NWR: Anyone use the copper IUD, Paraguard?

The copper ones can increase bleeding and bad cramps. Everyone I know with the hormonal one loves it. I'm considering it after the wedding.

I've heard insertion and a bit afterwards can be painful, but it's different for everyone.

Warning this may contain some TMI: I have had the mirena and now I have the Paraguard and I have to tell you hands down that I perfered the mirena! My period pretty much went away, I would have some random spotting but nothing like a full blown period. I had it for 5 years until I had to get it replaced. I decided then to get the Paraguard since it last 10 years. It doesn't have horomones like the Mirena has. So now my periods are back and they are awful! Super heavy and terrible cramps. Like it is pay back for the 5 years of peace. And my horomones are out of control. I start feeling awful and emotional a good week before and when it hits I am a crying machine. And I know why but I can't stop it. This last time I legit had a breakdown over stamps. My FH has actually mentioned going back to the Dr. and asking them to remove it and put a mirena back in. I am all for it. It is not pleasant having them put in, I cramped the first time, but it was fine (having them out is worse), but it is quick so not too bad. I liked the freedom of not having to worry about a pill. If you get one you should go with the Mirena in my opinion it is better than the paraguard. If you have any more questions let me know. I have experiences with both.

I had paragaurd placed about 4 months ago it's doing it's job.As far as insertion it was crampy but we all have our own tolerance for pain. I check the strings inbtwn periods for placement..periods are heavier and longer abt 10 days long that's the only downfall I've experienced. I love it. We all react diff to things so until you try it for yourself you won't know how your body reacts. Goodluck

I am looking into the mirena because I am having my period more than normal!

@Vanderkerklove That is my experience not being on anything! I'm nuts!

I can't be on hormonal birth control, it really fucks with my moods. So, like you are thinking, I switched to Paragard.

Now, the disclaimer is that, looking back, I don't think I ever should have had it to begin with. There were warning signs I think my Dr. ignored just because she wanted to make me happy. My everything down there is tiny. Your hooha has to be a certain size (depth?) to fit the copper T into it and mine really was just a shade too small. They still put it in.

The first month was like something out of The Shining. Seriously. And I hurt. And I had trouble sleeping, worried that all the pads and tampons in the world wouldn't stop me from bleeding on everything. Same as month two. After that it was fine until about a year in, and then I was cramping mid-month, my periods were super heavy again, and I wanted to die whenever they came in. So I had it taken out.

It sucks to have to use condoms again for BC, but it's great to not be an emotional wreck or feeling like someone is ripping your innards out a few times a month. While I know I'm not alone in my experience, I would still suggest Paragard. A lot of women are really happy with it.

Not me but my best friend had the Mirena IUD and she had so much pain and some bleeding.

Needless to say, she had it removed.

I've only done Nuva Ring and I like it. It's easy and you still have your cycle (which for me if like my safety net). I haven't noticed anything super obvious side effect wise..

Maybe a little blood pressure increase? but I've been on it for 5 years and also slacked on my diet more than ever in the past 5 years.. so we can just blame diet.

And personally- me and FH are still deciding to have a baby in 2017 or 2018 so I dont want anything I'll just have to go right back to remove in 5 months if we choose 2017

Also- if you're considering the ring- super light days and since you control when you put it back in, I usually only have 3 days of actual period. Definitely get a headache like clockwork within 24 hours of removal though.

I'm considering an IUD as well and this thread has been so helpful! Just curious though, how painful is it when you get it inserted? I heard it's comparable to getting a Pap smear with some cramping afterwards.

I used to. It really, really sucked for me. I had it for almost two years, because I didn't want to use hormonal birth control. My periods with Paraguard ended up being 18 days long, and super heavy. I would VERY often have debilitating cramps so bad that I could not move. Finally after two years of that nonsense, I got up the courage to try Mirena.

Well, let me tell you, the last time I had any sort of period was in 2012, and the last time I had a cramp was in 2013.

@FutureMrsJay, they are definitely supposed to measure you before hand. I had like a month of appointments leading up to my first one where I was getting measured and everything. Sorry you didn't have a good experience with it. @K.M. I personally think it is worse than Pap smear but their is definitely cramping. It doesn't take very long though, so the pain shouldn't be something that should stop you. It is really over before you know it.

Wow! Thanks so much, everyone! I am so nervous now! @K.M. that's a great question. I'm wondering that as well.

I love the mirena! I am on the pill now, i hate it!

@Vanderklove31717 What were the appointments a month leading up to it other than getting measured? What do they check?

The insertion itself wasn't painless, definitely more than a pap smear, but it's over really quickly. My issue was the doctor told me it'd be so easy I could drive myself right back to work after it was over!

Instead I drove myself home crying my eyes out and trying not to puke from the pain. There were cramps for several days after. I've had worse pain (kidney stones are a bitch), but it's not as easy peasy as it is frequently marketed to us.

@MrsJay- you sold me!

that sounds terrible

Yeah, I know, I feel bad because it works so well for so many women, but for me it was just a nightmare.

But I never got pregnant!!!

I actually had very little trouble with insertion, it's different for everyone I guess.

I walked home afterwards, and was fine within a few hours. Nothing more than mild menstural cramping.

ETA - I have the Mirena, not the Paraguard.

Paraguard gave me excruciating cramps ! So I had it removed. It was the best in terms of no mood side effects. But the cramps were unbearable!!

Okay so here's my question to those who said the IUD caused extreme cramps: did you suffer from cramps before the IUD?

The girlfriend who said she rather die than try an IUD again said that she normally gets bad cramps anyway, and the IUD just made them 10x worse.

However, the girlfriend who loves her IUD admitted that she normally never got cramps on her period even before having the IUD.

So I'm wondering if this is an issue for people who are already prone to bad cramps? I rarely, if ever, get cramps on my period, but I suffer from HORRENDOUS PMS emotional mood swings and bloating.

I would just suggest discussing your concerns with your OGGYN, really when it comes down to BC - everyone is going to be very different, which I am sure you know.

My biggest advice, is not to formulate your decision solely based on the internet (not just this forum).