ParaGard and Spotting: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Kay...
• May 26, 2015

For Birth Control "So I just got my IUD inserted a few hours ago. I'm 17 with no children. So about a week after consultation, the day arrived. I took naproxen about 8 hours ahead of time and even took some before I went in so the cramps wouldn't hit me immediately afterwards. So the procedure itself wasn't terrible. I've had period cramps worse than that. The worst part was the clamps that opened my cervix, but I was fine. I was just finishing my period, so I recommend getting this procedure done when you're either on your period or just after it. Honestly, it wasn't terrible. I've taken more naproxen and am chilling with a heating pad. There is a bit of spotting, but nothing too bad. I'll update when I get my period."

• Car...
• May 21, 2015

For Birth Control "As an aspiring nurse, I did my research on every type of birth control and chose ParaGard based on the longevity of protection and the lack of hormones, which are more natural to the body's environment. The procedure was simple: lay back, take deep breaths through the cramping, and you're done. The hardest part for me was that my cervix had to be dilated because I am 23, have no kids, and didn't have the misoprostol to soften, which some providers use. It was painful, but no more than a typical period. I forgot to premedicate, but naproxen is a miracle drug for me! On my drive home, I was worried because I felt extremely nauseous and faint. I took naproxen when I got home and felt great. Some spotting, but no babies for 10 years! Good luck!"

• 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."

• Jus...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 16, 2018

For Birth Control "I have utilized ParaGard 3 times now. I absolutely love it. The first time was after my first child in 2005. I had it recommended by my OB. It was a bit uncomfortable going in (each time) and I did have spotting a few days after each. But I had it removed prior to conception each time and now I have 3 beautiful children. One time it did slip out and had to be replaced, but no other issues. After my most recent child in 2015, my now OB recommended Mirena. It was the worst 6 months of my life. I had horrible headaches, bleeding on and off all month every month, cramping all the time. I went in and had it swapped back to ParaGard and have now gone almost 3 years without further incident. I love that it has no hormones. I have not gotten pregnant while it was in. I was able to conceive almost immediately after taking it out each time. I never had any side effects and liked that my cycle was not affected, as awful as it can be sometimes, because of the absence of hormones."

• Qui...
• September 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 24 years old, never had kids, and I'm also type one diabetic, so I try to stay away from added hormones in my body. I have been told about ParaGard since I was 18, finally decided to give it a try. A few days ago, I had my implantation of the IUD. My gyno let me listen to some music, took an ibuprofen an hour beforehand. It wasn't horrible pain, but it was pretty intense, but nothing that wasn't manageable. During the procedure, I took very deep breaths and put pressure on my abdomen, the pain lasted 2-3 minutes. I listened to my favorite song and kept taking my deep breaths. As soon as it was over, the pain stopped. I've had slight cramps and spotting. I also have been bloated, and I think it's due to the IUD."

• Kri...
• September 5, 2017

For Birth Control "This was the worst decision of my life. I have been dieting and exercising, cut over 1000 calories a day and gained weight. ParaGard may not contain hormones, but it creates an inflammatory response that leads to water retention, inability to lose weight, and mood swings. My fingers are so swollen I can't get my rings off, and I bleed and spot 3 weeks out of the month. I am miserable and have an appointment for removal in a week!"

• Luc...
• April 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I just had the ParaGard placed in Friday, April 5, 2019. Also, that was the first day of my period. I usually stay on exactly 4 days. I’m off but still spotting with serious cramps. If I don’t stop spotting and cramping by this Friday, I will be getting it removed next week. I haven’t had cramps since I was a teen. I can’t deal with this."

• Red...
• April 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I love that I don't have to deal with hormones on the ParaGard, but the side effects aren't amazing. I have much longer and heavier periods. I never used to get cramps, I get them once in a while. The worst is that I randomly have days where I'll spot pretty heavily. I am considering having it removed for those reasons."

• For...
• July 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard for 1 year. Insertion was nearly painless-no worse than a Pap smear to me, especially compared to the horrible experience I expected after reading negative reviews online (I might have lucked out with a tactile and tactful doctor, but I suggest you have your own experience). The IUD hasn't had one noticeable effect on my mood, appetite, or energy. I'm against hormones, so I think some of my positive attitude is due to placebo because I want it to work. HOWEVER, even at 1 year, periods aren't cyclical, sometimes 2x/month, intermittent spotting, dry blood residues, so I avoid sex sometimes because it's embarrassing. This is ironic because birth control should enable me to have sex more! Also, the cramps are more painful than any pain I have ever experienced."

• Suz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I had my ParaGard inserted last Wednesday, so it hasn't even been in a full week. I'm 26, and I've never had kids. The insertion process, to me, wasn't painful at all. Maybe some pressure and cramping, but it was very underwhelming compared to what I was reading online. I have some slight cramping and spotting, but nothing I can't handle. Haven't had my first period yet, so I can't say what is going to happen."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2017

For Birth Control "New to ParaGard, love it. Never had kids, want to eventually. Insertion was not terrible, a pinch to measure then another pinch to insert & done. I was prescribed 3 pills to soften the lining of my uterus & I guess they worked. I took Aleve before & continued through the next 2 days. I had my SO come with me for insertion & I'm glad I did. I could have driven home but it was nice to be able to relax with my cramping & not worry about driving. I'm very glad I took a half day at work! Thermacare heat pads were my BFF for the first 2 days. I spotted on and off for 8 days but since have had regular bleeding & some cramps. My body adjusted well to hormone-free BC & not having to remember a pill is liberating!"

• Nai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had the ParaGard for an exact year now. It was my last resort due to other BC not working well with my body. Insertion wasn’t too painful, a lot of pressure. My periods and cramping are the worst! I have my period for almost 2 weeks and have very heavy periods that I bleed through a super plus tampon in less than 2 hrs. Also, I went to get my physical done a month ago, and they said the ParaGard caused my cervix to inflame, so if you’re having spotting or cramping while not on your cycle, this could be why. Seriously ready to take this birth control out!"

• Rac...
• January 27, 2016

For Birth Control "Let me start by saying I have not had ParaGard long, just a few days over a month now. Insertion was fine. I took 4 ibuprofen an hour before my appointment. I wouldn't say it was painful, but it was awkwardly uncomfortable because the feeling is like nothing you've ever felt. I did have spotting after. The cramps were terrible about 6 hours later. I was rotating between Tylenol and ibuprofen, and it still felt like the early contractions I had when I had my daughter. I had these off and on the first couple weeks. But now I can't feel it, and my hubby doesn't feel it during sex, so it's been so far so good."

• Ken...
• January 13, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on birth control pills from 17-23, and it was awful for me! I would get super nauseous 6 hours after taking the pill, and I gained 20 pounds the first year. I was tired of hormones, so I decided to get the copper IUD. Come insertion day, I was SO NERVOUS from reading all these comments, and I was freaking out. I had the insertion during my period, and I did take 800 mg of Advil beforehand. I must say the insertion process was the most unbearable pain ever, but it was SUPER quick. 15 minutes, maybe less, and the horrific pain was only 10 seconds! After that, I only experienced spotting for like 2 days that month, yay! My period is also SO MUCH less painful than my normal period on birth control (just more blood). The copper IUD is incredible, I will recommend it to everyone! The only thing is my orgasms did feel weird at first, but after my first normal period, they were back to normal! I feel so much better being off birth control! I feel so much happier, and I never need to think about birth control for another 10 years!"

• 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."

• 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!!!"

• Sie...
• July 29, 2017

For Birth Control "This has been the worst experience ever! I've had it for almost a year and will have it removed soon. The cramps all throughout the month alone are enough for me. Yet I also have the constant spotting and odd color discharge. I have gained tons of weight, and I've had BV constantly since having this placed. Who wants to have sex when your odor is embarrassing? Can't wait to have this thing removed."

• Kas...
• August 5, 2015

For Birth Control "It is about 10 pm, and I had my IUD insertion at 4 today. The night before, I inserted a misoprostol tab to ripen/dilate my cervix. I agree with most of the reviews that insertion isn't painful, but very uncomfortable. There was some pressure and cramping that didn't feel like a menstrual cramp, but close. After insertion, I just had light cramping. I went out to dinner quickly after, and during my dinner, I felt weak and flushed. I didn't feel like eating or talking. I started to feel better, but I just felt like I was having a hot flash. Now I'm feeling fine, and there's some light spotting and clots. My doctor told me to have nothing in the vagina for a week and will get my strings checked next month. I would definitely do this again!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 28, 2018

For Birth Control "I have a positive experience to show. To be honest, I was terrified after all the horror reviews I read, but I wanted to give it a try as it's non-hormonal. So, I tried the IUD ParaGard. The insertion wasn’t bad, for I took 800 mg of Tylenol. I really advise all who decide to get one to take it an hour before. The process was so fast, it was more like a Pap smear. I had light spotting for the rest of the day and was good to go. In my case, I had neither the cramps nor heavy bleeding, my periods were the same for the five days, and I had my normal cramps the first day. So to all out there having doubts, give it a try. This is the best decision for birth control I made. My periods are only once a month on schedule, it’s non-hormonal, the hubby doesn’t feel the strings, my sex drive is back (me and hubby think this is the best part), and it’s good for ten years. I wish I had heard about this earlier."

• Jen...
• May 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I had a stroke in January 2016, the doctors' theory is that it was the hormones I was using for birth control. They had me take out my NuvaRing immediately. I needed a non-hormonal birth control, and my gyn said the ParaGard was the best thing for 10 years. He inserted it the day I met with him, so I had no painkillers. I swore a blue streak when they put it in. I spotted for a week afterward, but I'm on massive doses of blood thinners to prevent another stroke. So I'm on my second period since insertion, and I'm bleeding like I got shot between the legs, again, the blood thinners make it worse. I'm trying to be patient and hope it gets better after the meds are stopped. Can't beat 10 years and no hormones."

• 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!"

• Kds...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 10, 2019

For Birth Control "Had the ParaGard for 14 months. I think it works for some people but not for me. First five months I had longer and heavier periods, random spotting in between periods, increased discharge, and cramping. After that, it just got worse. The bleeding was insanely heavy, periods were not on track, bloating, and cramps got worse. The worst side effects from ParaGard were I kept getting BV and UTIs back to back. I also had one cycle where my period lasted ONE month. Never had an issue with my periods or infections prior to having an IUD. I swear it was my body telling me to get rid of it. Today I finally got it removed. I really wanted this to work, but it really made me miserable."

• Zar...
• August 9, 2018

For Birth Control "I am in my early 20s and wanted something minimal, non-hormonal, and long-term. The copper IUD seemed like the best choice. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield and only paid the $25 copay. The doctor did a great job of giving an overview of the procedure and informing me of what was going on while she was inserting it. The most painful/bothersome part is the insertion; if you are like me, who has not given birth or is not constantly sexually active, then you will feel your uterus respond. I had a really bad cramp during it, but then it subsided afterward. However, it isn't that bad as it lasts less than a minute. Afterwards, I felt a bit dizzy and fatigued; spotting also occurred but then stopped a few hours after. It has been 6 hours now, and I mainly feel bloated. Do take Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or Motrin. Hoping to be all clear and set to go for the next couple of years. Great decision as it's 99% effective. Do be aware the insertion is cumbersome and maybe increased cramping/longer periods."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 30, 2021

For Birth Control "I really wanted to love ParaGard. I kept it in for 3 years hoping it would get better, but unfortunately, it just doesn’t work for my body. I was tired of being on hormones, so I switched to ParaGard - yes, the insertion is painful. I had cramps for about 24 hours and then felt normal. I have to say I didn’t experience the majority of the common side effects (no painful periods, cramping, or heavy flow). That being said, I literally bleed or spot ALL the time. Constantly. With a day or two break in between. It is so exhausting and frustrating. I feel like I bleed on average 3/4 of the month. Getting it removed tomorrow to try a hormonal one, so we’ll see how it goes."

• Mus...
• June 21, 2018

For Birth Control "I got my copper IUD 2 years ago. I took ibuprofen extra strength before, but the pain was excruciating. I nearly fainted. I couldn’t stand for half an hour. The cramps were intense. Fast forward 2 years, my periods have gone from 5 days of moderate bleeding to 7-8 days of extremely heavy bleeding. Some days I soak through super plus tampons and pads in just a couple hours. And never mind the spotting, which happens after sex, before my period, and after, and at any random time. My iron is the lowest it’s ever been. I’m exhausted, my sex drive is nonexistent, I experience brain fog almost 24/7, and my anxiety has never been so bad. I have gone back to school in the last year, which is likely contributing to my symptoms, but having been through college before, I am not convinced that my symptoms are entirely due to that. After hearing some similar stories from people who had the copper IUD and who felt better after it was removed, I am now planning to have mine removed."