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

• Fee...
• August 12, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had this device for about a year and a half. When I first had it put in, I did cramp for almost a week. Really bad cramps, and I spotted the entire time. I finally had a cycle, and I thought I was hemorrhaging. I'm 32, and I have two kids. I didn't even bleed that much after I had given birth. It was the scariest thing I've ever experienced. I had to wear adult diapers along with super plus tampons because there was so much blood. My periods were lasting up to two weeks. They are now down to about eight days with two days of very heavy bleeding. My vagina starts to have a funny smell, and there is discharge for about a week. As for this birth control being effective, I would say 100%. It's the side effects that are a pain."

• 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."

• PZa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "Please do not base your decision on these reviews! I literally almost backed out of getting the ParaGard because of posted experiences. I reminded myself my body hates hormones and may react differently, and I am so glad I trusted my instincts. Upon insertion, I experienced about 30 seconds of slightly above mild discomfort while my cervix was being dilated. A sharp, piercing pain was maybe a second when he put it in, and for the remainder of the day, I didn't even experience cramping or pain. I could tell there was a different feeling, but nothing that required medication. I have barely spotted since it's been in, but a couple of times I have bled similar to menstruation while using the restroom. Overall, and beyond pleasantly surprised thus far with my experience and feel free knowing I no longer have hormones being pumped into my body. Medicine is not a perfect science, so do your research, know your body, and talk with your physician. So glad I took the plunge and did this."

• New...
• July 26, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "This cannot be a full review of ParaGard because I just got it yesterday, but as soon as I got it done, I thought that I needed to come online to share my insertion experience because I was TERRIFIED to get it done based on what I was reading online. I know everyone has a different experience, but for me, insertion was not NEARLY as bad as I expected based on what I'd read. I have given birth before to one child, and my doctor offered an injection 'blocker,' which I'm sure helped - I got it placed in one area (she said they could do up to three injections). The pain was very bearable - I would say a 2 out of 10 at worst. Since then, I have had extremely minor cramping and barely there spotting. If you are concerned about pain, talk to your doctor, but I was nothing short of relieved and felt obligated to put a different narrative out there online!"

• sus...
• May 31, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "I am writing this for girls who have Crohn's disease and a low immune system due to the medications for Crohn's. I was on a very low dose of birth control, and it simply was not for me! I became very depressed, I bled during sex, as well as experienced a lot of discomfort and had spotting for the entire 8 months I was on it. I got the Paragard inserted two months ago. I really have to say I love it, and I am glad I made the decision to get one! I only had periods that lasted 3 days with no cramps, and so far, I have only experienced cramps one week before and after my period and have not required any ibuprofen. If you think you are a good candidate, try it out. It's been great."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• Mrs...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 16, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I'm 32, and I've had the ParaGard for 6 years now. I got it after having my daughter at 26. It was recommended to me due to blood clotting issues and hormones. I went in to see my GYN, and it took about 5 minutes. It was inserted 6 weeks after having my baby. It didn't hurt, it just felt like a pinch. It works GREAT! My husband and I love it! The heavy periods and spotting occasionally are worth it. Recently, I have experienced some back pains, but it goes away, and it doesn't happen often. I totally recommend it. #ThumbsUp"

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got my ParaGard about two months ago now. I love it! The only negatives I've encountered because of it are very intense cramps during the first four days of my period and occasional spotting while I'm not on my period, both of which I've never had to deal with before getting it inserted. As for the cramps, they're terrible (and I would describe myself as having a high pain tolerance), and can leave me short of breath if I don't keep up to date with Midol and Pamprin for the first 4-5 days of my cycle. If I do, it's completely manageable!"

• Kit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "Positive review! I had ParaGard inserted four days ago. I read way too many reviews online before my insertion and was nervous. I tried not to let those sway me from trying this contraceptive. All bodies react differently. I would say the insertion was a breeze. Sure, it was uncomfortable at moments, but pain scale maybe a 4 of 10. I took ibuprofen before and after. I did feel slightly crampy the next two days, but a heating pad and ibuprofen helped. I still was able to go to work, and day two I was back in the gym for a mostly light workout. I’m still slightly tender and achy in the morning, but overall, very manageable. I have not had too much spotting yet, so we’ll see how my first period goes next month as far as heavier and worse cramps. Hope this helps!"

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had the ParaGard inserted in October 2018. I was told multiple times that it takes 3 months for your body to adjust to the IUD. It's been 2 months, and I'm still experiencing severe pain. My cramps have amplified tenfold, it seems as if spotting NEVER stops, and I'm actually bedridden when I fully bleed. The insertion was very painful, and now when my period comes around (I used to be VERY regular), not only do I cramp, but my lower back hurts so much that my entire midsection feels as if it's trying to sever itself in half. This is the worst pain I've experienced... and I've had an abortion. I'm giving it one more month, but if my symptoms don't change, I am eager to get it removed."

• Chr...
• June 1, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had an extremely positive experience with ParaGard. The procedure was quick and a slight pinch upon placement, a little bit of spotting after, but other than that, my period has remained unaffected. Sometimes I do feel the strings, but that is no biggie. Ever so often, I have a partner who says they can feel it but has not created difficulty. I am happy with it. I got mine placed at Planned Parenthood for free because of my financial status, but I did make a $50 donation."

• 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."

• Reb...
• April 14, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I've had the ParaGard for a month now, and I absolutely love it! I got it inserted 3 months after having my son, and I didn't even feel them put it in. Afterwards, I had mild cramping and spotting for a few days, then it went away. I am breastfeeding, so I have not gotten a period yet, but my cycles have always been heavy. I would have a heavier cycle than get pregnant again so soon! Or deal with synthetic hormones! The only complaint I have is the increase of discharge I have constantly. Other than that, I love it and would recommend it for any mother."

• 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."

• Sma...
• August 27, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had ParaGard for 3 weeks. Insertion was not that bad, people, come on now. The doctor made me very comfortable and she had the cutest, most open face ever. So, after the procedure - first two days spotting, then period, which lasted quite long (but I haven't had a period in about 6 years, so ja). Due for my 6-week update in a few weeks, but I love my ParaGard. My husband and I have no problems with anything... and people, seriously, the longer periods are something that can be dealt with way better than an unwanted pregnancy. Ok, so update after 6-week checkup. Oh yeah!! Everything is 100%, IUD still perfectly in place. No worries about anything. Just get over the first 4-6 weeks, then you will be okay."

• Joa...
• July 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm 21 and have never had a child, and had my insertion a week ago. Reading all of these reviews made me expect terrible pain. My gyno prescribed me 600 mg of Cytotec to take 4 hours before my appointment to soften the cervix. I also took 800 mg of ibuprofen an hour before my appointment. The pain of the initial measuring of the cervix/uterus was like a mild period cramp, and then soon the IUD insertion followed was still like a mild cramp. It all lasted 3 minutes and was definitely not that bad! I was dizzy that day, and so far I've had minimal spotting for a week and light cramps every once in a while. I had sex 5 days in and I didn't feel a thing either. Overall, a great birth control decision! Do not scare yourself reading reviews!"

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I shared my experience when I first got my ParaGard, and here is my 3-month update. I absolutely LOVE it! I had some annoying cramps and spotting the first couple of weeks after getting it in. Spotting has since slowed down tremendously. My periods are heavier for sure, but it seems like the blood is lighter and thinner. I never had cramps before and now have a day where I get one or two relatively hard cramps with pain on my left side, but it is totally manageable. There is a price to pay, and I'd say it's worth it."

• Fit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I am 21, never had kids, have regular periods that are light-medium, and am very active. I recently got the ParaGard inserted. The insertion was only painful for a brief 3 seconds (I also forgot to take ibuprofen before my appointment). The next few days consisted of some strong cramping that came in cycles, but it only required one dose of 400 mg of ibuprofen a day to help with that. I only have some light spotting that requires panty liners, however, the cramps and spotting are decreasing with each day. Had sex on day 3, and everything felt normal! It is now day 5 for me, and I have resumed working out with moderate intensity. Don't listen to the horror stories, you may be one of those lucky people (like me) that have a good experience!"