positive experiences with Paragard IUD?

[Anonymous]

Hi- Can anyone share their positive experiences with the Paragard IUD? Most comments and research seem to say that your periods will be much heavier. I'm trying to figure out if this is across the board or not, and how bad it really is. I'd like to avoid hormones, if possible, but realize that the Mirena may be the way to go. Thank you in advance.

[Anonymous]

I have had a very positive experience. My period is a bit heavier, but nothing crazy. I think before I was probably on the light side of normal (hard to tell because I didn't have THAT many periods after going off the pill, when my periods were very light, before getting pregnant and then I got the IUD before my periods came back) to the heavy side of normal for the first couple days of each period. They only last 5 days, but now the first three days of flow are pretty heavy, when before it was probably just one and a half days of heavy flow for me. And I have no pain whatsoever. It's sort of a problem, actually, because I am always being surprised that my period has started because I don't have cramps now. I used to get minor cramping the day before/day of. I imagine that change is the result of childbirth rather than the IUD, but I thought I would mention it, since I think some people also say their periods are more painful with the Paragard. Anyway, overall I love that it's non-hormonal, completely idiot proof, doesn't interfere with the spontaneity of sex, doesn't require upkeep. I am a huge fan. The only negative for me--I have gotten a very common vaginal infection, bacterial vaginosis, recently, and after getting it learned that it is pretty common for women with the IUD (again, it's pretty common in general though). It was minor and easily treated. I strongly recommend the Paragard.

[Anonymous]

I had it for 7 years before getting preg and loved it. I have had the Mirena post kids and do not like it. Spotting all the time, cramps, pregnancy fears, and possibly some real side effects. If I could do it again I'd go Paragard again.

[Anonymous]

I am loving my Paragard, but I still haven't gotten my period yet, so I can't comment on that aspect. It was inserted two months ago, and I am 10 months postpartum. So far no cramping and no spotting.

[Anonymous]

Love my paraguard as well. I had a more painful heavy period once I got it, but each period was progressively better for the first six months. Now, they are very close to what they were like before. I also liked that you are immediately fertile upon removal. My doctor never mentioned that with Mirena, it can take a few months to get full fertility back.

[Anonymous]

Love my Paragard - don't think my periods are much heavier and I so very much hated hormonal birth control. No side effects (no spotting, etc).

[Anonymous]

Love it. Had it between kids with only the first period being heavy. When I was ready to have another kid, I went to the doctor had it removed and got pregnant two days later!

[Anonymous]

I have had a paraguard for almost a year. I did not get my period for several months after I had it put in since I was still nursing. Since then my periods have been heavier for the first 2 days but nothing major. I haven't had cramps any different than I used to though. Overall I'm happy with it - no hormones, good for 10 years, and I don't really have to think about it.

[Anonymous]

no problems here

[Anonymous]

I have had my paragard for about a month now and absolutely love it. Let me first say that I was terrified to get it becuse of all the horror stories i had read online. Eventually I just decided to take the plunge and am SO happy that I did. Quick history: I chose the paragard because I had been on the pill for 10 years and wanted my body to be off of hormones completely. I am in a committed relationship but have never had kids or been pregnant.
Now for the IUD details: The actual procedure was pretty uncomfortable but nowhere near as bad as I had expected it to be. There were 2 instances of sharp painful cramping which lasted just a second or two each. Even though it was fun, I was incredibly relieved at how easy and quick it was. when the doctor told me that it was in I said, "that was it?!". My boyfriend met me at the doctor's office to drive me home, but I actually felt pretty good- just a little shakey, and ended up driving myself home. About 30 minutes after the procedure I started having horrible cramps. I felt awful. All I could do was curl up on my bed. I got a thermacare heating pad which helped alot. The pain was really bad for about an hour and a half and then it kind of plateaued. I was still in pain and very uncomfortable but it became managable, I could walk around, eat etc. This level of pain lasted throughout the night. The next day was significantly better. I kept taking advil and could feel it but it I was able to go to work and tolerate the pain. I got the IUD inserted on the last day of my period (because this is when your cervix is the most open) and I spotted a little the day I got it and the day after, but no bleeding after that. The third day I barely knew anything had happened. I would say that I was 100% by day 4 or 5. Since then I have felt absolutely nothing. I just got my first period with the IUD and I feel GREAT! I know that people say that paragard gives them worse cramps heavier bleeding etc but that has NOT been my experience. I usually have mild to medium cramps with my period, but with this I don't feel anything. I feel 100% normal- not a single cramp, no bloating etc. The flow is very light too. I'm only going through 1 or 2 regular tampons a day.
I know that everyone has differnt experiences with their IUDs but I just wanted to share mine. I was SO scared to get it in the first place but I just want everyone to know that it is possible to have positive experience. There are so many horror stories out there, and I'm sure that they are true, but there are also good ones too! I'm so so so glad that I got mine and I hope

[Anonymous]

I have one and love it...my first two periods were heavier than normal but not ridiculous. I do have a little more cramping than before too, but again nothing painful. I, too, wanted to avoid hormones as the pill absolutely killed my libido. The procedure for me was quick and easy, about 5 minutes and I experienced less discomfort than a pap smear.

[Anonymous]

glad to hear these responses. I am 40. I am 100% certain I am done having kids. I know I am very fertile (both kids pregnant on the first try at 34 and 37; and several relatives with 'surprise pregnancies in their mid-40s) so I don't want to f-around with BC.

I thought about getting tubes tied, but both my pregnancies were natural/vag. so it wasn't an option at time of birth like it was with my sister who had 3 c-sections. Plus- back then I wasn't 100% sure I was done having kids.

I have my annual GYN appt this month and was going to discuss my options. I am currently on BC pills that I love---having used them off and on for the past 10 years of my life. However, at my age and the slight (but increased risk with hormones) I would like to get off them.

Paragard sounds like a good option.

[Anonymous]

I loved my Paragard (all 3 of them), but my uterus did not. All three got expelled after about a year each time. My doctor thinks that it is because I already had heavy periods and the IUD made it heavier which resulted in the expulsions. If your periods are currently normal it will work great, it they are already heavy you may have an expulsion issue.

Good luck

[Anonymous]

Love mine!! My periods were pretty light before paragaurd and after a few heavy cycles and spotting it evened out. Decided we wanted another child so had it out on a Monday and got pregnant two weeks later. Just put another one in an did nit have any spotting or heavier bleeding. I did not think insertion was a big deal.

[Anonymous]

If my period was heavier, the difference was minor. No pain or cramping at all. Insertion was slightly uncomfortable; I wouldn't call it painful. I loved how effortless it was and I too got pregnant two weeks after it was removed. It's definitely my favorite method of birth control and I have tried a lot of them. (Various pills, diaphragm, spermicides, etc.)