I felt light cramping during the insertion and felt fine afterward. I continued taking ibuprofen for the following day. I have light spotting that is beginning to stop. I just wore a panty liner. I recommend it because it's highly effective and hormonal-free. I love the fact that there are no hormones in this birth control, it also lasts 10-12 years, and when you want to get it removed, you are able to get pregnant right away. I recommend Planned Parenthood. I didn't pay anything. I think it's worth a try."

• 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."

• 26 ...
• November 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I felt compelled to get on and write a review because most of the reviews sound so bad that I almost didn't get it, but I am so happy I did. Yes, insertion does hurt. I had mine put in while I wasn't on my cycle, which supposedly makes it worse, and no lie, it did suck. But it's less than 5 mins, and that's nothing when comparing the security of contraception. I was crampy for about 1 week while things settled, but I took 1 Aleve and the pain subsided. I also had spotting during that week, but then it went away. Now I don't feel it at all, and my partner doesn't either. Before my IUD, my periods were approximately 4-5 days with only using maybe 2-3 tampons a day, now they are slightly heavier, 3-4 a day for about 6-7 days. I've had it for 4 months, and I love it!"

• Won...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2015

For Birth Control "The alternative, which was 5 months of back-to-back Plan B, followed by a surgical abortion, which was followed by yet another dose of Plan B. This is my first experience with birth control other than condoms. It's only been 2 months for me, but since getting ParaGard my sex drive is super high, and I'm really glad I did it. I spotted for 2 weeks after insertion. Then, 2-3 weeks later, my period came. My first period was long - 2 to 3 extremely mind-bogglingly heavy days, 3 normal days, and 5 extremely light days (spotting). No cramps, though. My insurance covered the entire cost. My only concern is I'll end up being part of the 0.8% that gets pregnant."