Copper topical and Pain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Van...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "Horrible pain with insertion. I have a high pain tolerance, but this almost made me pass out, it hurt so bad. Heavy, heavy bleeding. Sometimes, two heavy, long periods a month, with spotting in between. Weight gain and hip joint pain. I just got it removed today, which was almost painless, thank goodness."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 11, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "For ParaGard, you have to manage your expectations. It took about 6 months for my cycle to regulate itself. The pain was horrendous upon insertion and a few weeks after, but this is to be expected. I cannot take hormonal birth control, so this was my last option. It is effective, but if your pain threshold is low, I do not recommend this. I have to take Aleve before lifting weights because my uterus becomes irritated and I will experience bloating and intense, sharp pain. Outside of these few times of pain and bloating, it feels like nothing. I check the strings once a month, get it regularly checked on every few months in my OBGYN office, and I think maintenance is minimal yet very important. I am 23 and have never had children, so it may be different for people of varying lifestyles."

• Rmo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2021

Copper topical for Birth Control "Horrible experience! ParaGard is a non-hormonal birth control, but it messed me up. I was not myself at all. Brain fog, mood swings, depression, bloating, cramps, sciatic pain, and constipation, to name a few side effects. I had it taken out about two weeks ago. I'm glad I had it removed when I did. My IUD was starting to embed itself into my uterus. If I had waited any longer, I would have needed it surgically removed. I feel like myself again now that it is out. Listen to your body... if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't! ParaGard is not worth it!"

• Hor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had the ParaGard IUD in for 16 days, never once used it with the husband. I was having some pelvic pain and had to go in for an emergency check-up. I was given the most painful vaginal ultrasound that made me cry. Then I got my OBGYN to check, which was also painful with her using various tools to dig inside. She then tells me it’s missing! So I was sent to a different hospital down the street to get an X-ray done. I waited for like 3-4 hours and got a call that I had to have emergency surgery the next day. So I was told the surgery would be 30 minutes, but it ended up being 6 hours because it got wedged between my liver and gall bladder."

• Fre...
• July 1, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "21, no kids, had ParaGard inserted yesterday. I read hundreds of reviews beforehand that led me to believe I'd be writhing in pain the whole time. Yes, it hurt, but only for 20 seconds total out of a 5-minute ordeal. I think for me at least, a lot of what I was registering as pain was more shock at such a completely foreign sensation. I immediately had what felt like my usual period cramps but a bit worse, but those went away after 5ish hours. Now, less than 24 hours after insertion, I feel fine. Every so often I'll get a dull cramp, but that's it. Here's hoping it continues to be a positive experience (for the next ten years!!!?!)"

• Ann...
• April 3, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had constant pain for a full year, and I bled all but about three days every month for the entire while. My body hated this IUD. I have a mood disorder and thought, no hormones, awesome! Not when you're thrown out of whack by a constant period anyway. I didn't get pregnant, and the method itself would be convenient if it didn't cause you to cramp and bleed all the time (and I'm talking clots the likes of which I have never experienced in my entire life). I basically stopped having sex at all for a year because who wants to when you're always on your freaking period? After months of various ob/gyns telling me 'Ooooh, just stick with it, it'll even out!' I finally did what I should have to begin with and got this stupid thing removed. The next day, my stabbing pains had stopped, and so had my bleeding. I'm back on Junel 21, and my PMS wasn't debilitating. Do yourself a favor and really weigh the pros and cons before you get the ParaGard."

• Ace...
• September 13, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "The ParaGard has worked perfectly for me. I think much of the frustration I read about is the natural discomfort the body goes through adjusting to a foreign object. In some cases, people's bodies reject it, which seems like a pretty natural side effect to me. I had pain the first few weeks after insertion, and ibuprofen worked wonders during that time. I also experienced bad menstrual cramps the first 3 periods after insertion, my flow was heavier at first but mellowed out with time. I used to be on a 5-week cycle, and now I'm on a 4-week one. I love my IUD. I've had unprotected sex with a long-term partner and never had to worry. I still wear condoms with new sexual encounters because STDs are a real thing. But my IUD has been great for 3 years!"

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 12, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "Worst pain of my life. I experience contraction-like cramps every period. At times, I have to lay on the floor and deep breathe. Tonight, I was in tears, feeling like I was going to vomit from the pain. I had to pace around the room and do squats like a woman in labor. I don’t know if it was the naproxen sodium pain meds or hot bath that finally helped the cramps to subside, but had they not stopped, I thought I would have to go to the ER and have the IUD removed. It might be effective to protect me from pregnancy, but this monthly pain is NOT worth it."

• Ros...
• August 13, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I did not receive pre-medication before planned insertion. I had it inserted at age 24 and had never given birth. It was very painful to have inserted. I began having pain radiating down from my uterus to my hips, thighs, and knees. Now it mainly begins a week prior to my period. I have heavy periods, most of the heavy bleeding is only for 2-3 days. The other days are light to normal, with several days of spotting after. The PMS symptoms have been amplified. Pain during sex. Breakthrough bleeding. Occasionally, I get an extra period. I have kept the ParaGard because it is highly effective. I am allergic to hormonal contraceptives, spermicide, and have a latex sensitivity. So far, no babies."

• Suz...
• April 15, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had ParaGard for 5 years, and it has been perfect for me. I have never had children, and insertion HURT. I hadn't prepared or taken any painkillers. I needed painkillers for a week, and my next three or four periods were more painful. To be fair, I had previously been on the pill, which regulated my periods and made them nearly painless. I love not worrying about birth control, and the pain of insertion was for sure worth it. It doesn't bother my husband at all. I would recommend this as a long-term bc. I had to go on hormonal bc very young to be allowed to take an unrelated medication. I wanted to do something natural that I didn't have to remember daily. I would just recommend painkillers before you get it put in!"

• lol...
• October 5, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "After terminating an unplanned pregnancy, I was advised to get the ParaGard coil. Having had regular and fairly light periods for years and maintaining a healthy weight, it was difficult to get used to the bloating and heavy bleeding. The coil felt like a constant, low-level pressure, and I often had the taste of metal in my mouth. My appetite increased. Despite exercising more, my weight increased (my face got chunkier and my belly and hips got wider). I couldn't keep on top of the pain and was taking painkillers six days a month. I decided to take it out six weeks ago, fed up with waiting for a couple of days' respite where I might feel normal. I have dropped about a quarter stone in that time - probably the amount I put on during the five months I had it in. There's been a chemical shift in the time I've had it in - I now get tired more easily, and even small amounts of alcohol leave me drained the next day. Hope this helps anyone else feeling similar things."

• Bab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I wanted to share my feelings on ParaGard since I just got mine a few months ago and have heard some pretty scary things about it. I am 21 and came off NuvaRing after 3 years of using it. The insertion of the IUD was the most painful thing I've ever felt, it made me nauseous, BUT it was over within 10 minutes. The following week was hell with nonstop cramps and bleeding. After a week, I felt great! My period came earlier than expected but was roughly the same as it was before having the IUD. 7-8 days with 3 days of debilitating cramps and enough bleeding to use a super tampon in 45 minutes. It didn't hurt worse or last longer! Now in month 2, I still feel great. My cycle messed up a bit, but it is getting more regular again. I love it!"

• Mad...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 11, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I'm 22, never had children. When seeking birth control, I wanted something non-hormonal as I struggle with an eating disorder and was deathly afraid of weight gain or worsened depression. ParaGard was the only option. Insertion was quick and painful, but bearable (no pain meds or anything). An hour later, I was fading in and out of consciousness in the worst pain I'd experienced yet. I have put up with severe, drop-you-to-the-ground crying cramps increasingly over the last 4 years. I have pain and spotting throughout the month. About three-quarters of my life revolves around when I will be bloated, bleeding profusely, and in ER-level pain. Sex is painful, and my fiancé and I are struggling with that. The bleeding is so heavy I have become severely anemic and have finally had enough. It was nice not having to take a pill, but my experience was awful. I'm done missing classes and work and swimsuits and intimacy."

• kez...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I've only had my IUD for a short time, but so far I am loving it! I feel so much better not having extra hormones, and it's so super convenient not to worry about a pill every day. When I had it put in, there was a little bit of pain and some really heavy cramping for the first two nights, but overall I am very happy with it!"

• Nur...
• June 2, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on it 3 times, have tried several types of birth control, including Mirena. My switches were based on thinking I was miserable after reading these forums, lol. I always come back to Paragard. All forms of birth control will come with side effects. I recommend getting Paragard on your period when your cervix is soft. Also, I've noticed the bleeding seems to regulate easier. The level of pain you experience is truly based on the experience of the provider. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen. Women excessive cramping should take progestin cream days 17-21 of the cycle. Also, plan for anemia by increasing iron and zinc intake. Being a little bloated is worth it to me vs. having no sex drive and weight gain on hormones."

• Par...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I opted to get the ParaGard since it is hormone-free. The doctor told me to go when my period is its heaviest and to take 2 Advil beforehand. He also mentioned it would most likely be painful since I never had kids before. I waited two months for the device to be shipped. ParaGard has to call you twice to confirm you want it shipped. I don't answer strange numbers on my phone, and they did not leave a voicemail. I had to call them directly to get it straightened out. The day that it was inserted, I was in a lot of pain. I almost blacked out, and I felt nauseous for 2 hours afterward. I fell asleep for 2 hours when I got home, and when I woke up, I felt like I was having bad period cramps. I felt fine the next day."

• cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had my Paragard inserted about 3 weeks ago without pre-medicating (I was suggested to take 600-800 mg of ibuprofen beforehand, but I forgot. DO NOT MAKE THIS MISTAKE). I think I have a high pain tolerance, but the pain I experienced during insertion landed on my top 3 most painful experiences. It's 2 of the sharpest, most intense cramps you'll never want to feel again. Anyway, I spotted fairly lightly (I have light periods) for 3-4 days and mild to moderate cramps. Nothing that ibuprofen can't handle! I can feel the strings if I really look for them. My boyfriend hasn't noticed it, and I haven't had my period on it yet. But after the cramps and spotting subsided, my (sex) life improved thanks to no more worrying! :)"

• 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."

• 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!"

• Sil...
• December 3, 2015

For Birth Control "I received my copper IUD as the most recommended form of birth control after an abortion (I was in a highly abusive relationship and 17 years old). Anyway, after insertion (painless), I did throw up because of all the painkillers. After insertion was like a normal period: bleeding and cramps. They said sex was safe after 3 weeks. So me, silly and young, had sex 3 weeks later. But had no complications. I'm still with the 3-week-later partner, a year later, and we've ditched condoms and have an active sex life, and I can say it's 100% effective. I've had two experiences where it hurt a lot after sex, but it went away after a few hours. But it was nothing compared to the pain of making the wrong choice about a baby. Would recommend."

• gem...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 23, 2021

Copper topical for Birth Control "After 3 years, 9 months of having ParaGard IUD in my uterus, I discovered I was pregnant, confirmed by a blood test at the doctor's office. I went to have a formal pelvic ultrasound at the hospital to determine if I had an ectopic pregnancy, and they discovered my IUD was displaced but could not conclude if I was ectopic, although they saw what appeared to be a cyst on my right ovary and I had a cyst in my uterus. They tried to remove the ParaGard in the hospital, but they couldn't get it out as it was embedded in the uterine lining. The process was painful. I left the hospital with no resolution. My doctor's office followed up and had me do another blood test a day later to see if the pregnancy hormone level increased. It increased nearly 50%, and they ruled out ectopic pregnancy. I had a follow-up doctor's office appointment where they did an in-clinic procedure to remove undesired pregnancy tissue and the embedded IUD. I have been physically, emotionally, and mentally traumatized by this experience."

• Bga...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 26, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "Insertion is painful, but quick. I spotted for two or three days following the procedure and only cramped the day of. I'm breastfeeding, so I have not yet had a period, so I can't comment on whether or not it's heavier than normal yet."

• 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."

• Mon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 16, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got the copper IUD a month ago, I had no pain and barely any spotting. After 2 days, I had some days of bleeding. I didn't get my period and had 3 negative pregnancy tests. After 2.5 weeks (with no complaints), I experienced the worst pain and started bleeding extremely. I thought my IUD was expelling. I went to the provider 2 days later, and I was told that I was pregnant, the screen showed something in my uterus that looked like a baby. The doctor removed my IUD, and I had to go to radiology for a better ultrasound of the baby to see what is going on, I went straight away. They sent me to the hospital by ambulance because that thing in my womb, that they thought was a baby, might not be a baby after all, and the excessive fluid buildup in my pelvic area was very concerning. Turned out I was okay and that 'baby' in my womb was a side effect of the copper IUD. I am not pregnant, it is the lining of my uterus that formed a sack with blood and huge clots in my uterus. It still has to come out."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I just recently decided to switch from the NuvaRing that I had been on for nearly 2 years to the ParaGard. I was very anxious and depressed on the ring, so I am hoping that changes with this non-hormonal option. Insertion was insanely painful. During the procedure, I was seeing stars. The cramps I have had after insertion have come and gone. It's been a week straight of sharp pains every now and then with a constant dull pain. I am staying optimistic regardless of these awful reviews. Everyone's body is different, and obviously, the side effects will differ from person to person. My advice to anyone thinking about getting one is be aware of what can happen, but you never know what will happen until you try it."