Copper topical and Bleeding: What Users Say (Page 5)

• sus...
• May 31, 2016

Copper topical 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 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "Had ParaGard inserted one month ago today. I'm 44 and gave birth twice. Only a pinch was felt, and the whole process took about 10 minutes. I did have my period. I took 2 Advil before the procedure. No cramping or pain at all after. The first period after the insertion was 3 days of intense bleeding. Then 3-4 days of light bleeding. Some light spotting in between periods. Boyfriend hasn't complained he feels it, but I have had light bleeding after sex. Hoping that and the heavy periods diminish after a few months. I would definitely recommend."

• Nur...
• June 2, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on it 3 times, have tried several types of birth control, including Mirena. My switches were based on thinking I was miserable after reading these forums, lol. I always come back to Paragard. All forms of birth control will come with side effects. I recommend getting Paragard on your period when your cervix is soft. Also, I've noticed the bleeding seems to regulate easier. The level of pain you experience is truly based on the experience of the provider. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen. Women excessive cramping should take progestin cream days 17-21 of the cycle. Also, plan for anemia by increasing iron and zinc intake. Being a little bloated is worth it to me vs. having no sex drive and weight gain on hormones."

• lol...
• October 5, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "After terminating an unplanned pregnancy, I was advised to get the ParaGard coil. Having had regular and fairly light periods for years and maintaining a healthy weight, it was difficult to get used to the bloating and heavy bleeding. The coil felt like a constant, low-level pressure, and I often had the taste of metal in my mouth. My appetite increased. Despite exercising more, my weight increased (my face got chunkier and my belly and hips got wider). I couldn't keep on top of the pain and was taking painkillers six days a month. I decided to take it out six weeks ago, fed up with waiting for a couple of days' respite where I might feel normal. I have dropped about a quarter stone in that time - probably the amount I put on during the five months I had it in. There's been a chemical shift in the time I've had it in - I now get tired more easily, and even small amounts of alcohol leave me drained the next day. Hope this helps anyone else feeling similar things."

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

Copper topical 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!"

• Lem...
• December 15, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got ParaGard inserted as a birthday gift for my boyfriend! I’ve had it for almost a year now. Insertion was awful. It’s been a painful year for me with a crazy amount of bleeding & cramps. The first 6 months I had 10-day periods and intense cramping. I went back to the hospital and was told that Ibuprofen helps with bleeding. Now with Ibuprofen, my periods are down to normal 4-6 day periods. It seems like every month my periods are getting shorter and less painful. One thing I really don't like is the cramp that I feel 3-4 days before my period starts. Out of nowhere, I will have 3-4 hour-long terrible cramps but no bleeding. I basically live addicted to Ibuprofen and I am always ready to take one as soon as a cramp starts. Despite all the cons, I am actually happy with it because my relationship with my boyfriend totally improved since we stopped freaking out about the possibility of me being pregnant. Also, stay away from vibrators because it can cause cramping."

• Bea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 16, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "Had copper coil inserted after the second childbirth. I was aware of the side effects associated with the copper coil, so I went along with cramps and heavy bleeding as they came on every month. As the months progressed, the periods got more and more painful. I experienced excruciating stabbing pains every month, and when the period was due, there was heavy bleeding, bloating, and a sore tummy, IBS, unpleasant vaginal odors, and regular infections when the period was over. It’s unrelenting for some. I suppose it can work well for some women. For me, it was awful, I carried on in the hope it would settle, but after nearly 4 years, I’m going to have it removed. Don’t trivialize it if it’s not working for you."

• Hai...
• July 15, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I first got ParaGard inserted in April 2019 for $40 CDN (32 USD) in Jamaica (I live in Jamaica ATM). I had read before that the insertion was painful, but I did not expect it to be that bad. (I took 600 mg of Advil before the insertion as well). After the insertion (which hurt), I laid curled up in a ball on my boyfriend's lap for a good portion of the night because it hurt too much to move. I went to bed early that night after more Advil. The next day was very painful to move as well. By the third day, the pain was a lot better. After the insertion, I bled a lot and had to wear a pad for 5 days. My period has gotten significantly heavier and longer since the IUD. They now last 8-9 days, however, the cramps are minimal. I make sure to take multivitamins with zinc so I do not get copper toxicity from the IUD. (Zinc reduces copper). Also, multivitamins with iron included are good because you will bleed for longer for 6 months' time."

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 20, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have a 2-year-old and a 4-month-old. I received the ParaGard on Nov 22, 16. The insertion wasn't painful at all. Just a very uncomfortable feeling. When the insertion was finished, the nurse provided a pad to put in my underwear and stated that I will spot for about 2-3 days. But before getting the IUD put in, I had taken 4 200 MG of ibuprofen 1 hour before. 3 days after the insertion, I started my period. The cramps were TERRIBLE. The cramps lasted for about 1 1/2 weeks. I had to continue taking the ibuprofen for that long. The bleeding is not that bad. It's the same amount as it was before. I've had a heavy flow before the IUD and it's still the same. I use the overnight protection pads. Overall, I'll give it a 7."

• van...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I got my copper IUD almost two years ago when I was 20 (no kids), and I am really happy with it. I chose it for effectiveness, price, and non-hormonal. Yes, it increased bleeding and cramps during my period, but it has been manageable. It took some time to get used to because I used to have light periods and rare cramping. I had to start buying plus and super plus-sized tampons and take Ibuprofen for the first few days of my period. But it has been worth it! Within the last year, I've even noticed a decrease. Insertion was a shot of pain during and cramps afterward. I recommend having someone to drive you home! I was able to go to the 6-week check-up myself. If you can handle the period symptoms, I would definitely recommend a copper IUD!"

• Mic...
• February 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I was terrified to get the copper IUD because of all the scary reviews online. There is a history of breast cancer in the family, so I wanted to stay away from hormones, and the fact that periods generally cease with Mirena was not reassuring. I've had the IUD for 8 months now, and each month is better than the last. I generally bleed through the largest absorbency tampon in 3-4 hours for two days, then have ~3 days of 'normal' bleeding. The cramps sometimes impede my daily life, but generally only for a day or two before my period starts. Overall, not having to think about birth control, not feeling it during intercourse, and being protected for 10 years FAR outweighs the cramps and bleeding, in my opinion!"

• ade...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 28, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had the ParaGard IUD inserted Dec 18th, 2015. I followed up to make sure it was inserted properly and would check my strings every month after my cycle. On August 13, 2017, I discovered I was pregnant. When I went to the doctor, not only did I discover I was 6 weeks pregnant, but I also discovered my IUD is still in the proper position and the doctors are unable to remove it because it is right next to the pregnancy. I also have a cyst on my ovaries that's bleeding. To top it all off, I will never be using an IUD again because not only did it not work, but now I have an at-risk pregnancy all because my IUD is still in the right position but failed."

• Mon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 16, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got the copper IUD a month ago, I had no pain and barely any spotting. After 2 days, I had some days of bleeding. I didn't get my period and had 3 negative pregnancy tests. After 2.5 weeks (with no complaints), I experienced the worst pain and started bleeding extremely. I thought my IUD was expelling. I went to the provider 2 days later, and I was told that I was pregnant, the screen showed something in my uterus that looked like a baby. The doctor removed my IUD, and I had to go to radiology for a better ultrasound of the baby to see what is going on, I went straight away. They sent me to the hospital by ambulance because that thing in my womb, that they thought was a baby, might not be a baby after all, and the excessive fluid buildup in my pelvic area was very concerning. Turned out I was okay and that 'baby' in my womb was a side effect of the copper IUD. I am not pregnant, it is the lining of my uterus that formed a sack with blood and huge clots in my uterus. It still has to come out."

• Lch...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 14, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I've had ParaGard for over 14 months now. 26 years old, never been pregnant, but have major mental health issues, which didn't sit well with the pill or Depo. Was excited to get ParaGard because of hormone-free, long-term protection. (My boyfriend and I do not want children.) Insertion was EXTREMELY painful (I have a pretty high pain tolerance) and needed muscle relaxers and naproxen for the next month. Cramps are worse than I have EVER experienced in my life, and bleeding is heavy (and I mean heavy!) and constant. I spot and cramp literally all month long. I am constantly nauseous and exhausted. It's sometimes hard to get out of bed (or wake up) at all. Was fired from my job due to nausea and fatigue affecting the quality of work and being on time in the AM."

• Anonymous
• January 20, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "10 it’s effective, that’s not the issue. I can’t begin to explain the cramping I get a week before my period and then in the beginning of my cycle. I never experienced bad cramps before until having this IUD. It feels like someone is taking my ovaries and twisting them. It makes me lose my breath, and I find myself huddling over the floor. Then when I get my period, it’s the heaviest I have ever had in my 26 years. Having this for a couple of months was the worst thing I could have ever done to my body. Putting the IUD in was the most painful thing, and it made me bleed for days. Needless to say, I wouldn’t recommend this for anyone unless they want to feel unbearable cramps and bleeding for weeks."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I was really nervous to get the ParaGard IUD inserted after reading a bunch of scary reviews online. But I decided to go through with it anyway because I wanted a birth control with no hormones. The insertion was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be, just minimal cramping. I bled lightly for about a week after, and now I feel totally back to normal."

• Frf...
• September 26, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I am 34 years old. I'm actually on my last 6 months of the 10 years you can use it for. I will not recommend this to you if you are not a person that enjoys going to the doctor every 2 months for BV, acne, weight gain, mixed emotions, bad cramps, heavy bleeding, unexpected bleeding. If you are very fertile (go ahead). I am getting it taken out and getting my tubes tied."

• Frf...
• September 26, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I am 34 years old. I'm actually on my last 6 months of the 10 years you can use it for. I will not recommend this to you if you are not a person that enjoys going to the doctor every 2 months for BV, acne, weight gain, mixed emotions, bad cramps, heavy bleeding, unexpected bleeding. If you are very fertile (go ahead). I am getting it taken out and getting my tubes tied."

• Cyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had nothing but constant complications, pain, terrible menstrual cramps, pelvic infections, and yeast infections from this IUD! Why any female would want to put a foreign object up into her uterus that's made of copper is beyond me! If you like pain, infections, heavy bleeding, and then a possible hysterectomy, then go for it!"

• KEM...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 5, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had used so many other birth controls before this one. The Depo shot made me incredibly irritable and gain a lot of weight, Nexplanon made me bleed like crazy, and so did the Skyla. So I chose ParaGard because it was non-hormonal. Ever since, regular periods, no weight gain, no mood change, and happier than ever. Plus it lasts 10 years. I’m so glad I finally found something that works for me. The only thing I noticed was that my cramps were a little worse. Not the intensity necessarily, just the frequency."

• Vio...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 25, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "My experience with ParaGard has been great. I had it inserted about 9 months ago, 6 weeks after giving birth to my first child. I felt no pain whatsoever (my cervix was still soft from giving birth, and I took a prescription-strength ibuprofen an hour before insertion). I had cramps that day and bled heavily for about a week. Since then, my periods have been very heavy, which has been my only negative side effect. I never used to need more than regular tampons, but now I use pads because I bleed through super tampons so quickly. I have cramps for the first couple of days of my period, but they aren't very painful (actually less painful than they were before I had it inserted - one of the benefits of having a baby). I never feel any pain or discomfort during sex, and my partner never complains about being able to feel the string. Don't let all of the negative reviews scare you. If you do your research and know what to expect, it can be a really great option."

• Juj...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 23, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I've had ParaGard 3 times after having babies, and all 3 times I had the same side effects: horrible bleeding for 3 weeks after it was put in place and cramps. It caused me severe anxiety, depression, hair loss, weight gain, rage, and brain fogginess. When I had it removed the 2nd time to try to get pregnant, I wasn't able to get pregnant for 5 months, and this is abnormal for me. Every month, I got a positive pregnancy test, and then within a couple of days, it was gone. For some reason, they were not implanting correctly, and this was due to ParaGard. Copper increases estrogens and does impact your hormones."

• not...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 22, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had a great experience with ParaGard until I didn’t. It was a good contraceptive for four years, but suddenly I started bleeding a lot. Something had caused my ParaGard to yank out of position. Yes, probably sex. I had the device removed two days later only to find that a piece had embedded in my uterus upon removal. After an ultrasound, we actually found the piece had broken in two and were now located in two different places in my uterine wall. This resulted in an expensive hysteroscopy to “scrape” these pieces out of me, as my doctor so lovingly put it. This, quite honestly, has scarred and scared me from ANY IUD. They said it was likely the IUD actually embedded upon insertion over four years ago."

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

Copper topical 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!!"

• Jen...
• May 23, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I've had ParaGard since March of 2015 (it's now May 2016) and am looking to have it removed. Pros: It's hormone-free (huge plus if you're a breastfeeding mom and don't want your milk supply to decrease). And the insertion process wasn't so bad. Some cramping afterward and bleeding for quite a few days after. Cons: I constantly have discharge and have to wear pantiliners on a regular basis. And I'm not talking light discharge. It's thick, gooey, and mucousy. I have gone to two different OBGYNs regarding this (to make sure I didn't have an infection) and both said it's a normal side effect. It seriously grosses me out and this is the main reason I am getting it taken out. My periods are also heavy and last 7-10 days. It's awful! Time for a new BC."