Copper topical and Heavy Periods: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• 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!"

• Lon...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 21, 2024

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had my copper IUD in just over 10 years now, and I’m due to have it taken out tomorrow and replaced. I’ve been so torn whether to just get a new one or switch to a low-dose hormonal IUD. But my experience with this copper IUD has been good, and I’ve never had any problems. I do get a regular medium, sometimes heavy period per month, but it’s never been an issue for me. I know everyone is different and everyone’s body is different, so no matter what someone else’s experience has been or what you read about, does not mean your body would react the same way. We can only try things, and if it doesn’t work out, then try something else."

• Liz...
• January 28, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I'm currently 22, and I've had my IUD for close to four years (March). I love it. I do have to warn, though. It does cause heavier periods for the first few months. Mine went from three days to about a week long. There will be cramping. It is painful some days. But I've never had cramps to begin with, so this was new. If you can get through the first 4-6 months of this, it is the best form of birth control. I always recommend it to my lady friends."

• 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."

• kt1...
• November 16, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I read tons and tons of reviews and was terrified to try ParaGard, but my gyno told me that one of the causes of my frequent yeast infections was my NuvaRing. I am terrible with pills and loved the idea of having something inserted once and never having to worry about it again. My gyno gave me a pill that dilated/softened my cervix that I took before along with 3 Advil. To be honest, it was very painful. I do, however, have a very, very small pain tolerance, and it was super quick, literally, the entire process was done in under 2 minutes. I felt a little achy after that, but that was it. It has been 5 months, and I love it. To be honest, my periods are much heavier and the first two were kind of rough, but they are still very consistent-5 days, no more."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 21, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had this placed when my third child was 2 or 3 months old. Some background: I had my first kid at 18 and immediately started pills after I had him, but managed to get pregnant when he was 5 months old. After baby #2, I did the shot and NuvaRing and got pregnant when #2 was 2 (the NuvaRing had fallen out prematurely)! I heard horror stories about ParaGard but decided to give it a shot, and it is amazing. Honestly, the insertion pain wasn't that bad. The speculum part hurt much more than insertion. I had cramps for a few days and super heavy periods for about a year and spotting in between periods for 3 years. I'm at 4 years now, and my period is super consistent and normal flow. Husband doesn't feel it at all, and neither do I."

• LCa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 25, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I'm on my 2nd ParaGard. The first one lasted for 10 years after the birth of my son. My periods got heavier and lasted an extra 2 days or so, but otherwise no issues in 10 years. I'm still relatively young (36), so I decided to get another one as a form of contraception. So far, so good. I'm very pleased, and I don't have to worry about having another pregnancy. I'm looking for a more long-term solution."

• Par...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2022

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had my copper IUD inserted three and a half months ago. Insertion was fine. I had a heavy period that lasted 16 days, accompanied by extreme period pain, diarrhea. After the second period (16 days) ended, I began to experience mood swings and deep lows. My cystic acne began. After 20 years of clear skin, and almost no mood swings, the non-hormonal IUD was throwing my body into disarray. Ridiculous bloating and pain continues. My skin is getting worse. I believe my body is rejecting the copper IUD. This is definitely not for me, and I am getting it removed ASAP. Do not recommend!!"

• Loz...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 16, 2015

For Birth Control "The most amazing contraception ever! Cost me $150 to cover for 10 years. That's in Australia anyway! Heavier flow, but I loved it! No babies or side effects! Hurt like hell though putting it in... As I had never had children, I got a twilight sedation! Haha... And hurt getting it removed. But absolutely nothing bad to say about it!! If you're thinking about getting one - get it!"

• yog...
• December 19, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I first started ParaGard in 2012. The first couple of years, I didn't notice anything other than the usual side effects. My periods got really heavy, and I became seriously anemic. Around 2015, I began having extreme mood shifts right before my period. It was getting worse as time went on, so I went on an antidepressant, but it didn't do much with the PMS depression crashes. By 2017, my period was heavier than it had been in the past. I was also bleeding much more frequently. The extreme moods were so much worse. I was near suicidal whenever I would have PMS. Just to be totally accurate with this review, I have a history of depression and anxiety but had never experienced anything like this. I began reading reviews and other experiences with the ParaGard and heard similar stories. About six months ago, I got the ParaGard removed. My period went back to normal immediately after removal. The mood episodes are almost non-existent."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I recently got ParaGard placed about a month ago. The whole insertion process was a 5 out of 10 on the pain scale and only took around 5-10 minutes. I read multiple terrible painful reviews that discouraged me, but everyone’s body is different. The first period after placement came early and was 8 days rather than 4 days but not too unusually heavy. The second period came about a week early as well, and I’m on day 3 bleeding through regular tampons within an hour (which has never happened to me in my entire life). It’s worth it for the long-term effect, but be prepared for heavier periods and longer cramps."

• Jen...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 7, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got my ParaGard in 2017, and I was nervous because I had not taken any painkillers beforehand, but it ended up only hurting as much as a bad menstrual cramp (for reference, pap smears don't tend to hurt me). They gave some ibuprofen, and I went back to work the rest of the day. I had cramps the following two days, but nothing worse than my normal period cramps. The first 3 months, my flow became a little heavier, and I had some spotting after periods. Also, slightly stronger cramps. I also got a yeast infection and a UTI, but that might have been because I had started having unprotected sex with my monogamous partner, and I was not as careful about hygiene after sex (go pee and wash up every time!!). Since then, I haven't had any problems. Periods are still a little heavier, but not monstrous, and totally worth the benefits of carefree birth control. If you are experiencing problems, talk to a health care professional, but I would suggest waiting a year to see if symptoms level out."

• dem...
• October 20, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I just got my ParaGard removed after having it in for about 8 months. I wanted ParaGard because I'm sensitive to hormonal birth control, and right now, ParaGard seems to be the only hormone-free option. Unfortunately, the side effects were just too much for me and only seemed to be getting worse as time went on, instead of better. Some of the lovely things I had to deal with on ParaGard: - Painful cramps-not just around my period, but also whenever I would exercise - Long periods-they lasted about 2 weeks. Seriously. - Heavy periods-the jokes about the elevator scene in The Shining are completely accurate - Constant nausea, dizziness, and headaches - Weight gain. My body just didn't want ParaGard inside of me and made my life miserable."

• Ali...
• July 28, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "Insertion was extremely painful. Two weeks on painkillers straight after. Pains in lower abdomen and groin still after four months. Heavy periods. Two times BV, one time yeast infection. Loss of libido. Worst of all: mood swings, anxiety, depression, including suicidal thoughts. Taking it out next week! Too much copper is toxic and, unfortunately, not well understood yet. Google 'copper toxicity.' Also, a foreign object in the uterus still messes up your hormones. Please don't get one, ladies! Be careful with what you choose, all contraceptive methods for women can be dangerous, even this 'non-hormonal' one - was even worse for me than the pill!"

• Sky...
• September 2, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "After reading dozens of horror stories about IUDs, you have to realize that the majority of people do perfectly fine on them. After 6 mo. on ParaGard, I absolutely love it. Pros: Stress-free, full protection for 10 years, no maintenance, no hormonal changes, and NO WEIGHT GAIN. Cons: intermittent spotting for 5 mo. (avg is 4-6 mo.), heavy periods during that time, some chance of UTI or BV in between periods, my pharmacist recommended daily Acidophilus, which worked great. Definitely worth the small inconveniences. Don't listen to the small fraction of people who are very vocal on the internet. I gained 16 lbs on hormonal birth control and lost it all within 2 mo. with ParaGard."

• KSa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 19, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had the ParaGard for 14 months, and I give it five stars because it did prevent me from getting pregnant, but the side effects were awful. First six months, it was just random spotting and heavier, longer periods, but after that, I got recurrent UTIs and BV. I had a period that lasted a whole month, which resulted in anemia. The amount of blood during my period was truly alarming. I would take all the precautions and still have “accidents” because the flow would increase out of nowhere. I always had to carry extra clothes during my time of the month. Also, cramps got worse with each cycle. I also had constant bloating. All of this ended when I finally had it removed, and I am so happy I did."

• CJa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 19, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "If you are like me, then you may love this birth control! I have tried everything... pills, patches, the shot, hormonal IUDs. Every single hormonal BC has resulted in severe mood swings for me! I get severe PMS without birth control, and hormones just make it worse. The good thing about my body is that I have very light periods and no cramps. I have not had any changes in my PMS symptoms, and I have been using it for about 6 months. Downside: getting it inserted was excruciating for me. I have not had any children, so that probably made it worse. I felt painful contractions for several hours. Had mild discomfort for a couple of days. I do have a heavier period now, but the trade-off is worth it for me. I have not gotten pregnant and have a regular sex life with my husband. This birth control has been a godsend for me. I think it is a great solution for people who don’t have physical period symptoms and who suffer more from PMS. The temporary pain was worth it for me."

• pbh...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 6, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had Paragard IUD for about 5 years. Starting around year 2, I started getting very, very heavy periods that lasted for well over a week at a time and came back every 3 weeks. I felt like I was always bleeding. That was the main reason I had it removed, but afterwards, I realized that there were a lot of other effects that I didn't make the connection until now. I felt a lot more lethargic, depressed, and gained over 30 pounds. I never had PMS-type symptoms before, but I would rage when I had Paragard. I had it removed and replaced with a hormonal IUD this October, and I already feel so much better."

• Dre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I've had the ParaGard in for a month. I read the reviews and was royally freaked out about insertion. In real life, the procedure was quick, mildly uncomfortable, and as soon as the IUD was in, I got a dull, period-like cramp that stuck around 'til that night. That's it! The next week: light spotting. I was also freaked out about my period being horrific, BUT I've always had heavy/painful periods, and I suspect most of the reviewers complaining about this side effect had easy-peasy periods pre-ParaGard. On the IUD, mine lasted a few extra (light flow) days, and only on one of them did I need painkillers for cramps -- normal for me! The IUD affects every body differently; so far I'm really happy with it as an effective, non-hormonal method."

• Ste...
• October 24, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "10/10. I have had it for 9 1/2 years!!!!! No problems whatsoever. I have always had cramps and heavy periods, so no change there. Can't say it affects my weight since I have been the same weight since childbirth, lol, but it has saved me thousands by preventing pregnancy 100%, lol. I never have to worry about taking pills or wearing condoms (I'm married). I didn't feel any pain when it was put in, but then again, my cramps are bad, so that pinch was nothing. I will be having this IUD placed again once this one expires in a couple of months. Highly recommend."

• Hap...
• June 9, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I've had ParaGard for seven months. For side effects, my period is more substantial and a day or two longer. I knew this before getting it. Before getting ParaGard, I bled about 5-10 mls/day (Diva cup) for 3-4 days. After ParaGard, I bleed about 10-25 mls/day for 4-6 days. For menstrual pain, there wasn't a difference. My periods before weren't painful and rarely required pain meds. The only con I have is the insertion of the ParaGard. There were complications due to my vaginal anatomy and cervix position, which were discovered during the procedure. My vaginal canal is longer than average, and my cervix is positioned higher and pointed slightly towards my back. Also, it is recommended that the insertion happens during the 2-3 day of your period because the cervix is more open. I followed my doctor's advice, but on the second day of my period, my cervix was still firm and closed. Overall, I am very happy with my ParaGard."

• Anonymous
• July 29, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "Horrible experience with ParaGard. Heavy periods, which I expected, but they were consistent and on time. I noticed right away I felt light-headed. The fourth month, I noticed I was forgetting things, I became very dizzy and felt like my head was constantly fuzzy. Then came the migraines. I could hardly function by month nine. I thought I was going to pass out the majority of the days. One day at work, I had a complete panic attack, my heart rate went sky-high and I couldn't catch my breath. My hands went numb. I had it out after about a month, still have some headaches, and now have these little eye floaters that I never noticed until I had it removed. I am highly convinced this IUD caused me to have all of these problems as I have never had them before. The migraines and the majority of the brain fog have gone away, but I am still living with symptoms a month later. I am getting tested to see if I have copper toxicity still after having it out and I still do not feel completely normal and back to myself."

• Ana...
• October 5, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got ParaGard in February of 2015. It is now October of 2015, and the side effects have yet to subside or lessen at all. That is over 8 months, when the side effects are supposed to lessen after 6. Honestly, this would be a great birth control, but it made my period much heavier and longer. I used to only get mine for 3-4 days, and now it's almost 7 days with very heavy bleeding the first few days. My cramps are much worse, and the worst part is I get my period almost every 2-3 weeks. It sucks. I took this to avoid hormones, but PMSing so much is essentially the same problem. Anyways, I plan to get it removed within the next couple of weeks. I cannot say for sure if it was effective. I had high hopes for this, but it just wasn't for me."

• S M...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 28, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I am a 21-year-old, no children. The insertion was mildly uncomfortable, but with labor breathing techniques, bearable. I had spotting for a week after the insertion. My period for the first year was very heavy, up to 15 days. Cramping was mild throughout. After one year, my period has calmed down and is now back to the 7 days as before I had the IUD. No other side effects. I would definitely recommend the ParaGard to anyone who wants a hormone-free IUD. But be prepared for the heavy periods, as it takes time for the IUD to settle in your uterus. I was close to giving up, but finally, my period has returned to normal, and boy, am I happy."