"it&#039;s been about a month since i had my paragard inserted and so far, so good! the insertion pain was not as bad as other reviews made it sound. i do suggest taking pain relief before hand. the pain felt like an intense cramp for a few minutes and then some random cramps throughout the day. unfortunately, the woman who inserted it did not tell me how to feel for the strings or make a follow-up appointment with me to check for them. cramps were on and off the few following days after that. nothing a little pain medications couldn&#039;t fix. it did, however, start my period early. do expect some spotting for about 6 weeks. sex will be a little painful and gross for a while, but it was nice to not worry or have to take the pill. it will be different with everyone."