Copper topical and Spotting: What Users Say (Page 3)

• S M...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 28, 2016

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I am a 21-year-old, no children. The insertion was mildly uncomfortable, but with labor breathing techniques, bearable. I had spotting for a week after the insertion. My period for the first year was very heavy, up to 15 days. Cramping was mild throughout. After one year, my period has calmed down and is now back to the 7 days as before I had the IUD. No other side effects. I would definitely recommend the ParaGard to anyone who wants a hormone-free IUD. But be prepared for the heavy periods, as it takes time for the IUD to settle in your uterus. I was close to giving up, but finally, my period has returned to normal, and boy, am I happy."

• Cal...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 7, 2015

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I'm 23 and have never had children. I got my ParaGard IUD a year ago. The insertion hurt a lot less than I thought it was going to and was more uncomfortable than anything. I had mild cramping and spotting for about a week after and no cramping since. My periods have been more irregular and heavier with the ParaGard than previously, but overall I'm very happy with it."

• M i...
• April 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I had Paragard placed 7 weeks ago. I went into it fearing the worst based on reviews I'd read, but I have nothing but positive things to say about this IUD. I didn't feel a thing during placement - not so much as even a twinge - but that may be due to the fact that I've given birth to four babies. I spotted for several days afterward until my period started. My period was neither heavier nor longer than usual, and my cramps seemed to be no worse than before Paragard. I had zero spotting for the rest of that month and started my second period right on time. Overall, I haven’t really noticed any changes since being on Paragard, and I couldn’t be happier with it!"

• Cho...
• October 12, 2016

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I chose ParaGard because I didn't tolerate hormonal BC well. I am 21 and have never given birth. I was nervous about the pain--even pelvic exams are uncomfortable--so I obtained tramadol because a study found it was the only thing that reduced insertion pain. I had no cramps from the misoprostol; my doctor said I was one of the lucky ones. I took tramadol 1 hour before. I would've also taken Aleve to help with the cramps, but I can't take it. I HIGHLY recommend tramadol--my insertion pain was maybe a 3.5 and lasted an instant when they measured my uterus. I had no pain with the IUD or any other part of the process. I had cramping and spotting after for about 3 days, and now I just get an occasional one. I have not had my period yet."

• Fiv...
• October 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I had this put in despite the negative reviews. At my 6-week postpartum, I got it done and had no pain at insertion. It felt like nothing. I had a 600 mg ibuprofen an hour before, and I was shocked just at how easy it went. No cramping afterwards either. I am spotting but very minimal. I give this a must try!!! Don't listen to the negative reviews. I love it!"

• Lys...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2015

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "After reading negative reviews before my procedure, I wanted to share my positive experience in hopes of reassuring girls thinking about getting ParaGard. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen and an anti-anxiety pill 1 hour before because I was nervous. The actual insertion took about two minutes. There's one cramp when holding on to the uterus to keep it in place, and one more cramp to measure the uterus and insert the device. That was it! The cramp felt exactly the same as menstrual cramps. I've experienced some spotting and cramping since, but not too bad. I'm managing that with pads and ibuprofen. No remembering to take the pill, no hormones making me sad, moody, and depressed, and I have one of the most effective and easy birth controls out there!"

• Fir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2019

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I had ParaGard inserted 8 weeks after giving birth. I had read reviews saying it could be a painful process. Honestly, I barely felt it. My doctor told me I would feel a pinch, and then cramp-like pains because he needed to open my cervix. I kept waiting for the initial pinch, and then he said, “Okay, we’re done here.” This could be due to time since I’d given birth; it could also be pain tolerance. I took the recommended 800 mg of Advil beforehand, so I’m sure that helped. I recommend taking what you know of your body and pain management style and using that to determine what you can expect. I didn’t bleed much afterward (you can have spotting for 3 months), but instead, it tapered off into what I would compare to a normal pre-period discharge. I love the fact that it’s non-hormonal so it won’t mess with my body in that way. The other IUDs had a risk of ovarian cysts which wigged me out. Bottom line: this product works. Very pleased with the process and product."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 7, 2015

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I have had the ParaGard IUD for 6 years now, and I love it. I have had no big issues with it. I got it 6 weeks postpartum and didn't feel anything when inserted, but I did have some spotting. Changes I've noticed since I have it: heavier periods and heavy cramping. I have spotting up to a week before my period and cramps that are really strong. I have had more vaginal discharge, like every day almost. And the vaginal odors are more noticeable, but not horrible. BUT all this is worth it because there are no hormones, and you don't have to worry about forgetting to take a pill."

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2019

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "43-year-old woman with MTHFR gene mutation, which causes pregnancy problems; one miscarriage, no live births. I have used no birth control aside from condoms over the last ten years. My periods come every 26-31 days; the 2nd day I bleed the most, and it tapers off by the 6th day. I seldom get cramps. The ParaGard IUD was inserted on November 26, 5-6 days before the start of my next period. The doctor explained everything as she inserted the IUD. I took no pain meds prior. She told me when I'd feel the cramping, and it only lasted a good 30 seconds, and then it was over. The next day, about noon, I got excruciating cramps. I took some ibuprofen and was fine within minutes. Later that day, I started spotting and continued to spot until my period started that Sunday. My period was no different; no excess cramping, bleeding, or number of days of bleeding. December 16, I ovulated, and I started spotting. My period is due anywhere between December 25 and December 31. I have given it an 8/10 so far, only because the spotting is annoying."

• Tay...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 17, 2019

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "So the ParaGard IUD gets a 9/10 rating because it kept me baby-free for 6 and a half years after easily getting pregnant twice with two children and not wanting a third. I cannot take hormonal contraceptives due to high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and mood disorder. So the reason it loses one star is because all of a sudden - after more than 6 years of minimal side effects - I developed BV and constant spotting between periods - for 2 months! The BV wouldn’t go away despite multiple antibiotic treatments. So I listened to my body and had it taken out, and my symptoms cleared up within 24-36 hours. No more spotting after 2 months of it. I would definitely say the ParaGard is worth a shot - but listen to your body. I loved it while it lasted and may get it replaced after I give my body a break."

• Van...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2019

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "Horrible pain with insertion. I have a high pain tolerance, but this almost made me pass out, it hurt so bad. Heavy, heavy bleeding. Sometimes, two heavy, long periods a month, with spotting in between. Weight gain and hip joint pain. I just got it removed today, which was almost painless, thank goodness."

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

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I got my IUD in March 2017. So far, it's been 3 months, and I really like it. The only downside is my period is longer, about 2 more days than usual, so a total of a week long. I start with spotting and finish spotting and cramping. And now the new thing is I have bad mid-stomach pain that hurts when I walk, and I get diarrhea on the 3rd or 4th day of my period, which is really annoying. But as soon as I'm done with my period, I'm back to normal. I had a bad experience with birth control pills, so I would rather deal with bad period symptoms than with cystic acne and being depressed most of the time. Hopefully, the periods get better soon."

• D R...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2017

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I've had ParaGard for just over a month. I felt compelled to write a review because I feel like people only review things when they have a bad experience, and there aren't enough good reviews out there. I read horror stories about the insertion. But to my relief, it barely hurt. The most painful part was the speculum being removed. I did not have any cramping after, and I went to the gym the next morning. The first two weeks were great. No side effects at all. About ten days before my period, I got cramps on and off and a little spotting. When my period finally started, I was expecting the worst based on the horror stories. Day one was pretty heavy, but after that, it was lighter than usual and only lasted five days. I love my ParaGard so far!"

• Man...
• January 14, 2016

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I'm 19 and never had kids. I had the copper ParaGard IUD inserted 3 days ago. The insertion was a breeze. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen an hour before getting it inserted. I felt light cramping during the insertion and felt fine afterward. I continued taking ibuprofen for the following day. I have light spotting that is beginning to stop. I just wore a panty liner. I recommend it because it's highly effective and hormonal-free. I love the fact that there are no hormones in this birth control, it also lasts 10-12 years, and when you want to get it removed, you are able to get pregnant right away. I recommend Planned Parenthood. I didn't pay anything. I think it's worth a try."

• ARe...
• February 9, 2016

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I've had the ParaGard for about a month. I've had no problem with it. I had a C-section 11 weeks prior to insertion. Insertion didn't hurt, other than cramping while they were measuring how far to put my IUD. I had light cramping for about two days and spotting and bleeding for about 5 days, which is expected. After that, everything was great. Checked the strings, everything in place. No problems. Now, before I got pregnant, I already had heavy periods, and ParaGard does not help with that at all. I can't take hormonal BC due to a blood clotting mutation. When I got my first period after insertion, flow was heavy, which is normal for me. Cramping, on the other hand, was more than expected. Nothing I couldn't handle, though. I give 9 out of 10."

• Kri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2016

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I was very nervous about getting the copper IUD after reading reviews, but it was much better than I expected. Insertion was definitely painful, but not excruciating. It wasn't much worse than a bad menstrual cramp. One thing that REALLY helped: I listened to my favorite song on my phone during the procedure! Seriously, do this!! Focusing on the song and taking deep breaths made the experience so much easier. My doctor suggested this, and I can't thank her enough. The cramps for the first two days afterwards were pretty bad, but 800 mg of Ibuprofen worked well. It is now the third day, and the cramps are totally gone. I'm still spotting a little bit, nothing a panty liner can't handle. All in all, the discomfort was well worth it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2017

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I was really worried based on some of the reviews, but my Dr. assured me I was a good candidate for it. So I got the ParaGard today, and the process was very quick with zero pain (recently gave birth though) due to my Dr. using ultrasound to make sure he placed it correctly. So far, only experienced light spotting with no cramping. Only took less than a minute to place it. Right now, I will give it a 10 based on experience today. So far, I feel completely normal, and it's been about 10 hrs since I had it placed, but if anything changes, I will be back with an update."

• bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2019

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I was able to have ParaGard inserted under G.A. along with a polypectomy (removal of a polyp). When I awoke from anesthesia, I had such mild cramping I wasn't even sure if I could call it that, a 0.5 on a scale of 1 to 10. It continued like this for 24 hours. I felt almost normal. Periods have been longer, with spotting for 2 days prior and post. Cramping has also intensified and lasts about 2 days off and on, but is in no way debilitating and can be easily managed or avoided with 1 or 2 Advil in the course of a day. Before the IUD, I would only get cramps every 3 or 4 months. Never have I ever 'felt it inside me.' I questioned whether it was really there, to be honest. I have a hard time feeling the strings because they wrapped around my cervix within the first 2 weeks after insertion, and my boyfriend has never felt them either. Regarding spotting between periods, I don't think I have that issue, though I do notice extremely light spotting right around ovulation time for 2 to 3 days. Then it disappears again."

• Rag...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 15, 2019

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "Well, good for 10 years, effective for 10 years, hormone-free - sounds fantastic, right? HA! That's what I thought. I had this godforsaken IUD put in after my second daughter (around Feb. 2018). From the get-go, I've had very painful cramps, ovarian pains, mood swings, higher anxiety, more depression, SEVERE UNCONTROLLABLE RAGE AND ANGER OUTBURSTS, very, very heavy bleeding with clots, spotting between periods as if pregnant, very long periods, back pain, bruising and anemia, increased thirst, migraines, extremely itchy legs with some small blisters (just like it did when I was pregnant), vaginal odor like copper. I'm planning to have this THING removed soon. Which sucks because I can't take hormones due to severe migraines. Condoms it is again. P.S. I also know someone who got pregnant and gave birth while on ParaGard."

• Mar...
• June 21, 2016

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I had a ParaGard for about 9 1/2 months. For the first six months, it was great-no hormones, no issues. Other than intense random cramping, I was extremely happy. Then, at about 6 1/2 months in, I started spotting randomly every day, and it did not end until my ParaGard expelled itself at 9 1/2 months. It was also after six months that I experienced cramps and backaches so severe that at times I had to use a heating pad for my back. The backaches were the worst-they made me vomit at times. My OBGYN said the spotting and cramping were normal, but after six months they seemed to just get worse. Honestly, I was happy when my IUD expelled-I was already done with it after spotting nonstop for three months."

• AST...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2016

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I have two kids - both born vaginally. Needless to say, my cervix is used to being stretched. I decided on the ParaGard (due to it being hormone-free and my pre-existing mental health problems) shortly after I gave birth a year ago, but it took me a year to overcome the horror stories. I'm here to tell you that yesterday, I bit the bullet and got it done. It was easy. In less than a minute. The little tube the IUD slides through to deploy into your uterus looks big and painful, but take 800 mg Motrin beforehand and you shouldn't feel anything more than a scrape and a pinch. I had a minuscule amount of spotting, and a day later I still have mild cramps, but it's nothing I can't handle. Highly recommended!!!"

• Jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2015

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "Okay, I got my Copper IUD 3 days ago. I took 1 Aleve at 9:30 AM, then a couple of ibuprofen at 11:00 PM. My appointment was moved to 2 PM, so I ate breakfast, then napped and took a couple more ibuprofen at 1:20 PM. During the insertion, I knew I had to relax or my walls would tighten up. So I did the breathing thing you see pregnant women do. It was painful but short. The pain felt like a pinch, not a cramp. It lasted about 5 seconds. I started to cramp about 15 minutes after the insertion, so I took some more ibuprofen every 2-3 hours (I did not get high or feel dizzy. I normally have 800 mg (4 pills) when I am on my normal period, so I just added 2 pills). I had sex 5 hours after, which was fine. He and I both did not feel the IUD. I spotted 3 times that day, twice the following day."

• Swe...
• July 8, 2015

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I am 34 years old, and I have had two children previously. I was so nervous yesterday when I went in to have my ParaGard inserted. I had read so many online reviews, and I was terrified. My doctor mixed up my appointment, and my consultation actually became the day of insertion. I was nervous because I was not on my period, and I had not taken any medicine for pain. As my doctor started, I was breathing very heavily to try to relax. Once she started, she asked me if I was okay, and by the time I knew it, it was over. I had one cramp and one small pinch, and that was it. It was not that bad for me. I had immediate bleeding, and I am having a little spotting today, but nothing I can't handle. I just got it, so I give it a 9."

• Mel...
• March 9, 2021

ParaGard (copper) for Birth Control "I've had mine for 3 years. The first 2 years were amazing, I loved it because it’s no hormones. But as I’m moving on to my 3rd year, I'm feeling a lot more discomfort, random cramping in my uterus and cervix, especially around ovulation, and spotting around ovulation as well. Not sure if that’s normal, but it kind of scares me. I plan on removing it soon, it just doesn’t feel right to me anymore. I feel like there is a foreign object that shouldn't be there. So bummed out about going back on a birth control with hormones."

• Mad...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 11, 2019

ParaGard (copper) 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."