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

• Fai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 23, 2014

For Birth Control "I was on Loestrin FE for two years and loved it; then I found out I have a genetic predisposition to blood clots, and my doctor recommended switching to non-hormonal birth control. So I tried Paragard. The insertion was extremely painful, I cramped for a day, then was fine. And it has been absolutely 100% effective as birth control. But the side effects were debilitating. My periods, which were previously light for 5 days, became heavy for 7-8 days, with spotting for 4 days beforehand. My cramps severely intensified to the point of being unbearable, and I had two yeast infections in the two years I've had it, compared to none I had before. Again, it worked as birth control...but the side effects had a huge impact on my life."

• Fai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 23, 2014

For Birth Control "I was on Loestrin FE for two years and loved it; then I found out I have a genetic predisposition to blood clots, and my doctor recommended switching to non-hormonal birth control. So I tried Paragard. The insertion was extremely painful, I cramped for a day, then was fine. And it has been absolutely 100% effective as birth control. But the side effects were debilitating. My periods, which were previously light for 5 days, became heavy for 7-8 days, with spotting for 4 days beforehand. My cramps severely intensified to the point of being unbearable, and I had two yeast infections in the two years I've had it, compared to none I had before. Again, it worked as birth control...but the side effects had a huge impact on my life."

• Sti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had this inserted 6 days ago. Insertion was much more painful than I expected (and this is from a mom who had a drug-free birth nine years ago!), perhaps because I had not taken any painkillers in advance. I literally cried out at a certain moment. I am trying to be optimistic about the benefits, but the last two nights I’ve had severe cramps - like labor contraction cramps that leave you doubled over. I’ve also felt extremely bloated and hyper-conscious of a weight/pressure/presence in my lower abdomen. There has also been constant discharge and spotting. Will see if these symptoms get better in the next months and curious to see how my period will be. Will then decide whether it’s worth keeping it in."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 2, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard in for 3 weeks now. I got it inserted 8 weeks after my 4th baby and 1st C-section. I've had the Mirena and didn't like the mood swings, hormones, and crazy periods. ParaGard caught my attention when I heard it was a non-hormonal BC. I am breastfeeding, but I still had a period for 7 days after the insertion. Since I got it put in, I've had mild cramps occasionally and feel slightly bloated, but I'm assuming my uterus is still adjusting. So far, I love it! I haven't had sex with it in yet, so I can’t comment on that. The insertion was uncomfortable but not painful. I had 3/4 of my kids natural and no epidural, so my pain tolerance is very high. I'd still say it's not painful, though. I say 'yaaaay.'"

• I...
• October 28, 2013

For Birth Control "When I took the pill, I had a hard time remembering to take it every day at the same time. With Paragard, I don't even have to worry about it. I also love that it is good for 10 years and it is hormone-free. It was uncomfortable to have it inserted, but that only lasts for a second. I do get cramps before, during, and after my period, but I know that is not the case for everybody. For me, the peace of mind is worth the trade-off for the cramps. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who has already had a child and needs a reliable form of birth control."

• aln...
• December 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I typically don't post, but I thought I should share. If you have cramps on your normal menstrual cycle, the cramps only get worse. Much worse. I have a decently high pain tolerance and have been a whim for 2 days now. I have only had Paragard for 1 month, and they say it gets better over time, so I am hoping that it really does get better, but those are the only symptoms I've had other than spotting during the month. Workouts haven't been suffering, nor has my weight changed much at all. I do bloat from time to time, though. Hope this helps."

• Amy...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 25, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I've had the ParaGard 3 separate times. The first time was after the birth of my two oldest. Had it for about 4 years before removing it to try to conceive. Miscarried in '06 but don't blame the ParaGard. Cancer in '07 then had 3 more healthy children. After my 5th, I had my second one put in. Had it for over a year but then had weight loss surgery and lost about 80 pounds and removed the IUD myself to try to conceive. Pregnant within 2 months of removing it! Had 2 more babies (7 total) and just today had my 3rd ParaGard inserted until at least 2 years from now. Minimal cramping with insertion, took less than a minute, very effective and allows pregnancy immediately after removal. I need a non-hormonal birth control due to the cancer, so this is perfect for me!"

• Bil...
• October 21, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "This is my 2nd month on ParaGard. I'm 28 years old, with one 3-year-old child. I posted my experience getting it inserted, which wasn't bad at all. Weight has been so much easier to control due to no hormones. I've lost a significant amount already. Overall, I feel fantastic. But today, boy, have these cramps been hell. This is the 4th day of my period. It seems as though they're at their strongest when having a bowel movement, so beware. My flow has always been heavy, so it's nothing of a shock, but the cramps have been significantly stronger. Exercise and heating pads WORK. Highly recommend Always Infinity pads for heavy flow. I'm now lasting around 7-8 days bleeding."

• Mon...
• December 13, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "Recently got the ParaGard put in after avoiding birth control for 10+ years. I didn’t want anything with hormones and was terrified of birth control altogether. I did a ton of research and asked my OBGYN a million questions before finally deciding on ParaGard. The insertion was WAY less painful/uncomfortable than I was led to believe. Minor cramping for about 30 seconds and that’s it. She warned me about a “pinch,” but I didn’t even feel it. Other than the first few days of bleeding/spotting, I barely remember it’s in there. No changes to my skin/mood/etc. I consider myself very lucky after reading all the reviews, but everybody is different. It’s worth a try to see if it works for you because at the end of the day, they can just take it out if it doesn’t work for you. The first few periods weren’t exactly pleasant, but what period is? I’ve read over time the additional pain/added days go away, which IMO makes this no-hormone option well worth it."

• Spr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I've had my ParaGard in for about 3 months. I'd definitely recommend it. I was on the pill before, it's such a relief to not have to worry about birth control anymore! The initial placement was uncomfortable, I would describe it like bad cramping: totally bearable and worth it. I had bad cramping, a lot of fatigue, and a very heavy flow for the first 3 periods where I'd have to change my pad every hour, and even so, I had a lot of leakage. It gets lighter each time now, though, my period seems to be returning to normal. I was afraid at first but am back to using my DivaCup, just being very careful to be gentle and always breaking suction before moving it. I'd describe all side effects as minor and very worth it. Team IUD! Pregnancy-free until 2027!"

• Hap...
• June 9, 2019

Copper topical 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."

• Vic...
• February 8, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had a copper IUD inserted after breast cancer rendered hormonal birth control no longer an option for me. I would not recommend it to anyone. Insertion was painful. I was on bedrest for about two days. I have a very high pain tolerance, and I was miserable for the first six months. I got my period twice a month, for 7-15 days, and I would get cramps so painful that I couldn't stand up straight, and I was bleeding so heavily that my menstrual cup was overflowing every few hours. Usually, I have to empty it once a day. Since then, things have only gotten moderately better. The bleeding has eased up, but my cycle is still very irregular, and the cramps have not gotten any better. I was in fantastic shape when I got my IUD. Since then, I have put on a considerable amount of weight because the pain I am in for what amounts to about two weeks out of each month is preventing me from keeping as active as I would like. I'm considering getting it removed."

• ash...
• February 15, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I can say if you've given birth vaginally, for me it doesn't hurt as much as what people seem to make it out to be. I got maybe a mild cramp when the device was put in for the IUD, and when he took it out, I had no cramping. Over the past week, I had mild cramping, nothing that Tylenol couldn't fix. I did get spotting here and there, but when it comes to my cycle, I do not notice a difference. I too was skeptical about the reviews, but it's definitely been worth it for me. I do recommend it, but when it comes down to it, it's how your body will react to it."

• Kan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 20, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I’ve never commented on things like these, but seeing all the terrible comments also made me want to share my experience. I had this inserted after I went in for a Plan B to Planned Parenthood, as it works as an emergency contraceptive. They offered it for free at the time, so I took a day to do research and decided to go for it (you have 120 hours after the event to use it as an emergency contraceptive). I received it when I was 20 and have had it for 5 years. It has worked well. I have had no issues with it. I felt like I had become more moody, but the doctor said it is not related to this. The insertion was uncomfortable, but nothing too painful. You just feel heavy cramping for a bit, and then with the ibuprofen, I was fine. I did bleed for 1 month on and off, but my periods have been steady now. Last about 4 days. Normal to no cramping. And still not pregnant!!"

• Syd...
• June 20, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "Getting it put in was not painful! Just uncomfortable... After the insertion, the cramps were painful, but everyone is different. Don't go by reviews, whether to get it or not. Most people only write reviews when they are hating something. It is not as bad as everyone makes it seem. It is worth a try."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 15, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "After my second child, I wanted a birth control I did not have to worry about. I decided to go with a 'no hormone birth control,' as I felt I was moody on the pills. I was on the ParaGard for approx. 2 years. The first year, my period lasted longer than usual. The doctor informed me throughout the first year my body has to adjust. My periods lasted 2 weeks max., with really bad cramping. Going into the 2nd year, my periods never went away. I literally had my period for months. It really took a toll on my life. I became upset, moody, and angry. My doctor checked the IUD and said it looks fine, she does not understand why my period is lasting so long. I decided to remove the IUD as the doctor tried to convince me to get a new one put in. I refused. My period went back to normal right away, and I became my happy self again. My husband and I use condoms. We both agreed birth control has its pros but many cons that can harm the woman's body."

• Wen...
• January 31, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "POSITIVE REVIEW! So I have had ParaGard for just about 7 months now. First time having an IUD. The insertion process I will say was very uncomfortable. I had mild cramping afterward, and my cycle did get a lot heavier just during that particular time. I will say that having it, I don't get any of the symptoms that I have read in a lot of these reviews outside of my cycle went from being 4 days to now being 5 days. Some cycles are a little heavier than others, but not drastic of a change such as the insertion while I was on. I have had no negative side effects to this IUD since having it. Even during intercourse, it's not painful, and my partner only complained once of him feeling it, but I think that was more of his fault (adult humor)... outside of that, he doesn't feel it. I can honestly say that I am glad that I have it. Prior to this, I was really considering a permanent sterilization (I only have one child), but I feel this has been great for me so far."

• Ano...
• November 5, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I've used ParaGard for about 4 months. It was very painful to have inserted, and my first period following was painful as well. My other periods after that have not been painful. A few cramps the first couple of days, but nothing ibuprofen can’t fix! My periods have been super regular. I have a period tracking app, and usually, my period falls 1 or 2 days near the estimated time. My periods are 7-11 days, it just depends on the month, but I don’t mind the longer periods. IDK if the copper has increased my anxiety and insomnia or not because I had these issues prior to the ParaGard. I have tried lots of hormonal birth controls and suffered lots of side effects from them, but with ParaGard, I've had very few side effects. I haven’t gotten pregnant, so it's doing a good job. I do notice, though, after being ejaculated in, I tend to get yeast infections, but it’s a small price to pay! I know you probably read plenty of horror stories (I sure did), but I thought I would share a positive experience."

• Anonymous
• March 16, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "Effective for not getting pregnant! BUT really bad side effects. I’m 24 years old, and I was the most happiest person ever! Always so energetic, laughing, etc. Got this thing put in and started having really bad cramping and EXTREME anxiety and depression! I’m now even on antidepressants. Always in a bad mood, crying, not wanting to do things. I just got this thing removed!"

• GMa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 14, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got my ParaGard in May of 2014, and I love it! I don't remember much pain during the insertion process, but I did have a child 6 months prior to getting it. During the first 6 or so months, my periods were extremely heavy, to the point I was lightheaded for the first few days due to the extreme blood loss. I also had extremely bad cramping along with it; I never got cramps with my period before getting this. Because of this, I was at the point where I was about to get it removed, but I wanted to give it another month before doing so. I am glad I waited! Once my body got used to it, I was completely fine! I haven't had any problems since then. I don't even know it's there anymore! I recommend it to anyone who can't take the pill."

• Kri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had the ParaGard inserted two weeks ago. I'm 38 and have had two children. The insertion hurt, not really painful though. It took only a few moments. They gave me a pad to wear home, but I never even spotted. But the cramps were pretty strong. But nothing I couldn't bear. The next day I spotted a little, just wore a panty liner. Cramps lasted three days and the spotting a week. Then I started my period. No cramps, medium to heavy flow. I wore a super tampon for about two hours between changes. Period lasted a week. Finally stopped bleeding and had sex for the first time since insertion. No pain or cramps. My boyfriend didn't even feel the strings. So far, loving it."

• Pla...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 23, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I am 23 and have had ParaGard in for 6 months. I got it because I was going to be working abroad without access to daily BC options. The insertion was almost painless, just a pinch feeling. About an hour after, I began to feel cramps and some pain. The next day, it was mild and then gone by nighttime. My first period was way heavier than I was used to! I also had terrible cramps and pains. I wanted to get ParaGard removed, but I couldn't since I was abroad. The next few periods were also painfully crampy with heavy bleeding, but I noticed the pain decreased with each period. Now I have had seven periods, and it is back to normal with just very minor cramps. The bleeding is not as heavy either. I am happy I never had it removed!"

• Pla...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 23, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I am 23 and have had ParaGard in for 6 months. I got it because I was going to be working abroad without access to daily BC options. The insertion was almost painless, just a pinch feeling. About an hour after, I began to feel cramps and some pain. The next day, it was mild and then gone by nighttime. My first period was way heavier than I was used to! I also had terrible cramps and pains. I wanted to get ParaGard removed, but I couldn't since I was abroad. The next few periods were also painfully crampy with heavy bleeding, but I noticed the pain decreased with each period. Now I have had seven periods, and it is back to normal with just very minor cramps. The bleeding is not as heavy either. I am happy I never had it removed!"

• M M...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 19, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got my ParaGard IUD inserted this past January. I am 21, with no children, and I have never been on birth control before this. I was diagnosed with manic depression back in 2010, and although I am no longer taking prescription meds, I will always be manic, moody, and very temperamental. Because of this, the idea of a birth control with hormones really scared me! I knew it would affect my emotional and mental health in a severe way where everyone around me would suffer, lol. ParaGard is hormone-free, which is what initially caught my attention. It's been almost 8 months, and I'm loving my IUD. Minor cramps during menstruation, whereas before I never experienced cramping. My period is also slightly heavier, but it's manageable!"

• RAD...
• July 10, 2015

For Birth Control "I had Paragard inserted 3 months ago. 34 and never had children. I did a lot of research and looked up reviews online to fully know what to expect. As far as insertion, pretty on point. The major cramp started and lasted about 5 minutes. I had someone take me and drive me home. So glad I did. The cramping got worse but stopped after a short nap, and I felt mild cramping throughout the rest of my cycle. My periods have been a bit irregular and have had spotting almost daily since my insertion, but I read that it is expected. My flow seems normal so far. So far I have no pain, not discomfort, just the light spotting and irregular periods. All seems to be good so far. I will update in a few months!"