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!

[Janguine]

I just had mine placed two days ago and the cramps are unbearable at night but subside during the day. I woke up drenched in sweat and still haven't been able to BM but it feels like diarrhea cramps too. I am laying in bed with cold sweats and very raw sinuses.  Did anyone experience this and should I be thinking of pulling the plug already? I'm nervous about these sweats. Is my body in shock or are these symptoms of something worse?

[Emmalouise368]

I came across your post while doing some research about the coil.  I can see you posted two years ago although you still may get to see this message.  
I had a coil put in about 18 months ago.  At first i did not notice any negative side effects and was actually happy that it stopped my periods.  As the time of gone on i have noticed by want for sex diminish to nothing, i'm having severe headaches and back pain and my thoughts are of the thing just should not be in there.
What prompted me to write a reply was hearing that you have experienced vertigo issues and anxiety issues which i have also had (and it was very scary!) but until reading your post it did not occur to me that the coil could be the culprit.  I've always been a happy go lucky person and able to cope with the demands of life.  But i tell you since having this coil  i've turned into some obsessive moody cow!
Now i've the embarrassing time of finding a nurse who is happy to remove it, like it wasn't bad enough to have it inserted (at least i was under when they done it)  I feel like a dog whos been spade! like the aging process isnt enough to deal with - having it in makes me feel like im past it! im just 32! i should be at my ripe tender age not feeling over the hill.
Hopefully when i have it removed all my troubles will fade away and i will get my desire for sex back - bring it on :) xxx

[2princes1diva]

your right I smell different and have a discharge my cycle is light the first 2 days day3 is more heavy than the first two days on day 4 the bleeding has almost stopped now its just brownish by day 5 my cycle is completely gone. Have you gone back to the Dr. yet? If so what did your Dr say its not time for me to have a check up yet

[Niv14]

Thanks for this review.... I have paragard for 3 years and I'm considering removing .... The reason is since I have it I can't stand the pregnant belly look I have... My belly looks bloating all the time... I gained almost 10 pounds even though I do eat healthy and exercise regularly I cantttt lose the extra pounds....I will go back using the pills have no other choice.... God help me... Hope this help..

[jasmin0flower]

The mirena causes serious damage to the female body, and the only way to get rid of these side effects for good is to remove the mirena and take natural supplements, herbs and foods and consider natural therapies that will eliminate estrogen dominance, help restore the balance of progesterone and estrogen hormones, and detoxify the body from all the toxins present in mirena such as silicone and copper.

[jessi845]

I was on the depo shot before this...... i gained ten pounds and have been struggling to get it off. which ten pounds isnt a big deal..... unless right before you hit your goal weight.

point is, this effer hurts to get put in. right after i got the spins i layed in my car for twenty minutes got a bread bowl from panera and watched movies all day in my boyfriends empty apartment wearing nothing but short shorts and his tshirt.

been on it for about three months now, cramps suck. weight from the shot is coming off because it's finally getting out of my system. and im starting to act like the normal me who my wonderful boyfriend fell in love with instead of the **** of a girl i was on that shot.

i'll take pain over chubby ***** any day.

[coffeesuperhero]

I decided to have the Paragard IUD after my second child.  Insertion was not bad, some minor cramping and dizziness afterward.  However, the side effects were not worth it.  I waited for two years to see if they would go away.  They did not.  I'm sure this must work for some women, but I would make sure that your body will tolerate copper before having the IUD.  I did not know that the IUD could cause hyperthyroidism, which I now suffer from.  I hope it goes away now that the IUD is gone.  Please consider carefully before you get the copper IUD, this is a heavy metal and can be dangerous to your health.  I wish I had been better informed, I could have been more healthy and happy these past few years.

[ParagardFail]

Has anyone had sinus like infections with the Paragard?  I have had it for 3 years now and have this horrible odor coming from my nose...super embarrassing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! People are close to me and watch me like I am a weirdo...hold their noses..hmm...I plan to remove on Saturday..I hope my symptoms disappear immediately after...Im sad...Im desperate....Whhhyyyy meee????

[ida414]

hi

i am so happy i have came upon this blog, i had my P IUD in for 16yrs, yes that long, i was told from several DRs it was OK if it wasn't giving me problems. But now reading everyone's blog i have had issues with it the whole time and never knew it or really blamed the IUD for it. i have had weight gain, anxiety depression, insomnia anemia, OMG i can go on but never thought it could be the IUD, imagine all these years going through this, seeing different doctors for different things, being on anti-depressants for 10 years finally got off, them and the pass 4 to 5 years everyday has been a challenge going though all of this, tomorrow 8/15 i have an appointment with my OBGYN, at first it was to remove my IUD and have it replaced but after hearing all of this and everything i have been through i will not be getting another, i had no idea nor did any doctor tell me all of what i was going through could have been the IUD till now,

i have been blessed and grateful to find this blog and everyone who have shared their stories, i will re-post again as i will start my journey to see if my IUD was the cause of a lot of unbearable sadness in my life..

Thank you.

PS...Before my IUD i never had any of the symptoms i went through after the IUD

[AprilSD]

I recently discovered this site, but before that a new doc suggested many of my issues could be copper toxicity. I was shocked!  Over the past 3 years my symptoms have gotten horrible. Ive seen several doctors, including an endocrinologist, but then finally wised up and decided to drive an hour away to see an MD who also specializes in integrative and holistic medicine.  My symptoms started out with chest tightness, headaches, and being more tired than usual. I was in college so I was told it was anxiety and stress, told to exercise and stop drinking coffee. I exercised a couple days a week, but also hiked regularly.  Then my symptoms started getting bad about 2 years ago. I started having a lot of trouble sleeping, and not feeling rested after I slept, but my mind would race. I even tried a medication for sleep which lead to my first panic attack.  I cannot tolerate caffeine anymore, have horrible acne, dry skin, fatigue even after 8 hours sleep, difficulty concentrating, being wired at night and tired by day.  I had done some reading and thought maybe it was my thyroid or adrenals.  Saw the endrocrinologist, but was told I was normal.  Then I changed my PCP again and drove far to see this guy.  He is amazing.  Checking my copper levels, saliva cortisol, vitamin levels, thyroid levels including antibodies and reverse t3.  

My questions are to anyone reading is, do you know if excess copper can crap out your thyroid and adrenals?  My doc says my am serum cortisol that was tested before is not good, so definately an imbalance of my adrenals for sure.  Awaiting lab results for the rest.

My next question is how soon did you return to normal after removal?  I can handle cramping and heavy periods but this total fog Im in with no energy and depression is unacceptable.  I really feel like Im going crazy and dont know why.

Ive already started the ball rolling with getting this thing removed, but would like to see my lab results just to confirm Im not crazy. Will post update as soon as I know.

[raedarr]

I have never had a baby and I had the paragard inserted yesterday. The worst pain lasted two minutes during the insertion its self. It was intense but short lived. For the next four hours after insertion I had much lighter craps that came in waves, so not constant but unpleasant.  I took 800mg IB profen 45 minutes before insertion. (note: taking 800 means that you should not take more for eight hours.) I took 400mg after 8 hours. The next day I did not have cramps any more. So 24 hours later, I feel normal. I have never had a baby and the doctor told me that my cervix was narrow. during insertion the pain sent me in to "minor shock" and I became very sweaty and disoriented. For me personally though and since on the next day I feel fine, I am please with the procedure.

[alli238]

Hi, I am experiencing everything and more you have said here. The copper has attacked my adrenals and now my thyroid. Memory loss, hair loss, hypothyroidism, and so much more. I have had the paragard iud for 7 years and just put the puzzle together. I am having it out next week.
Can you tell me how long will it take to get back to normal. I know I need to detox myliver bc that is where the copper builds up- but it will take time. I so want to get back to normal and feel normal again. This has been a living HELL on me and my family :(

[tryxie]

I just had my Paragard taken out after almost a year and a half.  I don't have any children, and don't plan to ever have any.  I had been on the pill since I was 18, but in the last couple years every pill I tried gave me breakthrough bleeding around week 2.  

The IUD insertion was extremely painful for me.  I felt very sick afterward and almost passed out when I was leaving, so I had to stay an extra half hour until I felt okay.  So definitely have someone else drive you to your appointment.  The rest of the day I couldn't do much because of the cramping.  

The Paragard was great in the beginning.  I have never had regular periods, but I was getting them about every 1.5 - 2 months.  Then I didn't have a period for 3 months and I got very worried.  I took a pregnancy test (negative) and went in to get the placement checked (everything fine).  But I could no longer feel the strings as they had wrapped around the cervix, so I stopped checking for it.  

Then when I finally got my period, it never stopped.  I had bleeding ranging from spotting to heavy for 3 months straight.  When I would tell the doctors, they didn't believe me and just checked the placement again, which was always fine.  Then I got a new doctor and he had me keep a menstrual record (it sounds old school, but if you are having problems, it's a MUST so that people actually believe you).  He was able to stop the bleeding with a month's worth of hormone pills, but they gave me bad cramps and horrible acne.  Then my period was fine again for another 3 months.  

But the rampant bleeding started up again, and I was getting awful cramps.  So I finally got it removed yesterday.  I was nervous about it, but I hardly felt anything at all and it was over before I realized what was happening.  From what I've read on other forums, this uncontrolled bleeding seems to be a very common problem, but doctors and certainly the IUD manufacturers don't really acknowledge it.  

My doctor wants to do an SIS to check for polyps, but I'm terrified of the procedure because my insertion was so painful.  I'm just going to go back to good old fashioned condoms for a while to let myself recover from this whole ordeal.  Then I'm going to try NuvaRing and see what happens.  

[jenine54]

I had a paragard for about a year and a half - inserted 3 months after my second child was born.  The insertion was mild cramping. Within hours of getting home the cramping became horrendous and I developed a high fever, which would not be relieved with Tylenol.  It took about 48 hours for the fever to cease.
A month after insertion I had to go back to the doctor for a check up.  At that time they confirmed it was not in the correct location and they had to move it - pain is an understatement.  It was a horror show and pure agony.  I went back two weeks later to confirm it was placed correctly.  During the relocation process the strings were completely cut off.
My periods were horrible and would last 10 days and the cramping would make me vomit.  Finally I had enough and decided it was time to take it out.  My doctor assured me it could be removed it in their office - needless to say it turned into a surgical procedure at the hospital.
The main reason why I had decided on the ParaGard in the first place was because I was nursing my baby and didn't want any extra drugs floating in my body.  I had researched my decision and thought it was a wise decision and investment since I paid for it up front...Luckily no major damage done - but it wasn't a pleasant or positive experience at all.  I do not recommend this product for anybody.

[psychgrad]

PARAGARD* oops

[psychgrad]

Hello all! So I just had the Paraguard inserted 3 days ago and I can say that it was MUCH MUCH MUCH better than all of the experiences I have read say!! I went to the planned parenthood in Brooklyn (Boro Hall) to have it done and although the whole appointment, waiting, urine test, and blood test took much longer than I had anticipated, it was far more manageable of an experience than 98% of posts I have read about this.

While certainly everyone's body is different, I do think that the horror stories are WAY overrepresented. So, here is how it went:

First off, I have Horizon BCBS and only had to pay a $15 copay for the WHOLE THING!! I was told to take 800mg of Advil before going in. I accidentally took tylenol which isn't as good because it's not an anti inflammatory - GO WITH ADVIL. I also was terrified so I took more like 1200 mg. I don't condone this, but to be honest I wished to god I had found some weed or leftover painkillers because of how scared I was. After waiting for a while, I went back and spoke with a nurse about the procedure and my full medical history.

I will give you a little backstory. So, I haven't taken birth control since I was in highschool (I am now 24) because it made me TERRIBLY nauseous all of the time. So, I have been using condoms ever since. Recently, I had a condom break and had to take plan b. In case anyone is thinking of doing this while taking an SSRI...well I guess do it, but be prepared to semi withdraw from your antidepressant. Needless to say, I decided I would never EVER take plan b again (if avoidable).

So, I had taken plan b about 3 weeks prior to my appointment and had gotten my period immediately after. This was a weird source of contention and some doctor had to come back and make sure I could still get Paraguard. I was so nervous they wouldn't give it to me, but it turned out it was fine. My nurse was kind of intense. She also told me I couldnt have sex for TWO WEEKS following the procedure which is NOT TRUE according to both doctors who performed the insertion. Very strange.

So, they took a urine sample to make sure I wasnt pregnant (tested it one the spot = benefits of going to planned parenthood), then took a blood sample via finger prick to make sure I wasnt anemic (this is apparently a contraindication, who knew?)

FINALLY, I went into the room with 2 lovely young female doctors who explained everything to me. They told me that it can be used as a form of emergency contraception (AKA like plan b from hell) in certain circumstances, so the nurse was 100% wrong. They only said that I had to wait 48 hours before putting ANYTHING up there because it would risk infection. After that, they said I was "good to go." Honestly, they made the whole thing a lot better for me as I am extremely awkward about going to the gyno.

So, I put my legs in the stirrups and they put in the speculum like a regular pap smear just to check things out. They then put 2 fingers in to feel where my uterus was (which was frankly fine), and then put in what seemed like a larger, colder, metal speculum. They then sterilized (aka swabbed) my cervix, which frankly was really weird and relatively uncomfortable. They then had to "sound" my uterus, which was the worst part. They essentially stuck something through my cervix and this hurt but it was manageable. Honestly I was so scared I was doing lamaze breathing (and it actually helped). The feeling of it going in, honestly, was scary, but mainly because it was a foreign pain. It felt like bad cramps that like surged with pain for like 2 seconds max. It was a build up and then subsided quickly. If you try to like medidate and brace yourself it will be fine.

They then inserted the actual IUD, which was again like a build up, then surge of bad bad cramps, which then subsided. This time was better than the sounding.

The whole actual process took only around 4 minutes (this may even be an exaggeration), with only really 2 scary, but very doable moments. I think the worst part for a lot of people is psychological because it feels much scarier and more painful to be out of control and feeling a foreign kind of pain. If you brace yourself for it psychologically, it will be much better.

Following the insertion, the pain immediately subsided and I wasnt really in any pain at ALL. I walked into the waiting room honestly feeling great. That is when I advise you all to TAKE MORE ADVIL. You are going to have a middle school style cramps session in about 15 minutes. I went directly to get a hamburger and halfway through I just slumped over in fatigue, cramps, and bloating and took a crapload of tylenol.

I will say though that throughout the day, I didn't experience CONSTANT cramps, just like 1-5 minute spurts of BAD CRAMPS and then fine. I actually ended up going out that night.

My advice: Take Advil constantly for 2 days, don't be shy. It will be better on your body and your soul.

By day 3, TODAY for me (!) you will likely feel much better. I only very occasionally feel a little bloated and a tiny bit of lower back pain. I also have very very very minor spotting, more like slighly brown discharge. I expect it only to get better. I don't know why this hasn't been suggested yet, but I think midol would probably be a GREAT addition to the recovery process.

I'll come back with any updates, but as of now I am extremely happy I did it, and all I have to do is go in for a check up in 6 weeks and then nothing until 2025!!!!!! I hope the thoroughness was helpful rather than annoying!

WOOHOO PARAGUARD!!

[mvorapan]

Hello everybody,
I had the Paragard placed in about 6 years ago after having my son. I was in the Army and during that time I was going through postpartum depression. I released so much anger during that time and got into so much trouble with my job. I have always been quite a mean and stubborn person but not as bad as I turned out to be. I got out of the Army and immediately enrolled in college. I started to feel more anxious, less confident, upper back/shoulder pain, PMS became more extreme, more constipated, more UTI's, fatigue, depressed at times etc... I thought I had a thyroid problem and so far have had 2 test these past 6 years. I recently started feeling so fatigue. I attributed all these symptoms to college. I decided to get total blood work analysis. Everything turned out to be normal. I kept wondering why I was feeling this way, I kept telling my husband that I didn't feel right and something was wrong with me. Also, with the Paragard, I started cramping more, bleeding very heavily, and sometimes I think I ached inside around my IUD. So I finally decided to have it removed and replaced with the Mirena. It was a pretty intense procedure. I almost cried but it took less than 15 minutes. Since then which was only 3 days ago, I have had no cramping, very little PMS symptoms...period supposed to come about around the 27th of March. I feel okay. I feel like I have more energy. I'm not totally sure if I am being myself or just trying to force my issues on the IUD switch. I hope that I experience more positive ways to feel about myself and that my mood swings become kinda non existent. I forgot to add, I was diagnosed as being bi-polar and ADHD. I have had crazy anxiety attacks and I am so afraid of so many little things. I use to be very very confident and very tough, not afraid to take risk. Now I feel like I became a hermit and a scared little baby. After reading all your comments, I think I am beginning to believe that the paragard IUD totally screwed me up.

[Babyxdori]

I've had the same problem except I would add in extreme mood swings and thoughts that went beyond my control. Everything would irritate me and I even hated my bf most days. I also lost my hair in chunks and had a few bald spots. The drs did blood work on everything and said they all came back normal. Then it dawned on me that maybe it's the copper from the paragard. I believed I had high levels of copper and it could have been the copper that was causing all these problems. So I took the iud out about a month ago and noticed that I'm more relaxed and happy, and my hair is shedding half as much. It could be the copper that was causing all those things.

[katep15]

I saw that you posted this in March - how are things going since that time? I am 24, similar situation as yours. No kids, don't want to take hormones anymore, condoms are an options but I know my partner and I aren't responsible enough to use them. Thought I'd ask if the negative symptoms have subsided.

[Liz0726]

I had the Paragard for 5 years, removed it to get pregnant.  I loved it didn't have to worry about taking pill. I didn't have any problems with it at all. No weight gain, cramps were regular and periods also. Now that I had my 2nd child, since my Dr no longer had the Paragard I decided to go for the Mirena I dotn like it at all. I've had it for a month and a half. Insertion was very painful, I had spotting for 3 weeks straight, I am beginning to start getting acne which I've never had before and I've just noticed that my hair is falling out and I feel heavy as in I think I'm gaining weight. Another thing I get horrible cramps. I really regret getting the Mirena inserted, going to call my Dr Monday to schedule to get it removed.

[Jillybean_85]

I have had my paragard for 3 months and I'm miserable. I have horrible cramps almost everyday some days doubled over in pain...worse than contraction pain almost. As I type this I took 800 mg of ibuprofen and have a heating pad on and nothing is helping. Other problems I have gained weight,back pain,heavy periods(soaking thru two long thick pads in not even an hr),hair loss(all hair falls out but this is more than normal) in the past two months I have had 3 uti's and 2 yeast infections(I always pee right after sex), my fiancé says he can feel the IUD and I have experienced dryness and less interested in sex. The last few times have been painful. I'm done feeling miserable...calling Dr tmrw

[LeeLee1126]

I'm 28 years old and have had my Paragard since April 2012. I'm married, have never been pregnant, and likely do not want any children. I'm over-the-moon happy with my IUD. It is the best thing I've ever done! I am a severe migraine sufferer and have been on HBC since I was 18 years old. After getting married at 26 years old my "monthly" migraines were getting out of control. Literally 16-18 migraines, calling off work, sick, just miserable.  I stopped taking my BC pills as a "experiment" and my migraines significantly decreased. However, no BC is really scary so I went to my OB/GYN with tons of questions hoping to find an answer...

Paragard was my answer! My OB/GYN gave me a little pill to insert vaginally 8 hrs before insertion to help relax my cervix. I had it placed at the end of my period cycle on a Thurs afternoon. The procedure was less than 10 minutes. Of COURSE it is uncomfortable, however nothing outrageous. I was in and out... drove myself home, actually to get ice cream first. I took  600 mg Ibuprofen with my ice cream went home and walked my dog. Took it easy for the rest of the day and went to work on Fri. I felt "fullness" in my lower pelvis, no cramping, just puffy. It went away in less than 48 hrs. I had some insignificant spotting for 1 week, then nothing until my first period.

First period was crampy, nothing I couldn't handle. Nothing over-the-top. It lasted 8 days. Next month 7 days, less cramping. 3rd period NORMAL. 5 days, normal flow... done. I've had my period every 30-31 days from then on. Now my periods for the months off the pill were 28-30 day cycles, nothing crazy, I've never had cramps in my life. Just swollen breasts and some bloating before my period.

I LOVE MY IUD! 1) NO MORE MIGRAINES!!!!, 2) No Acne, 3) No weight gain, 4) NO thinking, and 5) Normal periods at normal times!!!!

I couldn't be happier. Everyone posts such negative things online these days... I figured my story may be refreshing and no to scare the crap out of women.

Thanks for listening to my story, hopefully it helps someone. My advice: Everyone's body is different. You need to know your body, know yourself too (what you can and cannot handle), and be up front and ask all sorts of questions to your Doctor. An IUD has a huge transition period attached to it, its 5-10 YEARS of protection so you can't expect perfect results in 2 weeks. Be patient and make sure you're making what you feel is the best decision for YOU.

[bynum87]

from what i understand, the paragard does not contain any hormones. therefore you should not have any risks of getting cancer or gaining weight. i am about to get the paragard IDU but i'm really nervous because i have sex with my boyfriend a lot and do not use condoms AT ALL. i have no want for a baby. if it keeps me from getting pregnant than thats all i need.(I do not care about the cramps or bleeding)

[chellsx3]

I am 18 years old, and have no kids. I got the Paragaurd inserted when I was 17 years old on January 2012, about to be a year. I can honestly say that this was the best decision that I have ever made. I do have cramping and I get my period every month around the same time just like normal. I do have heavy flow and have my period for 7 days. Even before the iud I have always had my period for 7 days, so thats normal. I am sexually active with my boyfriend, and we do not use condoms at all. I have never had a pregnancy scare. Its been a perfect experience for me.... Recently Ive been hearing that you can get cancer in your cervix or after getting the iud removed you cant have kids, can anybody give me more information on this.. thanks