Copper topical and Spotting: What Users Say

• Mam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2019

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "Please do your research on copper toxicity before getting this inserted! It sounds promising with a quick insertion and 10 years of protection, but the side effects can be debilitating. I was only on it for 4 months, and it was miserable. Some of my side effects included NO SEX DRIVE, spotting, crippling anxiety/depression, brain fog, cystic acne (I’ve never struggled with before), aching/sore joints all over my body, twitches, and complete personality change. It made me into an irritable, angry monster, I didn’t even recognize myself. When I finally realized what was happening, I got it out. I felt instant relief. I wish I had done more research before I risked my close relationships, health, and well-being for this. There needs to be more research done on the safety of this product."

• Tan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2020

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I just had the ParaGard inserted a few days ago. I had terrible experiences with hormonal birth control (the pill and implant). The insertion did hurt a lot, and I cramped/spotted after. I went home, wrapped myself in a heated blanket, and woke up feeling much better the next day. So far, so good, just wanted to share my experience in case anyone was scared of the insertion process."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2019

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I've had my ParaGard for about 2 months now. I have had 2 children, and my 2nd child was 5 months old when I had it inserted. Insertion was no big deal to me, it was painless, and I had no problems. Took about 2 minutes! I do understand that is largely due to the fact that I've given birth twice and within the last year. I had light spotting for about 3 days, which was expected. I had some mild cramping the day after, but nothing that bothered me. When my period came, it was heavier than normal, which is the only reason I rated ParaGard lower than 10. After the first week, I basically forgot I even have it. It's been a blessing for me. Birth control pills and any other form of birth control that uses hormones affects my emotions A LOT, as well as some severe and long-term spotting. I highly recommend this IUD for anyone who has experienced similar reactions to birth control. (Also, take into account that satisfied users are less likely to leave a review than ones that have had a problem!)"

• Nuk...
• January 18, 2021

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I personally feel as though there isn’t enough research on the ParaGard Copper IUD to make some of the claims that they made when mine was inserted 4 years ago. I believe it wears down in the body and causes a chemical reaction as your bloodstream intakes more copper than it is supposed to. A lot of my symptoms lined up perfectly with copper toxicity, and I have been better since removal and treatment. The whole experience was excruciating every month, and periods became a 3-week-long ordeal (between mental health issues and pain that wouldn’t let up and pain that caused me to feel unable to sit comfortably, due to its severity and spotting for a month and skipping my period for months). I felt kind of dumb for having left the ParaGard in for so long when I found out how many women usually make it at most 1 year with it. No thanks. Just because it was non-hormonal doesn’t mean it didn’t keep me feeling completely unbalanced and in complete pain with a lot of mental health issues."

• KLT...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 12, 2023

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "Insertion was extremely painful to me, but I was okay an hour later. I had it for one week before I wanted it out of me, the cramps were so bad I had to sit down no matter where I was, or I'd feel the urge to vomit. I kept it for 13 months, hoping it would get better, but it didn't. I was told to expect cramps and longer/heavier periods, but I didn't expect 10-14 day periods with spotting in between. I can count the days I didn't bleed on one hand. I had emotional issues with ParaGard as well. I was anxious, angry, and depressed, I had nothing going on in my life that would have caused the mental health issues, so I know it was the IUD. It claims to be 'hormone-free,' but it does affect hormones. Long story short, I hated ParaGard. I'm working on getting a refund and getting the side effects that myself and other people had listed in the pamphlet through the FDA."

• Aub...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 28, 2019

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I had ParaGard inserted after the birth of my second child. While this was “effective” in preventing pregnancy, it caused so many issues with my body! I had few symptoms for the first 3 years other than increased yeast infections and occasional spotting. Year 4, everything went downhill! The ParaGard side effects got worse. I had constant infections (yeast and BV), spotting became more frequent as time went on, and I ended up bleeding for 2 months straight. I had extreme fatigue, complete loss of sex drive to where it was affecting my relationship, weight gain, heart palpitations, hip/back pain, swelling and water retention, horrible PMS, joint pain, among many others. I had it removed after having it for 7.5 years, and 95% of my symptoms have completely vanished. The product is effective as a birth control, but the issues it causes with our bodies are not worth it."

• Lin...
• May 30, 2014

For Birth Control "I am happy overall with the Paragard (copper) IUD. I like that it's hormone-free birth control. After I had my kids and aged a little, the hormones made my hair fall out. It wasn't pleasant being inserted, but it wasn't the worst either. The first month, I spotted regularly, but when I got my period, it stopped. It took about 5 months for my body to completely adjust (those first 5 months I was having 10-14 day periods), but it started every 28 days to the hour. Now, my periods last 5-7 days (longer than when I was on hormonal birth control), and my cycle is still 28 days. Also, my periods have become slightly heavier, but I never have to use anything more than a light flow tampon. Cramping hasn't been an issue."

• Wor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 5, 2020

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I got my Paragard inserted about a year ago, and I paid nothing since my health insurance covered the cost. I rarely had cramps during my period before getting Paragard. After the insertion, I do get some cramping at the time my period starts, but it is manageable, and I rarely take painkillers. But the procedure of inserting it was a pain, and I experienced the worst cramping on the day of the insertion. I could still manage the pain with ibuprofen and naproxen. I noticed heavier menstrual bleeding and some spotting here and there for the first few months, but they subside gradually. Overall, I am very happy with my decision to get Paragard because it is worry-free! Never had a child before and not planning to have one until I take this out in 10 years."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2020

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I got the ParaGard in March 2020. I was in pain for a good 3 days. The cramps were horrible, and I was on my period for a week. It did work for birth control, though. That’s the only positive thing I can say. After my period seemed to end after a week, I was spotting for the longest time, then I started my period again. I seriously was on my period or spotting forever. I got my period twice in May. Now it’s been almost 3 months, and I couldn’t take it anymore, so I got it removed. I would not recommend at all."

• Cat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 28, 2020

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I have had mine for 5 years now. I do have heavier periods and cramping, but mine were light in the first place, so now they're average. I check my strings once a month on my period. I know that if there's ever a problem, my body will let me know. When I initially had it placed, the first one didn't sit right, needed to be removed and replaced after a month. Since then, I have had no problems. I could tell that first month that something was off. I was cramping, dizzy, spotting. What I should have done was call my gyn and tell her right away. There should be no pain, even right after. Once it's in and your cervix gets over its little shock, you shouldn't be aware of it. I have not had children, I have a small uterus. I haven't had to worry about pregnancy for 5 years now. I'm in a monogamous relationship, and it lets me feel protected. I'm not looking forward to getting it removed 5 years from now, but it's not something I'm going to worry about. If you have questions, call your doctor."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2020

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I wanted to write an experience because I looked at multiple reviews right after I got ParaGard inserted, and it freaked me out. The insertion is very painful (I have never had a child before), so that pain was terrible. The first 2 weeks, I had really bad cramps, and my period was SO HEAVY. After my period ended, the cramping went away, no side effects, I hardly know it’s there. It’s way better than having multiple side effects from the pill, and I have had no spotting in between periods, which is common in hormonal IUDs. I had the Liletta for almost 2 years and spotted the whole time. I would recommend it for those who hate side effects from hormones. The cramping sucks at first, but it goes away! Every body is different, so trust your instincts, and if you think you’ll be happy with the ParaGard, I would try it out!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 21, 2012

For Birth Control "I was very scared to get this inserted, but knew this was my only option because it had no hormones in it. My doctor was very patient and didn't rush anything, she got it in, and I didn't feel any pain or discomfort during the process. After it was complete, I did have some cramping in my abdomen and got the dizzy spells. Ibuprofen took care of the cramping, and as for the dizzy spells, that lasted about 4-5 hours. The next day, I had some mild cramping again, but the ibuprofen took care of that again, and I didn't get dizzy. I am going on my 2nd week, and the only thing that I have experienced is spotting and some gooey discharge every now and then (I don't know if this is normal, but I got to check into this). Other than this, I am satisfied so far."

• kat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 25, 2020

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I would like to start off by saying the ParaGard is a bit painful for insertion. The bleeding sucks! I have been on it a little over two years. I've been experiencing spotting before and after my periods to this day. I do have brain fog and severe cramps. BV has been coming and going, and before ParaGard, I'd only had BV once with my firstborn. Didn't get ParaGard until my second baby was born. Really contemplating getting this out. I have talked to my OB about the side effects, and she swears it's all natural! This birth control is not for everybody. Trust your body!"

• ray...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2017

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I am 21 years old and have never been pregnant. I've had my ParaGard for about 4 months now. I did an immense amount of research on IUDs. Therefore, I felt I was completely prepared for the insertion as well as the effects thereafter. I was probably more anxious for the insertion process than I needed to be. It did not hurt as much as the horror stories stated online. It hurt for about 10 seconds as my doctor was measuring, then about 2 seconds for the insertion. After that, there was a mild cramp for the rest of the day and some spotting. Tada, 99%+ efficacy. I'd say the worst part would be the longer/heavier periods and random spotting. But I'd honestly rather have that than a child I'm not ready for. Do your research and know your options!"

• ray...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2017

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I am 21 years old and have never been pregnant. I've had my ParaGard for about 4 months now. I did an immense amount of research on IUDs. Therefore, I felt I was completely prepared for the insertion as well as the effects thereafter. I was probably more anxious for the insertion process than I needed to be. It did not hurt as much as the horror stories stated online. It hurt for about 10 seconds as my doctor was measuring, then about 2 seconds for the insertion. After that, there was a mild cramp for the rest of the day and some spotting. Tada, 99%+ efficacy. I'd say the worst part would be the longer/heavier periods and random spotting. But I'd honestly rather have that than a child I'm not ready for. Do your research and know your options!"

• Ana...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2017

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "My sister had it for 3 years and took it out when she was ready to get pregnant. Boom, pregnant the next month. Here's my story. I'm 28, and I just had my first wonderful baby girl. I have had a horrible experience with the pill, the patch, and the depo shot, which almost killed me, and I hope no one ever gets it. So I, like most people, was a little bit frightened to go back on birth control. After having my daughter, I'm 4 months postpartum. I think honestly the anticipation was worse than anything, lol. I took 800 mg ibuprofen (doctor's orders) before the insertion, which helped tremendously because all I felt was a slight discomfort, and it was over. I had some spotting and cramping (heating pad). I'm 4 days into it and no pain. Breastfeeding and no milk issues!"

• Dis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 20, 2016

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I can't even express the hate I have for this BC. Of course, I know everyone will not have the same experience. I decided to go with ParaGard after my second child because I wanted to try something non-hormonal. I have had it for almost a year now. I bleed and bleed and bleed some more. HEAVY bleeding. This may be TMI, but I fill up an Ultra-sized tampon in less than an hour. I wake up some mornings with blood-stained panties and sheets. And this doesn't just go on for a few days. When I do have my periods, they last for about two weeks. And many times, I have spotting in between. I NEVER know when to expect my period, it's all over the place. Plus, my husband can feel it, it pokes him during sex. NOT FUN! - and yes, it is inserted correctly."

• Anonymous
• February 28, 2020

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard for 2 weeks now. I am concerned about the spotting I'm having and the sporadic cramps. I'm doing research to see if this is normal. By reading the comments, it seems to be really normal, but I don't think I like it. I'm going to give it a few more months and see what happens."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 7, 2016

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I just received the ParaGard today and wanted to share about the procedure. I'm 30, with 5 kids (just had twins 3 months ago today). I said, 'Over my dead body am I getting pregnant again, knowing I'm prone to having twins!'. I told my doc I wanted something as close to being sterile as possible without going under. So, I chose the ParaGard. Hormone-free and stays for 10 years, or until you want it removed. The process wasn't painful. But you have to remember, the more kids you have, it's not painful. And, if you just gave birth, it's not as painful either. Of course, if your uterus hasn't been through any changes, it will feel like a big cramp and discomfort. I've spotted so far. I will keep posting on changes every month!"

• met...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had it in for about a month. Insertion was painful. I've never had children, though. Make sure you take ibuprofen and eat something before your appointment, and have someone to drive you home. I had bad cramps for about a day and a half and spotting for 4-5 days. Since then, I have light cramps every day that are easily remedied with a heating pad, and on occasion, I may take some pain reliever. I find that working out helps the cramping. Sex is a little uncomfortable still (makes me crampy), but it is getting better. I'm almost a week late. I've been told that isn't uncommon, but it's a little nerve-racking. I feel more lively, and my sex drive has increased! Best part? Completely covered by my insurance."

• Ns4...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 4, 2021

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "2 years in, started ruining my life, lost my job because I couldn't get out of bed, developed high blood pressure, sleep apnea, endometriosis, fibroids, severe depression and suicidal ideation, weight gain, IBS, severe bloating, 2 weeks of bleeding and clotting, then 2 weeks of cramps and spotting, migraines, food intolerances. I could go on. Good luck trying to have it removed once it's in, it will take you months or you will have to find another way. The doctors swear the symptoms aren't from the IUD, but I have thousands of other girls that say differently."

• And...
• April 3, 2019

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I am a strong woman, I take care of myself, my body, and my mind. I eat healthy, I exercise. I am healthy. I have a daughter. I’m not on any medication. When they put the ParaGard in, it wasn’t extremely unpleasant, some pressure and a bit more like a strange sensation when they measured the uterus. No pain. Alright, after that insertion, which lasted less than 5 minutes, I was up getting dressed. The first couple of days, I felt a little discomfort, like cramps, but not strong enough to take ibuprofen. I had some spotting, but minimum for two or three days. Then after that, I felt nothing. My period started normal, and to my surprise, it was like before ParaGard, lasting 5 to 7 days. I’m normally spotting first, then heavy for one or two days, and then spotting until clean. Moderate pain on the heavy days that ibuprofen helps me feel better, like usual. No extra pain. After that, all normal, and now is my second month in it, and my period was normal again. So I’m happy with ParaGard. ❤️"

• Man...
• May 5, 2016

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "Got my ParaGard a little over a month ago. Insertion lasted less than 30 seconds. It was mostly uncomfortable, not painful, instant cramps. Bearable with Advil. Spotted and had cramps for a month afterward, again bearable with Advil (and yes, I had sex, spotting wasn't heavy at all, I'm talking like the lightest panty liner ever). First period was light and short. It was actually better than my regular period. No more spotting and cramps after first period. Second period, NO CRAMPS, even lighter, even shorter. I forget I have it. Not pregnant. Sex is rad. No hormones. Going in for a follow-up in a few weeks. Loving life and loving my ParaGard, I even convinced my friend to get one and get off the pill."

• Ash...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2019

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I just had ParaGard inserted 5 days ago. The insertion process was only upper painful and uncomfortable (mainly during dilation and when my doc tried to match up my uterus with some device). Since insertion, I’ve been spotting, well - bleeding a lot. I know spotting is normal, but this has not stopped since insertion. Not to mention, there’s a constant feeling of needing to poop once the IUD was placed in. Not sure if it’s up against my bowel, but that’s the primary feeling I always have with this thing. Oh, and one last thing, I experienced cramps so sharp and painful, it felt like I was being suddenly stabbed. I’m talking so sharp that I gasped, stopped what I was doing, and curled into a ball. Mind you, these aren’t constant - they just pop up every now and then. It will knock the wind out of you. Or at least I hope it doesn’t for anyone else. I will update as more time goes with my ParaGard experience."

• PTN...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 25, 2019

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I had this in for 8 months after my first baby was born. Initially, things were okay, and I thought the spotting would stop, but it never did. At the end, I looked like I was 3 months pregnant, irritable, noticed hair loss, and even constipated. I had it removed last night, and the bowel movements went back to normal almost immediately, and I expect more side effects to go away. Just not worth it!"