Anyone Used a Merina IUD?

I have had the Paragard IUD (copper) for almost 10 yrs. I had N. problems with insertion and have N. side effects. When I have it removed, I'm having another inserted.

Nicole

I got it after I had my son Nov. 05. It was painful when inserted and I had miserable cramps 3-4 months afterwards along with constant bleeding. After 4 months I had it removed.
It seems like a great solution so I think it might be worth a try, it would always be in the back of my head to try it if I hadn't, cause its different for everyone.
Good luck :)

I wanted to get the IUD as well, but after reading about the possible side effects I decided to get the NuvaRing instead. It's a plastic ring that you insert into the vagina and replace every 4 weeks. I've had a lot of spotting, but it is decreasing as each month goes on. I like this method of birth control because there aren't risky side effects like the IUD and I only have to remember to replace it once a month.

I have an iud. Mostly because I forget to take the pill. Mine's perigard. It lasts for about 10 years. It's better to be on your period when they insert it. I didn't feel a thing if it helps, and you don't feel anything afterwards. I think that you should voice your concerns to your doctor so that he can put your mind at ease and give you honest answers.

I have had the IUD for about 6 months now. I had spotting for the first month, and after that i havent had any bleeding , or cramping since. I havent gained any weight, no acxne, or headaches. At times I have a little more discharge, but the doc says that is normal. it has been the best thing ever!!!!!! I was so scared, but honestly i would do it all over again!!!

Hi! i have the IUD that doesnt release any hormones. i considered that one too. but i decided to go with the one that lasted for ten years and has no hormones. its copper so it lasts twice as long. before i got it i asked the nurse if it hurt and she said yes. but when i actually did it it was nothing! they say you get cramping every now and then but i dont & i have had it for five mnth now. the only bad thing about it is now i get my period every 3 weeks. but thats it. i like it and would say go for the one without the hormones. it gives the husband one less reason to say that your emotional.

I love mine!!!
no pain.. no period.... nothing!! it's awesome!!

The Mirena IUD releases the same hormones that other traditional birth control does. I have quite a few women in my family who gained a lot of weight on birth control, so I opted to get the copper IUD with no hormones and it's been fine. The insertion wasn't painful for me, just weird feeling. The disadvantage was that I bled for quite a while and had on and off cramping, probably because my uterus was trying to adjust to this new foreign object. But the copper IUD doesn't need to be replaced for 10 to 12 years and once you remove it, you can instantly start trying to get pregnant. There are risks with this method, but they are rare and usually your doctor will discuss them with you. My doctor, who is the medical director, recommended this method of birth control. Hope that helps!

I am in the same boat, we have one daughter and we are definately done, but DH won't get a Vasectomy...so I ended up getting the copper IUD, the one with no hormones, which I'm sure is completely different that the one you are considering...but with this one, it was pretty painless going in...she was like "ok it's in" and I was like "what?" Also, since it has no hormones, it has no side effects really except withdrawal from the hormones I was used to. Sorry I can't be much help with the other one...but I am all for IUDs, they are awesome, easy and have a great effectiveness rating!

I had an IUD inserted in August. The insertion was more uncomfortable than painful. I had cramping on and off for a week or so. I had spotting everyday for about 3 months. I just started my first period since insertion. I haven't had any weird side effects or mood swings. No weight gain, etc. I like it a lot because I don't have to think about it and it's slightly more effective that even a vasectomy!! I know every body is different but I say go get one, see if you like it and if you don't, just have it removed. I got mine at Planned Parenthood for free because my insurance does not cover birth control and I'm SAHM with no income. Hope to have helped.

I recently got my Mirena removed. Mine was placed in March and since i have been having increased migraines. My OB just put me on Loestrin24 which is a pill that has active doses for 24 days instead of 21 so there is less of a hormone plummit. Also, I was informed by my OB that there is an IUD without hormones. You may want to look into that b/c as I said I had massively increased migraines. Since June I went to urgent care 2x, ER 1x, my doc 3x and did self inject Imitrex 6 times. I would definitely discuss all of these options with your doctor. GOOD LUCK I know how you feel.
S.

I have the Mirena IUD. I've had it about five months. For me, it did hurt on insertion, but not like the labor pains I had recently experienced. (I always compare everything to labor and figure if it's less thasn that I can get through it!) For a couple a days after insertion I had some cramps/pain if I over exterted myself. I haven't had any periods but I still my normal PMS symptoms including moodiness, backaches, cramps. But since I get no period I have to be mindful of why this is happening. Anyway overall I like the IUD and would get it again.

I got a Mirena 5-years IUD in the springtime of 2006. I took 4 Advil pills a few hours beforehand and took the 2 Ibuprofen pills about 30 minutes offered by the nurse before the appointment. I had someone else present in the room and it helped. The nurse couldn't get it in, so I had a specialist insert it. It hurt like HECK for 5-10 minutes. I bleed irregularly for a few (3-4) months and decided to throw away my menstrual cycle calendar. It is unreliable. I carry tampons in my purse all the time. I've had 2 partners. First man, I've had 1 miscarriage in May. Second man, I've had 1 miscarriage in August. A miscarriage is something I consider bleeding for 2 weeks straight with heavy clots. Right now, I've been absent from sex for roughly 2 months. This month in December, I didn't get my period.

I went for my post-insertion check up with the clinic, and they said I had a Fallopian pregnancy by the looks of the ultrasound. The pregnancy looks like something that's 4 centimeters by 3 centimeters in size positioned just above my uterus on the left side. I accused the nurse of being incorrect. I went to my physician for a second opinion and it is an ovarian cyst. I won't go there again to take care of it medically, because I've heard that flowers and foreign-made juices can make cysts shrink in size or so I heard.

I live with this pain on my left side for several (7-8) months, it's chronic. Sometimes a little pain. At times, it hurts like needles puncturing me in different places enough to make me bend over and make noises like a pig about to be butchered.

Otherwise, Mirena IUD is far the BEST option for me at this point. The cyst isn't that bad. I'm not pregnant because it's been months since diagnosed with a Fallopian pregnancy, and my abdomen size stays the same. My periods seem to be stopping. I've started to get white streaks in my hair. I feel 39 years old. Any question, feel free to contact me. I'll have Mirena IUD until the year 2011. After that, I may have another Mirena IUD *OR* some birth control that may have been invented around that time, lol.

Hello. I used the Merina IUD from May, until Feb. 25. I suffer from menstrual migrines. The hope was that I would stop having periods altogether. Well, I spotted, the entire duration I had it in place. And, it didn't stop my periods. Everyone is different, so I pray that if you try it, you will have better results. That's my experience! I hope yours is a better. Take care. AH

I just had my IUD removed last week. My daughter is 8 months old and I got it inserted when she was just 6 weeks. I had bad cramping, bloating, and bleeding for the first 4 months (everyday). Since then I have break through bleeding, it's not any fun not knowing when you're going to have a discharge. Also, when I got the IUD I wasn't clear what exactly was entailed. I have a history of ovarian cysts rupturing, and the Merina IUD can increase your risk for developing ovarian cysts. And one of the method to keep you from pregnant with the Merina IUD (and many methods of birth control) is it irritates the uterine lining; therefore you could have a fertilized egg that wouldn't attach, essentially a miscarriage. I am pro-choice but this wasn't the method for me in many ways.

I have had my IUD for about 3.5 years now. I LOVE it!!!! It cramped a bit and I bled for the first week or two, but I haven't had any of those problems since, and I haven't had my period, either. I haven't noticed any weight gain, and the only "mood swings" I occasionally notice are the typical "menstrual" mood swings every few months, and they aren't even as severe as they regularly would be if I WAS having my period! Go get one. I love it. There are horror stories with everything. Don't let them get you paranoid, as with anything, for every ONE person who is bad mouthing something, there are MANY other people who aren't having any problems, so they don't feel the need to speak up.

I had the copper IUD (paraguard) for over 2 years. I chose this over the pill for many reasons. I was scared of the pain but I think it was all in my head. I had inserted after having my son was born. I had some mild cramping during the insertion and a few hours after. But I never had a problem since. No weight gain, my migranes reduced, and I didn't have to remember to take a pill, or change a ring nothing. I had it removed last week so my husband and I can start trying for #2. Good luck!!

Hi I used the merina IUD and didn't have really any bad side effects that I could tell. I had a difficult time losing weight after having my son, but when I talked to my OB/GYN she said it wasn't from the merina. I actually liked it cause when I had taking birthcontol pills in the past they always made me feel like I was always on some hormonal mood swing and I didn't with the Merina.
Well good luck Hope you find something that works
J.

I have one. After my daughter was born I wanted to continue my education. She was a suprise and my husband and I want more at a later date so I got an IUD. My experience has not been that great. I had constant bleeding for the first three months and still have not resumed a regular menstral cycle,and have cramps at random times during hte month. It has been 7 months since it was inserted. This will be the only time I even consider an IUD. But this is only my experience, just thought you should know beacuse everyone I know said it was great for them. C.

I cant believe I didnt respond to this sooner, I love my merina IUD, it did hurt like heck to get inserted, next time I'll take a valium befor I go in and just get a ride home. I actually did feel like "I'll never do that again" BUT I love it so much it was worth it now. I dont have periods, I have mild cramping monthly, maybe a little spotting monthly but its pretty predictable like a period, not like the Depo where I spotted all the time. and the spotting is so lite I almost dont need anything for it. I dont feel like I've had any mood changes because of it, I'm very stable. I was told that the copper implant causes more cramping, but the merina causes less and that's been true for me. I just love it, Put up with a quick dose of pain in exchange of 5 years of freedom. I'll do it again for sure.

hi i just had the iud put in a few months ago. there was just a small amount of cramping the day it was put in but that was it. so far i love it almost as much as my depo. that is a good thing ... it is the only form of birth contrle i can have other than a tubal ligation

We decided after two children we weren't sure if we wanted a third. So we decided that getting the mirena was a good idea since it lasts for five years and nothing to remember daily. I've had mine in just over two years. I love it. I had minor cramping when it was inserted, no worse than cramps with a period. My DR said that I may discontinue having a period after a few months. That isn't my luck though, I continue to have regular monthly periods but they are very light and only 2-4 days. I guess I do like the assurance of having a period anyway. I can honestly say that I have had no noticeable side effects. Maybe you'd have to ask my husband about the mood swings. :-)

After two years we are 99% sure we won't have a third child. So when the five year mark comes my husband will get a vasectomy. I say give it a shot, especially if you have insurance that will cover it. If it dosen't work out the nice thing is you can always have it removed.

If you have any other questions please let me know.

I have an IUD, and I LOVE it. I was SCARED TO DEATH to have it inserted because of all the pamphlet information. I told my Dr. that people would be crazy to do this. Well, I've had it for almost 3-1/2 years, and it only bothered me in the beginning. When I first got it inserted, I was worried about all thecramping it talks about, but it really wasn't too bad. In fact, I didn't even know when the Dr. finished. I have the copper one. I don't think it releases hormones, but for the first year, my periods were pretty intense, I just foced myself to get through that year. After that, it's been fine! Anyways, Good Luck!

I got the copper IUD placed about 3 weeks ago. There was discomfort during insertion (nothing too bad) and about a week of cramping and spotting (nothing some Motrin couldn't handle). 2 weeks after insertion, I couldn't find the string. Went to my Dr., she couldn't find it. Got an ultrasound, they couldn't find it. Got a regular X-ray, they found it. GYN tried to manually extract it from my uturus (hurt really bad), he couldn't find it. Now I am scheduled for the OR on Wed to have a hysteroscopy and a laparoscopy so they can go fishing for it. They think it may not even be in my uturus. I think it is attached to my bladder, as it hurts everytime my bladder is full or when I pee. My abdomen is also very sensitive in that area, so I think that is where it took up residence. I know what has happened to me is one of those "rare" complications, but I can't personally recommend.

I had the Mirena IUD for almost 2 years. The insertion was very painful for me. I cramped for about a week. After that it was pure heaven. No period, very mild cramping during my cycle. I would definately use it again.

I had one for 2 years and was one of the small percentage of women who got pregnant with it. It was horrible for me, I bled for weeks at a time, very heavy with alot of cramping. But that was me, my sister has had hers for a few years with no problems. But if you are sensitive to the pill, you may be more sensitive to the IUD as well, that was the case for me. But you never really know for sure until you actually have it, what your response will be.

B., I have had an IUD twice and I LOVE IT! I have the copper T with no hormones. I strongly suggest this one. I tried all the other birth control methods before this. I even had the norplant for awhile. I got my first IUD after the birth of my now 10 year old. When we decided to have another child it was so easy to remove we did it ourselves. Not to say you should worry that it will come out on it's own. We knew how to remove it and saved the office visit. I have a 3 year old now and got my second IUD at my 6 week check up. No hormones no worries about anything and the best part is it is good for 10 years or until you decide to take it out. I had so many problems with anything that had hormones and all your fears are very real but may not happen to everyone. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.I almost forgot the insertion is really not bad at all just a pinch like when you get a PAP I had an experienced doctor put it in and my periods are like clockwork same as always. B.

I have had it (Merina) for about 6 months now. I've had no side effects. My problem was that I was bleeding for 15+ days straight, have a week off, then bleed again. My period only lasts a week now and it's getting further and farther between. I've been happy with it. When I had it inserted, I had pain for one hour afterward, then nothing. Some suggest taking tylenol beforehand. Some say a valium, then have someone drive you home. Remember, you can reverse it by having it removed anytime!

yes this is my second one. i used one right after i had my daughter and then after my son. i didn't get pregnent with the second child tell i took it out. i love it!!!! it doesn't hurt being put in. i don't have any side afects. no heachachs or acne. i never have to remeber to take a pill or use a condom. i think it is wonderful. mel

Hi B.,

I just gave birth to my second son 6 months ago and decided that with two boys of my own along with 3 step-daughters that 5 kids is enough. While I was pregnant I totally enjoyed the freedom of not having my menstrual cycle along with the cramping. I have tried birth control pills in the past and didn't like remembering to take a pill everyday, that is how my second son came to us, so having an IUD inserted was the next best thing. Besides I don't like having shots or wearing a stupid patch. I had the Mirena IUD inserted just at the beginning of August, it didn't hurt at all. I would probably say about an hour after insertion I started having MINOR cramps and started my period. The cramps were gone the next day and my period ended like 5 days later and my period was so light that sometimes I wasn't sure if I was even on it. Its been 4 months now and my period has just about vanished and I might get cramps for like an hour or two, but still very minor. Hope everything works out for you if you do decide to go this route, its been a great decision for me!!

Hi B.
I also have the copper IUD
I had one put in after my first son was born, and I left it in for 8yrs with no problems
they do cause your period to be heavier with a little more cramping, but it's not that bad.
I had anouther one put in after my 2nd son (20mos ago)
with no problems.
I have found this is the best meathod for myself because I don't like the side affects of putting hormones in my body
(moodiness,weight gain,ect)
for the increase in cramping I take Dandelion root pills before I am about to start, the work GREAT!!

hope this helps
J.