Did you ever decide what birth control to use? I have the Paragard, it's been in about six years now. So far I've been happy with it. I am having some problems now and am going to my gynecologist. I thought my IUD had dislodged but it's turned out that that isn't the case and my Paragard doesn't have anything to do with my problem. I did some research on birth control before I got this and the Paragard was the only long-term, reliable, reversible, non-hormonal form of birth control that I could find. My gynecologist discouraged me from getting it because at the time I was single and you run a very high risk of getting a STD. But I've been fine and now I'm married, and before I got with my husband I was very careful about making my partner use condoms. You might not be able to get a gynecologist to put any IUD in since you haven't had children, though. Also, your periods get alot heavier with the Paragard, but I was willing to accept that since there so many other benefits with having it, and I was especially looking for BC without hormones, very hard to find. Hope you've found a BC you're happy with.

I have had the copper IUD in now for 3 years. No cramping really other than normal period cramping. It did hurt having it put in but only for a few hours after. I would suggest taking some ibuprofen beforehand. Never been pregnant...periods are heavier, especially during first year but they lighten up a little. I used to have my period for 4 days on the pill now it's more like 6 to 7 with 3 to 4 days heavier in the middle. I like it so far. No hormones, so less risks to my health I believe.