ParaGard User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• LCa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm on my 2nd ParaGard. The first one lasted for 10 years after the birth of my son. My periods got heavier and lasted an extra 2 days or so, but otherwise no issues in 10 years. I'm still relatively young (36), so I decided to get another one as a form of contraception. So far, so good. I'm very pleased, and I don't have to worry about having another pregnancy. I'm looking for a more long-term solution."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the copper IUD, ParaGard, inserted about two months ago. The insertion was uncomfortable but was way less painful than I was expecting. After insertion, I had cramping for about two days, but heating packs REALLY helped. My periods are longer. Prior to insertion, my period would only be 1-2 days long, but now it is 2-4 days long. Best decision I’ve ever made!!"

• Maj...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had ParaGard for almost 7 years. I had this inserted after a sexual assault, as my doctor was concerned that Plan B may not be as effective as possible because of my weight. I took the doctor's advice and took Advil prior to the procedure. The insertion was rather quick, and except for the pinch, relatively painless. I had slight cramping for a few hours, but was back to normal by the end of the day. I’ve always experienced heavy periods and cramping with irregular days in between. There has been no worsening of my symptoms. In fact, my periods have become lighter and shorter, with only 1-2 heavy days instead of the five + in my younger years. Although maybe that’s just a part of aging (I’m 44 now). Although I didn’t seek this out as regular birth control in the beginning, I’m glad I got it. I can’t feel it, I’ve not experienced painful intercourse, or incapacitating cramping. This is the best BC I’ve ever used."

• 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."

• Nev...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I rate ParaGard a 10 for effectiveness because this device 100% protected me from pregnancy. However, it was excruciatingly painful having this thing inside me, especially when not on my period (I had really manageable, pain-free periods!). So after a full week of horrifying cramps that had me yelling out in frustration, I was fed up and removed it 8 months after insertion. I was cramping horribly the night before removal, with three Advil not even taking the edge off, and as soon as it was out, I felt like a new person, and the light cramping expected after removal never even made an appearance. No cramping whatsoever, and my horrifying cramps usually came like clockwork. Highly effective BC method, but not worth the prolonged agony, in my opinion. My body is happy it’s finally gone."

• FFa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I had my IUD in for 4.5 years. I have no complaints; just bad cramps and discomfort if sex is too rough. But I recently got it removed; upon removal, one of the arms of the ‘T’ broke off and was misplaced in my uterus. They told me I had to get minor surgery done in order to remove the fractured piece of my IUD. Weeks of stressing out; last week, I found the IUD piece on my bedroom floor. Unsure how it expelled from my uterus through my cervix, but I’m still in shock and confused. Saved me major surgery though, I suppose. I would recommend an IUD for contraceptive; just be mindful about all possibilities."

• Ste...
• October 24, 2019

For Birth Control "10/10. I have had it for 9 1/2 years!!!!! No problems whatsoever. I have always had cramps and heavy periods, so no change there. Can't say it affects my weight since I have been the same weight since childbirth, lol, but it has saved me thousands by preventing pregnancy 100%, lol. I never have to worry about taking pills or wearing condoms (I'm married). I didn't feel any pain when it was put in, but then again, my cramps are bad, so that pinch was nothing. I will be having this IUD placed again once this one expires in a couple of months. Highly recommend."

• Jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I got a ParaGard put in yesterday. My doctor double-checked with me and asked if I was sure that I wanted it. I've read so many horror stories on here, and I do hope to not be one of them. But, I recently had a D&C after I miscarried at 11 weeks (Oct 11, 2019). And 2.5 weeks later, I had the copper IUD put in, which was yesterday. My doctor was kind enough to numb me, and the whole procedure took maybe 2 minutes. Afterwards, I had some cramping, but I took an Ibuprofen, and I went straight to work. I was fine for the rest of the day. Today, I feel completely normal and can't even tell that I have it in my system. My periods have always been light, no cramping, and short (3-4 days). So, I'll make an update in 3-6 months to see how the period changes."

• 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."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on the pill since I was 17 years old. I am 25 now. I stopped taking the pill about two years ago because it was making me very moody, and it would make my hands and feet swell up. But then I got very serious with my boyfriend, and we started discussing birth control. And I thought about the pill again, but I didn’t want to gain weight and go through all of that again. So I did some research, and the only thing that I could find was ParaGard. It has no hormones, so I wouldn’t gain weight and all the other stuff that I didn’t like from before. I thought, why not? I’ll give it a try. So I got ParaGard. Let me tell you, the process is not comfortable by any means. From the time I got it until about a week later, I was cramping (like cramping I’ve never felt before), but after that week, I haven’t felt it at all. It is worth it! I promise. You just have to get past that first week. I HIGHLY recommend ParaGard. I never have to worry about it, and I don’t feel it."

• Des...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I just recently got ParaGard inserted after getting the Lilletta removed. The Lilletta made me bleed non-stop, and as soon as I got the ParaGard inserted, the bleeding stopped, and I haven't been bleeding anymore."

• Hia...
• July 19, 2019

For Birth Control "The ParaGard is seriously heaven-sent! I love my birth control for several reasons! 1. I NEVER have problems on it, my periods haven’t changed, my bleeding isn’t heavier, nor are my cramps worse. 2. My husband and I have unprotected sex with just the ParaGard, we know it works amazingly! 3. It doesn’t have any hormones, so I’m not a crazy cow to everyone!"

• Bls...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 22, 2019

For Birth Control "The only regret I have with ParaGard is not getting it sooner. I love it! I put off getting an IUD for so long because of hearing about how painful the insertion was and was surprised when it only felt like a heavy cramp. It wasn't bad at all. In the 3 months since, the only difference I've noticed is slightly heavier periods. My sex drive hasn't changed at all, I haven't gained a single pound, and now I don't have to worry about birth control for 12 years. I couldn't be happier with my decision."

• Jaz...
• June 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had the Paragard copper IUD for three years now, and it's the best decision I ever made as far as contraception goes. I spent five years reading articles and reviews about IUDs before actually getting one because I was so terrified after reading so many horror stories, but decided to bite the bullet because the pill makes me so bloated, and I hate condoms. I haven't had children, so the doctor recommended Mirena, but I wanted something without any hormones or anything in it, so I chose the copper. It was definitely an uncomfortable experience having it put in, and painful for about 30 seconds, but it was over very quickly. I had cramping and a heavy period for about four or five days afterwards. For the first four months, my periods were a fair bit heavier than usual, and now they're just a little bit heavier than they were before I had the IUD, but I never had very heavy periods to start with. I probably wouldn't recommend the Paragard if you have heavy periods already."

• 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."

• Cor...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I love my ParaGard! The insertion took less than five minutes. There was a bit of discomfort, but it just felt like an intense cramp to me. It was very manageable. I've had it for over a year now and have had no problems whatsoever. It has stayed in place, I've had a period every month, and the only side effect I've experienced is a heavier flow. Totally worth it. I wish I had gotten this sooner."

• Hap...
• June 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I love being on the ParaGard. I was initially scared after reading all the bad experiences with heavy bleeding and cramping, but I had a good experience. Details about me: I’m in my late 20s, gave birth twice. Before any type of birth control, I had normal periods, with average bleeding and almost no cramping. After ParaGard, the first month, I bled A LOT for 9 days straight. 2nd month, bleeding normalized and I bled for exactly 3 days. Since then, this has continued. I rarely have any cramping, and when I do, it’s bearable. I would not change a thing. I’m guessing since I’m lucky to have had almost no cramping during my periods since I started menstruating at 13, that rolled over to the ParaGard. My uterus reacts very well to changes in my body. After ParaGard insertion, I had some cramping for about 48 hours, but it was nothing that kept me from functioning."

• Hap...
• June 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I've had ParaGard for seven months. For side effects, my period is more substantial and a day or two longer. I knew this before getting it. Before getting ParaGard, I bled about 5-10 mls/day (Diva cup) for 3-4 days. After ParaGard, I bleed about 10-25 mls/day for 4-6 days. For menstrual pain, there wasn't a difference. My periods before weren't painful and rarely required pain meds. The only con I have is the insertion of the ParaGard. There were complications due to my vaginal anatomy and cervix position, which were discovered during the procedure. My vaginal canal is longer than average, and my cervix is positioned higher and pointed slightly towards my back. Also, it is recommended that the insertion happens during the 2-3 day of your period because the cervix is more open. I followed my doctor's advice, but on the second day of my period, my cervix was still firm and closed. Overall, I am very happy with my ParaGard."

• Per...
• June 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I've had my ParaGard since 2009. It's reached the end of its 10-year lifespan, and I'm getting a new one at the end of this month. Insertion was painful enough that I've opted for general anesthetic for removal of the old ParaGard and insertion of the new one. But other than the pain I had with the original insertion, which was at least expected and over quickly, I've had little trouble with it. I had some pretty severe bloating for the first three months after insertion and some mild bloating for the next three months. After that, I felt perfectly normal again. My periods became just a touch heavier after getting the IUD, and they last on average one day longer, but I still have no issues with cramps. I rarely had them before the IUD, and I rarely have them now. Best decision I've made. My only regret is I didn't start using the ParaGard earlier in my life."

• Sol...
• May 30, 2019

For Birth Control "So I never write reviews, but I felt compelled to write this because of my experience. I have never been on birth control, and I should have been a long time ago. Being a health nut and skeptic, I never felt comfortable with the idea of putting something unnatural in my body. However, like any other people in their '20s or a human being for that matter, I was sexually active. I have had many pregnancy scares and took way too many plan B's. I was tired of the anxiety and fear of pregnancy that I associate with sex. I finally grew a pair and decided to get a Copper IUD because it fit all my natural desires. No chemicals, no hormones = happy girl. I have had it for about two months now. Insertion was definitely uncomfortable, but as everyone says, take ibuprofen before the appointment. My periods are heavier, but nothing that super tampons cannot handle. I have cramps now, which is new for me, but I push through it. Everyone's body is different, and that must be understood!"

• 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!"

• Kim...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 25, 2019

For Birth Control "Oh my! I just had my ParaGard replaced today due to having it for 10 years. I want to point out that every single person is different. Please remember this. I had zero negative complications except for heavier periods the first few years. They did return to normal. Please do not let negative reviews stop you from trying this. It’s been the best birth control, as I had one child and that shop is closed. Again, try it for yourself. This or any IUD for that matter."

• Nan...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I was never one for taking pills, and I wanted something that was non-hormonal. My periods have never been long, heavy, or that painful. I was in a long-term relationship and really wanted to find a birth control that worked for me. When I was researching online, I found out about ParaGard and was immediately interested. I spoke to my doctor about it and set up an appointment to insert the IUD. I really didn't know what to expect for the insertion, I've never been pregnant. It does hurt tremendously afterward, I had trouble walking and was in pain like I've never experienced. Thankfully, that only lasted for 1 day, and I did spot for a little. My first period was pretty heavy and painful, but by the following month, everything was back to normal. This has been the best decision by far that I have ever made for myself."

• 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."

• New...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I just got ParaGard inserted today, so obviously I don't have much experience with it. I have many family and friends who have them and helped with my decision to get it. I took an 800 mg ibuprofen beforehand. The process took about 10 minutes. Parts of it were uncomfortable, but the only part that hurt was the measuring to your cervix. I got cramps about 10 minutes after, now I'm laying in bed with a heating pad about an hour later, and feel mostly fine. Will update with more once I experience more!"