"i&#039;ve had paraguard for 1 yr. insertion was nearly painless-no worse than a papsmear to me, esp. compared to the horrible experience i expected after reading negative reviews online (i might have lucked out with a tactile &amp; tactful doctor, but i suggest you have your own experience).iud hasn&#039;t had one noticeable effect on my mood, appetite, or energy. i&#039;m against hormones, so i think some of my positive attitude is due to placebo b/c i want it to work. however, even at 1 yr, periods aren&#039;t cyclical, sometimes 2x/mo, intermittent spotting, dry blood residues, so i avoid sex sometimes b/c it&#039;s embarrassing.this is ironic b/c birth control should enable me to have sex more!also, the cramps are more painful than any pain i have ever experienced."