ParaGard and Spotting: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Ana...
• March 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I am 28 with one child who is now five years old. I decided to try an IUD after becoming tired of having to take a pill every single day to prevent unwanted pregnancy. The insertion was EXTREMELY painful for me (I should note, however, that I do have a very low pain tolerance!) and I almost passed out. I had to lay on the table in the doctor's office for 15 minutes before I felt well enough to drive home. After insertion, I felt some mild cramping and spotting, but nothing ibuprofen couldn't take care of. I have now had the ParaGard for 5 months and am so happy with it. My first 2 menstrual cycles were very, very heavy, but they are now more normal and only last 3-4 days. I am so happy I got this IUD, no more hormones!"

• 6...
• January 21, 2017

For Birth Control "I got my ParaGard IUD 6 months ago, and I love it! Yes, there is still occasionally spotting, and my period is a little heavier than it used to be, but I won't have to worry about pregnancy for the next 10-12 years. If I want to become pregnant during that time, it is only a matter of a doctor's appointment and a little tug, then BOOM, pregnancy is possible. The insertion did hurt a lot. Like severe cramping for a few seconds and then a bit more cramping for the next day or so. After that, I have lighter cramps for a few weeks, but it was completely worth it to not have to worry about hormones (which my body hates) or unexpected pregnancy. The only reason this review is a 9/10 is because my period is heavier and cramping is more than before."

• 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."

• Cho...
• October 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I chose ParaGard because I didn't tolerate hormonal BC well. I am 21 and have never given birth. I was nervous about the pain--even pelvic exams are uncomfortable--so I obtained tramadol because a study found it was the only thing that reduced insertion pain. I had no cramps from the misoprostol; my doctor said I was one of the lucky ones. I took tramadol 1 hour before. I would've also taken Aleve to help with the cramps, but I can't take it. I HIGHLY recommend tramadol--my insertion pain was maybe a 3.5 and lasted an instant when they measured my uterus. I had no pain with the IUD or any other part of the process. I had cramping and spotting after for about 3 days, and now I just get an occasional one. I have not had my period yet."

• S M...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I am a 21-year-old, no children. The insertion was mildly uncomfortable, but with labor breathing techniques, bearable. I had spotting for a week after the insertion. My period for the first year was very heavy, up to 15 days. Cramping was mild throughout. After one year, my period has calmed down and is now back to the 7 days as before I had the IUD. No other side effects. I would definitely recommend the ParaGard to anyone who wants a hormone-free IUD. But be prepared for the heavy periods, as it takes time for the IUD to settle in your uterus. I was close to giving up, but finally, my period has returned to normal, and boy, am I happy."

• ARe...
• February 9, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had the ParaGard for about a month. I've had no problem with it. I had a C-section 11 weeks prior to insertion. Insertion didn't hurt, other than cramping while they were measuring how far to put my IUD. I had light cramping for about two days and spotting and bleeding for about 5 days, which is expected. After that, everything was great. Checked the strings, everything in place. No problems. Now, before I got pregnant, I already had heavy periods, and ParaGard does not help with that at all. I can't take hormonal BC due to a blood clotting mutation. When I got my first period after insertion, flow was heavy, which is normal for me. Cramping, on the other hand, was more than expected. Nothing I couldn't handle, though. I give 9 out of 10."

• Kri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I was very nervous about getting the copper IUD after reading reviews, but it was much better than I expected. Insertion was definitely painful, but not excruciating. It wasn't much worse than a bad menstrual cramp. One thing that REALLY helped: I listened to my favorite song on my phone during the procedure! Seriously, do this!! Focusing on the song and taking deep breaths made the experience so much easier. My doctor suggested this, and I can't thank her enough. The cramps for the first two days afterwards were pretty bad, but 800 mg of Ibuprofen worked well. It is now the third day, and the cramps are totally gone. I'm still spotting a little bit, nothing a panty liner can't handle. All in all, the discomfort was well worth it."

• Ang...
• December 30, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had my ParaGard for 5 months. I experienced spotting the following 2 days. So far, I haven't had any major problems. My periods are heavier on days 2 and 3. I don't feel the ParaGard at all, not even during sex. I am bipolar, so I needed a non-hormonal birth control. Hormones decrease the effectiveness of my medication."

• Lys...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2015

For Birth Control "After reading negative reviews before my procedure, I wanted to share my positive experience in hopes of reassuring girls thinking about getting ParaGard. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen and an anti-anxiety pill 1 hour before because I was nervous. The actual insertion took about two minutes. There's one cramp when holding on to the uterus to keep it in place, and one more cramp to measure the uterus and insert the device. That was it! The cramp felt exactly the same as menstrual cramps. I've experienced some spotting and cramping since, but not too bad. I'm managing that with pads and ibuprofen. No remembering to take the pill, no hormones making me sad, moody, and depressed, and I have one of the most effective and easy birth controls out there!"

• Mel...
• December 2, 2015

For Birth Control "Got my IUD inserted 5 1/2 months ago. Having it inserted sucked, I had a lot of sharp cramping. But that is normal for me because my body tends to give off a lot of pain whenever I recover from something. The spotting was as the doctor said it would be. It lasted 1-3 months, and my periods have become less heavy. Overall, my IUD is easy maintenance since my boyfriend and I check the strings after every cycle (and because he feels it every time during intercourse). I am happy I got it and strongly encourage others to do so! It's hormone-free and lasts 10 years :)"

• Liz...
• September 1, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had the copper IUD for only 4 days and want to share my experience with insertion. I too made the mistake of believing the reviews about how horrible it was supposed to be. I was nervous and anticipated a lot of pain. But it really was not that bad. The pain felt like a strong cramp and lasted for about 3 seconds. It only hurt when the clinician measured my uterus, the insertion of the copper IUD wasn't bad itself. She did it wrong the first try, so she took it out and put a new one in. It was painless! However, for a few minutes after, I felt dizzy and nauseous. They let me lay there for a while and gave me Midol. Cramping and spotting lasted for 2 days, now I don't feel it. Just random small cramps, but that's all."

• Dre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had the ParaGard in for a month. I read the reviews and was royally freaked out about insertion. In real life, the procedure was quick, mildly uncomfortable, and as soon as the IUD was in, I got a dull, period-like cramp that stuck around 'til that night. That's it! The next week: light spotting. I was also freaked out about my period being horrific, BUT I've always had heavy/painful periods, and I suspect most of the reviewers complaining about this side effect had easy-peasy periods pre-ParaGard. On the IUD, mine lasted a few extra (light flow) days, and only on one of them did I need painkillers for cramps -- normal for me! The IUD affects every body differently; so far I'm really happy with it as an effective, non-hormonal method."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard IUD for 6 years now, and I love it. I have had no big issues with it. I got it 6 weeks postpartum and didn't feel anything when inserted, but I did have some spotting. Changes I've noticed since I have it: heavier periods and heavy cramping. I have spotting up to a week before my period and cramps that are really strong. I have had more vaginal discharge, like every day almost. And the vaginal odors are more noticeable, but not horrible. BUT all this is worth it because there are no hormones, and you don't have to worry about forgetting to take a pill."

• Swe...
• July 8, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 34 years old, and I have had two children previously. I was so nervous yesterday when I went in to have my ParaGard inserted. I had read so many online reviews, and I was terrified. My doctor mixed up my appointment, and my consultation actually became the day of insertion. I was nervous because I was not on my period, and I had not taken any medicine for pain. As my doctor started, I was breathing very heavily to try to relax. Once she started, she asked me if I was okay, and by the time I knew it, it was over. I had one cramp and one small pinch, and that was it. It was not that bad for me. I had immediate bleeding, and I am having a little spotting today, but nothing I can't handle. I just got it, so I give it a 9."

• Cal...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm 23 and have never had children. I got my ParaGard IUD a year ago. The insertion hurt a lot less than I thought it was going to and was more uncomfortable than anything. I had mild cramping and spotting for about a week after and no cramping since. My periods have been more irregular and heavier with the ParaGard than previously, but overall I'm very happy with it."

• Chr...
• June 1, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had an extremely positive experience with ParaGard. The procedure was quick and a slight pinch upon placement, a little bit of spotting after, but other than that, my period has remained unaffected. Sometimes I do feel the strings, but that is no biggie. Ever so often, I have a partner who says they can feel it but has not created difficulty. I am happy with it. I got mine placed at Planned Parenthood for free because of my financial status, but I did make a $50 donation."

• cop...
• March 1, 2022

For Birth Control "Before I've inserted my copper IUD, I've read a lot of scary reviews. I was so scared of it that I didn't make my appointment for months. I'm sure that everyone had a good reason for it, but I would like to share my experience hoping it might help someone. The insertion for me was almost painless, maybe a 3 out of 10 for the discomfort. I usually never get any period cramps, but since I've got it, I had a lot of very painful cramps during my period, but it is worth it for me. Now after 3 months, my cramps are a lot less and my flow is not so strong anymore. Another disadvantage is that I've been spotting quite a lot for about 2 weeks after my period, but I've been told that this should go away as well with time. For me, it was totally worth it and I can see a lot of improvement every month. I've always been very sensitive to hormones, and this is the only thing that actually didn't affect my moods."

• Tan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I just had the ParaGard inserted a few days ago. I had terrible experiences with hormonal birth control (the pill and implant). The insertion did hurt a lot, and I cramped/spotted after. I went home, wrapped myself in a heated blanket, and woke up feeling much better the next day. So far, so good, just wanted to share my experience in case anyone was scared of the insertion process."

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2019

For Birth Control "43-year-old woman with MTHFR gene mutation, which causes pregnancy problems; one miscarriage, no live births. I have used no birth control aside from condoms over the last ten years. My periods come every 26-31 days; the 2nd day I bleed the most, and it tapers off by the 6th day. I seldom get cramps. The ParaGard IUD was inserted on November 26, 5-6 days before the start of my next period. The doctor explained everything as she inserted the IUD. I took no pain meds prior. She told me when I'd feel the cramping, and it only lasted a good 30 seconds, and then it was over. The next day, about noon, I got excruciating cramps. I took some ibuprofen and was fine within minutes. Later that day, I started spotting and continued to spot until my period started that Sunday. My period was no different; no excess cramping, bleeding, or number of days of bleeding. December 16, I ovulated, and I started spotting. My period is due anywhere between December 25 and December 31. I have given it an 8/10 so far, only because the spotting is annoying."

• 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!"

• Mon...
• March 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had ParaGard for eight years and feel the need to write a review as I am researching reviews on hormonal IUDs to replace my ParaGard. After 8 years, I started having lots of spotting, and my doctor said the IUD is embedding itself into me. So, I have to have it removed and replaced. I am intrigued by the low/no periods with a hormonal IUD, but the reviews are scary. ParaGard has been good to me! Yes, my periods are heavier, and I have to take about one dose of ibuprofen each month for cramps, but that is very manageable. I tried the arm patch before ParaGard but had it removed quickly because of the side effects. For me, I will stick with ParaGard, which has very manageable side effects instead of risking the side effects of hormonal IUDs."

• Let...
• August 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I just got my ParaGard inserted today. I didn't feel them putting the IUD in, I have very minimal spotting, but it has stopped for now. The insertion went very well due to me having my son 7 weeks ago. I experienced dizziness for 2 seconds, then it went away. I didn't get a period yet, but let's see how it goes! It doesn't hurt to try, and every woman's body is different."

• Jen...
• June 9, 2017

For Birth Control "38, 2 children, the oldest is 9. I had ParaGard inserted about 6 weeks ago. In order to perform the procedure, the doctor required that I be on my period. The day of the procedure, I did not take any medicine for pain, nor did I have any other prep. The insertion took between 7 and 10 minutes. The doctor had to dilate my cervix slightly with a tool, which led to some minor bleeding. The actual insertion was uncomfortable with lots of pressure, but I would not describe it as painful. I did bleed lightly for about 4 days after the insertion, hardly any cramping. I had very light spotting for 2 weeks. My period came on time, normal bleeding, but it lasted 7 days versus the usual 5 or 6. It has not been noticeable during sex."

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

For Birth Control "I got my IUD in March 2017. So far, it's been 3 months, and I really like it. The only downside is my period is longer, about 2 more days than usual, so a total of a week long. I start with spotting and finish spotting and cramping. And now the new thing is I have bad mid-stomach pain that hurts when I walk, and I get diarrhea on the 3rd or 4th day of my period, which is really annoying. But as soon as I'm done with my period, I'm back to normal. I had a bad experience with birth control pills, so I would rather deal with bad period symptoms than with cystic acne and being depressed most of the time. Hopefully, the periods get better soon."

• No...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2017

For Birth Control "So it's been 6 days since I had ParaGard inserted, and let me tell you, I'm doing a helluva lot better than day 1. The insertion was a pain I'd never felt before and had me thinking it's been placed incorrectly. I had chosen to get the insertion 4 hours before I was due in for work, but inevitably ended up calling out. I laid on that table for over an hour trying to get the room to stop spinning so I could make the drive back home. Once I could finally stand, I went straight home and curled up with a heating pad, ibuprofen, and a glass of wine. I spotted the next day, which led to me bleeding heavily for two days. The bleeding has now pretty much stopped. I was able to have sex with my partner with no worries or pain. So far, so good (:"