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

• Nan...
• December 7, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I did a review a month ago about the insertion. This review is just an update on how the Cooper IUD ParaGard is working for me for my first month. Every girl concern: sex is great, he doesn't feel it, I don't feel it or get any discomfort during intercourse. Menstrual: for my surprise, my period is the same, is not heavier, I don't have abnormal cramps, just the usual ones for the first or second day. Days are the same for me. Overall, every person and every body reacts differently, but to have your own experience, you just have to try it. For me, it has been the best BC I have used. Don't just judge the IUD based on what you read, and give it a try. Ten years of no worries is worth it."

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

Copper topical for Birth Control "To have it inserted wasn't really bad. I was impressed it's for 10 years and is not hormonal. I had some cramps, some bad ones, and my period is definitely much heavier and lasts 10 days. It didn't change after the first 6 months, but I started bleeding between my periods. And having pain only on the left side. I am dealing with acne now and had horrible migraines nearly every day. I went to the doctor. They said I'm fine. I am feeling very tired. I can't sleep properly and I don't have energy. I also have chest pain, and again the doctor said I am fine. I used to enjoy sex, but now I'm never in the mood-never! For so long. After reading other women's reviews, I related to their symptoms and can't believe the doctors don't tell you about all these side effects. I can't wait to have it removed and don't want to hear about it again! I would not recommend it to any woman. It's sad that we have to go through all this. I'm going to try the fertility awareness method. Take care! Lots of love to all women!"

• Nat...
• January 23, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had ParaGard for 9 weeks. Insertion was the most painful experience of my life. I was in bed with severe cramping and back pain for the next 3 days after insertion. I took Tylenol and Ibuprofen for pain, but it didn’t touch it. My periods lasted 2 weeks and an additional week of spotting. The entire 9 weeks, I was bloated and constipated. I gained 7 lb during that time. I am very athletic, who exercises 5-7 times a week (yoga, pole fitness, Pilates, and gym). I am also vegetarian and keep the same diet pattern and the same weight for over 18 years. So I don’t want to hear that I gained weight because of overeating. As a matter of fact, my portions were smaller than usual because I was bloated most of the time. I started having migraine headaches 4 weeks after insertion that gradually increased to an everyday thing. I started to have heart palpitations and anxiety. I DON’T RECOMMEND ANYONE ParaGard. No one tells you about these side effects."

• KRa...
• June 9, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I love my ParaGard! I’ve had it for a month. Insertion was uncomfortable, but nothing you can’t handle. Some cramps the first week, and a slightly longer, heavier period, but again nothing not manageable. I love how I can’t feel it and how it is hormone-free. No adverse side effects, and the best part is how I still ovulate and keep a healthy cycle. I’ve been on the pill and Mirena before and had emotional PMS and also terrible acne. None of that with ParaGard so far, and I often react quickly to things. Don’t fear all the negative reviews. Usually, people who are most angry write the most reviews. Most people get it, enjoy it, and move on with their lives without writing a review. I feel healthy and positive and love owning my own birth control in a positive and non-hormonal way! No one method is perfect, but for me, it’s a great fit based on what’s available."

• Lin...
• May 30, 2014

For Birth Control "I am happy overall with the Paragard (copper) IUD. I like that it's hormone-free birth control. After I had my kids and aged a little, the hormones made my hair fall out. It wasn't pleasant being inserted, but it wasn't the worst either. The first month, I spotted regularly, but when I got my period, it stopped. It took about 5 months for my body to completely adjust (those first 5 months I was having 10-14 day periods), but it started every 28 days to the hour. Now, my periods last 5-7 days (longer than when I was on hormonal birth control), and my cycle is still 28 days. Also, my periods have become slightly heavier, but I never have to use anything more than a light flow tampon. Cramping hasn't been an issue."

• Wor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 5, 2020

Copper topical 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."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 26, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "Cannot wait to get this out of me. I have had horrible insomnia, fatigued and tired all the time, feel weak, headaches, sometimes get nauseous for no reason, I have HORRIBLE cramps, menstruating or not, I've had the WORST anxiety and depression issues, awful thoughts that worsen it, no libido whatsoever, hair is constantly tangly and dry, and I get these weird painful, rashy bumps on my face that stick around FOR EVER. I just don't feel like ME anymore and it all started after I got this IUD in Feb 2018. DON'T risk this."

• I t...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 30, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I used ParaGard for 9 months. In those 9 months, I had my first UTI, developed BV, bled for three weeks out of the month, and had horrible, horrible, horrible cramps. My body was so thrown out of whack. I really wanted this to work because, one, I didn’t have to take the pill every day and, two, no hormones. I waited out the 6 months they say it takes for your body to get used to it. I had cramps every day, on my period or not. My periods were so heavy I couldn’t leave the house at times. I kept telling myself it’ll get better, or maybe if I exercise more and eat better, then it’ll be better. Nope. It never got better. Finally, I had it taken out, and I have felt so much better. No more shooting pains of cramps that bring me to the floor wondering what I’m doing wrong. Yeah, this thing works as a birth control...cuz you never feel up to sex or won’t stop bleeding. I understand it’s different for everyone. For me, it was a horrible experience."

• LZk...
• October 27, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I was on the pill for years. They made me emotional, killed my sex drive completely, and dried me out, so sex was incredibly painful. I finally gave up on it and relied on condoms, but I wanted something more reliable. Plus, condoms are kind of a killjoy and, well, just aren't the same. The only thing left was ParaGard. Yes, like many others, my periods started out horrendous, but eventually evened out over a year. Cramps, expect to take some ibuprofen and then maybe some acetaminophen. But again, they lessened with time. For me, it was totally worth it. I have an amazing sexual relationship with my husband. Totally worth all the cramps and heavier periods. For me, I felt like it gave me my life back."

• Cel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 20, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had it for 9 years. Insertion left me in the worst pain I’ve ever felt for a few days. Bloating continued for months after. I became prone to infections and had many throughout the years. I started seeing vitamin deficiencies along with being significantly weaker, fatter, and had more pains. I started having premature greying, cystic acne, and ovarian pain. Year 9 it worsened. I also had fibromyalgia, diarrhea, low back pain, and trouble staying asleep. The doctor did verify an ovarian cyst but still didn’t suspect the IUD. A friend did. I got it out, rebalanced vitamin deficiencies, and cut dairy. It has been 8 months post-removal and orgasming is easier, there’s no pain during sex anymore, period blood doesn’t smell, taste isn’t off, bowels and sleep are normal. No more ovarian cyst. I still have some issues, but they are improving. I would have never done this to myself if I had known how it does affect hormones and health significantly."

• ati...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 25, 2021

Copper topical for Birth Control "I picked the copper IUD because I know way too much about the negative side effects of hormonal birth control. Insertion was painful, and the first 6 months, my cramps sucked, and periods were super heavy. Things finally started to regulate, and I was happy, until this month when my period was 2 days late. I took a pregnancy test, and it was POSITIVE. I have only had my IUD for 1.5 years, and I have had it checked multiple times. When I had it removed, it was intact and in its correct position. I am so sad and so frustrated. Never thought this would happen to me, but I guess I’m part of that “1%.”"

• Sea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 28, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had the copper IUD for 9 months. Overall, it's a good form of birth control. However, I got it removed because I think it led to horrible periods, not only more blood but also longer periods, up to 10 days, PMS depression, and hormone-related conditions. My hair also started falling out after 7 months, maybe due to anemia caused by blood loss. I think it's not wise to leave it in too long."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got the ParaGard in March 2020. I was in pain for a good 3 days. The cramps were horrible, and I was on my period for a week. It did work for birth control, though. That’s the only positive thing I can say. After my period seemed to end after a week, I was spotting for the longest time, then I started my period again. I seriously was on my period or spotting forever. I got my period twice in May. Now it’s been almost 3 months, and I couldn’t take it anymore, so I got it removed. I would not recommend at all."

• juj...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 17, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I recommend ParaGard 200%! I am sharing my experience everywhere I can because after my second child, when researching getting ParaGard online, all I saw were negative reviews (because typically, people don't go online to post the good, they post the bad). I got my ParaGard IUD inserted 7 weeks postpartum from my second vaginal birth. I was so afraid of having it placed and thinking it may hurt, but I was so surprised I did not feel a dang thing! My doc said it is a side effect of having a baby, your cervix is a bit numb for some time. I had very minimal cramping and some bleeding for a week, then did not even notice it was there. My first period was crampy and heavy, but all were normal after that. Heavier, but normal."

• Cat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 28, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had mine for 5 years now. I do have heavier periods and cramping, but mine were light in the first place, so now they're average. I check my strings once a month on my period. I know that if there's ever a problem, my body will let me know. When I initially had it placed, the first one didn't sit right, needed to be removed and replaced after a month. Since then, I have had no problems. I could tell that first month that something was off. I was cramping, dizzy, spotting. What I should have done was call my gyn and tell her right away. There should be no pain, even right after. Once it's in and your cervix gets over its little shock, you shouldn't be aware of it. I have not had children, I have a small uterus. I haven't had to worry about pregnancy for 5 years now. I'm in a monogamous relationship, and it lets me feel protected. I'm not looking forward to getting it removed 5 years from now, but it's not something I'm going to worry about. If you have questions, call your doctor."

• PHR...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 2, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I used to never have cramps or PMS, but after receiving the ParaGard IUD, I began to have major PMS, to such a ridiculous extent that I had to plan social events around that week. The cramps have been even worse. I find myself doubled over in pain, even at work. I did my research and picked this IUD because it was NON-hormonal, and yet I’ve never felt so miserably hormonal in all my life. I’ve been dealing with it for two years because my insurance company won’t cover the removal."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I wanted to write an experience because I looked at multiple reviews right after I got ParaGard inserted, and it freaked me out. The insertion is very painful (I have never had a child before), so that pain was terrible. The first 2 weeks, I had really bad cramps, and my period was SO HEAVY. After my period ended, the cramping went away, no side effects, I hardly know it’s there. It’s way better than having multiple side effects from the pill, and I have had no spotting in between periods, which is common in hormonal IUDs. I had the Liletta for almost 2 years and spotted the whole time. I would recommend it for those who hate side effects from hormones. The cramping sucks at first, but it goes away! Every body is different, so trust your instincts, and if you think you’ll be happy with the ParaGard, I would try it out!"

• Bre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 23, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got the ParaGard placed in after I had my first child. It was a tiny bit of cramps when it was placed in, but nothing too painful. I had the ParaGard for 3 years, the only issue was heavy periods and painful cramps. That was only during the days I was getting my period. Other than that, I did not have any other symptoms, it’s like it was never there. Everybody is different, the pill I used to take gave me tons of side effects. I’m glad I chose the ParaGard because I didn’t have to deal with all the side effects I got from taking the pill form of BC. Also, I didn’t get pregnant from it, which is why I wanted to be on birth control in the first place. I got my ParaGard taken out because I’m trying to have another baby. Once that happens, I will be going back to the ParaGard."

• Dam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I switched from the Nexplanon to the ParaGard, and let me tell you how much of a life saver that was! I was ALWAYS moody, hungry, breaking out, and my libido was in the negatives. So I decided to toughen up and get the IUD inserted. It wasn't pleasant since I hadn't had kids and did not take any painkillers, but it was completely worth it! A day of extreme cramps in exchange for 12 years of no hormones and preventing pregnancy? Hell yeah! I can feel like myself physically and sexually again, which was impossible to come by on any hormonal birth control. I highly recommend the ParaGard."

• Col...
• December 17, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "At first, I was really skeptical because there are a lot of bad reviews, but I decided to still try it out anyway. I have never written a review on anything in my life, but I love this IUD so much I thought my review might help some people! Getting it inserted did cause some pain, it was about two big cramps and then it was in! The next two days, I cramped very lightly, just like I would for a period, and Advil took the cramping away! My first period with the IUD was a bit harsh, medicine and a heating pad helped though, and I still went about my normal daily activities. My second period was about the same. All of the periods following that were completely back to normal, everything was exactly how it was before I got the IUD. I have had absolutely no physical changes, and I completely forget I have it. I love that it doesn't contain the hormones to change my body and that I never even notice it is there."

• Bla...
• June 23, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "So I tried it 2x. 1st after my 2nd child. I gained lots of weight, got acne, cramps, and bleeding heavily. Finally, it fell out about 2 years later. My doc said my body rejected it. I feel like they have false ads saying it has little side effects. Gave it the benefit of the doubt, tried it a 2nd time since my birth control pills were no longer covered by my insurance. Huge mistake. Same thing all over: horrible acne, gained 40 lbs in 1 yr. Nothing helps me lose weight. I was going through tampons & an extra heavy flow pad within 1 hr. Kept bleeding through my clothes, not to mention 10-day periods. My life was on hold, had to miss work because I was bleeding so much. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore, got it taken out after 1 year. My skin is so clear, never break out anymore, not even before periods. My periods are back to 3 days and light. Lost 7 lbs in 1 month so far! Never again! False ads, lots of side effects. Obviously, I’m not the only one by reading some of the reviews. Wish I would have read on it sooner!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 21, 2012

For Birth Control "I was very scared to get this inserted, but knew this was my only option because it had no hormones in it. My doctor was very patient and didn't rush anything, she got it in, and I didn't feel any pain or discomfort during the process. After it was complete, I did have some cramping in my abdomen and got the dizzy spells. Ibuprofen took care of the cramping, and as for the dizzy spells, that lasted about 4-5 hours. The next day, I had some mild cramping again, but the ibuprofen took care of that again, and I didn't get dizzy. I am going on my 2nd week, and the only thing that I have experienced is spotting and some gooey discharge every now and then (I don't know if this is normal, but I got to check into this). Other than this, I am satisfied so far."

• 007...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 5, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I took hormonal birth control for about 7 years, and then after switching off (due to irregular periods and being on it for so long), I noticed a decrease in stress, and I lost 9 pounds. This led me to wanting to avoid taking hormonal birth control again, so I looked into ParaGard. The insertion was painful but not terrible, and it took about a week for me to feel completely back to normal again. Now my periods are fairly consistent and really heavy, with a lot of cramping, but on the bright side, I don’t have to take a pill every day, there are no excess hormones going into me, and I’m baby-free. Woot."

• MCa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 3, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got the ParaGard IUD inserted in 11/2019. I am scheduled to get it removed next month. It has been a horrible experience. I experience heavy cramps and bleeding. The excessive bleeding led to anemia. I want to warn people, if you experience heavy bleeding and lethargy after getting the ParaGard inserted, please get tested for anemia - iron storage levels. It has impacted my entire life from having to take days off of work and being less energetic in general. Not to mention the heavy, long-lasting periods and horrible cramps that put me on bed rest for 5 days every month. It was not worth it for me, and ParaGard needs to warn patients about these side effects more often."

• Kar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 6, 2021

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had the IUD for almost 10 months now, and I am debating getting it taken out. I was prepared for more cramping and heavier periods (those are common side effects), but I wasn’t prepared for sharp cramping almost all the time. Before the IUD, I had a very predictable cycle every 35ish days and got cramps the first day or two of my period. Now I feel like I get a period randomly every 2-3 weeks, and there is no way to track when I will be bleeding/cramping or not. I feel in almost constant pain. Then I’ve also felt much more anxious, depressed, and irritable and have gained significant weight. There may be no way to know whether these symptoms are actually caused by the IUD or other things going on in my life, but they seem to have appeared right after insertion and are similar to other reviews. It’s hard to decide whether to get it removed because if I get it out, I have to try another option, which may have similar side effects anyway. Bleh :/"