"i&#039;m a younger woman (18) and i got my paragard iud about 2 and a half months ago. i really psyched myself out about insertion but mine was relatively painless with a super quick twinge. on hormonal birth control i experienced heightened depression and anxiety. i feel much more myself on paragard because there are no hormones involved. as for periods, i have experienced no cramping but 3-4 extremely heavy days (soaking a super plus tampon every hour and a half) and then 2-3 very light days. i&#039;ve heard periods get better the longer you have had the iud. i&#039;m about to be a college freshman an university and i feel very confident in the efficacy of this device. excited to be baby free for up to 12 years. recommend for teens &amp; anyone on the fence"