Copper topical and Pain: What Users Say (Page 5)

• 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."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I just put the ParaGard in 08/24/17. I was told to come in while I was on my period. During the procedure, I felt a little discomfort, nothing too bad. The midwife who did it for me was very gentle and told me when to breathe while she inserted it. Before inserting it, she told me to feel the tip of the strings so I knew what it felt like if I needed to ever check to see if it was still there on my own! (super gross, I know). After the procedure was finished, I was given ibuprofen (600) in case I had pain after. I was fine the whole day after with no pain, I worked a full 8-hour shift after with a little bit of discomfort, but again not too bad. I finished my period, and I was still fine. I have tested with my husband and was fine. He didn't feel a thing."

• Cra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had an AWESOME experience with my ParaGard and wanted to share it since people tend to only post negative reviews online. I got my ParaGard about a month ago. There definitely was pain/cramping at the time of insertion, but it wasn't really horrible; it felt like really, really bad period cramps for a few minutes, and then it subsided. I had pretty bad bloating/gas/cramps for the first week and a half, and then it subsided. I'm at the end of my first period with it at the moment. My periods are usually ~5 days long, and with the ParaGard it has been about 7 days. Cramps are definitely a bit more painful, but nothing Advil can't take care of! I love love LOVE my ParaGard and definitely recommend it!"

• don...
• March 1, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "DON'T DO IT! I had ParaGard for a full year and thought about/researched IUDs for a few months before getting it. Yes, it's nice not having to take a pill every day or worry about getting pregnant, but the negative side effects FAR outweighed any benefits. I'm only fully functional half the time since having this IUD. At least two weeks each month, I experience emotional mood swings, anxiety, fear, and cramping that makes me double over in pain. Then I get my period, where I am bedridden and depressed for 3-4 days. I feel terrible - cramping, bloating, lots of pain. I usually feel so bad that I don't eat properly, shower, or take care of myself. Also, the strings do not soften. My boyfriend gets poked by them, which is painful for him, and it has made our sex life very stressful, uneventful, and infrequent - SPECIFICALLY because of this device. I would NEVER EVER recommend it to anyone. I cannot wait to have it removed and feel like myself again."

• 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."

• Jpi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 30, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I am a 21-year-old college student and first went on a hormonal birth control (Lutera) when I was 18 to help with irregular periods-and after almost a month on it, I was a raging hormonal maniac. I was too traumatized for a while to look into other options, and then I thought a non-hormonal IUD would be the solution to my birth control woes. My first insertion went relatively smoothly-I psyched myself out beforehand, but it was just uncomfortable, not painful. Unfortunately, 3 months after insertion, the IUD partially expelled. A month later, I had a new one put in, which I've had for a year now, and though I still get painful, heavy periods with some spotting between (a trade-off I can handle), I really am happy with my decision to get ParaGard."

• She...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2015

For Birth Control "I had the coil fitted three days ago. I found the actual insertion of the coil painful enough and needed to focus on my breathing to manage it - however, it wasn't unbearable and it only lasted a couple of minutes (I'd forgotten to take ibuprofen beforehand, which the doctor had previously advised me to do). The pain subsided very quickly, and I only had period-like cramping for the rest of the day. Apart from some light spotting, which is normal, I feel completely back to normal now, and I'm thrilled that I've had it fitted. I just feel like the two to three minutes of pain are completely worth it for the benefits of having a non-hormonal form of contraception that will last for 10 years."

• Pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I think it's great, got the smallest one, T360, I think. Hurt a lot getting it in but didn't last long! Cramps all night, could not sleep from pain! Next day much better, then nothing. Can't tell it's there! Except stomach bloated lots! For about a week, then went to normal. Felt a bit run down as well and a lot of discharge! And felt down, depressed! But after 2 weeks, fantastic! PMS symptoms before period but no spotting, yay, normally get a lot of acne on chin! Period normal, definitely recommend."

• Cyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2020

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had nothing but constant complications, pain, terrible menstrual cramps, pelvic infections, and yeast infections from this IUD! Why any female would want to put a foreign object up into her uterus that's made of copper is beyond me! If you like pain, infections, heavy bleeding, and then a possible hysterectomy, then go for it!"

• Wor...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 28, 2024

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got the ParaGard in 11/2015 and removed 10/2024. I remember insertion being painful-really bad cramps-but it didn’t last more than a couple of days. I experienced longer/heavier periods-before, it was no more than 5 days, with it, it was 6. My cramping was slightly worse, but inconsistent. Some months were fine, and others I had bad cramps. There were a few times during the 9 years that I experienced pain/discomfort, like during intense exercise or abdominal stretches. Twice, I felt it shift during sex and had painful cramps afterward (happened +5 years in). I had partners that felt it during sex, but it was never a major issue. I would just say listen to your body-I felt more cramping, had it removed (not painful), and my OBGYN told me it had started to become embedded. For me, despite everything, ParaGard did what it was intended to do: I never got pregnant, and I didn’t have to ingest hormones or remember to take a pill for that result. No regrets, but now switching to a new IUD."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had my ParaGard for three months now, and I LOVE it. I was terrified to get this put in, as I had never been on birth control before, and after reading all of the reviews about the insertion process, I was practically shaking in the OB-GYN office. Not one bit of it was painful for me. It just felt a little funny, but when he inserted it, there was a tiny baby cramp that went away almost instantly. For the record, I have not had any kids, I am tall and thin, and have 3-day medium flow periods, which haven't changed since getting on this, and I only had spotting the first month. I had bad cramps once when I wasn't wearing proper shoes at a job where I walk on hard brick all day, but they went away with 2 Motrin."

• Mia...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 12, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "Hormonal birth control wreaks havoc on my body. I had the ParaGard inserted in March 2018. Insertion was extremely painful, and I continued having cramps the rest of the day. My first period and the next 5-6 months were excruciating. Even though I’m in my mid-30s, I’ve never had cramps. Before ParaGard, my period was typically 3-4 days. With the ParaGard, my period was painful, with a pain radiating from my uterus down to my toe. I used several tampons and would bleed through pads with wings, ruining clothes and sheets. I had it removed about 10 days ago, and since then I’ve lost weight, I’m less irritable, have decreased anxiety, feel less bloated, and have more energy. My only issue now is that I get a headache every day around 2 pm."

• Don...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I had a copper IUD for 9.5 years, inserted after the birth of my first (and only) child. It was the best birth control experience I ever had. I did not have pain to speak of on insertion-I got it inserted and drove myself home and felt fine. (It might be more painful if you've never had a child.) I really liked never having to remember to take a pill or do anything, and I felt my libido was better on the copper IUD than on BCP. I did have a heavy period, like 5 days of solid bleeding, but no cramping or pain. I just replaced it with a Mirena, as I am older now (46) and have a fibroid, so I want to cut down on the heavy flow. But I had a very positive experience with the copper IUD and liked being hormone-free after many years on the pill."

• tes...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 29, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "Try and stick it out! Insertion was painful, and periods were a lot more crampy for about 3 months after. I decided to give it a few months to settle (as my doctors advised) and get it removed if it didn't. By the 4th month, period pains were fine again. Initial pain aside, I don't think you can beat the copper IUD. No hormones or side effects on the body apart from initial discomfort, and it's 99% effective. I tried various pills, and all were too hormonally imbalancing, took a toll on my skin, moods, and cycle. Condoms are obviously an important safeguard in one-off situations, but they're not foolproof, and they can be irritating, and I've found they exacerbate cystitis. In a relationship, the non-hormonal IUD is great!"

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I'm a 34-year-old with no children and thought ParaGard was a good choice because of the no hormones. The instant my doctor inserted the IUD, I had the most uncomfortable pain in my life (and I've had kidney stones and have a high pain tolerance). I felt like I was having the worst period of my life with stabbing pains from my pelvis shooting through my vagina. The pain and bleeding lasted 2 weeks. I had to miss work some days it was so intense. My doctor assured me it would get better in 3 months, that my body had to adjust to it. But every period lasted 2 weeks or longer! The pains were sharp and literally took my breath away at times. THIS WAS THE WORST PAIN IN MY LIFE!!!!"

• Flo...
• May 10, 2015

For Birth Control "It turned out to be painless, besides some moment of pressure and cramping. I'll walk you through my procedure. The nurse practitioner puts a device inside of my vajay-jay to open it so she could place the device. Then she had to put another device in place to hold my cervix in the proper position. This is the only part that hurt, more than likely because I jumped. She had to take it out because she couldn't place it while I was moving. The 2nd time she placed it, I only felt pressure. After that, she put another device inside of me to measure my cervix. Then the insertion of the device, which I didn't even feel. :))"

• Jan...
• August 16, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "For starters, I’ve never had children, and I am a 22-year-old petite 5’0 small-framed woman. I went through every birth control option I could possibly go through, leaving me depressed, nauseous, sleeping all day. I finally went with ParaGard after 2 years off hormones, and it was the best decision I’ve made. Insertion was the scariest part, I took 750 mg of ibuprofen. It feels like your cervix is 80% numbed and being stabbed while they stick a cold probe in. It also feels like a giant period cramp. Afterwards, I was in extreme pain for 2 days. Like really bad pain where I couldn’t do anything, and ibuprofen wasn’t helping. I recommend if you have an insertion to have a weekend off. Otherwise, I’ve been normal since insertion. It changed my 3-day period into a 5-day heavy period. I was afraid my first period would be painful, but it felt just a little more crampy. I feel a lot of these bad reviews are from people who got off hormonal BC and went straight to ParaGard."

• Upf...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 1, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "Backstory: 1st birth control, procedure at 20 years old, never been a mom, cost out-of-pocket approximately $300 USD. To the brave women who've made the responsible decision to consider stable, long-term birth control (condoms are NOT a long-term or reliable form of birth control), I applaud you. Pros: 10 years of coverage, one and done! Non-hormonal- 'nuf said! Partner comfort- he doesn't feel a thing, cheap (long run)- $700 vs. monthly cost of pills/shots, reliability- 99%. Cons: PAIN- during the procedure, 72 hours after, and the first year. This is natural, body trying to expel, very strong contractions. Advice: Buy NSAIDs, take 20 minutes before the procedure, buy a heating pad/have your honey warm you. Grit your teeth! Find a good doctor! My doctor treated me like a human being. She always guided me through what she was doing. I wish you all luck, happy hunting!"

• bon...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 11, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "Had the IUD for a year, it was an okay insertion, not comfortable but not unbearable. But I had increased bleeding and pain. After I adjusted, the pain started to improve, but then after about 7 months, I had a ton of pain during sex and bleeding for days and days. Turns out my IUD expelled and was in my cervix. They say that only happens for 4 percent of women, though, so evaluate the risk."

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2016

For Birth Control "Just a bit of info before I share my experience. I never had kids. Recommend taking 4 pills of ibuprofen with food before your IUD placement, 1 hour before. My pain level is not very good, so that is another thing to keep in mind. I chose Paragard because hormones in BCP make me gain over 30 lbs in 1 year. I was on Ortho Lo and NuvaRing. Did not like it at all. Paragard IUD, so far, placement was painful. The most painful part was dilation and placement of the IUD. Pain is like abdominal and vaginal cramps that are a 7/10 on the scale. My periods are heavy, I'm lucky to not have cramping on my IUD, but man, I had a really heavy period for 3 weeks. The doctor stated that this is normal. Other than that, my appetite is back to normal. Weight is finally dropping too. Very happy."

• Amy...
• January 11, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "The insertion was extremely uncomfortable, but quick. I experienced discomfort and pain in my ovaries, instead of my regular period cramping. My periods began lasting over two weeks, and I would bleed through super plus tampons and liners. Severe ovary, back, and leg pain. The psychological symptoms: I felt out of control, enraged, sad, exhausted, lifeless. After 6 cycles, I had it removed. I now have a normal cycle (26 days), 5 days of normal bleeding, no ovary pains, minor cramps, very little back and leg pain, no headaches, no major mood swings. All psychological symptoms are 'normal,' I'm slightly emotional and a little anxious, but I feel like myself."

• Jea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I am 18 years old with no kids, and I decided to try out ParaGard. I've been having it for almost two months now, and I have to say it's amazing. The process of putting it on was very painful. I never had a pelvic exam done, so that by itself was painful. I don't really remember the process. I was so nervous and a little scared, I didn't know what to expect. When she inserted the IUD, it was like a very sharp cramping pain. I let out a scream. The whole procedure took about 10 minutes. After that, I felt very uncomfortable. I wasn't in severe pain, but it was painful. The next day, I was in agonizing pain. I wanted to head to the hospital. It was cramping to the point where I couldn't even stand. Warm showers would lessen the pain."

• Aka...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "Just got my ParaGard October 21, 2019, 4 months after giving birth to my twins. TBH, it was a little painful, but it’s something you can bear to get if you really want this type of contraception. The same day I left after getting it done, the doc made sure it was in the right place and everything. When I got home, I was having very bad cramps, so unbearable it was crazy! Sometimes I felt it poking me here and there, but the next day I had a few cramps on and off too, but I was taking pain medicine to help with the pain because I usually don’t have pain or cramps while on my cycle at all. Today is the 4th day, and I’m feeling like a million bucks. No more cramps - I feel like I did before I got the IUD. This is all truth, the only thing I notice, though, is the bleeding seems like it’s out of control to me, but I guess my cycle is way heavier now. But so far I’m dealing with it, loving it, and feeling protected."

• Jul...
• August 2, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got the ParaGard IUD in the beginning of January 2019 because of side effects from the pill. The insertion process is very painful. It causes your periods and cramps to be way worse than they have ever been. I checked my strings once a month after my period like I was told. At the end of February 2019, after checking it, I noticed I felt hard plastic. I made an appointment to get it checked. My IUD was starting to expel out of me. I got my second one inserted at the end of February 2019. The second one I checked frequently. I should’ve been even a little more worried because 6 months later the same exact thing happened. I ended up having to get it removed again. She said it may have expelled for me because I have a “tilted uterus,” meaning it’s tilted towards my back and because I haven’t had any children. I do not recommend it if you haven’t had children and know you have a tilted uterus like me."

• Nat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 5, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I ended up in the ER for serious pains after vomiting for over 24 hours, feeling like a case of severe food poisoning. I realized my lower abdomen was swollen and warm to the touch. When I pushed on it, I felt a sharp pain in my uterus. Doctors took an ultrasound and couldn't locate it at first because it had moved from the original position, perforating my uterus. They were able to surgically remove it, thankfully. I would not recommend anyone get one."