I have had my paragard for over a year. Cramping has always been bad, and continues to be bad (maybe a little worse) with this IUD. Over he last few months I start cramping on and off about a week before my period and it's gets worse as my period starts. Does this happen to anyone else? It's awful. I chose this IUD because I have a sordid history with hormonal birth control. Has anyone switched from paragard to mirena? Any opinions? I'm also deathly afraid of getting this thing removed because I passed out getting it out in.