Copper topical and Heavy Periods: What Users Say (Page 5)

• CNY...
• May 17, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I chose ParaGard because it is currently the only non-medicated birth control option in the United States. It's important to remember that each person experiences side effects differently, so keep an open mind. Initial insertion was the worst pain I've ever experienced and had to have prescription-strength pain relief prescribed... But after a few days, I was back to normal. I have now had my IUD for over a year, and the side effects are pretty consistent - I know what to expect now, and I stay prepared. Heavy periods, intense cramping, night sweats during my period. I always keep panty liners in my purse because this thing has a mind of its own. Is it worth it? Yes. If you can stand some pain, you'll be fine!"

• Mom...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 8, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "Lots of bad reviews, and I'm sorry to the many women who have had bad experiences with ParaGard. Mine has been great, and I totally recommend it. I haven't had any of the symptoms other women have had. As far as insertion, a slight pinch. No cramps after. Spotting, yes, for maybe two months, but no constant bleeding. Periods for the first three months were beyond horrible! But then calmed down. The period has gone from 4-5 days to 7 days, but only one heavy day. It does linger towards the end. I did bleed after sex for about 6 months. But other than that, it's been great. Strings don't bother my BF, no cramps, no lack of sex drive, no acne, no PMS, no irritability, no foggy mind, etc. I'm the same as always. Of course, everyone is different, and you know your body the best. Just know after the first few months, it does get better!"

• Bon...
• September 8, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have gotten pregnant not once, but twice using the ParaGard. The only reason I even gave it a three is because it kept me not pregnant for about 4 years the first time and 1 year, 3 months the second time. The insertion is uncomfortable, but not extremely painful and only lasts about 30 seconds anyway. Periods will be heavier and maybe more cramping than hormonal birth control, but really not that bad, and it was great not having extra hormones in my body. If it kept me not pregnant, I would probably be giving it a 9 or 10, if that tells you anything! But it failed for me... TWICE!!!"

• Jen...
• October 1, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had an IUD for 6 years. My periods became very heavy and long. The IUD moved, causing it to go to a ten-day period. My Dr. then attempted to remove it and found that an arm had broken off somewhere at some point. They are now charging me for the surgery to find it. I do NOT recommend this product."

• Jes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 13, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I give this birth control, ParaGard, a 9/10 because it's highly effective for preventing pregnancy. However, the side effects I don't like so much. I continue to get BV a few times a year. My periods are not so bad, but occasionally I would get heavy periods. What worries me most is the infections (BV) I continue to get even after getting treated, a few months later, I get it again. I'm going to get it removed next week."

• sha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 2, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had my ParaGard placed immediately after birth 10 months ago. They let me know there was a higher chance of it expelling since my cervix wasn't closed yet, but it didn't. I breastfeed my daughter and didn't get my period back until 6 months postpartum. I will say my periods are VERY heavy, and the first day or two the cramps are pretty bad, but I will take that over getting pregnant any day of the week. It hasn't affected my milk supply. I so far personally love it and see it as a great option if you're like me and don't do great on hormonal birth control."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2015

For Birth Control "I had my IUD inserted 3 days ago after having a hormone implant removed from my arm. The hormonal side effects of the implant were really bad, so I was desperate for a non-hormone alternative. For me, the pain during the procedure was quite intense but short-lived. Take some pain relief beforehand if you're worried and after, as the cramping can be pretty bad. It sounds funny, but after 20 years of hormone contraception (pill, then 2 babies, then implant), I feel free. I'm looking forward to a normal sex drive, and I know I might get heavier periods, but I prefer that to pumping my body with hormones. So far so good."

• Not...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 11, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had the Paragard inserted 2 years ago. I liked the idea of hormone-free birth control. My periods were heavier the first six months, but nothing I couldn't handle. After having Paragard for two years, I developed what I thought were yeast infections. I treated myself with OTC meds. But it just didn't seem to go away. Went to the doctor and found I have bacterial vaginosis. It is an absolute nightmare! Burning, itching, and discomfort in the vagina that makes daily life miserable and sex life non-existent. Luckily, I didn't have the horrible fishy smell other women complain of. The doctor told me it is a common problem with Paragard because it changes the pH balance in the vagina. After one week of antibiotics, symptoms still not gone. Removing IUD."

• Akb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 11, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "For me, I chose ParaGard as a hormone-free birth control. I've had mine for almost 5 years. I love it! Insertion was quick and easy, felt like a cramp, but was gone moments afterward. The first few days I had mild spotting and a few cramps. My periods are now heavier for a day or two of my cycle, but have gotten less heavy in the past 6 months, and I occasionally have light cramps. My periods are regular (4-5 days of bleeding) and come as expected each month. I honestly forget the ParaGard is there for the most part. My husband never 'feels' a thing, and we don't stress about accidentally getting pregnant. I am 25, no children, no past pregnancies."

• Cor...
• November 27, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "POSITIVE PARA-GARD EXPERIENCE! - 29 yrs old, no kids, periods always regular, retroverted uterus. Insertion-uncomfortable but lasted 10 min, breathe and take your Motrin. Cramps after insertion, bloating, went away after a couple of days. Next weeks had minor drop of blood, spotting here and there. Had a significant spot of blood 5 days before period was due... it was enough to have to clean up, but then stopped completely. Got my period 3 days early, had cramps that morning, took Motrin, that was it for cramps. Period was HEAVY-1 light, 2 filling up Diva cup quickly (overflowed one night I'd wear pads until confident), 1 light, 1 spotting-Total 5 days. Husband can't feel it or hasn't mentioned it. All in all... best decision ever! Good luck, ladies!"

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 8, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "ParaGard is a godsend. I chose it because it has absolutely no hormones and couldn’t be happier with my decision. Insertion was extremely easy-some pressure and light cramping. I cramped for a few days after insertion and spotted for a few weeks. My period is definitely heavier and more crampy than usual, but nothing unbearable. And I am hoping this changes after a year or so. Don’t let the negative reviews scare you-try it for yourself. ParaGard got me off hormones and changed my life for the better!"

• Dre...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 10, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I was scared when I saw all of the bad reviews on ParaGard, but my DH pointed out that the people who write reviews are usually those who don't like it, and all the people who have no problems just get on with their life and never think of it again. So I decided to review it after actually experiencing it. For me, the insertion didn't hurt much. There was pressure (obviously), and it hurt a couple of times, but just a prick and not the whole time. Some women bleed, I didn’t. I was prepared for the pain and heaviness of my periods. The first time I got my period, it hurt VERY badly for about 1 hour or 2. I took a hot shower and a Motrin, and it went away. My period is irregular when it used to be to the day. There is 1, sometimes 2, days/period when my flow is very heavy! I go through super tampons in 1 hour. I sometimes have wicked cramps, but not every period. I usually spot a little days before and after my period. We still use condoms around the time that I am fertile just to be careful. This isn’t necessary, but I REALLY don’t want to get pregnant. We decided to use the ParaGard because it doesn’t have hormones, and I highly recommend it!"

• Mom...
• August 21, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I've had this ParaGard IUD for two years. I got it a few months after giving birth. I wanted a method that would not add hormones to my body after having such horrible side effects from hormonal birth control. Insertion was equivalent to a pap smear, if you can count that as a positive. Prior to this IUD, I had no cramps during my period, light PMSing, light flow. After this IUD, cramps are really bad - like giving birth bad. I never had to take pain relievers to minimize the pain, now it is necessary. My flow is heavy - like Red Sea heavy. Like tampons, a large menstrual cup, or extra-large heavy flow pads will not hold it. I had never stained my clothes this bad before. Sex drive is non-existing. Does it work?"

• Eli...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 16, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had tried the Paragard twice. The first one in my 30s and the last one just a year ago, I was 41. Like many, I did not have a great experience with birth control pills, moodiness, breast soreness, so I wanted no hormones. But unfortunately for me, Paragard's side effects were too much to deal with. The first time I had lots of cramping and heavy periods, but the second time I was hoping it would be better, and it was actually worse. I can deal with heavy periods and cramping, but in addition, I have developed pain in the lower back, it was pretty bad, a feeling of stabbing constantly. I had it checked and was told the position is right. I gave it 8 months, hoping it would get better, but I gave up. The constant discomfort was really affecting my life."

• jen...
• January 2, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had ParaGard for over 5 years now, and I'm pretty pleased with it. You do get heavier and longer periods and slight cramping that I used to never get. Another side effect that I have noticed, but I'm still not 100% sure, is the birth control is hair shedding."

• May...
• March 22, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have been using ParaGard for almost 3 years now. So far, so good. But since I got it inserted, I don't have a regular period. Just spotting here and there. I don't even need to use a pad. I'm worried because most women have complained about heavy periods, but mine is totally opposite. I am having thyroid problems also. I wonder if it's because of the IUD. The doctor said it's okay not to have a period, but my belly is so bloated and looks like I'm 8 months pregnant."

• Anonymous
• May 26, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had ParaGard inserted 6 weeks after my second child. I've had it for over 10 years. Insertion was pretty painful, about a 6 on the pain scale. For 3 days after, my abdomen was swollen, and I was uncomfortable enough to need prescription pain relief. My periods last 2 days longer, are heavier, and ovulation can hurt really bad about twice a year. I had horrible side effects with hormonal birth control. It's been the best BC I've ever had, it really is liberating to not have to worry. I'm 5 years overdue to get it removed because where I live, no one was trained to deal with it. I'm going to get another one when I have this one removed."

• Kon...
• June 22, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have mixed emotions as I write this review. I was so excited to be on ParaGard. I was so happy to finally be off hormones. The insertion was uncomfortable but not excruciating. I loved this IUD. My periods were heavier, but not unmanageable, and still regular. The only problem? I noticed in the last 7 months, I was losing so much hair. When I finally concluded it was my ParaGard (after much consideration and research), I was told it was not the ParaGard, it was being off hormones. Well, I followed my instincts and got it removed. My hair is no longer falling out, and it is growing back! And, I haven't even started hormonal birth control yet. The ParaGard is great, and I loved it for 7 months. Just make sure to listen to your body."

• hap...
• September 7, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "Got the ParaGard inserted 2.5 years ago (8 weeks after a vaginal birth). My experience has been relatively positive. Chose this IUD due to zero hormones because I was breastfeeding & I don't want to deal with hormonal birth control. My only upset is a super heavy flow for the first 2 days like clockwork every month. That's 2 days having to change my pad/tampon every 2 hours or less & 4-5 more days of very light bleeding/spotting. The first few months I had severe cramping about a week before I got my period, but that's no longer an issue. Today I went to my doctor to talk about other options for heavy flow because at this point it's a nuisance. She prescribed me a pill to make my periods much lighter, mefenamic acid, so we'll see how it goes."

• Jay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 14, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "The first 2 years with ParaGard were good. I did experience insanely heavy periods (bleeding out of a super tampon and pad within 2 hours). I was able to lose weight and loved the idea of non-hormonal birth control. Fast forward to year 2 - 2.5 with the ParaGard and would not wish any of the symptoms I experienced on anyone else. I developed cystic acne (something I never had, even as a teen), which left me still to this day with scarring on my chin. It increased dark hairs and spotting on my chin/lip area. I also will have to blame the IUD on some incontinence issues that were immediately resolved when I had the IUD removed."

• Jes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 12, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had one child before ParaGard insertion. I’m a 25 y/o very athletic female. I’ve had it inserted since 2015. My boyfriend and I have very, very regular sex, and it has worked so far. I usually forget it is there. My boobs and butt did get bigger, but my waist stayed tiny. I can only say that my periods have gotten heavier, and my libido is way higher. You couldn’t pay me to have this thing removed."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I'm in my mid 40s and never had kids. I've used the pill and condoms for years. I wish someone had advised me to take painkillers before getting the IUD put in. My GYN said it would hurt me more since she had to dilate my cervix. It was very painful, but the whole thing took 5-10 minutes. I felt dizzy afterward and was cramping and spotting for 2 days. My 1st period was longer, much heavier, and the cramps were absolute torture. Now in my 3rd month, it's shorter and less painful. For those who aren't sure, I'd say it's worth getting the IUD if you know what to expect and are willing to deal with it."

• Anonymous
• June 27, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I decided to try out the ParaGard after giving birth to my 2nd child. I'd already tried the pill and depo, neither worked for me, so ParaGard was recommended for me due to the no hormones and longevity. The initial procedure was so painful for me I thought I was dying, considering that I've never given birth vaginally. My OB-GYN had to attempt three times before successfully getting it done (my uterus is tighter than most, so the utensil kept being pushed out). But the ultimate deal breaker for me is the irregular periods and discomfort during sex. My cycles come twice a month sometimes, and they're so heavy that I have to use a tampon and pad at the same time and lasting longer. Sex is uncomfortable at times, and I often have no sex drive at all."

• Mim...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I have two kids. I had my Paragard inserted in 2012. I felt a little pinch, but nothing too bad, by the time I blinked, it was over. I didn't experience any pain after, only heavy periods and a little spotting that went back to normal the following month. I would definitely recommend the Paragard if you don't want to get pregnant. It works, and I love it."

• Ski...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 13, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "Worst mistake of my life. I found out after a year of terrifyingly heavy periods that lasted all but 5 days a month and cramps that made me an invalid regularly that this IUD contains copper-plated nickel. DO NOT USE THIS IUD if you have ANY sort of sensitivity to nickel! You will wish you could die, and you will feel sick 100% of the time. I toughed it out for a long time with ParaGard to see if it would get better. It didn't. Don't wait if a BC disagrees with you...you might lose a year of being functional and happy because of a BC that ruins your physical and/or mental health like this one did for me."