ParaGard and Spotting: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Mar...
• June 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I had a ParaGard for about 9 1/2 months. For the first six months, it was great-no hormones, no issues. Other than intense random cramping, I was extremely happy. Then, at about 6 1/2 months in, I started spotting randomly every day, and it did not end until my ParaGard expelled itself at 9 1/2 months. It was also after six months that I experienced cramps and backaches so severe that at times I had to use a heating pad for my back. The backaches were the worst-they made me vomit at times. My OBGYN said the spotting and cramping were normal, but after six months they seemed to just get worse. Honestly, I was happy when my IUD expelled-I was already done with it after spotting nonstop for three months."

• sus...
• May 31, 2016

For Birth Control "I am writing this for girls who have Crohn's disease and a low immune system due to the medications for Crohn's. I was on a very low dose of birth control, and it simply was not for me! I became very depressed, I bled during sex, as well as experienced a lot of discomfort and had spotting for the entire 8 months I was on it. I got the Paragard inserted two months ago. I really have to say I love it, and I am glad I made the decision to get one! I only had periods that lasted 3 days with no cramps, and so far, I have only experienced cramps one week before and after my period and have not required any ibuprofen. If you think you are a good candidate, try it out. It's been great."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 19, 2016

For Birth Control "After my 2nd child, we were pretty sure we were done. But getting fixed was too permanent! I've had ParaGard for six years, and overall, I'm happy with it. I've tried every kind of BC pills from low to high hormones. I also used NuvaRing and the Depo shot. My body can't handle any kind of hormones! For me, the insertion was not painful. The first two years were heavy bleeding, spotting all the time, and bad cramps with a period of 10 to 14 days. It's a little better now, but I still have 7 to 10-day periods, and 4 to 6 days of heavy bleeding. But for me, the cons are worth not getting pregnant!!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• November 9, 2015

For Birth Control "After years of different birth controls messing me up, I didn't want anything with hormones. I had Paragard put in 2 weeks ago, and I didn't take anything before insertion. Got cramps within a few hours. A few days of spotting, and then my period started. My first period lasted about 6 days, with severe cramps, so I had to use a heating pad (didn't have to use one before Paragard). I also had lower back pain like I had while in labor with my only child (back labor). After reading comments, I'm hoping my cycles will be back to normal in a few months. Don't want to spend my last years before menopause worrying about longer periods or birth control, and didn't want to get tubes tied unless it's the only other option, so I'll give it some time."

• 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."

• 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."

• NoB...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 20 years old and have never had kids. I've had ParaGard for 6 months now. Insertion was awful, despite the fact that I took 800 mg of ibuprofen before. Worse than the insertion was the excruciating pain I felt for the next 4 days. I also had continuous spotting for about a week. Up until my first period after insertion, I would randomly get cramps. When I got my period, I did have cramps, but nothing unbearable like before, although it was super heavy and lasted much, much longer (about 6 days total). Now, on month 6, I no longer get random cramps. My periods are still much heavier and longer than before, but they're almost painless. Sex with my boyfriend is great, and I haven't gotten pregnant lol, so I definitely say all the earlier pain was worth it."

• Jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2015

For Birth Control "Okay, I got my Copper IUD 3 days ago. I took 1 Aleve at 9:30 am, then a couple of ibuprofen at 11:00 pm. My appointment was moved to 2 pm, so I ate breakfast, then napped and took a couple more ibuprofen at 1:20 pm. During the insertion, I knew I had to relax or my walls would tighten up. So I did the breathing thing you see pregnant women do. It was painful but short. The pain felt like a pinch, not a cramp. It lasted about 5 seconds. I started to cramp about 15 minutes after the insertion, so I took some more ibuprofen every 2-3 hours (I did not get high or feel dizzy. I normally have 800 mg (4 pills) when I am on my normal period, so I just added 2 pills). I had sex 5 hours after, which was fine. He and I both did not feel the IUD. I spotted 3 times that day, twice the following day."

• kat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 25, 2020

For Birth Control "I would like to start off by saying the ParaGard is a bit painful for insertion. The bleeding sucks! I have been on it a little over two years. I've been experiencing spotting before and after my periods to this day. I do have brain fog and severe cramps. BV has been coming and going, and before ParaGard, I'd only had BV once with my firstborn. Didn't get ParaGard until my second baby was born. Really contemplating getting this out. I have talked to my OB about the side effects, and she swears it's all natural! This birth control is not for everybody. Trust your body!"

• Mid...
• November 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had ParaGard since Feb 2019. I’ve had BV once, 2 yeast infections, and a UTI. The insertion was as expected-moderately painful but nothing I couldn’t manage. I had cramping and spotting afterward. The 6-month adjustment cycle was tough. I went through several phases of periodic cramping, spotting, achy joints, and mood swings. Afterwards, the intermittent cramping stopped, and my periods are regular. They are longer than they were pre-ParaGard (before they were 3/4 days, now 5/6 days + a day of spotting). I’ve also noticed my PMS is worse. Although there’s no hormone, I am much meaner when it’s period time, and I feel it. I have an appointment with my OBGYN to discuss removal because I can’t keep having infections. For context, before this year, I've had 1 yeast infection when I was pregnant with my oldest 8 years ago and 1 UTI when I was pregnant with my youngest 4 years ago. To be on my 4th infection this year is crazy!"

• gma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 30, 2019

For Birth Control "The insertion was horrible! The cramps for the next 2 days were horrible. After a couple of days everything was all good. I'd cramp randomly, but that's it. Sex is painful now when it never used to be. My period is like a ghost period, I'll get the cramps for 2-3 days, then I'll spot, then I'll bleed light, then heavy. It lasts for about 2 weeks. It sucks some days I want to take it out and some days I forget it is there. I've tried 6 different birth controls, really hoping this one works and I can lose the 30 lbs I had gained with the previous birth controls."

• LJO...
• June 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard for about 3 years now. - Insertion: Easy, quick, uncomfortable. Felt crampy for the next 24 hours. Get a heating pad to help. - Side effects: My acne was unpredictable the first year as my body got accustomed to no hormones (took the pill for 10 years prior). Now my skin is nearly perfect except for hormonal acne around my period. No weight gain. Large improvements in anxiety/mental health compared to the pill. I personally love how I feel without any hormones. Some cramps and spotting during/after sex. My partners have rarely been able to feel the IUD during sex. - Periods are heavy and crampy. They seem to have gotten heavier, longer, and more frequent over the 3 years. I now have a 27-day cycle, a full period for 5-7 days, and spot for a few days before and after. I feel like I am basically on my period all the time now, which is why I am going to look into replacing my ParaGard with another option (perhaps Kyleena)."

• And...
• April 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I am a strong woman, I take care of myself, my body, and my mind. I eat healthy, I exercise. I am healthy. I have a daughter. I’m not on any medication. When they put the ParaGard in, it wasn’t extremely unpleasant, some pressure and a bit more like a strange sensation when they measured the uterus. No pain. Alright, after that insertion, which lasted less than 5 minutes, I was up getting dressed. The first couple of days, I felt a little discomfort, like cramps, but not strong enough to take ibuprofen. I had some spotting, but minimum for two or three days. Then after that, I felt nothing. My period started normal, and to my surprise, it was like before ParaGard, lasting 5 to 7 days. I’m normally spotting first, then heavy for one or two days, and then spotting until clean. Moderate pain on the heavy days that ibuprofen helps me feel better, like usual. No extra pain. After that, all normal, and now is my second month in it, and my period was normal again. So I’m happy with ParaGard. ❤️"

• 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."

• Fee...
• August 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had this device for about a year and a half. When I first had it put in, I did cramp for almost a week. Really bad cramps, and I spotted the entire time. I finally had a cycle, and I thought I was hemorrhaging. I'm 32, and I have two kids. I didn't even bleed that much after I had given birth. It was the scariest thing I've ever experienced. I had to wear adult diapers along with super plus tampons because there was so much blood. My periods were lasting up to two weeks. They are now down to about eight days with two days of very heavy bleeding. My vagina starts to have a funny smell, and there is discharge for about a week. As for this birth control being effective, I would say 100%. It's the side effects that are a pain."

• 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."

• Van...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2019

For Birth Control "Horrible pain with insertion. I have a high pain tolerance, but this almost made me pass out, it hurt so bad. Heavy, heavy bleeding. Sometimes, two heavy, long periods a month, with spotting in between. Weight gain and hip joint pain. I just got it removed today, which was almost painless, thank goodness."

• Sti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I had this inserted 6 days ago. Insertion was much more painful than I expected (and this is from a mom who had a drug-free birth nine years ago!), perhaps because I had not taken any painkillers in advance. I literally cried out at a certain moment. I am trying to be optimistic about the benefits, but the last two nights I’ve had severe cramps - like labor contraction cramps that leave you doubled over. I’ve also felt extremely bloated and hyper-conscious of a weight/pressure/presence in my lower abdomen. There has also been constant discharge and spotting. Will see if these symptoms get better in the next months and curious to see how my period will be. Will then decide whether it’s worth keeping it in."

• Ash...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I just had ParaGard inserted 5 days ago. The insertion process was only upper painful and uncomfortable (mainly during dilation and when my doc tried to match up my uterus with some device). Since insertion, I’ve been spotting, well - bleeding a lot. I know spotting is normal, but this has not stopped since insertion. Not to mention, there’s a constant feeling of needing to poop once the IUD was placed in. Not sure if it’s up against my bowel, but that’s the primary feeling I always have with this thing. Oh, and one last thing, I experienced cramps so sharp and painful, it felt like I was being suddenly stabbed. I’m talking so sharp that I gasped, stopped what I was doing, and curled into a ball. Mind you, these aren’t constant - they just pop up every now and then. It will knock the wind out of you. Or at least I hope it doesn’t for anyone else. I will update as more time goes with my ParaGard experience."

• Tif...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 13, 2018

For Birth Control "This is my second ParaGard. The first one I got when I was 26 had it for about 4 years, and I ended up getting pregnant. Yes, it’s rare, but it does happen. With my first ParaGard, besides getting pregnant, everything was going great. A few months after having a miscarriage, I ended up getting another ParaGard. I have had the worst period and cramps with my second one. I’m also spotting all month long. It’s like I always have my period now. Sex is now painful, and it killed my sex drive. After 3 years with my second ParaGard, I have to say next month I will be getting it removed. Not sure what I will go on next, but I will not try another IUD. With all this being said, everyone’s body is different. Only you will know if something is wrong or what will be good for you."

• Vic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 21, 2018

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard IUD inserted about a year ago. I took about 800 mg of ibuprofen before insertion. It felt like a very, very bad cramp but was over quickly. Bad cramps lasted for the rest of the day. I sometimes have spotting in between my periods. I also have been having bad cramps between my periods. The duration of my period is about the same as before, as well as my flow. However, I have had TERRIBLE acne soon after it was inserted. I'm 22 years old and have never had more than a few pimples at a time until about a month after it was inserted. It's too coincidental not to be the cause."

• 3...
• July 15, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 34 years old with 2 kids. I had the ParaGard IUD inserted 3 and 1/2 years ago, shortly after the birth of my 2nd child. The procedure was quick. I experienced a little discomfort, but nothing unbearable. Fast forward to 2016, I requested my GYN remove the ParaGard IUD today. It took all of 30 seconds to remove but did leave me spotting. My reasons to remove included the following: 1) shortly before my period, I would spot for approximately 3-4 days and then proceed to bleed for a minimum of 9 days, 2) constant vaginal discharge, which resulted in me having to wear a panty liner daily, and 3) since its insertion, my cravings for sugar have tremendously increased. After 3 years, I finally just had enough of dealing with these side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I just received the ParaGard today and wanted to share about the procedure. I'm 30, with 5 kids (just had twins 3 months ago today). I said, 'Over my dead body am I getting pregnant again, knowing I'm prone to having twins!'. I told my doc I wanted something as close to being sterile as possible without going under. So, I chose the ParaGard. Hormone-free and stays for 10 years, or until you want it removed. The process wasn't painful. But you have to remember, the more kids you have, it's not painful. And, if you just gave birth, it's not as painful either. Of course, if your uterus hasn't been through any changes, it will feel like a big cramp and discomfort. I've spotted so far. I will keep posting on changes every month!"

• 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."