Copper topical and Bloating: What Users Say (Page 2)

• nwl...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 24, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had ParaGard placed over 2 years ago after constantly experiencing negative side effects from all other forms of birth control. Insertion was awful. Awful. It felt like I was in labor all over again and missed a day and a half of work because of how severe the cramps were. The side effects I noticed right away were very heavy periods and very painful cramps. Then, within a year, I noticed I had become very restless, moody, low energy, and constantly bloated. Thinning hair, tired, some weight gain, and unable to sleep. I just had my ParaGard removed over a week ago and already notice a huge, positive difference in my body and mind! I didn't hate ParaGard, but definitely won't get it again."

• Kir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I'm 22, no kids, but after 5 years on the pill, I was ready for a worry-free change. Insertion wasn't fun, but very bearable. Planned Parenthood gave me ibuprofen before, too. The first month, you are going to want to rip it out yourself. I had mind-blowing, sweat-inducing cramps throughout the day and a 6-month pregnant-looking bloat I couldn't get rid of. Sexy. Lol. I thought I had made a huge mistake. Then, miraculously, my period came with NO PAIN. I bled A LOT, I'm talking 4-5 super tampons daily for the first 2-3 days, but literally painless bleeding. Even on or off the pill, I had always cramped. Now that my first period is over, it's easy breezy. Don't even know it's there. No bloat or pain. Just wait 6 weeks after insertion, and everything will be great."

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I literally just got this put in 15 minutes ago! I wanted to report because I’ve spent this whole week stressing about the insertion. Turns out it didn’t hurt much at all! I’m experiencing a little cramping and bloating now, but I was expecting a lot worse considering the other comments. I’m 22, never had kids, and am trying to get off the pill (currently still taking). I’ll comment at a later date, but the insertion was nothing, especially for someone who is a chronic worrier like me. Good luck."

• 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."

• Cra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "It's been 2 months. Honestly, the first month/2 months I had random terrible cramps that would last approximately 2 minutes (more like contractions than menstrual), they'd come out of nowhere and happen daily. I'd sweat and grip my fists. Also, I was bloated and just mildly cramp (like the day before your period) the whole time. Not attractive. Anyways, funny enough, after a few days of spotting this week, my actual period has started and is 100% PAINLESS. I'm serious. Crazy. No bloating or pain. If you can get past the first uncomfortable month or two, things will be great. Btw, no pregnancy or uncomfortable sex for either partner. I don't feel it, he doesn't either."

• Cor...
• November 27, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "POSITIVE PARA-GARD EXPERIENCE! - 29 yrs old, no kids, periods always regular, retroverted uterus. Insertion-uncomfortable but lasted 10 min, breathe and take your Motrin. Cramps after insertion, bloating, went away after a couple of days. Next weeks had minor drop of blood, spotting here and there. Had a significant spot of blood 5 days before period was due... it was enough to have to clean up, but then stopped completely. Got my period 3 days early, had cramps that morning, took Motrin, that was it for cramps. Period was HEAVY-1 light, 2 filling up Diva cup quickly (overflowed one night I'd wear pads until confident), 1 light, 1 spotting-Total 5 days. Husband can't feel it or hasn't mentioned it. All in all... best decision ever! Good luck, ladies!"

• Cra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had an AWESOME experience with my ParaGard and wanted to share it since people tend to only post negative reviews online. I got my ParaGard about a month ago. There definitely was pain/cramping at the time of insertion, but it wasn't really horrible; it felt like really, really bad period cramps for a few minutes, and then it subsided. I had pretty bad bloating/gas/cramps for the first week and a half, and then it subsided. I'm at the end of my first period with it at the moment. My periods are usually ~5 days long, and with the ParaGard it has been about 7 days. Cramps are definitely a bit more painful, but nothing Advil can't take care of! I love love LOVE my ParaGard and definitely recommend it!"

• don...
• March 1, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "DON'T DO IT! I had ParaGard for a full year and thought about/researched IUDs for a few months before getting it. Yes, it's nice not having to take a pill every day or worry about getting pregnant, but the negative side effects FAR outweighed any benefits. I'm only fully functional half the time since having this IUD. At least two weeks each month, I experience emotional mood swings, anxiety, fear, and cramping that makes me double over in pain. Then I get my period, where I am bedridden and depressed for 3-4 days. I feel terrible - cramping, bloating, lots of pain. I usually feel so bad that I don't eat properly, shower, or take care of myself. Also, the strings do not soften. My boyfriend gets poked by them, which is painful for him, and it has made our sex life very stressful, uneventful, and infrequent - SPECIFICALLY because of this device. I would NEVER EVER recommend it to anyone. I cannot wait to have it removed and feel like myself again."

• 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."

• May...
• March 22, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have been using ParaGard for almost 3 years now. So far, so good. But since I got it inserted, I don't have a regular period. Just spotting here and there. I don't even need to use a pad. I'm worried because most women have complained about heavy periods, but mine is totally opposite. I am having thyroid problems also. I wonder if it's because of the IUD. The doctor said it's okay not to have a period, but my belly is so bloated and looks like I'm 8 months pregnant."

• Mam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 7, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "So I am giving the ParaGard a 5. I had my first child almost 3 years ago. I got the IUD put in 3 months after delivery. It did not hurt that bad to insert, just a lot of pressure and mild cramping after. The reason I chose this IUD was because I had tried several birth control pills in the past and always had issues with hormones. Overall, it served its purpose, but I did have side effects. I just felt tired all the time, anxiety, bloated, and some more severe period symptoms in the beginning. I also started having a lot of chronic back and neck pain and just felt pretty crappy all the time, not healthy. I decided to take it out this past week after having it almost 3 years. I already feel better, more energy, less bloat, and it's crazy, but my back pain is gone!!"

• Mic...
• September 2, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "People are saying that the pain is not so bad, but each body reacts differently - so please withhold the negative commentary. I have had numerous sports injuries (currently recovering from a torn calcaneofibular ligament in my ankle from soccer), and nothing compares to the cramp pain that I am continually experiencing. Since insertion, and this is now going on over a month, I have had cramps. This pain is with and without a period, and it is non-stop. I had my IUD checked because of the pain and bloat, but these symptoms can last up to six months. I take 600 mg of ibuprofen 2x/day and put a heat pad on at night when cramps seem to peak in intensity. I'm giving it one more month, and if it does not improve, I will have it removed."

• Pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I think it's great, got the smallest one, T360, I think. Hurt a lot getting it in but didn't last long! Cramps all night, could not sleep from pain! Next day much better, then nothing. Can't tell it's there! Except stomach bloated lots! For about a week, then went to normal. Felt a bit run down as well and a lot of discharge! And felt down, depressed! But after 2 weeks, fantastic! PMS symptoms before period but no spotting, yay, normally get a lot of acne on chin! Period normal, definitely recommend."

• Mia...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 12, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "Hormonal birth control wreaks havoc on my body. I had the ParaGard inserted in March 2018. Insertion was extremely painful, and I continued having cramps the rest of the day. My first period and the next 5-6 months were excruciating. Even though I’m in my mid-30s, I’ve never had cramps. Before ParaGard, my period was typically 3-4 days. With the ParaGard, my period was painful, with a pain radiating from my uterus down to my toe. I used several tampons and would bleed through pads with wings, ruining clothes and sheets. I had it removed about 10 days ago, and since then I’ve lost weight, I’m less irritable, have decreased anxiety, feel less bloated, and have more energy. My only issue now is that I get a headache every day around 2 pm."

• Sar...
• August 29, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I chose ParaGard based on recommendations from friends and OB, all whom love it. It's been 6 months, and I just made an appointment for removal. A year postpartum, the insertion wasn't bad, 4/10, I didn't have much bleeding. Cramping was 7/10 but only lasted a day. During the next few months, I started to feel unlike myself-melancholy, almost depressed, anxious, moody, short-fused. It started month 2 or 3 and has gotten worse. My lower back began to hurt as well. I kept being told that it's probably a culmination of having three kids under 5, working full time, etc., but my gut has been telling me otherwise. I've gained 10 lbs in the last two months, although my eating and exercise have not changed. I'm constantly bloated, and although the IUD is not uncomfortable, I know it's there, and it feels present. Ultimately, it's not for me. I would have had it removed a few months ago, but kept listening to others tell me it MUST be something else. Trust YOUR body."

• Sic...
• April 11, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I did not get pregnant, so the ParaGard was effective. However, I did suffer many side effects: hair loss, bloating, even when I didn't eat, heart palpitations, intense anxieties and depression, migraines, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, all the time, thirsty (dry mouth), yeast infections, pain during sex (my man would get poked or scratched by it), spotting either randomly or after sex, super super light periods, joint pains (sciatica, my neck, wrists, and knees), red dots on my face, which were never there before placement of IUD, loss of appetite, vagina smells like copper (pennies), I lost my sense of taste, loss of interest in sex, literally. I couldn't feel anything down there. It was like my clitoris nerve was murdered. I was never wanting to have sex, so I would never initiate it. I would get annoyed or stressed when boyfriend wanted to have sex. Copper toxicity is real!"

• Lov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I literally just had ParaGard placed 3 days ago, and given the fact that pelvic exams alone are excruciatingly painful, getting this IUD inserted was even worse. I was given extra numbing injections and still an 11 out of 10 for pain. Day three and I'm still taking 800 mg of Advil and 400 mg of Tylenol every 4 hours, and that is only taking the edge off. I am cramping something fierce, and my bloating is severe. I am not even on my period, and after reading more reviews, I don't even want to know what my already debilitating period will be like while having this device in me. I have already scheduled to have it removed within the week."

• Mir...
• October 15, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "The cramps that I have during my periods, I can’t even describe to you how bad they are. Like shooting, sharp, feels like my uterus and vaginal canal are being cut open with a knife, bringing me to my knees, screaming out in pain, almost passing out kind of pain. If this is what labor is like, I’m never having kids. Literally, if I don’t take 800 mg of ibuprofen as soon as I start to feel that first cramp, I am done for! It makes it really hard to work, go to school, even sleep. My periods are only 4-5 days long though, and I only have 1-2 really heavy days. I’m glad I’m off hormones, and I just hope my cycles get less painful. Also, the bloating. Holy moly. I look 30 weeks pregnant when I’m on my period and for a week or 2 after. BUT other than dealing with these normal symptoms of being a woman (after being on the pill for so long I forgot that a normal natural cycle can be like this), I love this thing."

• sho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have never had children. Prior to the ParaGard, I had the Skyla IUD, which did not work for me. I have had the ParaGard for two months and am enjoying it! I make sure to take my multivitamins with iron to prevent anemia. My periods were slightly heavier, which were totally manageable with the help of OB tampons. I had heavy bleeding for 4 days and 2 days of barely existent bleeding (I had 10 days of bleeding with the Skyla, and 5-6 days is the normal duration of my period). I have not had any pain with this IUD other than right after the insertion. I love not feeling hormonal changes. I also did not feel breast tenderness prior to my period (? not sure if it's related). It's a good decision, I think! I also have not gained any weight and actually lost 2 lbs. No bloating either!"

• Qui...
• September 24, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I am 24 years old, never had kids, and I'm also type one diabetic, so I try to stay away from added hormones in my body. I have been told about ParaGard since I was 18, finally decided to give it a try. A few days ago, I had my implantation of the IUD. My gyno let me listen to some music, took an ibuprofen an hour beforehand. It wasn't horrible pain, but it was pretty intense, but nothing that wasn't manageable. During the procedure, I took very deep breaths and put pressure on my abdomen, the pain lasted 2-3 minutes. I listened to my favorite song and kept taking my deep breaths. As soon as it was over, the pain stopped. I've had slight cramps and spotting. I also have been bloated, and I think it's due to the IUD."

• Emm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2021

Copper topical for Birth Control "PLEASE READ THIS!!!! I decided to get the ParaGard IUD as a 19-year-old, never having a child. I rejected this copper IUD after having it for only 3 months. The insertion was bearable, and I was having heavy cramps 3 days after. I was back to normal, but then when I’d have intercourse, I’d bleed every time. It made sex painful, and I’d get extremely bloated. I was bloated all the time. So I went to my doc, and he said that the IUD was literally poking out of my cervix. I had it removed right then and there. ONE IN EIGHT WOMEN REJECT THIS IUD. 1 in 8!!!!! Please choose wisely. After doing some research, I’m going to get the Kyleena IUD in a month or so."

• Amy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had ParaGard for 2 weeks and I'm getting it removed. I don't like how it makes me feel, always bloated, breaking out like crazy on my face, back, and legs. Now I'm feeling like I can only eat, migraine headaches, always feeling that I'm on my period, all of a sudden feeling sad, cramps, lower back pain, and all of a sudden feeling sick. I don't want to discourage anyone, but that's my experience. Can't wait to get it removed."

• Per...
• June 4, 2019

Copper topical 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."

• Per...
• June 4, 2019

Copper topical 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."