Anonymous wrote:I had my Paragard inserted 2 months ago right after my period ended. Aside from occasional spotting, I haven't gotten a period at all the first 1 1/2 months.... until 3 weeks ago. I'm on week 3 of my first period post insertion. It started out kind of light, then gradually have gotten tremendously HEAVY!!! I'm soaking through a super tampon AND pad at the same time within 2 hours. It's showing no signs of stopping anytime soon. I really hope this doesn't continue for much longer. I'm really frustrated with this. I'm trying to stick it out since I've seen other experiences get better through time.

I called my Dr about the same issue. They said anytime you go through a pad or tampon in 1 to 2 hours it is a health issue. Mine never got better.

Anonymous wrote:Are you serious? I didn't think it was that serious. I think I will have to go in the morning.

If anyone else can chime in please do!

That happened with mine also and lasted for days like that. I have had mine for 6 months and will be getting it removed as I am now on my 17th day of my period.

I am on day 17 of my heavy flow period with this IUD. There is no research that I have seen that says this is normal. I had mine inserted 6 months ago. I am now also taking the pill in an attempt to stop the period with no luck. The Dr said it will probably have to come out. I had the Mirana before this and had very light 10 day periods, it is sad that that would be a blessing now.

Hey, also, wanted to add that I find people posting anecdotally about their experiences VERY helpful here. Thank you, OP for starting this way back when.

Hi all. Bumping this up hoping folks who got their Paraguards a while back will check in and update. I have had mine for less than a week and am hoping I am back to normal someday.

I had my nexplanon removed and got my iud put in two weeks ago as of today. I started my period two days ago and it's heavy, but I have no cramps. I usually have terrible cramps while on my period and a pretty heavy flow, but this time is different. I'm not sure what I'm doing different, but I'm glad not to have the cramps. I really hope I'm not jinxing myself by saying this prior to the end of my period. lol

Has anyone missed their period? I have the paragard and I never missed my period for two years now, but for some odd reason I missed last month, has anyone had this experience before?

I had a Paragard inserted nearly a month ago and just got my first period on it. For the past 5-6 years with or without birth control I have barely had a period they were more like heavy spotting that lasted 3-5 days. This first period with Paragard has been a terrifying experience today being the worst. There is so much blood not much cramping however just a little back pain but after worrying myself half to death I decided to do some searching to make sure I wasn't dying and seeing women talk about soaking through heavy flow pads every few hours I realized my experience has been a cake walk. I appreciate being able to see how the Paragard has effected other women so thanks everyone who has had input. I also really hope I'm not the only one who is having a moderately easy experience.

I've had mine for 2 years. First six months or so periods were heavier & a bit crampier, but nothing uncontrollable. Now my periods are basically painless. Flow is heavier than before, but nothing unmanageable. These are tiany nnoyances that barely register in the larger scheme of how AWESOME paraguard is for birth control. Ten years of hormone free, non-barrier, non-messy, almost perfect protection that I literally never ever have to think about!!

That said, I think if you are a person who has a baseline of really heavy or painful periods before Paraguard, then the paraguard might not be for you. I can imagine that the adjustment to Paraguard might be too painful to be worth it.

I'm so glad I found this post! I'm a little over a week past my 1st Paraguard insertion. Prior to insertion, I did experience cramping/heavier flow during the first 1 - 3 days and normal flow for the rest (5 - 6 days total). I chose Paraguard for the purpose of emergency contraception, lack of hormones, and as my contraception of choice for the next 10 years (hopefully). I had a minuet amount a spotting afterwards and no cramps, but I did experience painful bloating for 3 days (had to take Gas-X for relief). Day 4 - I thought I was spotting because I had no cramps, but that turned into a consistent flow. I still was unsure if this was my period because of the absence of cramps.

One week after insertion (day 4 of my consistent flow), I had the heavy flow that a lot of posters experienced. I had to change my super tampon every 2 - 4 hours, with more noticeable flow upon standing. Luckily, I work with the midwife that performed my insertion, so talked to her about my concerns. She told me that everything I was experiencing was normal, there was no way to tell if this was my actual period or irregular flow from the Paraguard insertion, and if I went through a super tampon and a pad every hour for several hours to call her. She also told me if I wanted to slow down the flow, I could take Ibuprofen 800 mg every 8 hours for 3 days to slow the flow down. As for my absence of cramping, she just told me to be thankful.

This morning, the flow is not as heavy and still no real cramping. I've decided to consider this my 1st period and will continue to monitor my progress. Thanks to everyone that posted. Speaking as a nurse, it is great to be able to read documentation of 1st hand experiences with Paraguard, in addition to the extensive research I performed prior to insertion. It normalizes my experiences and gives more knowledge as I go along in this new journey.

Thanks again!

I had Paragard inserted 2 years ago. The first few months were the worst with cramping and very heavy periods. This gradually improved over time. Now, no problems at all.

I had a para inserted 2 years ago and have had super heavy periods ever since. 2x heavier than normal. I went from using regular tampons to super plus tampax tampons for several days several times a day. I don't know if it's gotten much lighter over the years or if I'm just used to this new normal. Plan to get it removed by december.

Not as heavy as yours, OP, but close for the first 6 months. I am now 2.5 years out and love it. After 6 months, the volume tapered off and got back to normal soon thereafter. I still spot a day or two before my actual period begins. It is awesome for me, but I realize not for everyone.

Update!! Its been a few months since I posted. My periods have been MUCH more regular and consistently getting a bit lighter, still heavier than they were before, but usually a super tampon for the first two days and then a few regular and light days and I'm all set- not bleeding out anymore. I started taking One a Day Women's Vitamin regularly- something I had meant to be doing anyways but was pretty inconsistent about. I don't know if that had anything to do with it but I am definitely glad I stuck with it!!

Update! I went to the OBGYN this morning. She said "I don't know if they told you before you got it but a heavier period and cramps are common with a copper IUD" I had to explain to here that I went from having an extremely light period to such a heavy flow I feel like I'm bleeding out. She said as long as I was not bleeding though a super plus tampon in an hour and feeling faint that it was not excessive bleeding and is normal. The only other suggestion she offered was a blood test for anemia. I was not impressed. They warn of a slightly heavier period, when you are considering paraguard-They DO NOT tell you your flow may be almost uncontrollable making your period very uncomfortable.

I'm going to stick with it and hopefully the bleeding and cramping ease up as time goes on. I hope my experience helps some of you!!