I have had the Paragard for about a week now. The first couple days was hell....lots of cramping and Motrin. I have been fine for the past couple days until yesterday, more cramping, like I was going to start my period. It feels like my uterus is contracting!! Very uncomfy! Would like others experience with this.
Well, I'm sorry to tell you but I had the Paragard for four years and it never felt right to me. I had an uncomfortable cramping feeling the whole time, and my periods were pretty heavy. I had it checked to make sure it was inserted correctly and everything looked right to my OB, but it was not right for me. If I get another one, I'll try a different brand.
I hope you have a better experience than I did.
http://www.drugs.com/pro/paragard.html
Vaginal bleeding
In the 2 largest clinical trials with ParaGard ® (see ADVERSE REACTIONS: menstrual changes were the most common medical reason for discontinuation of ParaGard ®. Discontinuation rates for pain and bleeding combined are highest in the first year of use and diminish thereafter. The percentage of women who discontinued ParaGard ® because of bleeding problems or pain during these studies ranged from 11.9% in the first year to 2.2 % in year 9. Women complaining of heavy vaginal bleeding should be evaluated and treated, and may need to discontinue ParaGard ®.
The following adverse events have also been observed. These are listed alphabetically and not by order of frequency or severity.
Anemia
Menstrual flow, prolonged
Backache
Menstrual spotting
Dysmenorrhea
Pain and cramping
Dyspereunia
Urticarial allergic skin reaction
Expulsion, complete or partial
Vaginitis
Leukorrhea
I have had the Paraguard now for 8 months now. I too have had 3 kids within 3 1/2 years. The insert part was pretty uncomfortable for me, but with mild cramping for the the first week. Knowing the the cramping was supposed to get better, I hung in the there. I really felt this was the best mode of birth control for me and was hoping the cramping would get better. The cramping did go away, but my periods have been extremely heavy. But I kept telling myself that it will get better, and I hung in there. I would say my periods are still heavy in comparison to pre-baby periods, but they have become lighter with each month. So hopefully it continues in that direction. Hope that helps and I wish you the best!!
If you google paragard side effects- you will find the official website, but you will also find several blogs that women have started. You will most likely get the best information there.
I just glanced over a few and it sounds like severe cramping is very common. It may or may not go away.
