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

• Mor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I had the ParaGard inserted almost 5 months postpartum after being on the pill for a few months and experiencing negative hormonal side effects. I read horror stories about the insertion and was completely terrified-DON’T freak out. It did not give me the “worst cramps of my life” or anything remotely close. Just breathe through it and get a good doctor who has done these often, and it’s a breeze. I had minor cramps the first day and even less the following day, nothing super noticeable. I spotted for about four days afterward and then was done! So far, I love this IUD. I’ll update after I get my first period (who knows when that will happen though as I am currently nursing)."

• 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."

• Sic...
• April 11, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I did not get pregnant, so the ParaGard was effective. However, I did suffer many side effects: hair loss, bloating, even when I didn't eat, heart palpitations, intense anxieties and depression, migraines, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, all the time, thirsty (dry mouth), yeast infections, pain during sex (my man would get poked or scratched by it), spotting either randomly or after sex, super super light periods, joint pains (sciatica, my neck, wrists, and knees), red dots on my face, which were never there before placement of IUD, loss of appetite, vagina smells like copper (pennies), I lost my sense of taste, loss of interest in sex, literally. I couldn't feel anything down there. It was like my clitoris nerve was murdered. I was never wanting to have sex, so I would never initiate it. I would get annoyed or stressed when boyfriend wanted to have sex. Copper toxicity is real!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 19, 2016

Copper topical for Birth Control "After my 2nd child, we were pretty sure we were done. But getting fixed was too permanent! I've had ParaGard for six years, and overall, I'm happy with it. I've tried every kind of BC pills from low to high hormones. I also used NuvaRing and the Depo shot. My body can't handle any kind of hormones! For me, the insertion was not painful. The first two years were heavy bleeding, spotting all the time, and bad cramps with a period of 10 to 14 days. It's a little better now, but I still have 7 to 10-day periods, and 4 to 6 days of heavy bleeding. But for me, the cons are worth not getting pregnant!!"

• Anonymous
• November 9, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "After years of different birth controls messing me up, I didn't want anything with hormones. I had Paragard put in 2 weeks ago, and I didn't take anything before insertion. Got cramps within a few hours. A few days of spotting, and then my period started. My first period lasted about 6 days, with severe cramps, so I had to use a heating pad (didn't have to use one before Paragard). I also had lower back pain like I had while in labor with my only child (back labor). After reading comments, I'm hoping my cycles will be back to normal in a few months. Don't want to spend my last years before menopause worrying about longer periods or birth control, and didn't want to get tubes tied unless it's the only other option, so I'll give it some time."

• LJO...
• June 20, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I've had ParaGard for about 3 years now. - Insertion: Easy, quick, uncomfortable. Felt crampy for the next 24 hours. Get a heating pad to help. - Side effects: My acne was unpredictable the first year as my body got accustomed to no hormones (took the pill for 10 years prior). Now my skin is nearly perfect except for hormonal acne around my period. No weight gain. Large improvements in anxiety/mental health compared to the pill. I personally love how I feel without any hormones. Some cramps and spotting during/after sex. My partners have rarely been able to feel the IUD during sex. - Periods are heavy and crampy. They seem to have gotten heavier, longer, and more frequent over the 3 years. I now have a 27-day cycle, a full period for 5-7 days, and spot for a few days before and after. I feel like I am basically on my period all the time now, which is why I am going to look into replacing my ParaGard with another option (perhaps Kyleena)."

• Liz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "Just wanted to add my experience on here since I almost decided against the ParaGard after reading the negative reviews here. Thankfully, I’ve actually had a pretty good experience with the ParaGard so far. I had it inserted a month and a half ago and have had 2 cycles of my period so far. I haven’t had any children, so insertion was a bit uncomfortable for me, but it lasted a total of 5 minutes. My periods have remained normal, and cramping has been minimal. The only negative side effect I’ve experienced so far is spotting a few days before my period and a few days after (I never had this issue pre-insertion). I’m hoping that diminishes after a few months, however. Overall, I’m very pleased with the ParaGard and would recommend it."

• Mon...
• March 14, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have had ParaGard for eight years and feel the need to write a review as I am researching reviews on hormonal IUDs to replace my ParaGard. After 8 years, I started having lots of spotting, and my doctor said the IUD is embedding itself into me. So, I have to have it removed and replaced. I am intrigued by the low/no periods with a hormonal IUD, but the reviews are scary. ParaGard has been good to me! Yes, my periods are heavier, and I have to take about one dose of ibuprofen each month for cramps, but that is very manageable. I tried the arm patch before ParaGard but had it removed quickly because of the side effects. For me, I will stick with ParaGard, which has very manageable side effects instead of risking the side effects of hormonal IUDs."

• Ean...
• July 8, 2015

For Birth Control "My IUD was inserted two years ago, and it's AMAZING. Between the age of 16-18, I've gotten pregnant three times. I'm very fertile. After I had my daughter, I decided to get this birth control. When the Dr. inserted it, I didn't have much pain. The procedure was quick and easy. I had some spotting. My period is the same as it's always been. Since my IUD was inserted, I haven't gotten pregnant. My boyfriend and I always have unprotected, and I haven't gotten pregnant yet. I love this birth control because once it's in, you don't have to worry about it. You do a weekly inspection to feel for the strings and make sure it's in place, and that's it. I recommend the Paragard IUD every time the 'birth control' conversation comes up. I love it."

• ash...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 3, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I wanted to love this so badly, but it honestly was the worst choice of birth control for me. Since I had already tried the Mirena, I was already aware of how painful the insertion was going to be, so I was prepared. But every month around my period, my cramps were even worse than the ones I got during insertion. It was always the first day. I had 10-12 day periods each cycle, but there wasn't a single period I had without some type of leak happening, and I wound up having so much spotting I would occasionally have 2 periods a month. About a year into having it, it actually started making me physically ill. I would have unpredictable vomiting episodes that got especially worse if I hadn't eaten. I got it out, and immediately felt 100 times better."

• 6...
• January 21, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "I got my ParaGard IUD 6 months ago, and I love it! Yes, there is still occasionally spotting, and my period is a little heavier than it used to be, but I won't have to worry about pregnancy for the next 10-12 years. If I want to become pregnant during that time, it is only a matter of a doctor's appointment and a little tug, then BOOM, pregnancy is possible. The insertion did hurt a lot. Like severe cramping for a few seconds and then a bit more cramping for the next day or so. After that, I have lighter cramps for a few weeks, but it was completely worth it to not have to worry about hormones (which my body hates) or unexpected pregnancy. The only reason this review is a 9/10 is because my period is heavier and cramping is more than before."

• Kay...
• May 26, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "So I just got my IUD inserted a few hours ago. I'm 17 with no children. So about a week after consultation, the day arrived. I took naproxen about 8 hours ahead of time and even took some before I went in so the cramps wouldn't hit me immediately afterwards. So the procedure itself wasn't terrible. I've had period cramps worse than that. The worst part was the clamps that opened my cervix, but I was fine. I was just finishing my period, so I recommend getting this procedure done when you're either on your period or just after it. Honestly, it wasn't terrible. I've taken more naproxen and am chilling with a heating pad. There is a bit of spotting, but nothing too bad. I'll update when I get my period."

• Ano...
• February 2, 2017

For Birth Control "I got mine inserted 3 weeks ago as I will never take any form of hormones again! I'm 25, no kids, and paid $120 extra to get sedated. I think most women don't know this could be an option. After reading many experiences of pain and finding Pap smears extremely uncomfortable, I decided to get sedated. Best decision! It only took around 20 mins, and I had to stay 1 hour after and have someone drive me home. I had mild cramps for 2 hours after and light spotting for a few days. Everything is back to normal now, so I'm waiting to see how my periods go. I'll check back in."

• Jus...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 16, 2018

Copper topical for Birth Control "I have utilized ParaGard 3 times now. I absolutely love it. The first time was after my first child in 2005. I had it recommended by my OB. It was a bit uncomfortable going in (each time) and I did have spotting a few days after each. But I had it removed prior to conception each time and now I have 3 beautiful children. One time it did slip out and had to be replaced, but no other issues. After my most recent child in 2015, my now OB recommended Mirena. It was the worst 6 months of my life. I had horrible headaches, bleeding on and off all month every month, cramping all the time. I went in and had it swapped back to ParaGard and have now gone almost 3 years without further incident. I love that it has no hormones. I have not gotten pregnant while it was in. I was able to conceive almost immediately after taking it out each time. I never had any side effects and liked that my cycle was not affected, as awful as it can be sometimes, because of the absence of hormones."

• Car...
• May 21, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "As an aspiring nurse, I did my research on every type of birth control and chose ParaGard based on the longevity of protection and the lack of hormones, which are more natural to the body's environment. The procedure was simple: lay back, take deep breaths through the cramping, and you're done. The hardest part for me was that my cervix had to be dilated because I am 23, have no kids, and didn't have the misoprostol to soften, which some providers use. It was painful, but no more than a typical period. I forgot to premedicate, but naproxen is a miracle drug for me! On my drive home, I was worried because I felt extremely nauseous and faint. I took naproxen when I got home and felt great. Some spotting, but no babies for 10 years! Good luck!"

• Qui...
• September 24, 2015

Copper topical for Birth Control "I am 24 years old, never had kids, and I'm also type one diabetic, so I try to stay away from added hormones in my body. I have been told about ParaGard since I was 18, finally decided to give it a try. A few days ago, I had my implantation of the IUD. My gyno let me listen to some music, took an ibuprofen an hour beforehand. It wasn't horrible pain, but it was pretty intense, but nothing that wasn't manageable. During the procedure, I took very deep breaths and put pressure on my abdomen, the pain lasted 2-3 minutes. I listened to my favorite song and kept taking my deep breaths. As soon as it was over, the pain stopped. I've had slight cramps and spotting. I also have been bloated, and I think it's due to the IUD."

• Lov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2016

For Birth Control "Right off the bat, the insertion/measuring of the cervix was the worst pain I have ever experienced in my life. I have horrible cramps, and my tolerance for pain is high. But this pain cannot be explained. I took naproxen before and was on my period while getting inserted. All that 'timing makes a difference' is rubbish. It makes no difference, you either feel pain or you don't. THAT BEING SAID, this birth control has been great. I am only 2 months in, and my body is still getting used to it, i.e., copper smell, spotting, and longer periods and cramping. But I FEEL LIKE ME, and there is no weight gain. I recommend it for anyone who doesn't want hormones! I am so against birth control and can't believe I'm saying how good this one is! Definitely recommend!"

• Eve...
• February 19, 2016

For Birth Control "LOVE my copper coil. I spent a number of years going through different pills and always suffering some majorly upsetting side effect. Although the doc suggested the Mirena (because I have PCOS irregular periods), I opted to steer away from hormones entirely and risk the heavy bleeding. I have had the coil for about 5 months now, and oddly my periods have been the most regular they've ever been-though I don't think I can put this down to the coil itself. The first period was VERY heavy, long, and about as painful as I've experienced. I also had some spotting in between periods. HOWEVER, in the past three months all of these negatives have been gradually decreasing. My periods are no longer painful. Insertion was NOT that bad."

• Ano...
• May 9, 2018

For Birth Control "I had the copper IUD inserted 6+ weeks ago and wanted to share my positive experience, as the negative reviews I read online almost prevented me from getting it. I had my IUD inserted at a woman's clinic. I dreaded the process after reading negative reviews, but after taking 2 ibuprofen, the insertion was not that bad. I had a bit of cramping and a bit more cramping/spotting the day of. In the week following insertion, I had a bit of spotting and cramping that then faded. Since then, my periods have been normal – I have had two since insertion, and they have been no heavier or longer than usual. If you are researching this option, my advice is to ignore others' experiences. Do your own research, choose a doctor/women's clinic with experience in IUD insertions, and then see how your own body reacts. Try to keep a positive attitude so that you don't waste your worry on a procedure that may turn out to be okay."

• Nai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 25, 2019

Copper topical for Birth Control "I’ve had the ParaGard for an exact year now. It was my last resort due to other BC not working well with my body. Insertion wasn’t too painful, a lot of pressure. My periods and cramping are the worst! I have my period for almost 2 weeks and have very heavy periods that I bleed through a super plus tampon in less than 2 hrs. Also, I went to get my physical done a month ago, and they said the ParaGard caused my cervix to inflame, so if you’re having spotting or cramping while not on your cycle, this could be why. Seriously ready to take this birth control out!"

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2015

For Birth Control "I just got my Paragard today, so I can only attest for the insertion. While waiting at my 6-week postnatal appointment, I went out on a whim and decided, after reviewing a few other methods, to get the Paragard. I was a bit nervous with my decision since all the reviews on here mention this excruciating pain, and I had not taken any pain reliever prior to my appointment. I asked for Motrin as the nurses got everything ready. It literally took all of 2 minutes to put in. I felt nothing painful or unusual. I am spotting a bit, but nothing that will soak a liner. I felt this was the best nursing-friendly option, not to mention that I won't have to worry about contraception until 2025 (fingers crossed!)."

• Tra...
• February 6, 2019

For Birth Control "I absolutely love my copper coil. Before, I tried the implant, which disagreed with me. Then I was on the pill for about 2 years. Sex was painful, I was getting brown spotting all the time. So, I decided it was time to try a non-hormonal method. Having the coil fitted wasn’t painful at all, more like a scratch from inside! I took painkillers 30 minutes before my appointment. A week with the coil, I was told by my doctor to carry on till the end of my pill packet. Then I had my first period. It was heavier and more painful than normal. The rest of the month I’m free! Sex is amazing, it isn’t painful anymore. If anything, my sex drive has returned. I don’t have to remember to set an alarm to take my pill or worry, oh God, am I pregnant? I know it’s only a month, but I haven’t had any problems: no spotting, no bellyaches, I don’t even know it’s there. I have my first check-up in 2 weeks to check everything is in place, which I’m so excited about! So, for me, I HIGHLY recommend the copper coil. Hope this helps you, girls x."

• Kri...
• September 5, 2017

Copper topical for Birth Control "This was the worst decision of my life. I have been dieting and exercising, cut over 1000 calories a day and gained weight. ParaGard may not contain hormones, but it creates an inflammatory response that leads to water retention, inability to lose weight, and mood swings. My fingers are so swollen I can't get my rings off, and I bleed and spot 3 weeks out of the month. I am miserable and have an appointment for removal in a week!"