I decided to switch from my birth control pill to an IUD because I was constantly anxious that I would mess something up with my pill. My boyfriend and I don't use condoms because we are in a committed relationship, and although I was good at taking my pill I was always worried. I chose Paragard over Mirena because I wanted something without hormones. I'm 21 and have never had kids. I went into my appt not even expecting to get the thing inserted that day. I was just planning to talk about it. After decided it was right for me, she said we could put it in right away. I took no measures beforehand to make the experience more comfortable for myself. Ibuprofen could help. However, it was not nearly as bad as I expected, but I did experience some pain. The process involved a urine test to rule out pregnancy, and she also did a STD test by swabbing my cervix. She also did a pelvic exam. Next she brought in an assistant. She used a speculum to open the vagina and cleaned my cervix with iodine (this didn't bother me at all). The parts afterwards were where the cramping began. She used a clamp of some kind to hold my cervix steady. I got mild cramping from this and it felt pretty uncomfortable, but nothing I couldn't handle. Next she used a sound to measure the depth of my cervix. I think this was the most painful or bothersome part. I had moderate cramping and felt very strange. Next she inserted the IUD, which took all of ten seconds and involved maybe 2 seconds of pretty bad pain. Afterwards she told me it was all over and took the clamp out. She trimmed the strings and I was done! It took all of 2-4 minutes. I am still having pretty bad cramping a few hours after getting it put in, but ultimately I'm thrilled with my choice. I haven't had much bleeding, either. I'm so relieved it's over and wasn't as bad as I thought. I feel it'd be worth the few minutes of discomfort to not have to worry about pregnancy until I'm ready to have children.

ColleenS16

Milwaukee, WI

After being on the Progesterone-only pill for a year and a half, I decided to switch to the Copper IUD. I was experiencing two-week long periods on the pill, mood swings, and was breaking out like crazy, so I was excited to be hormone-free. I'm in a serious relationship and we are 25, and we're not ready to start a family quite yet, so we were looking forward to not having to worry about any unplanned pregnancies. My doctor assured me that the IUD was even more effective than the pill, had X-rays taken of my uterus to make sure the IUD would fit correctly, and answered all of my questions. I'm going to be blunt, the procedure was EXCRUCIATINGLY painful. I imagine that is what a contraction feels like, and I had painful cramps for the next 48 hours. I even had to take a day off of work. The pain subsided, though it was painful to have sex. I went to my one-month follow up appointment and my doctor said everything looked good. I then moved across the country for a new job with my boyfriend so I knew I would have to find a new gynecologist. My doctor had said it may take a few months for my periods to become regular, so I didn't worry when it was a week late. Then it was two weeks late...then three. I then woke up one morning feeling extremely nauseated and I puked. Deep down, I knew that could only mean one thing. My boyfriend bought a pregnancy test, and it was positive. We rushed to the ER where they confirmed I was 6 weeks pregnant. The IUD had moved into my cervix and was rendered useless essentially. They don't know how it moved, most likely during sex. I've never been so scared in my life. They took out the IUD, and me and my partner had to make the most difficult decision of our lives - we terminated the pregnancy three days later. We now use condoms and I will never recommend the IUD to anyone. Other women need to know this could happen to them. I did everything right to prevent a pregnancy - it just goes to show you that you're never really in control.

hayschwa

Portland, OR

I am 23 years old and have finally found a birth control method that works for me! I love the fact that it is hormone free, and that I don't have to worry about it for up to 10 years. I got the copper iud inserted about 2 months ago. The insertion process was awkward and uncomfortable for me but didn't hurt too bad, I did take some pain medicine ahead of time, mostly felt like a heavy cramp but was over within a minute or so. My periods did however go from being pretty light and only lasting 3-4 days with no cramping ever to now being moderate to heavy and lasting 7-8 days with some light cramping and bloating. At first I did bleed through a few tampons and just gave up and used pads the rest of the week. So I would say if you already have a moderate to heavy period then this birth control might not be the best option. Overall, I find it to be 100% worth it for my lifestyle and will just get used to heavier periods!

mercedess

California

I've had the paragard iud for two years now. Insertion was a little uncomfortable but I've had three children vaginally so I'm sure that helped.I did take ibuprofen 1 hour before as well. For about 9 months after insertion my periods were heavier and longer I also had stronger cramps. Before the iud my periods were 3-4 days of moderate flow. With the iud they became 7-8 days starting very heavy then lightening up with each day.Now 2 years later they are back to 4-5 days with only one day of heavy flow. I do get severe bloating and severe cramps about a week before period.i also experience cramps throughout the month which I hadn't before the paragard.I have also gained weight 20 pounds in the two years since insertion without changing my diet and exercise habits. My cup size has went from a c to d. I have tender breast for 2 weeks a month as well as extreme fatigue the week before my period is due.Being that this iud doesn't have hormones it's strange that I've had weight gain. It is a convenient form of birth control and overall everyone is different. I would rather have this than any other birth control method even with all the inconvenient side effects.

Brimarie

Kalamazoo mi

I got my IUD as a form of birth control after an abortion. I was on the pill when I got pregnant, and they forced me to leave with some sort of pregnancy, whether it be the pill again (they did not recommend) or something that works better. The copper IUD seemed safer since I have enough troubles with my hormones as it is. After insertion I did throw up, partly because of all the pain killers and partly the stress. After that it was like a normal period. Bleeding for a week, cramps. Then it was fine! I became sexually active pretty much a soon as they said it was safe. And I didn't worry about condoms (my partner was STD safe). It was all fine completely ! It's a year later and I've never worried about condoms and I can say it's been 100% effective. Occasionally , after sex in certain positions it will move around and hurt quite a bit. That's happened twice in the year and gone away within hours, but that's nothing compared to a difficult choice when you're pregnant. I would recommend this to any girl that's sexually active and not ready to have a child. It will save you heartache and worry.

SilverRobots11

Alberta, Canada

I got mine in August of this year. After waiting a month and a half to get it due to period scheduling issues, I had read so many horror stories that I almost didn't go through with it. But it was WAY better than I expected. Yes insertion was uncomfortable because my cervix had to be opened, but it was just a really strong cramp. I drove myself home, popped some Advil and I was fine, no crazy cramps or discomfort. I had sex within the first 3 days with no problems, and even went to an amusement park 2 days after I got it. I took some Advil the first 3 days to keep cramps away, and I had light spotting for 4-5 days. My first period was definitely heavier, and I had bad cramps one night (heating pad helped so much). Second period, still heavy but no cramps other than normal. I haven't had a single problem, and I'm so glad I got it!

Kaseywashere

North Carolina

I am 20 years old and have never had children before so naturally I was skeptical of getting the copper IUD. I was on the pill since I was 16 (after trying the Nuva Ring and HATING it)and that was working fine. The catch is that my mother was diagnosed with estrogen fed breast cancer to say it in simple terms. Her doctors said hormonal BC can be a factor in her getting breast cancer. I know there are opposing view points on this and I've done my research but bottom line was my mom felt more comfortable with me getting off hormones. I explored my options and the copper IUD was the best option...next to abstinence (HA!). The insertion was not fun, for someone who hasn't had children, getting your cervix opened even a little hurts like hell. My doctor was amazing though and made the entire experience tolerable. I got very nauseous but I didn't eat prior to my appointment. Dumb move. The day of was not horrible. I went home, crawled back into bed with my boyfriend and slept with his warm hand on my lower stomach. Weirdly, it helped the cramps. I have had the ParaGuard for 5 months now and have had only one complication: HEAVY periods. I have been so used to the light periods with the pill but now I need extra protection and it's really bad at night. This lasts a max of 3-4 days though. All and all, I think this product effects everyone differently but it puts me at ease to know I am off hormones and can't get pregnant.

KatieV

Virgina

I have ParaGard installed after my second child was born in 2002. The first couple of years my husband felt ends of strings during intercourse. Then one good doctor cut them shorter. In my marriage I have intercourse every day and until now I never got pregnant. When I was young I used birth control pills and I had 3 unwanted pregnancies right the following month after I used them. My periods are regular and absolutely normal. By the way I'm 47 now. I'm going to exchange my old ParaGard to a new one

Caparipincopa

null

I got Paragard after giving birth to my first child. I have had it 5 1/2 years and have taken many chances and I've never gotten pregnant. I have to agree with some of the other reviews. My period got heavier and lasted longer than before I got it. Also my hair is thinner but I've cut it several times and it grows back. Lastly, I do get cramps from Time to time but I can almost pin point my period start date to the day. I plan to get another after my 10 years expire with this one.

MissTSG

USA

After giving birth to my second son in Nov 2013 I got the paragard just incase we decided to have another and because my doctors insisted I would regret tying my tubes and that it'd be my worst mistake. So I went with the paragard well bc it's hormone free! First off they didn't tell me about the back pain and they didn't tell me that with a tilted uterus your not suppose to have it! Ummm HELLO that junk HURT so bad id rather give birth with no epideral holy cow! Needless to say my vagina HURTS daily! Back pain is outrageous! My periods are so heavy and long I mind as well just bleed to death! Why me! Very disappointed in the outcome of having one! Will be getting it taken Out soon after a year of pain!

BGambrell

USA