ParaGard User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• June 24, 2022

For Birth Control "Getting ParaGard has been one of the best decisions I've made for my personal health. Hormonal birth control was wreaking havoc on my body and mind. I dreaded taking the pill every day. I was very nervous to try ParaGard, given all the poor reviews. I have had ParaGard now for 10 months and have had zero side effects. Insertion was about 10 minutes, and yes, it is painful (7-8/10 pain, IMO). However, I did not experience any bleeding, and I only had slight cramping for about an hour after insertion. My experience has been complication-free, however, I am someone who has never had cramping in the past, and I have always had light periods. My periods now are about the same or sometimes slightly heavier."

• Jos...
• June 23, 2022

For Birth Control "I got my ParaGard 2 months after having my 2nd child. My experience didn’t hurt much, just a little poke. Had cramping for about a week, and then a week later I got my period. It was really heavy, but it only lasted about 4 days or so. So far, everything has been great! Every month I get my period, the first 2 days are heavy and my period lasts about 5 days. So far I love it, my sex drive has been great. I don’t have to worry if I took my pill or not. I actually got pregnant on the pill with my second child, and after that, I made the decision to get the ParaGard. Another thing is we can’t compare ourselves with other women’s IUD stories. We are all different. Try it for yourself."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2022

For Birth Control "I just wanted to share my experience for insertion as I just got it this morning a few hours ago. So my experience was not at all as bad as I thought it would be from reading reviews. I am on day 3 of my period, and I have 1 child age 22. I had 3 mild to moderate cramp/pinch feelings. The 1st was when they inserted to measure the cervix, and the 2nd/3rd was when they actually stuck the IUD inside and spread the wings. It was about 3 minutes. Not at all a bad pain as some said, but everyone is different. On a scale of 1-10, it was more a 2 or 3. I’ve had period cramps worse than that, honestly. I would note that I took 3 Aleve 1 hour before the appointment. Afterwards, I have some mild cramping in my lower abdomen and a little extra bleeding than before I went. Nothing major. I will update as time goes on in reference to how I like it or how things go long-term. I chose ParaGard because I didn’t want hormones. I’m 39, and I wanted something to last until menopause. I would do it again."

• Sky...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 24, 2022

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard for 3 years and haven't had any issues with it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 19, 2022

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard for almost 3 years now and would never go back to hormonal birth control. I knew I wanted an IUD and chose the copper IUD because I wanted to still get my period every month so I wasn't convincing myself I was pregnant if I didn't get it. I have a high pain tolerance, so keep that in mind, but insertion wasn't too bad. I had some light cramping for 2 or 3 days, then none until my first period. The first 4 months were very heavy flow with cramping, but nothing that wasn't manageable. I love my IUD, and if you can tolerate cramping and wait out the first couple of months until your body adjusts, I highly recommend ParaGard."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 5, 2022

For Birth Control "Just wanted to reassure any ladies thinking about this type of contraception. Personally, I’ve tried all different types of hormonal birth control, and all have made me emotional, depressed, and gain weight, plus giving me acne. I was expecting the worst pain ever considering these bad reviews, but I felt nothing, it was over in minutes, and I’ve not even had kids. So they said fitting my coil could be more difficult. I’m so happy that I no longer have to worry about getting pregnant, especially while I’m trying to study at uni! Take these reviews with a pinch of salt, remember different bodies react to things in different ways. I feel like I’ve been saved from a life of side effects being off hormones. I'm forever grateful."

• Che...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 22, 2022

For Birth Control "I had been on birth control pills for many years and came off to have my daughter. I’d not had the worst experience with them, but they certainly altered my mood, libido, hair, and quite literally changed my hormones. Not good. After doing some research, once I’d finished breastfeeding my daughter, I decided to have the ParaGard inserted. It has been amazing. I have had it in for about 4 years and have NO problems with it. Great libido, great mood, regular periods, and mild cramping upon insertion, that’s it. One person's bad experience won’t be yours. They have a different diet, environment, lifestyle, and existing conditions. DO go to the best, most qualified OBGYN you can find and have yearly checks. This has been FDA approved for 30 years and, like anything, can have issues for some-just as Botox and medications can. So be healthy, eat vegan, exercise, laugh, and make an informed, all-rounded decision."

• Lis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 19, 2022

For Birth Control "I was on Mirena till it was time to get removed. I missed getting my periods, so went to ParaGard. I get it every 3 weeks for 5 days. Overall, it's doing its job in preventing pregnancy. But now I just don't like managing my period."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 14, 2022

For Birth Control "I agree with what someone else put, saying people only put reviews when they've had a bad experience. I did read these reviews before deciding to get the ParaGard myself and definitely do not regret my decision. It's been about two years that I've had it now, and yes, my periods are more heavy and my cramps hurt me. But it is nothing unbearable. I've always had a short period (4 days normally), and that has stayed the same. When I first got the IUD, of course, my hormones had to regulate from being off the pill, so for about half a year, my period was irregular. But once again, I highly recommend the ParaGard if you're looking for a non-hormonal birth control method. 10/10 in my experience. And yes, insertion is very uncomfortable but totally worth it for the number of years of protection you get!"

• ath...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2021

For Birth Control "Before ParaGard, I was on the pill, had an implant later inserted, which caused me problems. I decided to switch to a copper IUD and can say this is definitely the best method I've ever used. There are a few disadvantages, one of them being that the insertion was excruciatingly painful, but it disappeared instantly after about a day. Since then, I haven't felt much pain apart from the days I have my period, and when I do, it feels like a moderate cramp that easily goes away with painkillers. I was worried the IUD was going to make my periods worse, as I already suffered from extremely painful periods, but it actually turned out to be manageable. My periods are heavy but still regular. I've been having unprotected sex for three months and haven't been pregnant. My moods have not been affected, and my skin is so much clearer. Honestly, switching from the implant to the IUD was the best decision I've ever made, however, I do know that everyone has different experiences."

• JaR...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 29, 2021

For Birth Control "I made the decision to switch to ParaGard after being on hormonal birth control for the majority of my life. My doctor had recommended I take a break from hormonal birth control, and I decided to switch after my term for Skyla was up, which was December of 2020. IUD insertion is always uncomfortable for me. I took 800 mg of Motrin before I left for my appointment. It’s more than a pinch, and I have a very high pain tolerance, BUT it only lasts for 10-15 minutes max, worse pain being maybe 30 seconds or less. I would highly recommend bringing a pad with you for after insertion, the ones they supply are typically only a panty liner. I actually was able to drive myself home. I had a heating pad and was laying down the majority of the day and a couple more days after that, but not as sedentary. I have no complaints, I get a period, it’s a lot of blood, more than what I’m used to, but it’s only the first 2 days and then subsides. I just feel good not being on hormonal birth control."

• Par...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve had the ParaGard in for over 8 years. It’s the only birth control I’ve used, so I have nothing to compare it to. It’s effective, non-hormonal, and my periods are moderate to heavy but still the same length (3 days). I don’t experience heavy cramps, but I’ve never cramped during my cycle. I love it because it’s like nothing’s even there. When I first got it, I had two periods in one month, but my cycle was back on track 3 months later. The procedure itself was quick and painless—a little discomfort for a short period of time, but after a few deep breaths, it’s all over. I highly recommend."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2021

For Birth Control "I was super nervous about getting an IUD after horror stories and reviews I had read. I thought about it and debated a whole year before deciding to go through and get ParaGard. I had been on hormonal birth control pills for about 14 years and was just sick of taking a pill every day and the effects it had on my sex life. I was drawn to ParaGard because it was hormone-free and good for up to ten years, but also the fact that I would be able to get pregnant immediately after having it removed if I chose. Insertion was more uncomfortable than I expected, being I’ve never had kids. I did have some light bleeding for about five days after, but it subsided. My first period after was also heavier than any I have ever had. The second was slightly better though, and so far I love ParaGard. They do recommend monthly self-checks, but I’m not laid back enough to trust it haha, so I do a weekly check for the strings. I’ve had no issues and am enjoying the freedom it has brought me."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2021

For Birth Control "I read horror stories about ParaGard, but I really wanted non-hormonal birth control, so I did it, and I am so HAPPY with it! It hasn't caused any worse cramps at all for me. The periods are a little heavier, but they are getting back to normal after a few months. 10000% worth giving it a go."

• 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."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2021

For Birth Control "I just want to start by saying I am not being paid to leave this review in any way. I am a 25-year-old female and was previously on the pill. The pill gave me horrible side effects, constant yeast infections, low sex drive, etc., so I switched to the ParaGard to get off the extra hormones. It has only been about a month, but I am feeling way better and my sex drive is back to normal. The insertion wasn’t that bad, it just felt like a really bad period cramp. My nervousness leading up to it was worse. I did bleed for 2 days after and had cramping as well as the lymph nodes in my groin being swollen, but after a few days everything went back to normal. I recommend it! And if it doesn’t work for you, getting it out is easy, it takes 5 minutes to get put in and take out."

• eli...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 3, 2021

For Birth Control "After a year of use, I have had zero problems with ParaGard. Reading bad experiences scared me at first, but I realized (as my doctor said) the majority of people only leave a review if it's bad. Insertion slightly unpleasant, but no big deal, periods a little heavier for a few months, but nothing major. Absolutely love that I don't have to worry about birth control and can just forget about it. 100% recommend!"

• 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."

• Lhs...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 5, 2021

For Birth Control "I had ParaGard for 8 years. Got it inserted when I was 18 and removed when I was 26 to begin trying to have a baby. For the first 6 months, periods were heavier, but eventually subsided to where I just needed a super tampon. While I had ParaGard, I never got pregnant and never had any issues with this except that in the last 4 months of use, I began to get recurring ovarian cysts. Once I got it removed, they immediately vanished. I became pregnant 2 months post-removal, so the IUD/cysts didn’t affect fertility. After my baby is born, I’ll be reinserting ParaGard. Everyone is different, find what works for you and be aware there can be complications with any birth control option."

• Mim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2021

For Birth Control "The first day I had ParaGard installed, I had terrible cramps. The pain lasted almost 2 days. Make sure you install it on a Friday so you have at least 2 days off to adjust. After that, ParaGard has been amazing. I used to use hormonal birth control and had gained 12 pounds on Nikki and Lutera. I couldn’t lose the weight no matter what! After switching to ParaGard, I lost 7 pounds so far (with diet, of course). My acne is better (because it’s hormone-free), and my periods are normal. My periods last the same amount of days it would before ParaGard. However, I switched from a regular tampon to a super tampon. Cramps are the same as before. Nothing major. With ParaGard, I have the peace of mind that I won’t get pregnant! (I was still worried when I was taking the pill)."

• Can...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 30, 2021

For Birth Control "Wow, all the reviews here are so weird. I'm a healthy 27-year-old who got this IUD a few years back and have had ZERO problems since. My body had to adjust the first couple of months, but after that, it's smooth sailing. Periods are fairly light after a couple of months into it, no cramps or discomfort, nothing. To the people for whom it didn't work, I can only assume they had a terrible doctor insert it, a faulty IUD, or it just didn't suit them in general. This is literally the best birth control I've been on, and I don't plan on ever switching from it."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I understand everyone’s body is different, but after reading reviews on drugs.com for multiple things, I’m convinced people only really write reviews after a really bad experience. As my gyno told me, people don’t write reviews when they are content. So I’m going to write a review to say the copper IUD is 1000% the way to go if you are looking for non-hormonal birth control. I spent years on the pill that gave awful side effects. I have had zero side effects from the IUD. Yes, my first period was heavy. I’ve had moderate to heavy periods for most of my life accompanied with cramps, it’s nothing that is not manageable. If you are looking for peace of mind for ten years without risking the horrible side effects of hormonal birth control, get this."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 11, 2021

For Birth Control "I had the IUD put in right after I had my son, which was 5 months ago. It was a c-section delivery, so my doctor was comfortable inserting it during the surgery. So, because of this, I was already numb from the ribs down and I didn’t feel insertion. I got my period back 2 months after having him (breastfeeding full-time - not usually supposed to return for months), but my periods were the same as before I had him - no cramps, short cycle, always on time. I ended up needing to get the strings trimmed up, but honestly, I love this thing. I had the Nexplanon (matchstick) previously, and it was a miserable experience. 10/10, this thing is great! Please take ALL reviews with caution. Birth control works differently with everyone. You may honestly love this IUD as much as I do."

• ECa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2021

For Birth Control "I just got my ParaGard a little over a week ago, and it is true. If you have never had your cervix dilated, it's very painful, but once they were done, the pain improved a lot. I cramped pretty badly for a week after my insertion, and then no cramps, and bleeding is definitely heavier, but will have to wait longer and see. So far, I'm enjoying it."

• 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."