Experience with Mirena (IUD)??

well for me, I like it in the begining, but then I hated it in the end. At first, I bled for like 3 weeks straight, but then I didnt have another mentral in like over a year, no spotting, no nothing. BUT, I was getting weird headaches, and I dnt know for certain if it was because of the mirena, but I have no clue what else it was from, also my sex drive was gone.. Like.. totally missing, and I was only 22.. so.. yea, i got it removed. I have heard good stories, and even worse stories, but everybody reacts differently to things so, you can alwasy try, and if it doesnt work out, take it out, but my bad symptoms didnt come till the middle of my second year with it.

I have had Mirena for 4 years now and LOVE IT!!! When I first got it I had my periods every other month it seemed, then it went to every three months, then every six months (this is within the first 2 years, maybe a little less). I got Mirena February 2008, when my son was 8 months old. I haven't had a period since June or July of 2010. Can't get any better than that!
To add, I used to have very long, painful, and heavy periods...but after the Mirena my periods were shorter, lighter, and not painful at all.
I sometimes PMS still when I "should" be having my period, but it's more like bloating and food cravings, not cramps.
As far as the birth control side, for me, it's 100% effective.
My husband and I are both highly fertile. We have never used a condom together, and no pregnancies.
I believe you can only have Mirena in for 5 years, so when my 5 years hit next February, I'm absolutely getting a new one!

I had one and had it removed. I hated it!

I have has mine for almost 5 years now - getting it replaced later this year (it is good for 5 years years). I was on the pill for more than a decade before, different pills actually, because I was always battling side effects.... well, with Mirena I have no more side effects from hormones (good or bad). No moodiness, depression, lack of sex drive or hair loss any longer - but unfortunately also none of the pleasant side effects of the pill, so my acne came back, but I can live with that.
I don't get a period anymore, but have some spotting every few months - this is very common. I also had some spotting on and off for about the first 6 months after it was placed - but I was also nursing, so I am not sure it that was a factor.
I cannot imagine going back on the pill and will get a new Mirena, when this one expires.
Good luck!

I was wondering this same question as I am going for my annual tomorrow and wanted to talk to my doc about this. I will be watching your respones to see what others think! :)

I gained weight and got acne and awful awful migraines. I kept it in for a whole year and then removed it. I have paragard now, which I love, except for the periods of course, which are heavy, but not painful.

I absolutely love it. I'll admit that it drove me crazy for the first few months because I had a lot of spotting. It was uncomfortable to insert and I cramped for a little bit but after those initial few months, I haven't had a period or cramping at all (with two holiday stress-filled exceptions). I got it in June of 2008 and plan on spending a few months without when it's time is up next year but then will get another one.

I am very sensitive to birth control pills, which leave me feeling out of control emotionally, so I appreciate that it is very low dose. I have evened out considerably. I did gain weight after my second child but I don't know if it was that or just the lifestyle change of no sleep and less exercise.

Good luck!

I gained about 30lbs (while actively trying to LOSE weight), broke out and became a total b!tch while I was on it. I kept asking my doc why this was happening, could it be the Mirena, etc. and was told "No, those aren't the side-effects of Mirena." REALLY?! I finally had it removed and have slowly been losing the weight (again). It was pretty awesome to not have periods, though...but I'll take a monthly period over constant weight gain, mood swings and acne. Thumbs down from me.

I love mine! I got it put in 2 months after I had my daughter (the timetable my dr set up). So i've had it in for almost 3 years now. I have no problems with it other than the occasional complaint from my hubby during "private time" but it can typically be remedied just by adjusting. Sorry TMI. I haven't had a real period since I've had it put in so for me, that's awesome because my periods used to really limit what I could do. The only other problem I've had is that a few times, I've had cramps around the time that I would have had my period, but nothing that some ibuprofen and a little nap can't fix. Good luck!

I've had mine since 5/07 and it has been wonderful!!

You will either love it or hate it.

I hated mine, I spotted non-stop for 13 months until I had it removed. The cramps were awful for three months after insertion. (I kept calling the doctors office and was told it was normal for it to take that long for it to "settle").

My body did not want it in there...

Three of my girlfriends have them and love love love them...no problems whatsoever...

LOVE my Mirena. I have had mine 2.5 years and absolutely love it. I have not had a period since about 2 months after it was inserted (no PMS symptoms either). I have heard of people having problems with them but i have not had a single one yet. I completely recommend it but suggest talking to your OB about it to see if it is the right choice for you.

My thoughts and experience...

Pros...I had this put in 8 weeks after my son was born...I have not had a period in over 4 years (almost five if you include my pregnancy) (delivered by c-section). I don't have to worry about anything other than is the string in place, so no worries about taking a pill, remembering to take it with me on vacation...A one time fee! Did not hurt like I thought it would at insertion. I no cramping...once a month my breast are sore but no spotting, nothing.

Cons: I gained 50lbs in the first two years and cannot shed it for the life of me. It has caused severe adult acne around my chin and lower cheeks.

Good luck...is it worth it? Depends on what is important to you personally.

ETA: I will not get another one...but will continue with until Feb 13.

I like it. I had heavy periods due to a fibroid and Mirena has helped immensely. My boobs got smaller which I liked. I did have some eczema breakouts but I don't know if that's due to the Mirena or to some type of allergy. My recommendation would be to try it out and see how you do. Everyone is different and there will always be people who hate and people to love it.

I've had the Mirena IUD for just over a year. I did have spotting for 2-3 months which was kind of annoying, but I haven't had a period at all. I did not gain any weight or break out. I love not having to remember to take a pill every day. It was a little painful when they put it in, but I was able to walk out of the doctor's office and go on with my day:)

I've had mine since 5/11 and I'm very happy with it. My periods are very light and short now, though I did have bleeding or spotting for the first few months after it was placed.
I will probably get another one when its time, unless I can convince my husband to get a vascestomy.

I hated mine and had it removed after about 7 months. I bled for the 1st 6 months. I had a tubal and the ablation. No more periods!! It's awesome.

I have had several friends that love their IUD.

Good Luck