Copper topical and Heavy Periods: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Kik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2014

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had the ParaGard inserted in less than 5 min, pain-free. After my doctor did a vaginal and stomach sonogram to make sure it was in the correct position, I was done. The only complication is my periods are longer, heavier, and more crampy, but no biggie. I love the ParaGard. I have no complaints."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• March 31, 2012

For Birth Control "Getting Paragard inserted was uncomfortable. It did not cause me to have heavier periods or make my cramps worse. When my husband and I decided to try for a baby, it took us 4 months. I will be getting it again after the birth of our daughter."

• 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 :/"

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 28, 2013

For Birth Control "I have had a Paragard IUD for 3 years and have had constant BV and odor. I have been treated several times with oral antibiotics and gels. I have bad cramps during my cycle and heavy periods. I also have cramping and bleeding between periods and feel bloated most of the time. I am getting it removed this week."

• Sea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 8, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I wanted to leave a review because I feel that naturally, people with bad experiences are more likely to post than people who had positive experiences. For me, the copper IUD has been the best form of birth control I've used. Insertion was extremely painful, but the potential to have 10 years of hormone-free birth control is worth it. The 1st month, there was a lot of light bleeding and occasional cramping while the IUD 'settled' in. The cramping at the start of my 1st period was hell, the 2nd period less so, and now the 3rd period is almost pre-insertion levels. Periods are heavier and longer, but I am so relieved to 1) have a sex drive (bad experiences with hormones) and 2) 10 years of no pills in my future! I don't notice my IUD anymore, 3 months in."

• aa1...
• June 6, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "Do NOT get the ParaGard. I have had it for 4 years, and it's a nightmare. If you have heavy periods, they will become like a flood of blood every month. The flow did NOT reduce over time. I'm talking literally gushing clots with brutal cramps. But it works as birth control, hence the 1 extra star and why I kept it in. Then, over the past year (after having it for over 3 years at that point), I started developing increasingly worse PMS symptoms, which grew into PMDD. Especially over the past few months, I am suffering from severe PMDD that I believe to be caused by the copper IUD. Do some research on how copper raises estrogen and copper toxicity. I have an appointment to get rid of this awful thing in just a few days. I cannot wait. It has taken so much of my life - I literally can't get out of bed during days 2-3 from the level of bleeding and cramps - and move on with my life. This is 'non-hormonal' (why I went on it) but literally has messed up my hormones."

• Bls...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 22, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "The only regret I have with ParaGard is not getting it sooner. I love it! I put off getting an IUD for so long because of hearing about how painful the insertion was and was surprised when it only felt like a heavy cramp. It wasn't bad at all. In the 3 months since, the only difference I've noticed is slightly heavier periods. My sex drive hasn't changed at all, I haven't gained a single pound, and now I don't have to worry about birth control for 12 years. I couldn't be happier with my decision."

• Lou...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 13, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "Got ParaGard 2 years ago. First, it was the most horrible pain I've ever experienced. Now, since I have the same horrendous pain every month, I'm getting used to the struggle. I noticed that my coochie is a lot more acidic, and after periods (a lot heavier with a waterfall flow, by the way-super Tampax lasts 2 hours inside me till the blood starts running through my legs), I keep getting some brownish, weird cervical mucus for 3 or 4 days. Anyway, it's good to be hormone-free, but copper IUD still has a lot of bad side effects and cons."

• Emm...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 12, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had ParaGard put in on March 28 of this year. It is now October, and I could not be more pleased with this birth control. After deciding that I no longer wanted to use the pill, I tried other options such as the arm implant and the patch, neither of which worked for me because they made me fat, emotional, and took away my sex drive. ParaGard gave me really bad cramps and heavy periods for the first two months. After that, my cramps went away completely, and I have not had them again since then. My periods have gotten lighter and lighter until they are now back to my normal flow. My sex drive is also now higher than ever before. I would recommend this to anyone that can bear through the cramps for the first few months."

• Gem...
• June 4, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "Really conflicted on ParaGard. For more than two years, I was happy to deal with the side effects (heavier periods with stronger cramping) if it meant safe, non-hormonal birth control. However, due to some recent heavy and fresh bleeding outside of my normal period, something didn't feel right, so I went to an OBGYN for an exam and an ultrasound. If you think something's wrong with your IUD, make sure you get an ultrasound! After the visual exam, she said it seemed fine, but an ultrasound revealed that my IUD had dropped too low into my cervix and was partially twisted, with one arm not fully deployed. They suspect when I got it inserted I wasn't properly measured, and my too-small uterus had been trying to expel it over time. The technician said that if it couldn't be easily removed in the office ASAP, they'd need to do it in a hospital. Thankfully, it came out with no issues. My doctor recommended Kyleena because it's smaller, but I'm not sure I'm keen on another IUD."

• Han...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 23, 2023

Copper topical for Birth Control "Never ever got on with contraception but was forced to due to high levels of fertility. I thought due to being non-hormonal, I'd try a ParaGard IUD. I had awfully heavy periods and continue to do so, huge clots, etc., but still don't mind this. However, I have disrupted sleep, constant vivid dreams, good or bad, every night. I also get racing intrusive thoughts, I get bloating, and weight gain. I have gained so much weight, which I've never struggled with due to being highly active. Has anyone else had these issues?"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Aca...
• February 16, 2022

Copper topical for Birth Control "Removing the copper ParaGard was the best decision I have ever made for myself. I realize this form of BC has worked well for many of you, and that is really fortunate... but for those women who are unsure, please do research on copper toxicity before getting this inserted. I failed to do this, and for four months I had cystic acne, heavy periods, and I felt completely depressed. Copper made my uterus swell, and the effects from that negatively impacted my entire body. I am so glad it's out of me. If anyone tells you, 'the ParaGard doesn't cause all those side effects and it's completely in your head,' they are completely wrong."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got ParaGard in January of 2016. I was attracted to the thought of being hormone-free, and it sounded more natural to me. I had been on birth control for about 6 years, so I was really excited about just being back on my own. I thought I might be able to even lose a few pounds since it is hormone-free. Also, not having to worry about pregnancy or forgetting to take a pill was very attractive. After only two months, I've decided to get my ParaGard removed due to the following reasons: extremely heavy periods... I mean buying the 'ultra' size tampon and having to change it every 2-3 hours, bleeding on the sheets overnight, taking a bath and standing up and literally seeing the blood just dripping into the tub... like hemorrhaging almost."

• Ang...
• December 30, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I've had my ParaGard for 5 months. I experienced spotting the following 2 days. So far, I haven't had any major problems. My periods are heavier on days 2 and 3. I don't feel the ParaGard at all, not even during sex. I am bipolar, so I needed a non-hormonal birth control. Hormones decrease the effectiveness of my medication."

• Mel...
• October 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had Paragard for over 4 months now, and I really like it. Insertion was a breeze. I have two kids, so that might have helped a bit. I was told to take Motrin before I had it done too. The whole process lasted all but 3 minutes. Literally! My cycle has been pretty much on time. Periods are a bit heavier, but nothing I can't handle. My husband cannot feel the strings at all, and I check them after my period ends. I really forget that it's even there. No problems, and I love that it's hormone-free. So far, so good."

• 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!"

• juh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 14, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "Got ParaGard when I was 20, got it taken out when I was 25 and had Skyla put in, then six months later got ParaGard put back in... here are my thoughts: Skyla, painful insertion, gained weight when the doctor said I wouldn't, moody, bled for about 4 months straight. ParaGard insertion was easier, spot when ovulating, heavier periods but nothing horrible, no weight gain or PMS symptoms EXCEPT bloating. I bloat on ParaGard, but will take that over most symptoms. I have never had a baby or been pregnant, had light periods before, weigh about 150 lbs."