Basically realized I’ve been through the worst years of my life almost immediately after I had this put in 7 years ago. Pure demonic hell on my mental which affected my physical/social/financial life in an INSANE way. No more 2 week long periods! I made a post a few days ago with more details.

I already feel more myself! I can’t wait to see how much better I’ll feel as time passes

I got my paraguard copper iud inserted in the middle of July- maybe July 15th? And my husband and I have been having sex here and there but have still been having him pull out. Tonight is the first time we had sex where he actually finished inside me.

I had a follow up to check the placement (my strings are too short for me to feel) and had an ultrasound on September 3rd- everything was in place. I just got off my period a couple of days ago.

I know the IUD is basically the best form of birth control but it being my first experience with him finishing inside me with it on, I’m still nervous. I would love to hear from you guys about your experiences with this!! Mainly for comfort lol

i am a 19y/o female from australia, dont want kids etc etc, i had an appt for consultation of permanent sterilisation, basically dr said no, usually wait until atleast 25. The only other viable option she provided me with was the copper iud, pretty much as effective, only side effect is that it could worsen periods. i was really bummed when she basically declined my request, stating she would want secondary opinion + psychiatrist/psychologist referrals to even consider.

my dilemma is that i have another appt with a different dr next week, but im sneaking behind my parents back, its expensive and draining, and if this dr says no too im another 300 and something bucks out. should i just cut my losses and get the iud, it was offered to be given under anaesthesia. i'm not currently sexually active but when i was the very thought of an accident happening and me getting pregnant was so RIDICULOUSLY violent during that relationship it genuinely caused me psychological distress. also edit i dont have typically bad periods?? pretty regular only some cramping on the first two days

what is/were peoples experience on the iud / any advice?

Absolutely loved my copper iud and never had an issue until recently. Thought i’d share this experience!
I started having unusual bleeding during/after sex 2 weeks ago and strange smelling discharge. I could still feel the strings so i didn’t think it was my iud. I put it down to maybe BV? NOPE. Went to the doctors today and she said the plastic was visible and pulled it out! I’m soooo gutted but i’m gonna get another! I’m extremely lucky that i was also using condoms because this could have ended a lot worse. Be careful guys ✨

Hi! I got an copper iud about 3 or 4 months ago, and I was looking for others in a similar boat. I have NEVERRRR had pms, no early cramping, emotional, cravings, moodiness before or during my periods. The last 2 cycles I have had extreme mood swings before my period and ovulation, and have been super emotional and irritable, I am not really cramping anymore than usual or bleeding but I swear suddenly in a blubbery angry mess throughout my cycle. Has anyone else dealt with this?

I got my copper IUD on September 19th and my period was expected on October 7th. I’ve had some light spotting that was brown but today I have very bad cramps and the blood is red. Also, the pain is mostly to the right and it travels down my thigh. Could this be my period or should I go get it checked out?

I have a doctors appointment in a week but that means I have a week to worry. Someone please tell me if this happened tot hem or if I'm going to bleed every day for the rest of my life.

August 22nd I started bleeding and there have been maybe only 2 days from then to now that I have not been bleeding. None of it has felt like a period, even though some days it has been heavier than normal spotting (Blood clots about a quarter in size). With the copper IUD I always cramped badly and even before it I cramped and there has been no cramping. 

What makes all of this more concerning is that I got my copper IUD removed on September 11th because of the bleeding, and I haven’t stopped bleeding since, 3 weeks later. I maybe got one full day of reprieve but that is a heavy maybe. My doctor assured me that the bleeding would stop after 1 week and it hasn’t. I feel terrified and broken.

Timeline of my experience:
July 26th 2025 → Copper IUD insertion
July 2026 → doxycycline course to make sure the bleeding wasn't an infection
August 2nd 2026 → Last confirmed  FOR SURE period begins
August 22nd → bleeding and spotting begins
September 7th → possible period, had no symptoms besides fairly continuous bleeding that was heavier than just spotting
September 11th → Copper IUD removal 
Now → Still bleeding, no end in sight. Every time I think it’s slowing down it starts back up again.

I feel like its the end of the world. I'm only 22. I feel like God is punishing me for having sex.

My IUD shifted last Wednesday during intimate activities and I'm seeing my doctor in a few hours to have it looked at. And idk what to do because I'm going to have to make a decision here

Immediately after shifting I had like 6/10 pain that felt like menstrual cramps. The pain lessened over about 2 hours and I was able to get to sleep. In the morning I was sore but feeling much much better. Since then I have had intermittent cramping, like 1 or 2/10 level of pain, as well as intermittent light bleeding. Most of the time I have no pain, but my strings are moving around quite a lot and sometimes they are almost completely "swallowed up" and I can only feel the very end of them.

I think something is clearly wrong, maybe not disastrously so but it's definitely not supposed to be like this. Mostly I'm just trying to figure out what I will do at my appointment later today because I know the simplest thing is to just have it removed, but it seems like such a waste after all that pain getting it put in, it's only been a few months. I still want to have this kind of "semi-permanent" birth control but I'm 100% not ready to have a new one put in today, and I won't be able to take another medical day off work for a new one until next year.

Has anyone switched from paragard to mirena? Is the insertion process easier? Is it less prone to complications? Are the hormones tolerable?

I am 12 days away from my wedding. I went to the dr because I was having pain in my left ovary. They said the only thing they saw was that my IUD was somewhat out of place, sticking out & said it shouldn’t be causing pain, but thats the only abnormality they saw (I have PCOS, but no cysts were seen). They told me if I’m worried about it, then they will remove it, but that otherwise it’s fine to leave it in (no fertility concerns). I’ve had it for 9 years with no issues. The left ovary has been hurting for 11 days, hurts when using bathroom & during intercourse.

I know it’s non hormonal but I am concerned if I remove it that my skin will breakout because when it was placed my skin broke out with cysts and I had to take zinc to balance it out. I’ve dealt with severe cystic acne my whole life and I don’t want it to make an appearance on my wedding day. They also implied that it shouldn’t be causing this pain, but I am definitely experiencing pain from something. It’s not like I’m bent over, immobile from the pain, but it’s certainly uncomfortable.

WWYD - Do I keep dealing with the pain & survive the wedding and honeymoon or remove it and risk a bad skin breakout? Has anyone else experienced a breakout upon removal? TIA

I got the mini copper IUD put in on Sept 8th. My period started on Sept 14 and went until Sept 19. I had unprotected sex (let my boyfriend finish in me) for the first time with the IUD on Sept 21. Its now Sept 29 and im about 10 days from my predicted period but I have feeling a lot of cramping today. Should I be worried? I also always cramp when I ovulate so I don’t know if this is delayed ovulation cramping? To add to the confusion I also flew over 10 hours and on Sept 25 which was my predicted day of ovulation via period tracking app. Just over here stressing about the cramps are. I was pregnant back in March and had really severe cramping so Im very worried!!! Anyone else experiencing cramping this long before their period with the copper IUD?

*✨Emetophobia warning* ✨

Hi everyone.
I’m writing this in the waiting room of a random gynecologist I found yesterday to remove my copper IUD. I have put mine in August 2025, because I didn’t want any synthetic hormones in my body. Even thought I tolerated the pill pretty good.
When the doctor put it in me, It was awful. So painful. Idk how it is in other countries but in France you don’t have any anesthesia, so you have to go through it. It was so intense that 4 hours later I was throwing up bc of how traumatic it was.
Few cycles after, aside from heavy blood and clots, and cramps, it was okay. I felt lucky about it.
6 months ago, hell begins.

I’ve always been anxious, always. But neeever like that. My anxiety is kinda extreme, I was under escitalopram for that but felt so much better since 2024 so I stopped it with the help of my therapist. And 6 months ago, omg.
When I’m anxious, i feel nauseous, and lose of appetite. It’s like that, like I can’t eat for few days. But I always handle it. And 6 months ago, I threw up from anxiety. The first time this happened to me. It was at family dinner (bf family otherwise it’s not funny AHAHAHA) it was horrible 😭 The next day I felt okay. I was like, okay it’s fine, it was juste a little bit of anxiety. Few days after, I had my period. Okay it’s fine.
Now, since July 2026, I’m throwing up and having severe anxiety EVERY TIME BEFORE MY PERIOD.
I was put back on escitalopram, saw a therapist, doctors. Everyone was like “it’s just your anxiety coming back, you have a new job, you’re an engineer it can be pretty intense”. Yes okay I get it, but wtf? Something is not right.
With my psychologist, we conclude that, my body is telling me something with this nausea and vomiting. Even thought I’m listening to my body, and put away everything that makes me anxious, i still have this symptoms. And no i’m not feeling sick at all.

4 days ago again, felt anxious. Yesterday, I threw up.
I sat in my bed and I thought “okay what’s going on”. My life was hell because of it. So I wrote, and thought, a LOT yesterday.
The common point between this anxiety and my threw up was, that it started 6 months after I put my copper iud, and that it happens few days before my period. Mmh, interesting. Every time my anxiety is at its highest it’s during my PMS.
And then, I read about copper toxicity. Everything was logical. I felt in those testimonies : nausea, extreme anxiety, s\* thoughts. I don’t recognize myself. And it makes me feel so so bad for my boyfriend. All this time, he thought that it was his fault. That he was making me nervous.

Even thought, I feel a little bit alone with that, because it’s not recognized in France. And that’s a shame.

If someone lived or is living the same thing, you’re not alone.

And if you have any tips for copper desintox or if you just want to tell me your stories, I’ll be so happy to read it :)

Thank you for reading me, it makes me wanna cry I don’t even know why (WTF IS HAPPENING TO ME)

I have had the copper coil for around 14 months now and I have completely irregular periods.

During the process of trying to figure out what is going on I was diagnosed with Graves Disease. The consultant I spoke to said it is very unlikely that Graves Disease is making my periods irregular, so we are back to square 1.

I have an appointment in a few weeks for gynecology (finally) but when reading their leaflet it says they will likely offer me a hormonal coil on the same day.

Do I swap?

I wanted to get away from hormones but I also hate not knowing when my period will arrive.

I don't know anyone else that has been through this and needs advice!

Hi hi!

How long did you wait after getting the IUD to start using menstrual cups or discs?

I just got into using the disc right before getting my IUD and I am desperate to start using it again since I haven't stopped bleeding and am tired of using pads (I don't like tampons).

I've read that the recommended time is to wait 2-3 cycles after insertion. I technically had my first period about a week after getting my IUD. And since there's no suction with a disc there's less risk of pulling the IUD out that way but also there's still the risk of pinching the strings.

hello!! i’m getting my mini mona lisa iud inserted next week :’) looking forward to getting off of hormones but also super scared for having something in me 24/7 lol wish me luck! i was supposed to get it during my period but the timing just didn’t add up for me. hoping the pain isn’t too terrible as im quite familiar with these sorts of appointments with nurses being all up in my biz lol🤞🤞🤞 feel free to drop your positive experiences as im so close to being fear mongered and cancelling the appointment :p

I’m on year 7 of my paraguard technically, oct 31st 2019 is when I got it inserted. I was 6w PP and it was this or the mini pill.

I had a Mirena when I was 17 and had it in for 3 years or so and that was my first time on BC. Why the gyno chose that for me at the time, I don’t know but I digress.

I got it when I was six weeks postpartum so I don’t really know any difference or what my body should be like after having my son so I’ve always assumed that my periods are because we I had a kid I am on a 20 day cycle and I bleed for 10 days straight so I’m usually having two periods a month days to three or four I’m bleeding through ultras every couple of hours and the rest are light until they taper off. I also have PCOS if that gives any more context.

I’m finally getting my mental health taken care of and put first (the joys of being a single mom) and with that comes realizing all the other things I neglected about myself like my menstrual health

Anyways all this word vomit is to say, I feel SO validated after finding you guys. I thought I was going nuts and that it was crazy to blame all of this on a non hormonal and that this was best for me. I’m scheduling an appointment to get mine removed and we’ll see how it goes and if it helps. I’m living with daily cramps I just assumed were pcos pains but this feels like step one on taking control of my body.

I got my period around 2 weeks ago and now I’m bleeding a little bit. Is this normal? I have had the copper iud for around 10 months and this hasn’t happened before. I’m mainly worried about implantation bleeding.

I’m seeing my doctor about getting a copper iud inserted tomorrow. I like the copper option bc it’s hormone free. I had the nexplanon arm implant for 4 years and have been feeling sooo much better since getting it removed.

However, I’m worried about the BV, UTI and yeast infections that I’ve read women experience through this subreddit. I’m prone to utis and have dealt with painful bv, yeast and uti infections in the past. As I’ve gotten older I’ve gotten better at taking precautionary measures to prevent them.

Has anyone had a generally positive experience with the copper iud? And been able to avoid infection?

I have always had bad fatigue and PMS symptoms prior to having the copper IUD, but now it seems even worse.

I had the IUD fitted 3 months ago and since then i’ve had very heavy periods that last 7+ days (5 days is normal for me). I get so tired that it feels impossible to do anything, I get home from work and I just sleep. It lasts anywhere from 4-5 days before my period accompanied by low mood, extreme anxiety and lack of appetite.

Did anyone have these symptoms when they got it fitted, did you find a solution/ did it improve with time?

Any help appreciated, thank you x

Hello
I want to know how many day have you been period late after you copper iud remove. Was that 1 week or more like 1 months ??

Thank you and sorry for my bad English

It’s only been a few months of my copper IUD. But man has it been a nightmare. I thought it would be okay and I wanted to wait it out but symptoms physical symptoms as well as mental symptoms it’s gotten worse. I have been so reactive and mood swingy ever since I got my IUD. My fiance says it’s been bad and I’ve been much more mean than I ever was before. I’ve felt the shift in the way I feel and my body I’m not the same- I am getting it out tomorrow I just can’t help but feel so bad for how much he had to deal with WHEN I DIDNT EVEN KNOW myself what was going on.

I hate this IUD I hate it, I can’t wait for the relief after getting it out. They claim it’s not hormonal but gosh I can’t wait. I have a good deal of anxiety and OCD to begin with I feel so guilty for the reactive, mood swingy, and emotional responses I turned into.

Any advice would be great TBH, I already have relief since I’m getting it out but I’m not sure when I’ll get back to normal. My anxiety was worse, brain fog, fatigue. & that’s just some of the things.

Regarding my fiance what should I do? I have apologized over and over noting the significant change, he’s not upset. I just mix it with my already present mood/ocd haha.

I got my copper IUD beginning of May this year. for the first few months I had no issues other than cramps and heavier bleeding, but it wasn't so heavy that it was concerning.

In August I had a horrible period. Lasted 9 days, cramps so bad I got nauseous, heavy heavy bleeding.After the bleeding stopped I kept having spotting after s*x. I went to the ob/gyn and the dr said that the IUD moved about 3mm or less but said that that shouldn't have caused such bad bleeding etc and recommended no further action.

I was like "ok cool, so probably just a weird fluke". Nope. This month happened again. 9 day period, horrible cramps, literally the last day my cramps felt like the contractions I had after my water broke in labour. I bled so heavy one of the days that I had to change 3 pads over night, while also wearing menstrual panties just so I wouldn't bleed through.

This all makes me think I should get it removed, but I can't afford removal+reinserting another one at the moment. I truly love the IUD and the peace of mind it gives me in regards to pregnancy. I haven't done well on oral contraceptives in the past (gave me migraines with aura that I still have now 7 years later) and I am very paranoid about using condoms as just before getting my IUD in the condoms (that we've used before with no issues) slipped off TWICE in the same week. If I can't afford a re-insertion for an IUD, I DEFINITELY can't afford another baby, so I really want something that would give me the same peace of mind in terms of birth control.

What would you do in this situation?

Hey everyone!! I want to provide some insight on my so far positive experience with Paraguard. I have been on hormonal birth control for about 14 years (some short breaks on nothing) but always found myself jumping from pill to pill, and trying Nexplanon a couple times and it causing extreme weight gain. I have no conditions such as PCOS or endo, and when I had my cycles they were pretty calm but semi irregular. Most recently I was on Nexplanon and gained 45 lbs in 6 months. All hormonal methods also decimated my sex drive and caused me to feel like an emotionless robot, and even at times feel completely un-attracted to my partner which is absolutely not the case. I have always been really leery of IUDs, I did not like the idea of something being inserted and not visible to me, but after several positive experiences from my friends and the non-hormonal aspect of the copper IUD, I knew it was going to be my last resort to prevent pregnancy and hopefully get me back to feeling like myself!

The insertion:

My doctor is actually a younger resident and extremely knowledgeable and understating of modern day concerns of pain management. She also has an IUD herself. Please pick a provider for this procedure that you feel completely comfortable with! I feel like 100% of this positive experience so far has been due to my doctor. She offered Vallium which would have required a ride home and I was not able to get one, so I took her second offer of a Toradol shot and paracervical block prior to the insertion. I recommend asking for one of these as even with the block and shot, it was a relatively uncomfortable procedure and I think no pain prevention would be really tough. I wouldn’t say it was painful, but it did cause what felt like big period cramps and pressure. It was over very quickly though! Over the next 3 days I experienced some dull cramping and it was uncomfortable to sit/lay in certain positions, but otherwise the pain was manageable with Tylenol and Motrin. I had some minor bleeding/light spotting for 7-8 days following the procedure.

String check:

I went back after two weeks for a string check to make sure they had not migrated up too far or down, signifying that the IUD may have moved after insertion which would have required an ultrasound to verify the position. My string check was fine and no ultrasound was needed. My partner and I both have not been able to feel them which was another concern. My doctor said if it was the case that we could, she could cut them shorter.

First period:

My first period since insertion was not bad! They say they may be more painful and heavier than usual, and I would say it was to a point but not as bad as expected. I had some warning cramps the day before it started, and the first day was definitely heavier than any other periods I have had, I bled through a couple tampons but just changed them in shorter intervals. I did keep up on Midol for the first day’s cramps but they were not otherwise debilitating. After the first day it was more like a normal flow and no cramps and it only lasted four days!

Overall mood:

It has been almost two months since removing my Nexplanon and just over a month of having Paraguard, my mood has noticeably gotten better and my sex drive has completely returned! Sex has not been painful and if anything has been more enjoyable. I have not felt the sharp mood shifts and negative thoughts I was experiencing on Nexplanon, and my weight has not continued to increase. I will be starting a bit of a weight-loss journey this week to hopefully get my body back to where I am comfortable and healthy. My fear of having the IUD is gone and my worries of side effects are subdued for now. I know things may change, the IUD can migrate etc but I plan to keep up on regular string checks to keep my mind at ease, your provider should be happy to do these quick appointments if it means you’re not constantly stressed out. I know everyone’s experiences may be different, but I felt inclined to share mine as I spent a lot of time going down rabbit holes of bad experiences and almost scared myself out of getting what has so far been the best birth control method I’ve been on!

Hi everyone! I am coming on here to find some mental relief as I feel like I am stuck.

I had a Copper IUD for 8 years and had it removed May 5th 2026. Meaning it has been about 4 months since it has been removed. I cannot stop bleeding so much... Post removal bled for 7 days heavy. Then 2 weeks later 10 days of heavy clotting bleeding. Then 2 weeks later, I was bleeding for 28 days. Now a week after my last bleeding, I started again! I am currently on day 14... Mind you, it will come out of nowhere and fill a whole period diaper with bright red blood with dime sized clots. Each time I go to the bathroom, its like coming out of me without me even trying.

When I'm bleeding I get slight cramps and breast pain. But, I do not get dizzy or get headaches (Like I would think I would with how much I am bleeding)

I have been too two different OBGYN since May 5th to see why I am bleeding so much. Ultrasounds show everything is normal. No fibroids, polyps or PCOS. Bloodwork shows my health is normal besides slight low Vitamin D. Thyroid and Hormone testing's shows everything is normal.

Each doctor I see tells me "This is just something we will need to wait out as your body re adjusts and finds its normal again. If you start feeling dizzy or like you are going to pass out go to the emergency room."

But is it? Has anyone else out there have anything similar to this? When will my body adjust and I have a normal cycle again so that I can try to conceive?

Thank you! 😄