Copper topical and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 9, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had the Paragard for 3.5 years. It's great for women who want/need hormone-free birth control. It is pretty expensive if your insurance doesn't cover it, so I'm sure that's a major factor for a lot of women. If I didn't want to be hormone-free, I think the Mirena would be better for me. Insertion was painful...don't make any plans the rest of the day and have someone nearby to whine to and do stuff for you. And ibuprofen is necessary when I'm cramping from my period/ovulation. But it's worth it for me, and I'd recommend it."

• Anonymous
• February 28, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard for 2 weeks now. I am concerned about the spotting I'm having and the sporadic cramps. I'm doing research to see if this is normal. By reading the comments, it seems to be really normal, but I don't think I like it. I'm going to give it a few more months and see what happens."

• Ns4...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 4, 2021

Copper topical for Birth Control "2 years in, started ruining my life, lost my job because I couldn't get out of bed, developed high blood pressure, sleep apnea, endometriosis, fibroids, severe depression and suicidal ideation, weight gain, IBS, severe bloating, 2 weeks of bleeding and clotting, then 2 weeks of cramps and spotting, migraines, food intolerances. I could go on. Good luck trying to have it removed once it's in, it will take you months or you will have to find another way. The doctors swear the symptoms aren't from the IUD, but I have thousands of other girls that say differently."

• Mam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 9, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got the ParaGard a couple of months after the birth of my second child. It was obviously a little painful to have it inserted, but nothing that lasted more than a minute or two. I had some mild cramping, but it subsided after a couple of days. The first month I had it, I noticed a thousand different ‘side effects.’ I did WAY too much research and was trying to link everything to the IUD. I decided to wait it out, and once I stopped thinking so much about it, I noticed it was all in my head. It’s been over a year since I’ve had it. My periods are always on schedule, and I don’t cramp at all, but I will admit they are much heavier and longer. I have zero problems with weight gain and actually lost about 10 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight. It does its job, and I love not having to worry about whether I took my birth control or not. Overall, I would definitely recommend it."

• New...
• October 10, 2014

For Birth Control "Just got mine yesterday, and I wasn't prepared for how painful it would be. I got it because I have chronic migraines worsened by hormones, but don't trust condoms alone. I never had kids, and it was so painful I threw up about four times over the day. Today was much, much better, still some cramping with high activity, and I took it easy all day. Guess I will wait for the period to give full judgment."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I recently got ParaGard inserted, the insertion wasn’t too bad. It was instant cramps, though, and they increased as that day went on, so much so I took about 2 ibuprofen 800s and laid around with my heating pad. My period was due around the time, so I cramped up until it came about 4 days later. I normally cramp, so it was nothing out of the ordinary or that ibuprofen couldn’t handle. The bleeding, however, whereas my period is normally 4/5 days, I am now on day 6 and over it. Came to see how long periods normally last after insertion because really I’m over it, lol. I am not cramping at all anymore and can’t even tell it’s there. So far, so good."

• EGa...
• August 8, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have been struggling for years with the negative side effects of other birth control methods. I have experienced nothing of the sort with the copper IUD. Having not had children yet, the insertion was very painful, it took three attempts for it to be properly inserted (this perhaps could be the fault of the inserter). However, I had only very light cramping after the insertion. I should say that previously to the copper IUD, I rarely experienced period cramps, so this was my biggest side effect fear. I am happy to say that after the first three months of periods, my cramping subsided and I have not had much cramping for my last two periods. The first three months were extreme pain, the cramps could be felt not only in my uterus but down my legs. Six months out, my period is almost painless, although heavier than it used to be, nothing unmanageable and not any longer. Don't let these reviews scare you, every body is different."

• Mer...
• October 17, 2013

For Birth Control "I did not get pregnant. But I can no longer work out, as even simple mat work gives me horrible cramps. I also have 2-week periods now and bleed the week I ovulate. My NP says everything looks fine, no infections or problems, but I'm getting it removed. It's been 6 months and hasn't gotten any better. My periods have only gotten longer."

• And...
• April 3, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I am a strong woman, I take care of myself, my body, and my mind. I eat healthy, I exercise. I am healthy. I have a daughter. I’m not on any medication. When they put the ParaGard in, it wasn’t extremely unpleasant, some pressure and a bit more like a strange sensation when they measured the uterus. No pain. Alright, after that insertion, which lasted less than 5 minutes, I was up getting dressed. The first couple of days, I felt a little discomfort, like cramps, but not strong enough to take ibuprofen. I had some spotting, but minimum for two or three days. Then after that, I felt nothing. My period started normal, and to my surprise, it was like before ParaGard, lasting 5 to 7 days. I’m normally spotting first, then heavy for one or two days, and then spotting until clean. Moderate pain on the heavy days that ibuprofen helps me feel better, like usual. No extra pain. After that, all normal, and now is my second month in it, and my period was normal again. So I’m happy with ParaGard. ❤️"

• ALR...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 28, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I decided to choose ParaGard because I haven't done well in the past on hormones. I tend to be very sensitive to hormones and feel sick, gain weight, and become very emotional. I decided to try ParaGard, and so far have loved it. Yes, you have cramps and slightly longer periods, but you get your period almost to the hour every month. I have always had heavier/worse cramps than most people I know, so this has been nothing for me (at least nothing some Advil or a little wine can't fix!) It was a little painful being put in, BUT it's effective right away and lasts for 10 years!! I have had this for almost a full year now and will definitely be keeping it until I decide to have children."

• ALR...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 28, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I decided to choose ParaGard because I haven't done well in the past on hormones. I tend to be very sensitive to hormones and feel sick, gain weight, and become very emotional. I decided to try ParaGard, and so far have loved it. Yes, you have cramps and slightly longer periods, but you get your period almost to the hour every month. I have always had heavier/worse cramps than most people I know, so this has been nothing for me (at least nothing some Advil or a little wine can't fix!) It was a little painful being put in, BUT it's effective right away and lasts for 10 years!! I have had this for almost a full year now and will definitely be keeping it until I decide to have children."

• LKa...
• January 15, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "Was looking for new birth control, as having been on the pill for over a decade was taking its toll. My weight and blood pressure were up, so I needed something new. Went off of the pill for about 6 months to determine what to do and ultimately went with the ParaGard. Never been pregnant, got the ParaGard inserted a bit before my 30th birthday. Insertion was awful, hence deducting one star. The 24 hours following insertion were also terrible - constant pain, and I was really worried it wouldn't work out. But after another day, the pain subsided. Not gonna lie - periods are a lot heavier and longer, so I deducted another star, but my pre-ParaGard periods were very short (2-3 days) and light, so now I suppose it's like having a regular period. Cramps are the same - no better, no worse. Libido is up, up, up! Husband has no issue and has never felt the strings or anything."

• Pac...
• October 20, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had my ParaGard in for the full 10 years with little to no issues. Menstrual cramps were slightly more intense, but periods were pretty short. Insertion was easy, just a quick pinch/cramp and done. Removal was even easier and painless. I had mine taken out during my period a couple of days ago. Period seems slightly heavier, but no other side effects."

• ore...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I wanted to share my experience after reading negative reviews for the ParaGard. As others have said, I chose the ParaGard because it is a hormone-free birth control, and after taking the pill for many years with negative side effects, it finally seemed like a better alternative. I was very nervous going into my appointment after reading mixed reviews and hearing how painful it is for some. I almost told the doctor during the beginning of the procedure to stop because I was so scared. Then, with a slight sting, the entire procedure was over, and it barely hurt. In all, it was over within 5 minutes, and placing the actual ParaGard is only 2 of those 5 minutes. I was so relieved and kicked myself for getting so worked up. I've had it for 2 weeks now. The day after having it placed, I did have some uncomfortable cramps, but they were manageable. I spotted for 1 week, and now all of the side effects seem to be done."

• Man...
• May 5, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "Got my ParaGard a little over a month ago. Insertion lasted less than 30 seconds. It was mostly uncomfortable, not painful, instant cramps. Bearable with Advil. Spotted and had cramps for a month afterward, again bearable with Advil (and yes, I had sex, spotting wasn't heavy at all, I'm talking like the lightest panty liner ever). First period was light and short. It was actually better than my regular period. No more spotting and cramps after first period. Second period, NO CRAMPS, even lighter, even shorter. I forget I have it. Not pregnant. Sex is rad. No hormones. Going in for a follow-up in a few weeks. Loving life and loving my ParaGard, I even convinced my friend to get one and get off the pill."

• Suz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 18, 2021

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had the copper IUD inserted as I had been on the pill for 5 years and decided to try something hormonal-free. I got put under local anesthetic, so can’t comment on insertion pain, but omg, the cramps were so terrible and heavy periods I had never experienced. I decided to push through, as they say it gets better. The IUD turned me from a healthy, happy woman to depressed, anxiety-nearly bipolar-like-with symptoms like I’ve never had and panic attacks I’ve never experienced-so terrible! My sex drive was nonexistent, I was at a loss, as I would have never thought my “hormonal-free” IUD would be causing these issues until I came on this page! My doctor told me I was suffering from chemically imbalanced depression/anxiety?? I had my IUD removed the next morning after seeing so many women going through the same thing. My depression has now gone, and I haven’t had a panic attack since (removed 2 days ago). I cannot stress this enough-don’t get the IUD."

• Kac...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 28, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I"

• Amy...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 14, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had my ParaGard inserted in the office in June of 2015. Per my OB, it was in place at my 6-week check-up. In the first 4 months after insertion, I had moderate to severe cramping and was informed by my OB that this was normal. In June 2016, my IUD was no longer visible in my cervix. An ultrasound was scheduled. Four days later, I had a positive pregnancy test. The ultrasound confirmed the pregnancy and the IUD was not visible, so it was assumed to have fallen out. I gave birth in February of 2017. A follow-up X-ray and subsequent hysterectomy confirmed the ParaGard was still in my body, but not in my uterus. I had my ParaGard surgically removed in October 2017, and it was found to have perforated my uterus and small intestine."

• Cry...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had many symptoms that are not mentioned. I first started having heavier bleeding and horrible cramping during periods. The other problems I had gradually became unbearable, and some I didn't link to the IUD instantly. I started having hip pain that I couldn't link to an injury and odd ankle pain when beginning to run. I began having severe tailbone pain over a month into having it. The stomach cramping started my last period after the period was done. I also had bacterial vaginosis. I became very emotional. The worst was the tailbone pain. The doctor said it probably wasn't my IUD. I had it removed. Within 1 hour, the tailbone pain was gone. I have an appointment tomorrow with the OBGYN to discuss all of this. I am not sure at this point how the ParaGard caused this, but I am researching it. Doctors constantly said the IUD is most likely not causing all my symptoms, but they all went away promptly when it was removed."

• 30-...
• September 26, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "The cramping, good lord, the cramping. I would compare it to early to mid-labor contractions. Sometimes they would hit me so hard I would literally double over. For a solid week, every month. Flow, so heavy. Beyond what a super plus tampon and maxi pad could handle for more than a couple of hours. For a solid four days, with what I would consider normal flow for the next three. Now, I know this is non-hormonal, so it may have to do with my body rather than the actual IUD, but my mood swings were outrageous. Like a solid week of being sad, a solid week of being angry, a solid week of insomnia, a solid week of physical pain, repeat. Sometimes one of the first three would be swapped out (or accompanied by) heartbroken. I've been in a steady relationship for almost five years and just at random I would start to question everything about him and his motives. Before ParaGard, I didn't have any kind of emotional swing month to month, so I blame it, but it could also be me aging and my hormones changing."

• Do ...
• March 8, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "This 'experience' is coming from me personally. Woman to woman. So, let me break it down for y'all. Pros: 1.) One and done-ParaGard only takes one doctor's visit to insert. Then, no worries for 10 years! That's right, 10 whole years. 2.) No hormones! Now I've never taken hormones but know their effect they can have on one's life, which made my choice in birth control fairly simple. 3.) Little to no side effects after a couple of months. If inserted correctly by your awesome doctor, you won't even feel the ParaGard. Now, the cons. 1.) The pain is real during and after the procedure. The worst cramps you've ever had times 56 :( If you have the option, have someone drive you home. And take two Advil before the procedure/invest in a heating pad. GL!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 28, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard for six years, and I don't regret my decision for getting it inserted. I absolutely love it! No hormones... it hasn't caused me any side effects that I'm aware of. It did kind of hurt when it was inserted, and I cramped the day of. I spotted for about two to three days, but after that, I was fine. I took birth control pills for years, and after having the ParaGard for six years, I will never go back to the pills. I have a normal menstrual cycle... it isn't too heavy... and I don't cramp every month; however, some months I do. Unfortunately, I have heard of women getting pregnant while on the ParaGard, but not everything is 100%. Most of the time... the ParaGard does prevent pregnancy, and I would definitely recommend!"

• Ana...
• December 26, 2014

For Birth Control "I got the Paragard in the spring of 2013 because I couldn't take hormonal birth control (terrible side effects of nausea, migraines, and mood swings). I'm so glad I got the Paragard. The insertion was a little painful because I've never had children, and the next few days I experienced moderate to severe cramps. Now my periods are longer and heavier, and sometimes I have cramping, but those are the only side effects I have. It feels great not to have to worry about getting pregnant for an entire ten years, and I consider the side effects of the Paragard minimal in relation to my experience with other birth control methods."

• Ash...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I just had ParaGard inserted 5 days ago. The insertion process was only upper painful and uncomfortable (mainly during dilation and when my doc tried to match up my uterus with some device). Since insertion, I’ve been spotting, well - bleeding a lot. I know spotting is normal, but this has not stopped since insertion. Not to mention, there’s a constant feeling of needing to poop once the IUD was placed in. Not sure if it’s up against my bowel, but that’s the primary feeling I always have with this thing. Oh, and one last thing, I experienced cramps so sharp and painful, it felt like I was being suddenly stabbed. I’m talking so sharp that I gasped, stopped what I was doing, and curled into a ball. Mind you, these aren’t constant - they just pop up every now and then. It will knock the wind out of you. Or at least I hope it doesn’t for anyone else. I will update as more time goes with my ParaGard experience."

• SLB...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 30, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "Getting the ParaGard was the best decision I have ever made for myself. For the first 3 months, I bled much heavier than normal and experienced some severe cramps. However, by the 4th month, my bleeding and cramps significantly reduced. I have a moderate flow, heavier than I had before ParaGard, but it is very manageable. I cramp still, maybe once every four months. I do not like taking hormonal birth control. With ParaGard, your period does not disappear (something that worried me to no end), and you don't have to worry about missing pills or dealing with weird side effects like becoming emotionally unstable (pills made me suicidal) or gaining weight. Not to mention, ParaGard is probably the most cost-effective birth control available."