ParaGard IUD - Germantown,MD

Positive experiences only. The insert is somewhat uncomfortable, but no more than a routine exam (take advil that day). The benefits outweigh the costs (possible increased flow and cramps with period) by far!

I used to work in contraceptive research, so I know a bit about both IUDs and the Implanon. The Paragard is known to cause increased bleeding (both amount and duration) and increased cramping. You're definitely encouraged to take pain medicine (either Advil or Aleve or their prescription equivalents), starting 24 hours before you expect your period. If you stay ahead of the pain, that's much more effective than trying to reduce it once it's already there - that's just how pain works in the human body.

The Paragard can also cause anemia in some women (because of the heavy, prolonged bleeding) so you might need to take iron supplements. Otherwise, it is an excellent contraceptive option for a lot of women. It's very popular in other countries, less so here. Mostly that has to do with the IUD scares in the 1970s here (with a different kind of IUD and IUD string which were dangerous and are no longer available in the US).

The Mirena is good for 5 years, which is half the time of the Paragard, but seems to have a better side effect profile for many women than the Paragard. It can cause irregular bleeding and spotting for the first few months, but that almost always goes away. It can cause an increase in vaginal discharge (less common, and some women really like that b/c it makes sex more comfortable). Overall bleeding tends to go down in amount and duration. So, it's good for women who already have painful heavy periods, because it often fixes that. There are also some non-contraceptive benefits to the Mirena - for women with fibroids or endometriosis it can be a treatment of choice (even if they don't need the contraceptive benefits). It's a very low dose of hormone, much lower than the lowest birth control pills, and because it's absorbed directly into our bodies, it has lots fewer side effects than an oral pill.

Both IUDs are very very effective, more than 99% and even more than getting your tubes tied. Insertion is usually just a quick strong cramp, with maybe some cramping for a few days as your body gets used to it.

Implanon is also a good method for some women. It goes in your arm, instead of in your uterus, and it has a more irregular bleeding profile for a lot of women than either IUD. So, if you're o.k. with spotting throughout the month (it's a possibility, not guaranteed) then it could be a great option for you. That's really a cultural thing, though.

Sorry to write such a long, dense response, but there's lots of good information out there, and even more misinformation.

In general, a really good website for contraceptive info that has no influence from the drug companies is www.arhp.org. They cover all the methods and do a thorough, non-biased job of it.

Good luck.

I had the paraguard inserted about a month ago; it was uncomfortable briefly with the insertion, but nothing bad (my ob had me take 2 extra strength Tylenol 1 hr before my appt). I had some mild to moderate cramping for 2-3 days, but I think that may be because it brought on my first period since 1.5 yrs (my twins are 11 months now and I am still breastfeeding). My period was not that heavy, so overall I am very happy with it. The only negative is my hubby could feel the strings during intercourse at first; now they seem to have moved and don't bother him anymore. Your ob should schedule you for a f/u appt about 6-8 wks after insertion just to check that everything is ok. I chose it over the Mirena because it does not have any hormones.

I just had the Paraguard inserted this morning. It took about 2 minutes and there was some cramping but no worse than early stage contractions. I did have some cramping for a few hours but 1 extra strength Midol and by 6pm the cramps were gone. It is definitely worth the pain for the convenence and cost savings. Good luck!

Hi H.,
First the good story--my BF got the Paraguard, insertion did not hurt AT ALL, she had some cramping the first few days, her first two cycles were a bit heavier and she was more crampy than usual, but for the past 8 months she has had totally normal periods and has had zero problems.
Now the bad story--I got mine in July 2007 (3 mo. ppd). It hurt to get in and I had VERY heavy and painful periods every single month. I also felt like I was pregnant almost every month (nausea, exaustion, headaches). By July 2008 my periods were almost 10 days long and heavy almost the whole time. I had it taken out. My drs. said the heavy periods and cramping were most likely from the IUD and that it was not normal. She said the feeling like I was preggers was hormonal and a whole different issue. Now I have to go back in Sept. to have an ultrasound done to make sure nothing 'happened' while I had the IUD. This will be my first period post IUD and so far it is late but the cramps are nothing compared to what I had. I am pretty sure I am the exception to the rule....but if you get it and it hurts several months later....go to the drs. Don't wait like me.

PS I will say that it did wonders for our sex life

Hi Hilary,

I've had the ParaGard for the past ten months now. When I first got mine, it didn't hurt at all when they inserted it and the pain afterwards wasn't that bad. It was just like regular cramps. After my last baby, I was on the pill, but the cost was too much so I decided to go with the ParaGard. There is a big difference in my cycle. My cycle is a lot heavier and lasts a full week. I thought that it would get lighter, but it hasn't. Also, my hubby could feel the string whenever we were intimate. I've been to the doctor twice to adjust the string and my hubby still feels it sometimes. On the upside, I am not pregnant and it's very conveinent. The only thing I need to remember is to have it removed in 2017 :o)

If you are hoping for a lighter period, I would go with the Mirena.

I'm now on my second ParaGard (had first one for nearly 10 years) and love it. Yes, the insertion is very uncomfortable, but lasts only a minute or two with some cramping during the first day or so. To have basically worry-free birth control that lasts for years is, in my opinion, well worth the first day's discomfort. I have been fortunate enough not to suffer side effects, though you should, of course, check with your doctor and ParaGard about possible side effects. Hope this is helpful!

Hi H.,

I've had the ParaGard IUD since March and I like it alot. The main benefits for me are that it is non-hormonal but extremely effective birth control with few side effects. For me, the insertion wasn't bad at all--just two pinching sensations--one when they measured my uterus internally with an instrument and another when they inserted the IUD. After the insertion process was over, I experienced very mild cramping, which is normal. My main concern, as an acupuncture practitioner, was having this device in my uterus that might cause some blood stagnation (in Chinese medicine, blood stagnation is what causes cramping, clotting, and heavy dark menstrual bleeding). I mitigated this by getting an acupuncture treatment a few hours after having the IUD inserted and then once a month for the first few months. So far, I have not had any significant changes in my menstrual cycle, except a few days of spotting and light cramping before my actual period. Some women say that their cramps get extremely bad on the IUD and their bleeding gets really heavy, but that has not been my experience, and I mainly attribute it to getting regular acupuncture treatment. If you'd like to know more, feel free to email me.