"i love my paragard! i was on the mirena for 3 years but decided to switch because of some hormonal side effects i was getting. the paragard has been perfect. getting it placed is painful as expected but no different than my experience with getting the mirena. i get some cramping with my period but it is completely manageable and does not keep me from exercising and going about my normal activities. i need to take midol the first day or two but that always does the trick. my period is 5 days long - the first day or two are mild, day 3-4 are heavier, and day 5 is moderate. i haven&#039;t had any problems leaking with tampons/out of control heavy periods. i have had it in for 3 months and couldn&#039;t be happier. i feel great!"