for those who need to know: I chose paragard before my marriage. I was told that bleeding could be heavier and cramping worse. it was! I wasn't aware that it would make my period two days longer and that cramping could start 3 day before my period. I had it removed because sometimes I would feel a stabbing sensation during sex. my first doctor said it was fine to elect to this birth control despite being a virgin, but my second doctor was shocked and said someone should have talked me out of it. now I'm on the mini pill and experience nausea everyday so I haven't found a good solution, but just thought someone might need this info for consideration. good luck!