Para Gard?

[Viestar]

Hi, I am considering using the IUD para gard which is hormone free, and I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with it?  Thanks for any info!

[AndiJ78]

I didn't have the paraguard, but I did have Mirena. The hormones are so low it is safe to nurse and the effects do not linger in your system upon removal. In fact I didn't have any side effects while I had mine other than  light period.

Hopefully someone who has had the paraguard will respond.

Andi

[Viestar]

I have been on the pill now for a few years, and I just learned about ParaGard-- unlike the other IUD mentioned, this one has no hormones, and once inserted by the doctor, it lasts for up to 10 years, but you can take it out whenever you want.  According to the website, since there are no hormones, you can start trying for pregnancy immediately after you take it out, and on the flip side, it supposedly begins working the day you have it put in! (no few week waiting period like the pill)

I've been thinking about it because I am really bad about remembering to take my pill, and to take it at the same time.  I always freak myself out, and the idea of never having to remember that sounds really good!

[Red_Rose]

Hi, I would be interested in seeing the replies to this aswell. Can I ask if you have ever been on the pill? And why ur chosing IUD?

[hey woman]

i have had a Para Gard.  My side effects were so bad I had it removed this week.  I had it for almost 2 yrs.  The entire time I have had very low hemoglobine.  I have started having migraines I never had them before.  I really thought that the Para Gard was going to be the answer for me.  My husband and I have been married for almost 15 years and we have six children.  I can  not take birth control because of family history of breast cancer.  I would not reccommend the Para Gard. I have had severe cramp and horrible monthly cycles.  I nver had any kind of health problems or female problems until I used the para gard.

[flower3427]

I have used paraguard for over 7 mos. I have always had PMS and since insertion of the paraguard, cramps are twice as strong and menstural bleeding is a lot heavier. On the other hand, my doctor has used the paraguard for several years without any symptoms.I only recommend the paraguard if you are willing to ride out possible side effects for the 1st few months. I myself am planning to have it removed if problems persistat a year after insertion.

Hope this helps.

[Viestar]

Thank you all for your honest answers!!! This helps alot.

[KMOLINA]

Hello,
I had the Para guard inserted 2 years ago and I have not had too bad of a problem with the cramps or bleeding although it is quite a bit heavier but what I do not like is the large amounts of cervical mucus that are produced from having the IUD. This may sound awful but I have to tell you it comes out in hanging globs when I go to the bathroom and I can just keep wiping and wiping and it seems like the globs never end! It is constant and intercourse is barely felt at this point and I am thinking of having it removed for that reason. I actually posted a question today about it to find out if anyone else has had the same problem. But as far as comfort and all that it has been fine.

kmolina

[j309]

hello all! I've had the paragard since 1995. I just had it removed this week--yes I know, it's been 13 years! Never had any problems, however the last 5 years my period would come every 20 days instead of 28 days. Normal periods, some months bad cramps--other months no cramps. I go back in the end of August for another paragard. When I left the dr.s office a couple of days ago, I left with alot of information on other forms of BC. I was seriously thinking about going the Essure route. I've decided against it because: you have to wait 3 months to make sure it "took", requires surgery for removal, only 3 years of data available. I also thought of the Mirena--but then again that has a hormone, only good for 5 years, and actually has more side effects than the paragard. Since I've been on the ParaGard I know how my body reacts to it so I won't have any surprises there--also the day they put it in you can rely on it.

41 year old mother of 17 and 13 year old boys, married 21 years.

[erin2008]

Hi there,
I've had my paragard since October 2007- so 10 months.  Since I had it inserted I have a new kind of pain and it is burning, I think about where my ovaries might be.  Does anyone else experience this pain?  It happens before my period, along with all of the other lovely cramping that comes with the paragard.
thanks

[Simpleone065]

Hi Ya'll.. I just got the para gard inserted this past monday,.. as soon as i got this thing inside of me i began to let out blood clots and i was in horrible pain. I didn't think something so small would be so painful. when i came home i noticed when i hit the shower that these two strings were very noticeable.., and all of a sudden today being saturday these strings disappeared... and i have some major discomfort on the right side of my body.. HAS ANYONE EXPERIENCED THIS?.. (lol) is this normal?..how do i know this thing is still in me?...

I would greatly appreciate a response..

[hike4life]

I've had paragard for a year and a half, the bleeding and cramps are unbearable.  I've decided today it's gotta go (i'm actually out of work today because of it).  I'm 28 yrs. old and have tried everything, the side effects just aren't worth it.  Not ready for kids and may never be...any suggestions???

[Tonic0522]

I just had my son in July and my daughter is six years old I don't think I want kids I don't want to speek for my self in for 10 years from now and I don't want to keep taking the pill because... well that is how I got my son.. I did some research on Mirena and everyone said that they gained a ton of weight.... does the Paragard make you gain weight and does it feel ok when you work out?

[MERam554]

I have had the Paragard for about 9 months now and it is great.  I do have a heavy period for the first 3 days or so but then it is back to normal.  I do not feel, nor does my partner feel the IUD during intercourse.  I would tell anyone who is considering Mirena to do the research...it caused me to gain 7 lbs. immediately and migraines to come on full throttle.  After I switched it out for Paragard all is well.  I think everyone is different but I have definitly had a good experience thus far.  

[jellybean1212]

I have had the Paragard for a year and 1/2 now.  I have to say my periods were always on the heavy side, but only lasted 4 days with virtually no cramps.  Until, I got the Paragard.  My period can last up to 10 days now, but that is accounting for the first 2 days and last 3 days being so light, I can wear a tampon for the whole day.  It still gets to be annoying though.  As for the heavy days, well, they are VERY heavy and if i'm at work or home its not a problem to change my tampon every 45 minutes, but when on vacation or anywhere that a bathroom is not easily accessible, it can be a problem.  As for my cramps...remember what your period felt like the first year you had it.  Well, that's what my cramps feel like now.  For the first 8 months or so, they were AWFUL.  I always had to take something around the clock the first couple of days of my cycle.  Now they seem to have lessened and some months they are barely there and other months, they are quite noticeable.  As for ovulation.  I never knew when I ovulated before I got the Paragard.  Now, I have cramps and heavy discharge, but its literally like water.  Sorry that was gross.  Still after all this, I would recommend it for anyone who cannot tolerate the hormones in birth control.  I had tried every low hormone pill, ring, etc.  The Paragard takes some getting used to, but its way better than the hormones and filling prescriptions once a month, etc.  I hope this was helpful.

[KristinaBee]

I have had it for a few years now.  It was great for the first couple of years, but in the last year I've been having a lot of problems.  I started getting this clear watery discharge that during my period, especially if I put a tampon in.  I can't use tampons anymore, because I get so much discharge it goes right through my undies and pants!  Very embarrassing and scary.

Also: when I first got mine inserted, I would sometimes get a thick mucousy yellow-ish discharge.  My doc said it was normal.  But this past year I have been getting it more and more.  Now I get it almost every day.  It's pretty gross!  Sometimes it's brown.

I have also been having loose stools, a lot of gas and frequent heartburn for the past year.  I'm kind of a mess!  I've been to a lot of doctors.  They keep telling me the vaginal symptoms are separate from the rest but I just don't buy it.  It all started at once.  Plus, no one can tell me what's wrong.  As far as I can tell, I don't fit into any categories, and so the docs don't know what to say.  I'll tell you one thing for sure, though: every time they do a wet mount I have a high bacteria count on my cervix.

I'm going to make an appointment with a new doctor and see if I can't get some traction.  I'm due for my yearly pap anyway.  I think it might be time to take out the IUD and see if some of this stuff clears up.  I was willing to deal with the discharge when it was infrequent, but not every fricken day!  And if this gastrointestinal stuff is related, then I'm just not a good candidate for an IUD.

(this is a cross-post from another thread about the Mirena where a lot of others are talking about discharge from their IUD.)

[ak225]

I just had my paraguard inserted on the 4th of February.  My period almost immediately stopped has anyone had this occur?  Also how difficult was it the first time to find the strings?

[lorena113]

i have had it 2 months and i get little cramps sometimes and spotting, and my partner says he can feel it during intercourse.  Does anyone feel that way too?

[inquiry30]

I've had the paragard for 4 years now and my symptoms are almost identical to jellybean1212.  It does seem that if you have it in for years that the symptoms do lessen a bit.  But I'm still having my period 11 days of the month, the cramping has definitly lessened, it was terrible the first months, it felt just like the contractions when your in labor.  The other concern I have had is amount of blood loss, because I have always had issues with anemia, I think this could be a real problem.  I have also started to have that watery discharge issue and that only started happening recently, I wonder what that's about?  It's also terribly painful to have inserted and I would make sure to have someone drive you home, even just for moral support.  It's a big decision, but there are some upsides, no hormones and the ability to be spontaneous and not worry about the pill.

[anakruspe]

I just the paragard inserted yesterday, it was really painful, and like ak225, my period stop, (and I just had it for three days) I just have some spotting and a little cramp that doesn't go away, but I'm woman, and I can handle more than that... I'll let you guys know about next month's period...

[Lunabelle]

I had Paragard inserted 3 days ago and so far it has not been a good experience. The insertion was far more painful than I expected. When I got up from the table to leave, I broke out into a sweat, became nauseous, and almost fainted. It was really strange. Over the weekend I had the worst cramps I've ever had in my life. 800mg of Motrin barely made a difference. I continue to have bad cramps and bleeding. Is this normal? I'm considering having the device removed. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

[Lunabelle]

Update: I started experiencing dizziness off and on last night and it has continued until today. I called my doc and he said this is not normal. I'm seeing him on Friday for possible removal. We shall see.

[anakruspe]

Update: It's been a week since I had the paragar inserted... so far I really like it, I dont have any cramps, just the first couple of days, I only have a lot of discharge, but that's ok, my body it's getting used to a new thing. There's two things I'm scared of: expulsion and getting pregnant and the bad cramps... but it's not time for my period yet, so I'll see if I still love it after that... (I have a feeling that I know I will)

[ak225]

I have had mine in for almost 3 months now and I love it.   I don't love the cramping during my periods or the heavy bleeding.  The pain is not unbearable but definately worse then I used to have.  Also my periods are very heavy which is inconvenient but I wouldn't change it.  

Insertation was very difficult for me also.  Apparently because I have not had any children is was more painful.

Not having to take a pill everyday is WONDERFUL!!!!!

[Tessabella82]

I jst had the Paragard IUD inserted today and it was extremely painful. after a few hours I started bleeding lightly. I had given birth thru c-section almost 8 yrs ago and been on a pill since then.. my cramping hasn't stopped and it's so painful since the Paragard was inserted... I really do hope this works since the nuva ring didn't work for me and I really wanted to stop taking hormones.. I'm kind of wondering coz my last OB put me on a 3-month-regime pills called Seasonique but the spotting and cramping was uncomfortable for the 2yrs I took it.. I was showing some signs of endometriosis and that's y I was put in under the pills where I would only have periods every 3 months... and plus I haven't had red meat in my diet for 7 yrs now.. so I wonder how bleeding heavily on a monthly basis would affect me.. problem with seasonique was I gained weight and I'm a pretty active individual.. I swim for an hour to an 1.5hr, brisk-walk for 45mins, or do some cardio class for 2 straight hours, yoga, and weights.. I alternate all those activities for 5 days a week but gained weight only during taking Seasonique.. :( reading negative experiences is making me nervous since I fall on that 1% women who are sensitive to nuva ring.. mine didn't stay in place and kept falling out.. I hope this one stays in..  

[Tessabella82]

has anybody experience any weight gain at all from Paragard/Copper IUD? I came across a site where women there said they gained weight as fast as within 2 wks of being on this specific IUD... I jst thought it's impossible since Paragard/Copper IUD doesn't contain any hormones.. thanks

[Tessabella82]

do u guys know the expulsion rate of the Paragard/Copper IUD? I just had mine inserted a few days and scared that it will come out since the same thing happened several times from the Nuva ring.. I'm a physically active person.. I spend about 2.5 hours working out 5 days a week and paranoid that my uterus jst keeps on contracting and might end expelling the IUD.. thanks!

[Amyl20x]

I had a Paragard IUD inserted today and it HURT!! But I have never had a baby and I think that contributed to the pain. I belive it was the cervical dilation that caused me the most pain. I also almost fainted, was super dizzy and almost puked once I stood up.. but that is common per my OB/GYN. I am hoping these cramps subside a little and that I am not cursed with super heavy periods with bad cramps from now on. I am approaching 34 & my OB/GYN will no longer rx me the BCP since I occasionally smoke so I am keeping my fingers crossed that this IUD works out for me!    

[Starfire0206]

I just got the paragard insterted in me 2 days ago.It was very difficult for the doctor to put it in because I had never had kids before.She had to try three times and on the third she squeezed through and made it in.If you distract yourself by thinking or listening to something else while the doctor is putting it in then you will only feel 1/3 of the pain.Maybe even less.After I left the hospital I felt extreamly nausous , had really bad cramps and felt like I had to use the bathroom.I ended up throwing up and in the bathroom the rest of the day.After that day everything went away and now I only feel a tiny cramp.

[mtroublex2]

I had my Paragard for 8+ years. I had no change in my periods (no extra cramping or heavier bleeding). Recently began having abnormal bleeding and removal was recommended to determine if it was caused by the Paragard or some other cause. My Gyn said that after the abnormal bleeding stops (if related to paragard) I can have another one inserted (even if the Paragard was the cause since it took over 8 years for any problem), which is what I plan to do. No problems for over 8 years, no hormones, no side effects...which is better than can be expected out of the Mirena IUD. I HIGHLY recommend paragard and two of my friends got one upon my recommendation. Neither have had any problems after the initial minimal cramping and spotting for a couple of months (they had no previous children and I had, which may explain why I only had mild cramps and spotting the day of insertion). Excellent form of birth control that you don't have to worry about all time or do anything (other than check strings).

[951]

i had mine inserted in january and it has not gotten any better yet. very heavy periods that come out of nowhere. a few days light, then very heavy, then light, very annoying!!  very long periods and sometimes every 2 weeks. this thing ***** so far but ive been determined to wait it out because of the money spent on putting it in. im definitely not impressed. i did have cramping after it was put in also got the almost fainting feeling. my periods are very unpredictable. have to use a new tampon every 1-2 hrs. and when you wake up you better head straight for the toilet!!! im in a fairly new relationship and this thing has been a pain in the ***. im bleeding all the time it seems. before the paragard my periods were always 4-5 days no problem at all very light and  ive never had cramping. ive also noticed that my face keeps breaking out. this was never the case before paragard. i know theres no horomones but this is also something thats never been a problem until now. overall i liked the idea of no horomones and the hassle free birth control..but there is nothing hassle free about this. id rather take a pill every day. im thinking of having it removed which im sure will be so much fun. ive read tons on the mirena and that one scares the **** out of me!!  had the paragard for 1/2 year lots of bleeding and pimples!!!yay!!!

[bryanaj]

Hi.  i got the paragard two weeks ago.  I have been battling with depression ever since...being irrational and crying a lot.  Has anyone experienced this?  I don't know what to do bc I know it doesn't contain hormones.....so this may not make a lot of sense?  Help?  

[951]

i talked to my nurse today and after having the paragard for 6 months with horrible periods that were way too long, and breaking out on my face the entire time...she said to definitely have removed. so ive decided to go back  on the pill instead. also my boyfriend said he could feel it from time to time. that just seems weird to me and i'd rather not have to worry bout that anymore.

[anakruspe]

Update: I got inserted the paragard Apr 22nd, I had crapms for a couple of days.. then, I got my perdiod 43 days later, that was June 1st, and I am still on my period a week later, but... is really light, no cramps at all... I'm loving it so far... my skin is really clear now, but I'm losing hair like crazy, but it keeps growning back, I dont fight with my husband like before... i dont get mad crazy like before, and I dont cry anymore... my husband doesn't feel it, it doesnt bother me during sex... I think it's perfect.

[anakruspe]

I have a question... is it normal to have a two week period, this is my first one since the insertion, it is really light and no cramps at all.

[Milimini]

I'm currently on Mirena and have been for 6 months now, and after gaining 15 lbs., having some cramping, random 2 day periods, and a BV (bacterial vaginosis) infection I'm done with it and will have it removed tomorrow. Comparing with what has been said here, Paragard, just sounds to me as a better option. And I also hope that since I have one child and the Mirena already, the discomfort will be less. Here is to HOPE!

[hlebeau2]

i had the paragard inserted in november of last year and have really had no problems with it up until now.  every now and then i would get pains in my sides when i ovulated.  my periods were extremely heavy but didn't last as long as they used to.  now though, with the period i started today, i'm passing some pretty heavy clots.  even while sitting in the bathtub!  i didn't think you could bleed while in the tub - never have before...i had to jump out of the tub - it was so gross!  i love it other than that and i really don't know if the problem is from the paragard or not...it's wonderful to know that you are protected at all times and to never have to worry that you forgot to take a pill!  if anyone else reading this has experienced any heavy clotting with the paragard, please let me know if it's normal!

[amberlane]

I had the paraguard inserted June of 2008 it has now been a year that I've had it, and i have had nothing but trouble with it some symptoms that i have are: extreme cramps all month long, some so extreme i have to stop where i am and drop the the floor..i have extremely heavy periods this is gross but i have to share, my periods are so heavy that i have to use a pad from my belly button to the top of my butt..i have dizzy spells,acne on my face and back(which i have never had before), and weight gain that i have been unable to lose, i am sooo moody all the time and my husband has been poked by it a couple of times and that is embarassing,  i called my doctor and he has told me that i should get it removed, I WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND THE PARAGRD TO ANYONE...anyone else have these problems

[951]

more updates....after having all the problems with the paragard...heavy periods, acne, really long periods..2 weeks sometimes with spotting. i did talk with my nurse who recommended taking it out since it had been 6 months and no change with the side effects. it s been almost 2 months now since i had it removed and everything is back to normal. thank god. i decided to go back on the pill. ortho lo i believe. it did take about a month before my periods went back to normal but not a big deal. there is nothing worse than bleeding all the time and so frequently. my recommendations to anyone who is having tha same problems and its been more than 3 months and you're still waiting for the side effects to go away...have it removed!!!! it was so easy having it removed took a few seconds one breath out and it was gone. i had a few side effects switching back to the pill like nausea, and felt a little irritable the first week but after that all is great. my skin cleard up and is getting better the more time goes on. for anyone that has not read my past comments it was the paragard i had. for anyone considering it all i can say is this is the experience i had. i would not recommend it personally. i found much better luck with the pill. there are many types of pills out there and if you find a good physician that really understands your concerns and needs there should be one that would work for you.

[1turkey]

Hi!  I had the paragard for 14 months.  I loved the device except that I tend to absorb copper easily so I was having serious nausea with it after the first 6 months.  I did feel very comfy using it while breast feeding for it doesn't have hormones.  I would use it again for that purpose, but then go to the Mirena after breast feeding-which I really liked too.

[ShellBell615]

Just out of curiosity. Everyone who had all these problems with it. Like the bad periods and bad cramping. Was this people who had or hadn't had children? Or about an even mixture of both? I got the paragard inserted yesterday. Hurt a tiny bit but nothing bad at all. Spotted for like an hour afterward with some super light cramps. Everything was fine that night and has been all day today. Hoping this is a good sign but if not oh well. I met my deductible in January when I was pregnant with  my son so I didn't have to pay the 200 to 600 for it.

[bananalightbulb]

First, let me say, I have 1 child, who just turned 6 years old and I had her vaginally. My body does not handle hormones well AT ALL! After years of trying different birth control methods, Paradard was my last option.

I had it inserted January 26th, 2009. First of all, the insertion was very painful, followed by a week of horrible cramping.

I then got PID( pelvic inflammatory infection)
which i had to take antibiotics for.

Here is my period calendar since insertion:

1/18/09- started period
1/25- p. over
1/26- IUD insertion
1/27- started bleeding again
2/2- p. over
2/9- started
2/23- p over
3/11- started
3/19- stopped
4/6- started
4/16- stopped
5/3-5/13 period
5/22- spotting
6/3-6/11- period
6/29-7/20 period
8/1-8/13 period
8/24-8/31 period
9/4 spotting
9/5 spotting
9/6 spotting
9/15- present period

Now, doesnt that seem a little ridiculous to anyone?

But wait, it gets better. My periods were heavy and PAINFUL! I had to get 2 perscriptions for vicodin! and 1 for ultram (tramadol).

Ive taken countless ibuprophen and diuretics for pain and swelling
which you need to know, the swelling has been HORRIBLE! To the point where i have been in tears on countless occasions because of the level of discomfort and weight gain.

And on the topic of weight gain, i dont care what any doctor or ANYONE says, the Paragard DOES cause weight gain. I am a fit and active person and have maintained my weight for years.

I HAVE GAINED ALMOST 15 POUNDS! SINCE JANUARY!

Not only have i been completely uncomfortable and in horrible pain for so long, i never have sex anymore because i feel disgusting, and im always on my period!

Do your research before getting this thing! Its crazy.

Oh, and someone else had mentioned other digestive issues maybe being associated with this and i agree. my cramps were nothing like they used to be, i feel it all the way up my abdomen to my chest. anytime i have gas or a BM, it irritates my uterus.

Sometimes, the pain can be dabilitating.

My doc kept telling me "wait it out. it will get better"

Well, im done with that. I have an appointment next week to get my life back.

[kbobsled]

I had my paragard inserted about a month ago.  I had just started my period (more on that later), and after insertion, it pretty much stopped.  So far, I'm really liking it, above all other BC's I've tried.  I was worried about my acne coming back (as I've had mild acne since I was 17), but it hasn't, though this could be due to a change in skin care routines.  I haven't had any weight gain, mood swings, or loss of sex drive like I did with the Nuvaring (I HATED the NR!), in fact, my sex drive has improved immensely (isn't that why I'm on BC in the first place?).
Just a few notes, because so many people have talked about their pain upon insertion:
I don't have any kids, and yes, it hurt.  But my doc did several things:
1.) She told me to take 800 mg of aleve or advil an hour prior to insertion
2.) She wouldn't insert unless I was ON my period (to make sure I wasn't pregnant, but also because your uterus and cervix are more relaxed = easier insertion
3.) She had me take iron pills for a month prior to insertion (I'm slightly anemic and they won't insert unless your RBC's are high enough, plus it helped with the heavier flow I was supposed to expect)
Like I said, I'm happy thus far with my paragard.  For those of you experiencing heavy flow and tiredness, try taking an iron supplement, that might help.  And now that you're not on HBC you can take St. John's Wart for mild depression (it interferes with HBC's and makes them less effective).  These have worked for me, and I hope to never go back to pills or rings again!

[Shanakin2]

Hello.  I had paragard inserted a month ago.  I have never had a child and knew to expect pain upon insertion.  After that, so far, it's been pretty uncomfortable overall.  There were a couple of weeks where I wasn't sucking down Ibuprofen but for the most part, I am constantly on pain medicine of some sort for the cramps.  BM and gas also cause horrible cramps for some insane reason.  The cramps, while I have never had a child, at times feel like it HAS to feel like it does to have a kid -  It's beyond belief excruciatingly horrible.  Boyfriend said he could feel the string.  Not sure about weight gain because I gained like ten pounds right before I had it put in and have been running my butt off to lose it so who knows......I am almost 30 so my metabolism is slowing down anyway.  Weird, irregular periods.  My periods weren't terribly heavy to begin with so they are probably just a normal flow now. But they did become a bit heavier.  I am going to give it another couple of months and try something else if the cramps don't subside.  Sex life is pretty lame due to this.....boooooooooooooooooooo.  I hope it gets better!  

[manyquestions620]

I had paragard inserted yesterday, and let me tell you- I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, but this was bad! I was told since I have never been pregnant that it would be more painful, but that doesn't even begin to cover the amount of pain. (The doctors made the pain sound mild) Insertion was uncomfortable, which I expected, but the cramps were so violent that they caused me to vomit. I felt pretty crappy all day. The doctor gave me 800-mg of ibuprofen, which I don't take regularly (so maybe thats why I got sick) but after I got home the cramps were getting worse, I took naproxen sodium (alieve), the cramps got better. More time in between and not as painful, but they still would take my breath away and I would have to stop what I was doing and breath. Today, I am still having very mild cramps. If I wasn't working today, I wouldn't take anything. Hopefully, I won't have anymore pain or extreme bleeding. The whole point to the IUD is greater freedom, flexibly and no hormones. Just wanted to share my experiences so others are informed before they go in.

[Ashleighster]

My son was born in Nov 07 and I've had my Paragard in since Jan 08. Now I don't want to get too personal, but since I've had this IUD in I don't have an ounce of sex drive! I have constant back pain and I'm moody too.
My 'normal' periods for as long as I can remember have been everyother month for 3-5 days. Now, I can't remember the last period I had. I don't have insurance to have a dr take it out so I'm dealing with the pain.
Hope this has helped!
Ashleigh
Engaged 3years. 2yr old son.

[msdev]

I THINK I'M GAINING AN AVERAGE OF 2LBS A WEEK SINCE I HAD THE PARAGARD INSERTED!!! I've never weighed more than 105 lbs unless I was pregnant!!! Now, all of a sudden I'm gaining weight like crazy!!

[lonestargirl]

I've had paragard for 4 years now.  For me it was the best decision ever.  When I was 16 I was put on the pill to help my out of control periods.  My period were very heavy, lots of cramping and all the irritability to go with it.  The pill helped but I was always forgetting to take it at the right time.  I then changed to the ring.  Well I was always forgetting what week to take it out and put the next one in.  My husband and I were not planning on having children and were shocked to find out I was pregnant and miscarrying.  We decided to find a different option.  I decided on Paragard.  What sold me was the fact that it is a non hormonal IUD.  After 10 years of hormone, i was ready to be off.  The biggest thing I had to get used to was the fact that I no longer has hormones controlling my periods.  My menstruation did go back to being irregular with heavy bleeding.  This is how my body normally works with out hormones.  I was very uncomfortable with possible effects taking hormones for the rest of my life might cause.  For my Paragaurd is allowing my body work without artificial hormones.  I now control my PMS with Magnesium and Vitex.  I love that I don't have to worry about an unplanned pregnancy for the next 6 years that I have left until I will get this paragard replaced.

[Emilykd]

I just got my Paragard put in today. All in all it was a really positive experience. Hurt like hell when she was opening my cervix a bit, but I started doing breathing like from when I was in labor and they really helped. Whole thing took 5 mins. 8 hours from procedure I feel great. No spotting, no cramping, and no more hormones!!!! I hated doing that to my body everyday with the pill. I feel so dang free right now!

Oh and to the ladies who commented about their men feeling the strings, tell them "tough s&*t!" If they don't like it they should wear a condom. Women seem to have to suffer all the birth control side effects, responsibility in taking birth control and pretty much have to take care of babies %90 of the time. If my partner complains that he can feel the strings, I'll tell him those strings are playing a tiny sympathy tune for his penis. lol

[sunni2212]

I had the paraguard installed 3 days ago. Let me tell you; I have never experienced pain like this before! I can't being to tell you how PAINFUL it was besides telling you I hyperventilated and fainted on the damn table. 12 hrs later I went to the ER screaming in agony. The OB/GYN never explained the degree of discomfort (too small a word for it) I would experience. I was told it would hurt more because I have never had children but HOLY HELL! Never in my life did I expect the human body could experience that amount of pain without dying!!!!! Thank the Lord I was told to have the paraguard installed while on my cycle or else, my OB said it would've hurt more!!! WTF?!?!?!?!?
Anyway, day 3 (today), I am feeling world's better! Still spotting, yes, but what concerned me was the discharge... I hope not to be too graphic but wow!!!! I usually do have d/c anyway, but nothing like this! I hope this goes away, just like the pain did.
After reading everyone's entries, I have decided to keep a diary of my day to day progress tapering off to month to month. I figure the paraguard is approx. $450 and pills are $25 from Planned Parenthood.  So the paraguard pays for itself in 18 months. If I don't like it, I will remove it, but I have to give it a chance. If not, the pain I endured would not be worth the hassle.
I don't have heavy cycles (lasts usually 4 days) and never experience cramps (maybe once a year). I am PRAYING that the paraguard is the answer to birth control for me.
B/C makes me nutso and I get so depressed with pills and the ring. I have tried everything under the sun for b/c and I hope paraguard is the light at the end of the tunnel.
thank you everyone for your responses!
I will check back in to give more news as it is available.
Good luck to you all!
*Sunni*