What's your experience with the Copper IUD?

Question

I'm thinking about getting a Copper IUD inserted, since I do not want to mess with my hormones, but also would like more peace of mind than just using a condom (which is currently all my boyfriend and I use).
Still, I've heard about a lot of people having adverse effects once getting the Copper IUD put in. If these adverse effects are really prevalent, I won't feel that getting it inserted is worth it.
So, trying to get a feel for the odds of shitty side effects! Any honest answers (and/or elaborations) would be greatly appreciated! 
The larger the poll I can get, the better!

Answer

I’ve had my copper IUD for 4 years. It has made my bleeding heavier and cramps stronger. The first year was the worst. Gynecologist said it was normal to have heavier bleeding and stronger cramps. I love it though. Not having any hormones like with other birth control and its so long term (12 years) i don’t have to worry about anything for a while. I would recommend it to anyone ☺️

Answer

I’ve had paragard for almost a year to the day. personally insertion wasn’t too bad pain wise I mean it hurt but it wasn’t unbearable and I spotted/cramped for at least 3-4 weeks afterwards. 
My issue was cramping, my menstrual cramps were pretty intense the first period after insertion, so bad I thought my body was rejecting the iud-nope just my period starting the next day. And I had a lot of cramping as my body was getting used to the iud I would say the first six months. I would cramp after sex in certain positions, which made me think it had come out of place but I went in for an ultrasound and it was fine, and at my recent annual the strings were in place. My body just reacted to it in cramping-intensely and a lot before I got used to it. 
I can’t take hormonal bc I’m terrible on it physically and emotionally  so this is my only other option besides condoms and now that I’m used to it I love it. It takes a while but if you stick it out it’s amazing once everything gets used to being in there.

Answer

I got copper IUD 1.5 years ago, and the first 6 months was increased cramping and period heaviness. However, after that my period became normal again and normal light cramps. I also switched to organic cotton tampons (no chemical additives like major brands) and this greatly decreased my cramping! Now, my period is actually lighter than it used to be and lasts 3-4 days. It’s a great alternative to messing with your hormones and the consequences that come with that. I would say worth it for sure! It does last a decade, so that means a 5% adjustment time period. I think that’s pretty short.

Answer

This poll is very hard to just pick one lol, with my 3 year experience of being on the copper iud I’ve loved it up until now. I’ve started having heavy bleeding the first few days and bad cramping but it’s different every cycle for me, sometimes my period will be light and a dream other cycles it’s like someone stabbed my vagina 100000 times. Also sometimes when I’m not on my period I’ll experience almost faint cramping in my abdominal but then it does away nothing crazy.

Answer

I got my copper iud almost a year ago. The insertion hurt like a mofo but it’s different for everyone. The girl before me was super normal after hers. 
It has lengthened my period, they used to be 3 days long and now I get spotting about 3 days before and my actual period lasts 5 days now. My cramps are kind of the same. 
My PMS symptoms have increased a lot this past year. I’m not really sure if it’s the iud or the fact that I’ve become more aware of my feelings now that I’m in my first very serious relationship (which started the same month I got my iud). I’ve always been insecure and now that I have someone I deeply love has made me more aware of his feelings as well, and how I feel the need to not screw it up. 
I don’t regret overall, I hope my period normalizes in length a bit more when I turn a year (they say it takes between 3 months to a year for that to happen).

Answer

Had mine a year in January and it hasn't made my periods heavier and only slightly more painful. For me worst side effects are cramps at any stage in cycle and increased chance of BV if you let partner ejaculate inside you. I have a low cervix and some issues with string length and partner can feel them. It's better than the hormones and freedom to be spontaneous etc.

Answer

It made my life hell... heavier periods lasting a week and a half, then I would be recovering from my period, then fine for about a week, then I would be a miserable wreck with PMS and finally start my period again... not to mention weight gain, hair loss, mood swings, anxiety to the point I wouldn't leave my house, depression where I would cry for no reason... there are a lot more but moral of my story is that I got better almost immediately after it was removed so I am 100% convinced it was the problem... I also had terrible reactions to the mirena... just because the copper doesn't have "hormones" in it... does NOT mean you won't have a hormonal reaction to it!!!

Answer

The few days after insertion were awful for me but after that I have had no problems!

Answer

Hi! So I've had the Paragard since October 15th, 2018. Still a newbie. I have found what works for me. I would highly recommend taking a probiotic daily to help with your natural vagina flora. A probiotic has numerous health benefits aside from that. Also, I would highly recommend taking a good tumeric supplement daily as well. I have found that my period wasn't noticeable while having the IUD and taking my tumeric supplement. Tumeric helps with heavy blood flow, in flames, PMS symptoms, etc. The month I didnt take the tumeric supplement my cramps were pretty bad and I bled a little more during my period. So far the IUD has been great for me. My boyfriend is happy as well that we don'thave to use condoms. It will take time for the Uterus to acclimate. I think any negative side effects such as BV or cramps can be prevented with a daily probiotic and tumeric supplement. A healthy diet and exercise is key as well. I use Amazon Prime to purchase supplements...

Answer

I have only had the Copper IUD 6 weeks. Insertion was uncomfortable, but not as bad as I had expected. The following 2-3 days consisted of spotting and bad cramping (i advise a hot water bottle, painkillers and rest). I then had a medium flow bleed for about a week (i think this was a withdrawal bleed from coming off the pill though). 
Exactly a month later my period came. It began with a day and a half of spotting before real bleeding came. I'm not going to lie - the bleeding was really really heavy. I use a menstrual cup, which at times I had to empty every hour or two. The heavy bleeding lasted 4 full days, along with some quite bad cramping. It then dropped back to another day or two of spotting (I believe it has ended now). 
It was a horrible period, but the worst part for me is not knowing what to expect. At least next time, I'll know. I also know that most women find that their periods often lighten up (back to normal) and cramps improve again within 6-12 months. After my bad experiences on hormonal birth control, I definitely feel it's worth the wait to see if things do get better. I'm hopeful. 
If you already suffer with heavy bleeding and bad cramps, it may not be the best option for you. The doctor can prescribe medication that lightens your period though - this is something I've been using.

What's your experience with the Copper IUD?

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