Copper topical and Pain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 16, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "It's been alright. I have never had a baby before. Insertion was really painful, and I was crampy for a few days. Now, I just take a few ibuprofen when I have my period, and it is completely tolerable. I have not noticed any heavier bleeding than normal yet, but my period does last one day longer than it used to. I think it is a great option for people who want to avoid hormonal birth control. So far, so good!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Sop...
• January 17, 2015

For Birth Control "As everyone else said, the effectiveness of this is, for me, 100%. I did not get on this medication until I started a serious relationship with my boyfriend, and I've always used condoms. The IUD is very effective and not noticeable at all. At first, when I got it implanted, it was very painful, I've never had kids, so that is one reason it was. I thought that them putting it in was not even close to as bad as the next 48 hours. I do not mean to scare anyone, but I had to take 800 mg of Advil for 3 days after, and I could tell when it was wearing off. I could not walk at times. But all of the pain is worth it. The hormone-free is also with it."

• ECa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 27, 2022

Copper topical for Birth Control "Have had this IUD twice. First time, 3 years, no issues besides bloating and anxiety. Had it removed to conceive. The 2nd IUD I got inserted 6 weeks postpartum. No issues after the first few months. About a year in, I was having sporadic sharp pains and uncomfortable sex. I got the strings checked twice, and they were fine. Year 2, I began to have severe panic attacks, crippling anxiety, and was having moments I felt absolutely and utterly insane. It was all very confusing and scary. I was crying all the time, tired, dizzy, and had a short temper. The month before removal, pelvic pain was worse, and I started to feel ill and develop low-grade fevers. I read reviews here and realized it could be the copper IUD. I had it removed, and they found it was partially expelled, broken, and leaning to one side, causing me pain and the fevers. It’s been out nearing a month. My mind feels new. I believe ParaGard ruined years of my life. I don’t recommend this to anyone."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2014

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got ParaGard as my first form of birth control because I didn't want to deal with hormones. I went through 2 models within 5 months. It turned out that my uterus was too small for the IUD. While I was on it though, the only side effects I had were a slight increase in my period (two days longer and a little bit heavier) and a more sensitive cervix. If my boyfriend even slightly hit my cervix, it would send a jolt of pain up my spine. I really didn't mind it, and I wish I could still be using it. I wouldn't worry about the copper. And because it's hormone-free, there is very little risk of having symptoms caused by chemicals (like moods or weight gain)."

• Cat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 2, 2021

Copper topical for Birth Control "This is the second time I have had the ParaGard. First time no issues at all, had it inserted after the first child. Second one inserted after that, again no issues. However, 6 years into it, I started bleeding between periods and sex. Felt just off in other ways. Depressed, weight gain, all the other side effects here, but not for one second did I think it was my IUD. Then my cervix started to get inflamed no matter what. All tests came back fine and the IUD was in perfect position. But pain and unusual side effects. I decided to have it removed and went back for my one-month post-checkup just to see. Cervix was perfect. Nothing at all. No breakthrough bleeding. No bleeding after sex either. I don’t know if it was the ParaGard, but I do believe if your body doesn’t want something, it definitely tells you. I feel better mentally and physically since removal. 43-year-old healthy female otherwise."

• 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."

• 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."

• gg8...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 21, 2014

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had the ParaGard for 6 years, and it was great. I was having panic attacks, and somebody told me it was a reaction to the copper, so I had the ParaGard removed. Most stupid decision I ever made was getting it removed. I went back to my midwife to get another ParaGard, and they could not get it inserted correctly. I wish I would've kept it in. The first time it was inserted was easy and pain-free. The second time around was pretty painful. It depends on the person and how it feels."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Ash...
• March 1, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "There are some pretty crazy reviews on here, but I love my ParaGard. Mine was free (thanks, Obama!). I don't think I ever want to have kids someday, and I don't want to deal with hormonal birth control, so this was a perfect choice for me. The side effects rocked my world for the first 3 months. You definitely need to have tolerance for pain, but come on, us women do. But after that, everything is back to normal. Got it checked out today (4 months later), and it's still in the right place. I'm addicted, and I'm so glad I finally have one now after a good year of searching."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• September 11, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard for about two months now. A month before my wedding, I had the ParaGard inserted and thought my non-hormonal birth control worries were over. My goodness, was I wrong. The procedure was painful, I was bent over in pain for the next few days. I got my period on my honeymoon. I am a very active person. My period is usually very light: 4-5 days, no cramps, and done! Not with the ParaGard. I was on the floor of the shower in so much pain. It felt like my insides were being ripped apart. I had to constantly take pain meds. I had to use a heating pad constantly! I bleed so much. I was literally gushing blood! On top of all this, I am newly married and have absolutely no sex drive. It's horrible. I hate the ParaGard."

• Nan...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 20, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I was never one for taking pills, and I wanted something that was non-hormonal. My periods have never been long, heavy, or that painful. I was in a long-term relationship and really wanted to find a birth control that worked for me. When I was researching online, I found out about ParaGard and was immediately interested. I spoke to my doctor about it and set up an appointment to insert the IUD. I really didn't know what to expect for the insertion, I've never been pregnant. It does hurt tremendously afterward, I had trouble walking and was in pain like I've never experienced. Thankfully, that only lasted for 1 day, and I did spot for a little. My first period was pretty heavy and painful, but by the following month, everything was back to normal. This has been the best decision by far that I have ever made for myself."

• Con...
• February 27, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I'm male, so obviously I don't have this, but I witnessed what my girl went through, and this thing is definitely not safe! I was with her from early 2017 till late 2018. She had days where she could function to what seemed normal, but she had been in so much pain for so long she had learned to deal with it. But a lot of days she was in bed hurting. I worked on the road and was rarely home to help her. She got really sick before she had it removed, like I was worried she could die, she seemed so sick. I read some of you were talking about a brain cloud. I believe it because something just wasn't right. We ended up arguing over things I had no idea why we were fighting about - none of it made sense, and in the end, we didn't make it, and I believe this has a lot to do with it! Anyways, she's getting better daily, inside and out, and I'm happy for her to be able to finally look forward to her future. But please, nobody take this - it affects everyone.... I didn't cover all her symptoms, but it was so bad."

• 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!"

• Fla...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 21, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had my ParaGard for 7 years and loved it. Had no issues, periods actually seemed to be the same as before, with little to no cramping. This is my first cycle since removing it, and boy, is it painful."

• 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."

• Pai...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 12, 2022

Copper topical for Birth Control "After having my daughter, I tried ParaGard as a hormone-free solution to birth control. It was one of the worst decisions that I made for my body. The doctor told me that it was virtually painless and that I wouldn’t feel it. I can tell you that I felt it every second, and it caused pain and discomfort. After a month, I returned to my doctor and told her that I was in too much pain to even be intimate with my husband. She told me that I had to wait a few months before she would take it out. By the time she agreed to take it out, I had my period the entire time. Heavy menstrual cycles that would cause me to be so fatigued, nauseous, and have accidents all the time. Finally, when it was finally removed, I was relieved of the pain, but it took a very long time before pelvic inflammation resolved, and also my periods never went back to normal."

• 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."