BC Spin-Off.. Paragard?

I've been on BC for 4 years and have switched pills about 5 times.. I can't get rid of the dumb side effects! I also have a history of breast cancer in my family so the whole hormone thing freaks me out. My ObGyn recommended an IUD and gave me pamphlets. I'm leaning towards the Paragard.. anything anyone can share? I'm freaking out with all of the horror stories online. LOL

BC Spin-Off.. Paragard?

I would never recommend paragard to anyone. I had such horrible side effects- back pain, SUPER heavy periods, MAJOR cramping, clots. I felt horrible for the majority of my cycles.

i too have a history of breast cancer on my moms side, so it seemed like a good idea, but in my experience it was not.

Re: BC Spin-Off.. Paragard?

I'm yet to meet a woman happy with paraguard. but so many are happy with Mirena.
I think I'll get mirena. not sure yet.

BC Spin-Off.. Paragard?

I was on it for a year and a half and was very happy with it. yes periods were heavier, but I'd rather deal with that than put hormones in my body again. Everyone has different experiences so I would try it and see if you like it.

BC Spin-Off.. Paragard?

The only option I had for BC was Paragard. Like PP said, I had super heavy periods and major cramps. My period would last anywhere from 5-7 days. But those severe side effects only lasted the first 6 months. After that, the cramping was mild and the flow was a lot better. It was still heavy the first 2 days but by day 4 it was pretty much gone.

I'm not going to lie...when the doctor inserted the IUD it was PAINFUL! I guess since I had a c/s with DD and I never experienced labor, I never experienced extreme pain like that down there. But DAMN it hurt!

I had it removed in September and the removal was not bad at all.

Keep in mind that insertion and removal of Paragard is done during your cycle.

Re: BC Spin-Off.. Paragard?

I have it (have had it for 1.5 years). Got it for the same reason as you; I didn't want to be on hormones anymore. And the other option, Mirena has hormones in it (although the dose is small, from what I understood).
Insertion hurt like a b-tch. I was on the verge of passing out. They say it doesn't hurt as much if you have had kids, and I also have friends whose drs gave them cervix softeners before insertion.

Periods are heavy, and my first period I actually thought I was dying the cramps were so bad. But now, as PP said, cramps aren't as bad, although my period does still last a full 7 days and is very heavy for 1-2 of those days.

Re: BC Spin-Off.. Paragard?

Re: BC Spin-Off.. Paragard?

Re: BC Spin-Off.. Paragard?

I have the non hormonal iud and love it. No complaints

Re: BC Spin-Off.. Paragard?

I had the Paraguard I was not a candidate for Mirena. For me, I don't remember the insertion being that bad but my periods were REALLY heavy and never got lighter. Finally I had it taken out after 2 years and oddly enough my period took almost another year to go back to normal (I.e. not crazy heavy).

Oh, I also had a recurring infection that my dr said was unrelated but I am certain it was the iud. Never had the Problem before and haven't had the problem again since removal.

However, I think this is very individual and some people have no problems.

Re: BC Spin-Off.. Paragard?

I had the Paraguard and not only did it make my life hell while it was in my body, but it continues to do so even now, over a year after I had to have it surgically removed because it became embedded in my uterine wall!!


I DO NOT recommend it!!

Re: BC Spin-Off.. Paragard?

I have it and love it. The first year, my period was super, super heavy, but my doc told me to stick it out. 2.5 years later, I'm so glad I did. My period is lighter than it was before getting the iud, and I no longer get cramps. So I'm happy with it, but I can see how people would want it out in the beginning. I can't take hormonal bc so I really wanted to give it a try.

BC Spin-Off.. Paragard?

I've had it for over a year now. The first 3 months were pretty rough, but I love it. I am not a candidate for hormonal BC so this was my only option. I had some issues in the beginnig but now, i am really happy with it.

BC Spin-Off.. Paragard?

I have a paraguard IUD for five years now and I love it. It was the best bc decision I have made. The first few months I had cramping and heavy periods but Advil usually helped. Now I usually have one day of heavy flow and a few days of medium to light flow. The insertion hurt a bit but it was not over the top pain. I did not have to have it inserted during my period like a pp mentioned.
I was really nervous to get the IUD initially but now it am really happy that I made the decision.

Re: BC Spin-Off.. Paragard?

I've had paraguard for a year and am totally happy with it! The first 6 months my periods were heavier and more cramps but that subsided and no issues. It didn't hurt to get out in and wasn't put in during my period bc of a scheduling conflict w dr, although they made me vow not to have sex before it was out in lol
I will not take hormones anymore so this was pretty much my only option and I would recommended it! Everyone's body reacts differently though!

BC Spin-Off.. Paragard?

My dr recommended Paraguard for me, b/c i cannot remember to take pills. I was all ready to get it inserted and did my research and was not happy with what I read....I have light periods and didn't want the heavy ones everyone complained about.....and month long spotting I read was common as well...no thanks! I heard Mirena is better.