ParaGard and Spotting: What Users Say

• Tee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2023

For Birth Control "Here’s my honest review. I am 22 years old and got the IUD inserted back in December. The procedure itself wasn’t too bad. They’ll pinch your cervix to help insert it (which is very painful, and I didn’t take any pain meds beforehand since I have a high pain tolerance). 24-72 hours after insertion, I had some spotting, moderate cramps, and lower back pain. Fast forward a few months, with very little to no issues. My periods are still the same (averaging about 3-4 days). The only other annoying issue is that before I start my cycle, I get some pretty nasty cramps. They can be so painful that it almost hurts to walk, or the pain circulates around my kneecaps. Otherwise, no side effects from the IUD."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 2, 2022

For Birth Control "If you are able to deal with intense cramping and heavy bleeding for about 6 months to 1 year after first getting ParaGard, it’s totally worth it! I was on the pill for about a year, prior to getting the IUD, with horrible hormonal imbalance, lethargy, low libido, and borderline depression. I needed a change. The process of getting ParaGard inserted is not for the faint of heart. I took an ibuprofen beforehand, which helped immensely! But I would rate that pain as an 11 on a scale of 1-10!! For the first several months after getting the IUD, I experienced spotting throughout the month, with heavy bleeding the week of my period. I had intense cramping daily for about 3 months after insertion. At about the 6-month mark of having ParaGard, my intense cramps would occur one week before my period started, with the week of my period consisting of heavy bleeding along with cramps. At around month 8, I finally had my hormones in check from being off the pill, and my periods returned to normal."

• Han...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 25, 2022

For Birth Control "Just leaving a positive review. For me, I got the ParaGard in after baby number 5. I didn't want my tubes tied as I'd had them tied in the past, and it was terrible on my body (look up Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome). But I did not want hormones. I gain weight in my gut every time. So I went in and got the ParaGard. I was on the heaviest day of my period when it was inserted. My doctor was excellent, and it was placed easily and quickly. I felt a pinch and a little lightheaded for a moment. After that, I was good. My period is a little heavier (it's always been heavy and 7 days long though, so not much difference). I've not had spotting or any cramping. I think it's good to share both negative and positive reviews. I've had this for a year now and love it."

• NSo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I have never been on birth control in my life. I recently just had a baby and don’t want another one anytime soon. So I knew I had to get on some type of birth control. One thing I knew is that I didn’t want to get on a BC with hormones. ParaGard was suggested by my OB. At 7 weeks postpartum is when I had it inserted. I honestly did not feel the procedure. It was quick. I didn’t have any pain during the procedure. After maybe about 2 hours later I started to get some cramping and spotting. Again, nothing too painful. I'm so content with the ParaGard. I also can have it removed when my husband and I decide to have another baby. Everyone is different. Be sure to talk to your doctor and consult with them, express what you’re looking for in birth control, and I assure you they can help you make the right decision for you, your body, and your health."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2021

For Birth Control "Positive experience! I was so nervous. I got it a few days ago, and I love it so far. I took 600 mg of ibuprofen an hour before. The insertion was quick. They gave me stuff that numbs your cervix. It felt like a really intense period cramp for 10 seconds (during the measurement and insertion). It was definitely tolerable! I had cramping and low back pain for about 48 hours after, but now I’m feeling great! I am experiencing some light spotting. I switched because I was struggling with hormonal birth control. I tried the Nexplanon and 2 pills. I was constantly bleeding on the Nexplanon. And with the Nexplanon and pill, I had been experiencing EXTREME fatigue. Think like needing 12 hours of sleep to even possibly feel like you got enough sleep. I have been off of hormones for 10 days now (I got it put in on the last day of my period), and I am already starting to notice my fatigue improve! I also believe the hormones were making my acne worse, but it is too soon to tell."

• 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!"

• Mon...
• December 13, 2020

For Birth Control "Recently got the ParaGard put in after avoiding birth control for 10+ years. I didn’t want anything with hormones and was terrified of birth control altogether. I did a ton of research and asked my OBGYN a million questions before finally deciding on ParaGard. The insertion was WAY less painful/uncomfortable than I was led to believe. Minor cramping for about 30 seconds and that’s it. She warned me about a “pinch,” but I didn’t even feel it. Other than the first few days of bleeding/spotting, I barely remember it’s in there. No changes to my skin/mood/etc. I consider myself very lucky after reading all the reviews, but everybody is different. It’s worth a try to see if it works for you because at the end of the day, they can just take it out if it doesn’t work for you. The first few periods weren’t exactly pleasant, but what period is? I’ve read over time the additional pain/added days go away, which IMO makes this no-hormone option well worth it."

• Sam...
• November 17, 2020

For Birth Control "My overall experience with the ParaGard has been super good! The first two months I’d definitely have random cramps, and I had one period where the cramp was a bit more intense than I’ve experienced before. I also had one or three more intense periods where I bled a lot. And I would spot for pretty long after my period. But after 8-9 months of having it, I don’t have any issues at all anymore. I get close to no cramps now, my flow is medium, it’s light the first day, then it’s heavy for about two days, and then it’s regular for another one to two days, and light to almost gone the next one to two days. I get no random cramps, and my period comes like clockwork. Before the IUD, my natural period was medium flow, and I’d occasionally get cramps. I think the ParaGard is definitely worth giving a go. Personally, I’m so, so, so happy with it. My coworker has it too and is very satisfied with it as well!"

• Wor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I got my Paragard inserted about a year ago, and I paid nothing since my health insurance covered the cost. I rarely had cramps during my period before getting Paragard. After the insertion, I do get some cramping at the time my period starts, but it is manageable, and I rarely take painkillers. But the procedure of inserting it was a pain, and I experienced the worst cramping on the day of the insertion. I could still manage the pain with ibuprofen and naproxen. I noticed heavier menstrual bleeding and some spotting here and there for the first few months, but they subside gradually. Overall, I am very happy with my decision to get Paragard because it is worry-free! Never had a child before and not planning to have one until I take this out in 10 years."

• Yaz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Wanted to share my experience with ParaGard being inserted. It took maybe 2 minutes for the entire process. My doctor let me know what she was doing during the entire process. She warned me of a pinch that might happen (right before she did what she did). I didn’t feel much of anything. Then she told me, “Now here come the cramps,” a few seconds later, which I’m assuming was her actually putting the IUD in place. I did feel menstrual-type cramps. It lasted a few seconds, but taking deep, slow breaths helped a lot. I cramped for about 2 days, and I’ve been having spotting to low flow since. No complaints so far! Hoping this actually works well, considering I haven’t been on any form of birth control since I was a teen because my body and hormones do not mix! She also had me lay there for a few minutes after she was done to prevent me from feeling dizzy, and she told me to sit up slowly. I didn’t feel dizzy when I did get up. So far, I would definitely recommend this birth control!"

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I shared my experience when I first got my ParaGard, and here is my 3-month update. I absolutely LOVE it! I had some annoying cramps and spotting the first couple of weeks after getting it in. Spotting has since slowed down tremendously. My periods are heavier for sure, but it seems like the blood is lighter and thinner. I never had cramps before and now have a day where I get one or two relatively hard cramps with pain on my left side, but it is totally manageable. There is a price to pay, and I'd say it's worth it."

• Jen...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I got my ParaGard in 2017, and I was nervous because I had not taken any painkillers beforehand, but it ended up only hurting as much as a bad menstrual cramp (for reference, pap smears don't tend to hurt me). They gave some ibuprofen, and I went back to work the rest of the day. I had cramps the following two days, but nothing worse than my normal period cramps. The first 3 months, my flow became a little heavier, and I had some spotting after periods. Also, slightly stronger cramps. I also got a yeast infection and a UTI, but that might have been because I had started having unprotected sex with my monogamous partner, and I was not as careful about hygiene after sex (go pee and wash up every time!!). Since then, I haven't had any problems. Periods are still a little heavier, but not monstrous, and totally worth the benefits of carefree birth control. If you are experiencing problems, talk to a health care professional, but I would suggest waiting a year to see if symptoms level out."

• Fir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2019

For Birth Control "I had ParaGard inserted 8 weeks after giving birth. I had read reviews saying it could be a painful process. Honestly, I barely felt it. My doctor told me I would feel a pinch, and then cramp-like pains because he needed to open my cervix. I kept waiting for the initial pinch, and then he said, “Okay, we’re done here.” This could be due to time since I’d given birth; it could also be pain tolerance. I took the recommended 800 mg of Advil beforehand, so I’m sure that helped. I recommend taking what you know of your body and pain management style and using that to determine what you can expect. I didn’t bleed much afterward (you can have spotting for 3 months), but instead, it tapered off into what I would compare to a normal pre-period discharge. I love the fact that it’s non-hormonal so it won’t mess with my body in that way. The other IUDs had a risk of ovarian cysts which wigged me out. Bottom line: this product works. Very pleased with the process and product."

• Hop...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 20, 2019

For Birth Control "Loved ParaGard! Insertion was painful but quick and doable. Take a few ibuprofen before. Crampy for a few hours after insertion and spotted for 1.5 weeks. After that, no cramps, not moody, and not much heavier flow than norm. Cycle was pretty regular and on time, but stress can make it late. 3 years later, still no symptoms! Couldn’t be happier! BUT... hadn't checked the strings in a couple of months and period was late. I blamed stress from finals, med school applications, graduation, and having a cold. Seemed legit. I’d been pretty late before once from stress. The next day, found out I was pregnant. The IUD moved down, therefore no longer effective. I had it removed and will get Liletta, since supposedly still works if it shifts. I’ll update! I definitely recommend ParaGard and would 110% use again if I knew my picky uterus would keep it in place! Try it out and check your strings every month. It's extremely rare for it to move, but I just happened to be that 1 in like 1000, I guess."

• Dre...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I was scared when I saw all of the bad reviews on ParaGard, but my DH pointed out that the people who write reviews are usually those who don't like it, and all the people who have no problems just get on with their life and never think of it again. So I decided to review it after actually experiencing it. For me, the insertion didn't hurt much. There was pressure (obviously), and it hurt a couple of times, but just a prick and not the whole time. Some women bleed, I didn’t. I was prepared for the pain and heaviness of my periods. The first time I got my period, it hurt VERY badly for about 1 hour or 2. I took a hot shower and a Motrin, and it went away. My period is irregular when it used to be to the day. There is 1, sometimes 2, days/period when my flow is very heavy! I go through super tampons in 1 hour. I sometimes have wicked cramps, but not every period. I usually spot a little days before and after my period. We still use condoms around the time that I am fertile just to be careful. This isn’t necessary, but I REALLY don’t want to get pregnant. We decided to use the ParaGard because it doesn’t have hormones, and I highly recommend it!"

• bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I was able to have ParaGard inserted under G.A. along with a polypectomy (removal of a polyp). When I awoke from anesthesia, I had such mild cramping I wasn't even sure if I could call it that, a 0.5 on a scale of 1 to 10. It continued like this for 24 hours. I felt almost normal. Periods have been longer, with spotting for 2 days prior and post. Cramping has also intensified and lasts about 2 days off and on, but is in no way debilitating and can be easily managed or avoided with 1 or 2 Advil in the course of a day. Before the IUD, I would only get cramps every 3 or 4 months. Never have I ever 'felt it inside me.' I questioned whether it was really there, to be honest. I have a hard time feeling the strings because they wrapped around my cervix within the first 2 weeks after insertion, and my boyfriend has never felt them either. Regarding spotting between periods, I don't think I have that issue, though I do notice extremely light spotting right around ovulation time for 2 to 3 days. Then it disappears again."

• Aug...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 30, 2018

For Birth Control "A positive review! I have never had a child. I was on BCPs for 20 years and intended to get the Mirena implant, thinking the transition would be easier, even though I was interested in being completely hormone-free. I missed a pill before I went in for the procedure and was told I either had to wait, or I could get ParaGard because it functions as emergency contraception. I went for it, and I have been completely satisfied with ParaGard. I bled minimally at the time of insertion, once a day later, and since then it has been business as usual. I have very minor monthly cramping, just like I did before I took BCPs. I still only shed for 3 days and don't even need menstrual products at night. In fact, I had weird spotting for years on the pills, and that has entirely disappeared since getting this IUD a year and a half ago. I have never had many concerns with my reproductive health, so maybe these things make me a better candidate, but I hope this helps someone with their decision."

• Abb...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 6, 2018

For Birth Control "Had ParaGard inserted at my six-week checkup postpartum. Took ibuprofen as instructed before insertion. Had minor pain and spotting but was fine after a day. Had no effect on how heavy my periods were once they returned, but I do think I had more cramping the first six months. I have had this IUD for 9 years with no problem, and I will get another to make it to menopause. I can’t use hormonal birth control due to the risk for clots, so this was the most fail-safe, cost-effective option available. At present, if you have ACA-compliant insurance, it is covered (was not when I got mine, but it was worth every penny). Great choice for birth control, especially if you have already had a child (easier insertion)."

• Mom...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 8, 2018

For Birth Control "Lots of bad reviews, and I'm sorry to the many women who have had bad experiences with ParaGard. Mine has been great, and I totally recommend it. I haven't had any of the symptoms other women have had. As far as insertion, a slight pinch. No cramps after. Spotting, yes, for maybe two months, but no constant bleeding. Periods for the first three months were beyond horrible! But then calmed down. The period has gone from 4-5 days to 7 days, but only one heavy day. It does linger towards the end. I did bleed after sex for about 6 months. But other than that, it's been great. Strings don't bother my BF, no cramps, no lack of sex drive, no acne, no PMS, no irritability, no foggy mind, etc. I'm the same as always. Of course, everyone is different, and you know your body the best. Just know after the first few months, it does get better!"

• PZa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2018

For Birth Control "Please do not base your decision on these reviews! I literally almost backed out of getting the ParaGard because of posted experiences. I reminded myself my body hates hormones and may react differently, and I am so glad I trusted my instincts. Upon insertion, I experienced about 30 seconds of slightly above mild discomfort while my cervix was being dilated. A sharp, piercing pain was maybe a second when he put it in, and for the remainder of the day, I didn't even experience cramping or pain. I could tell there was a different feeling, but nothing that required medication. I have barely spotted since it's been in, but a couple of times I have bled similar to menstruation while using the restroom. Overall, and beyond pleasantly surprised thus far with my experience and feel free knowing I no longer have hormones being pumped into my body. Medicine is not a perfect science, so do your research, know your body, and talk with your physician. So glad I took the plunge and did this."

• Mor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2018

For Birth Control "I had the ParaGard inserted almost 5 months postpartum after being on the pill for a few months and experiencing negative hormonal side effects. I read horror stories about the insertion and was completely terrified-DON’T freak out. It did not give me the “worst cramps of my life” or anything remotely close. Just breathe through it and get a good doctor who has done these often, and it’s a breeze. I had minor cramps the first day and even less the following day, nothing super noticeable. I spotted for about four days afterward and then was done! So far, I love this IUD. I’ll update after I get my first period (who knows when that will happen though as I am currently nursing)."

• 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."

• Nii...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 12, 2018

For Birth Control "I got mine in 2010. It was painful to get out, but I was told by the doctor it would be. I had some bleeding and spotting for about 6 months after I got it. On some random occasions, I do have some discomfort during sex, but it's so random that it does not bother me. I find that it happens when I'm about to start my cycle. Yes, I do get cramps now that I never had before I got the ParaGard, but I can deal with that. I actually have lost lots of weight. I'm not sure if it was this or the fact I'm no longer on the depo shot. All in all, I'm very happy with it. I've had no issues with it, and it's been in for 8 years now. I got it for 2 more years and plan to get another one after I have to get this one out."

• Tha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2018

For Birth Control "I got my ParaGard inserted on Dec 22, 2017, after being on birth control pills for 5 years. I had read the good and the bad reviews, and although I was scared to get it since I have never had any kids, I got it anyway. Went to my appointment expecting to be in a lot of pain. Getting it inserted was honestly very uncomfortable, but I took it, and after, I was cramping a bit on and off and began to spot. To not make this story longer than what it is, I pretty much started to bleed heavily for 15 days, which was apparently normal according to the nurses, and now it has completely stopped along with the cramps. I am super happy about not bleeding, and I have high hopes in this working for me and my partner. Will try and update soon!"