ParaGard User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• JTa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2021

For Birth Control "I hope this helps someone out there. I got ParaGard IUD in November 2020 to avoid getting pregnant, and because it’s the most 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Putting the IUD in for me hurt a lot. If you never had kids, then you’ll be thrown off guard like I was. The pain is for about 5 minutes. It will hurt after insertion. I had cramps for days and sometimes, random cramping through the last few months. This has been my best month so far. The only thing is you’re more susceptible to yeast infections, unfortunately. I do recommend this. Some pain for long-term relief."

• Mmp...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 15, 2021

For Birth Control "I have had my ParaGard IUD for 9 years now. After reading all these reviews, I feel I must be one of the lucky ones. I have never had an issue since I had it put in. I do have a period every 3 1/2 to 4 weeks. I do have one day of a heavy period, but then it goes away altogether by the next day. My periods last about 3 days: 1 heavy, 2 barely. I also had a gastric bypass with it still in place, and it also didn't have any impact. No medical issues. No pain. Some cramps more than usual. I am 46 and had it put in at 37."

• Gab...
• February 5, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on Mirena and I needed to get off of hormonal birth control. I was scared of cramping and bleeding too much on ParaGard, so I was skeptical. But I really love ParaGard. I feel like I can have carefree sex with my partner. I haven’t experienced any cramping whatsoever (but I never have cramps). And my period is only a day or two longer than usual, but not unmanageable or worrisome. We have different experiences with different types of birth control, and it’s not for everyone, but trying ParaGard was worth the risk for me. I feel a lot more like myself, my anxiety is gone, I’ve lost a lot of weight, and I feel great. I would definitely give it a try, and I want to stay on ParaGard until I have kids."

• Gig...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 14, 2021

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena IUD. After it expired, at the same time my marriage ended, and I had the copper IUD put in when I was ready to start dating. I didn’t have to worry about having an unintentional pregnancy due to condom failure. I didn’t have side effects. The insertion was a nightmare, the APRN didn’t know what she was doing, but after that day, it was all fine. My partner says he does feel the strings, but it doesn’t bother him much. I didn’t have heavier bleeding or longer periods. After a year with it, I did start feeling more “period symptoms,” such as tender boobs, some cramps (mild), and lower back pain. I definitely recommend it. If you want hormone-free birth control, this is definitely the way to go."

• 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!"

• Lit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2020

For Birth Control "I got my ParaGard 3 months ago and love it! Yes, the periods are definitely more painful, and they are heavier, but nothing my menstrual cup can't handle. I forgot I have it in 99% of the time, and insertion also wasn't that painful as well. I love it, and if hormonal birth control doesn't work for you, I highly, highly recommend ParaGard!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I was so nervous about getting my IUD that I pushed it off for nearly a year. The pain is what scared me the most. I finally got it, and it honestly wasn’t bad at all. It took about 5 minutes with the doctor, and there were only 1-2 deep cramps that hurt but weren’t unbearable. It was when the doctor cleaned and measured the uterus or something. The insertion wasn’t even that bad. It felt like a menstrual cramp that came from a much deeper place. After it was done, I was like, oh really? Nice. My cramping the rest of the day was on and off. But it wasn’t horrible, it was more of just a little bit more than regular cramps I would get. I’m on day 2 and really no cramps! My flu shot is hurting longer than my IUD, lol. If you’re worried, this post is for you! It’s not the worst pain you will ever feel or as painful as giving birth. It was a bad cramp for about 20 seconds and some cramping on and off for the rest of the day! I’m so happy with my experience so far!"

• 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!"

• Jan...
• September 10, 2020

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard for 3 years. I love it. Absolutely no changes or side effects. That's why I love it, because it's non-hormonal and doesn't affect you mentally or screw up your bodily functions. It's just copper. Insertion was quick and easy. The only difference is my period comes more often now and is heavier than usual. But I don't mind because it's worth it for having the best hormone-free, most effective birth control that lasts for 10 years."

• Non...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2020

For Birth Control "I was petrified to get this ParaGard put in. I had passed it up the first time and then decided I was over hormonal birth control. My sister had a good experience so I finally made the appointment. I read people have taken ibuprofen beforehand so I did. I felt nothing but a poke. And when she said she was done, I said, 'That’s it.' It took 5 minutes. No cramping during or after. Guess I got lucky. On a pain scale of 1-10, it was a 0. I spotted for 3-4 days then it completely stopped. I got my period on my normal expected 28th day. No more bleeding or cramping than the norm without this. 10/10 recommend you try it. Reviews are to be taken lightly as everyone’s body is different."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 23, 2020

For Birth Control "I came on here to read reviews before getting my ParaGard. For some background, I have no children and have been diagnosed with PCOS. Some of the things people said had me scared and ready to cancel my appointment. I am so glad I went through with it! The insertion felt like a quick menstrual cramp. I couldn't believe how easy it was. As far as the side effects go, I've had none aside from one day (day 2) of a slightly heavier period and there was slight cramping for a few hours after insertion. I've had it for over a year now and have had no issues whatsoever. Remember, people rarely share their good experiences. You won't know how it affects you until you try it out for yourself."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard - due to having the hormonal IUD that caused me to gain weight, have extreme anxiety, and have terrible mood swings. Insertion was pretty painful, but it really just depends on how good you can handle pain. The next day after my insertion, I barely had any cramps. Anyone needing reassurance about the Copper IUD due to issues with the hormonal IUD, I would say go for it! Everyone’s body is different. Some people can’t handle pain like others."

• Bog...
• June 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the ParaGard about a month ago. Just started this month's period. I don't feel any pain or anything, you know, just the normal, you know, pressure from bleeding. But I mean, honestly, I don't recognize a difference, but I do know that birth control affects everyone differently. I had the hormonal IUD taken out because I noticed some weight gain, and I didn't like how it made me feel anxious and irritated. I am on some prescriptions for anxiety and depression and sleep, but I didn't like how that one made me feel. I definitely notice a difference with this one, my medications are working like they normally would, and I'm not agitated. I don't have weight gain, I've actually lost some weight. I love this, and it's not bad. It's not painful. And the bleeding isn't bad either, it's pretty normal for me."

• Hea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 25, 2020

For Birth Control "I love this birth control so much. I've had it almost 11 months now and can't say enough good things about it. No weight gain, regular periods, moods are normal, and I feel great and pregnancy-free for almost 11 months now!"

• KRI...
• March 9, 2020

For Birth Control "I have the ParaGard for almost 10 years now. It was a while ago, right after I had my son. During my six-week postnatal check-up, I believe that it was inserted. I don't remember it hurting at all. The only complaint initially was a heavy period, which sometimes lasted 14 days, longer and longer. That eased up about 4 to 5 months in. I haven't had any issues, regular period cramps, but not each month. Strings are there every month, no pain, no infections, no weight gain (aside from what laziness produced), nothing serious at all. My son is 10 next month, so it works."

• Zen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 9, 2020

For Birth Control "I got ParaGard inserted a year and 7 months ago because I needed a non-hormonal BC. So far, I haven’t gotten pregnant, so it’s doing its job. I’m also not having emotional issues like how I did with hormonal BC, so I’m rather pleased. The insertion process was uncomfortable, but not unbearable. It took about 15 minutes, most of which was prep. The insertion itself was maybe two minutes. I made sure to research a birth control specialist to ensure I was getting someone with a lot of experience, as most issues occur upon insertion. I felt bloated and weird for a week or so after, but nothing else was out of the ordinary. The first six months were so bad during my period. I got such bad cramps I had to call my doctor to ensure I wasn't having a complication. After the six-month timeframe, my periods began going back to how they were pre-ParaGard. My periods are now only four days long and not very heavy. Overall, I’m pleased with this as birth control."

• 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."

• Sat...
• February 23, 2020

For Birth Control "I am extremely happy with my ParaGard! The stress leading up was worse than any part of the procedure itself; it's like a very strong cramp, but it's over in a second. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen before and got it inserted on the last day of my period. Over the next few days, the cramps and bleeding got worse, but subsided after a week or so. Had a period 3 weeks after insertion. The flow was heavier and lasted longer for the first few periods, but it's back to about what it was before. Cramps are nothing ibuprofen can't help with. I have health anxiety, so I was super nervous about the ParaGard. I'd tried hormonal birth control and nothing worked. Now, I forget about it 99% of the time. Been to the gynecologist a million times because I was convinced it was puncturing my uterus, and it hasn't budged once. I exercise intensely with no issues, and the same for sex. As far as copper poisoning, I've had ZERO of the symptoms the other reviews talk about."

• Sea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I sought out an experienced OBGYN, and insertion went flawlessly. I have a tilted uterus, so I was extremely nervous. For the first 3-4 months, my periods were heavier and longer, and I had lower back pain (which may have been attributed to my bed). My periods are now back to normal. 2-3 days of medium-heavy flow. No other side effects. This has been a godsend after years of misery on pills, patches, and rings. I no longer have acne, migraines, or severe depression. Everybody is different, find what works for you."

• Bro...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I've had my ParaGard in for almost 6 years. I've had absolutely no problems with it. My periods come like clockwork every month, I do have mild cramps that only come when I'm in my first 2 days. I would definitely recommend this birth control."

• Dee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 24, 2020

For Birth Control "Don’t let these reviews scare you, try for yourself & see how you feel!! Insertion was very painful for me, but I am always in pain with any cervix procedure or check (even during labor). So I knew that was a possibility for me personally. Afterwards, I had cramping the entire day. A week later I got a very heavy period with heavy cramping the first day, it lasted about 14 days. I have had the ParaGard for 6 months now, my periods are back to normal after the first 4 months and I never feel it inside. I had light periods before insertion & they are still light after. I’m very happy with mine, try for yourself before letting these reviews scare you. Most people only review if something goes wrong. There are tons of women who are happy with theirs who do not think to come online & review it."

• Abb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I love this BC. I’ve had the ParaGard for about 2 years. It has worked wonderfully for me. I don’t do well with hormonal birth control, so this was the perfect fit for me. My periods were very heavy for the first 4-5 months. If you can get past that, it’s very worth it. My periods are shorter and lighter now than before I had the ParaGard. I’ve seen no sign of any other side effects, and hey!!! I’m not pregnant!"

• 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."