Mirena IUD

Hi! I had a Mirena for about 3 years after my son was born. I LOVED it! My periods totally went away... it was great. I did not have any bad side effects at all. Mild cramping after they put it in, but that's normal. The only reason I had it taken out was because we thought we'd try to have another one. (which didn't work out anyway - we're divorced now but that's another story in itself)

I hope you lean toward getting one - it was the greatest thing ever!

I also have a 8 month old and I've had the Mirena for almost 3 months. I've had light bleeding the entire time. My doctor told me to expect the bleeding and more than likely I won't be having monthly cycles at all after 3 months. Several of my friends have it and they wouldn't have any other birth control. I haven't had any weight gain but my husband said he has noticed a bit more moodiness. I have not noticed feeling any different and I don't believe I'm any more moody than usual! LOL! Anyway it's been great so far for me and I hope it will be for you too!

G. -

I have had the Mirena IUD for over a year now, I love it, the thought of not having to take birth control orally is awesome.

Before the Mirena, I had been on birth control pills since I was 15 (to regulate my periods) and then again after I had my first child, but after my first baby, my periods got to be so irregular and heavy because I would forget to take the pill (I would skip days)not on purpose, just bad at taking pills.

So my doctor suggested the Mirena, and I love it. I don't really ever feel it. The insertion process is just like the procedure for a well-woman exam, it doesn't take any longer and they can insert in the doctors office.

The only thing I don't like about it is that from time to time, after intercourse I will spot, sometimes for a day, sometimes longer, nothing that a panty liner can't handle.

Other than that, my periods are lighter and shorter.

Good luck - I hope this helps.

P.S. I have the 3 year Mirena (it comes in 3 & 5 year)

If you have any more questions, you can reach me at ____@____.com

I am considering the IUC as well. :)

I really hate questions like this because everyone's experience is based on how their body responds to foreign objects and/or hormone therapy of any sort.

So what one person experiences is not necessarily going to be what you will experience. The reason I am telling you all of this is because my body (as with most of the women in my family) is incapable of absorbing added hormones properly. I have had sever endometriosis almost from the time I began having cycles when I was 11. The pill and all other formes of hormones to help "regulate" me have done nothing but make matters worse. Mirena has a hormone in it.

I was sent to a specialist for a hysterectomy and she talked me into trying the Mirena as a "last ditch" effort. At first it seemed to work.

By the end of the first year I was so sick all the time that my PCP had me tested for mono. The thing is my symptom were not typical of problems with an IUD, and were so gradual in coming on we never suspected that's what it could be.

I was so exhausted I could barely get out of bed to care for my 3 kids. I got sick if you looked at me cross-eyed or said "boo" And my pain from my cycles came back with a vengence.

The pain caused me to have the IUD removed, as I had not related the other stuff to my IUD as yet...I figured if I was going to still be in pain with it too, I didn't need to have it in. It took the doctor 4 attempts to pull the IUD out as it had managed to attach itself to my Uterus. That last pull was very painful. However, 2 to 4 days after the removal of the IUD all the other symptoms went away...

So...as this is atypical of what could happen, all it can do really, is make you more worried about any decision to get one. If your body is typically fine with the pill or the patch hormones, the only thing left is will it accept a foreigh body in your uterus? Mine did not.

I hope that you get responses from women out there who claim to have had a great experience. The problem is, that doesn't mean your body will respond as mine or as theirs...Ultimately, your body is your own and you have to make the decision based on how you have responded to other treatments in the past.

If you are the type who tends to get some or all of the "symptoms" to watch out for, then I would suggest not doing it. If you are the type who typically has no issues with other things you have done for your health, then go for it. You just won't know for sure untilyou try.

I wish this was one of those things that had a simple answer, but it isn't.

Good Luck... ;-)

I've been on Mirena for about 8 months now and I love it! I don't have any mood swings or weight gain but I will get the ocassional stomach cramps a couple of days before my period (it eventually turns into spotting and then no period at all).

If you had a c-section the IUD WILL hurt like nobody's business during the IUD insertion. I never dilated, and that apparently makes a big difference.

Also, my husband had a little of difficulty with the string! It seems that it hurts some men during intercourse. Either the string is too long and the Dr. can shorten it or the string is a bit hard but with time it will moisten itself and this no longer will be an issue. Make sure you explain this to your significant other, so there will be no surprises. The string will get soft in a matter of weeks and I personally never felt the difference.

Talk to your Dr as every woman is different and some of the issues I encountered may not be a problem for you or vice versa. After eight months I'm still wearing it and I personally recommend Mirena over any other birth control method.

Good luck to you!

I had one put in in January 2008 and the first 3 months had a lot of bleedind. Nothing heavy but was constant to the point where I second guessed getting it and thought no wonder this works, you always bleed and can't do anything! Lol Anyway it is my 7th month and the bleeding has decreased. I have my regular cycle and some spotting in between.I really haven't felt any discomfort w it.I did have the headaches off and on but again nothing major.as far as the weight gain I do believe I have gained wieght but it fluctuates and I think its more water retention due to it kinda adjusting the cycles and all. Now if you were to ask me is it worth it, yes it is worth waiting out the symptoms cause you really dnt know its there you dnt worry about taking the pill everyday and its effectiveness is suppose to be supirior to permanent measures. I wish you well in your ventures and hope you can comfortably rely on your intuition for this step. If I can answer any questions for you I would be more than happy to.
S.

G.,

I have the mirena IUD. It has been great for me. The first month or so you will experience some spotting... nothing too annoying. If youa re breast feeding, there is a good chance you wont have a period at all (woo hoo)! I have had no weight gain and the only side effect I got was lightheadedness when my doc first put it in. The only complaint would come from my husband, who is occasionally poked by the wires during sex. I had them trimmed, but he stil sometimes gets a poke. Like I said, though-- I have had no problems with it =)! Hope this helps!
S.

Hi G.,

I LOVE my Mirena IUD. Insertion (at Nativiti in the Woodlands) caused momentary cramping and a half hour of feeling light-headed, and that's IT -- it's highly effective and doesn't cause weight gain, moodiness, or any other problems the pill has caused me over the years -- it's SO GREAT feeling totally safe during sex without having to take a daily pill or mess with a diaphragm or condom -- super-convenient for dealing with all the complications of arranging one's love life once one has a child! I was told that my period would decrease or stop, and mine has completely stopped -- kind of weird not having a detectable cycle at all, but it's mostly a positive -- when I worry that I might menopause without even knowing it (I'm in my late forties), I realize that that would be a huge plus too! The IUD has to be replaced every five years, and I'm not looking forward to the procedure, but I'm not obsessing about it either, as I would be if it were a cavity filling, for instance. I think the Mirena's the best birth control choice I've ever made, and I am delighted that my daughter will be growing up in a world with better choices than I had when I was becoming sexually active.

After having my son, now almost 2, my doctor recommended this to me as the perfect birth control method for me because of the time frame it can be effective, convience, etc. I had a tone of problems with it including hormone rushes, terrible cramping and some bleeding. I had to have it removed after I doubled over with the pain caused by it. I had never had painful periods before or other gynocological issues, so I have to say this would not be something I would recommend. Several people said it would be great for me, but it just wasn't. Now I am just taking a regular pill again and the pain and other symptoms have stopped! I hope you find a solution that is right for you.

I prefer the copper iud. It last 10 years and the mirena only lasts 5. ther are no hormones which mean, no mood swings or weight gain or anything. You would have regular periods with the copper and sometimes it makes them worse if you already had bad periods. Mine have been just fine. just a little heavier than normal, but mine were close to nothing before. The Mirena makes you have fewer,lighter periods, which kindof concerns me since having a period is a natural thing that your body needs to do and i dont' think it's very healthy to mess with something like that. But that is my opinion. Insertion wasn't too bad. It felt a little more uncomfortable that a normal checkup. I only cramped for a few hours after insertion, but nothing Tylenol couldn't take care of. Hope this helps!

i have had one for 5 years and let me tell you that is the only way to go for birthcontrol it is the best the only side effect was that i had no peroid hardly ever for 5 years it was great when they first put it in i cramped for a day or two but it all got better.

I have had the iud now since March of this year. I have 3 kids and my tubes are tied, so I chose this iud because of EXCESSIVE periods and bleeding, cramping, soreness of the breasts (like being pregnant). My doctor informed me that the iud would not help as far as the cramping, or soreness or mood swings because it does not let out hormones. It was some what uncomfortable on insertion, and some cramping afterwards. Each person is differnt. If you choose to use this method of birth control, when the doctor says to stay on the table for a short period after the insertion, DO SO. It will help tremendously afterwards. Remember your uterus will contract and feel like it's being pinched. Remember labor???

As far as mood swings and what not, I honestly can say that a friend who also has the iud, and I have noticed more moodyness and moodswings. I don't know if this is linked to the iud or just circumstances in life. Weight gain has not been an issue for myself, my friend, nor her mother.

I can say that I went from 2 to 3 full blown cycles a month to 1 cycle a month and it's so lite that I use pantyliners. I still am not consistent as far as the number of days it will last, but it's manageable. Just remember that everyone is different and your body will react different than the next person. I do say this, I absolutely recommend this iud for prevention of pregnancy and/or excessive bleeding. Wish you the best.

I have the Mirena IUD. I got it three months after the birth of my twins. So I have had it for almost 9 months now. I had some pretty bad cramping after it was inserted which is normal. It only lasted a few hours after though. I have not had any problems with weight gain. I did find myself being quite moody for a few months after it was inserted. However that went went away. I feel completely normal now and love not having to remember to take the pill! Another bonus is the minimal menstrual bleeding. Over the past 9 months I have only had to deal with that 3 times! Good luck! Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.

I have it and love it. had a little spotting for a couple of weeks. Than no more periods or PMS ever! It's wonderful. I had the copper IUD and had a bad experience with that. But Mirena has really been easy.

My experience has been overall good. I had spotting for the first few months and then basically no period for the better part of the last three years. Which would freak me out thinking I was pregnant. I bought store brand pregnancy tests and cured that.

I had the copper IUD before this (between my first and second kid) and liked it as well, except my periods were a bit heavier.

I didn't experience any weight gain or abnormal side effects with either. I can't take hormones for birth control, so these are great options for me.

Yes! I had mine for the full time. The dr. said that the hormones wouldn't leave my uterus, however in the period that I had Mirena, I gained significant weight, developed thyroid issues, and other adrenal/hormone issues. Even my husband is convinced. Check out this website! http://community.homeandhealthtv.co.uk/eve/forums?a=tpc&a...

If you MUST use birth control, I URGE YOU STRONGLY to avoid anything chemical. I'd go copper IUD before I'd go chem again.
I've personally resorted to NFP (tracking menstrual cycle, basal body temp, etc. - I thought it'd be a huge pain, but being a gigantic, fat, biotch is a worse pain!)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: I loved Mirena while I had it up until the end when I realized what it'd been doing to me all along. I had no period for SIX years. I thought it was great at the time... BUT I believe our bodies were designed intelligently, (by God) and I believe he uses our menses to clean out our endometreum. My question: What happens when you don't have your menses for six years? What repercussions will I face later on for this six year hiatus? I'm not trying to sway you one way or the other... but I do think you should do your research!

I got an IUD put in IN MArch. At first you may cramp alittle and then you may have a longer period but after two weeks you will love the results and your period will be normal. Hopes this helps.

I had one and absolutely loved it! It took all of about 5 minutes to put it in...completely painless. I might have had some cramping...but very little. I did not have a period the entire time it was inserted. I did not have any weight gain or mood swings. The only thing that did change was no periods! I decided to take it out when we wanted to try to get pregnant again. Taking it out took all of 2 minutes. I have recommended this IUD to many friends. I will definitely get another one after our next baby.

I have absolutely loved mine. The insertion was quite painful but quick. I spotted a fair amount for several months but after that, my periods have essentially stopped. I had had a lot of side effects from hormone-based birth control (weight gain, feeling a little nutty, etc...) but I have had none of that with Mirena.

I had the IUD placed in February after having my son and have had no side effects. There was very little discomfort as it was placed and little bleeding (couple of days), but other than that - no problems. Much better than having to think about taking a pill daily. Good luck.

I have it, and have for a little over a year now. I do not think I would again though. It is nice not having to worry about a pill or other means of birth control, but instead I worry that it might come out. I have not had full periods since having it inserted, but have had a few occasions that I had bled lightly and cramped for a few days. That was manageable. (I am one that never had long periods or cramping with at all when it was that time of the month). However, my biggest complaint is that insurance, most of them, will not cover it or the procedure for having it inserted. I went round and round with my medical and prescription insurance neither ever paid, so I got stuck with the $700 doctor bill. Medical insurance said it was considered a contraceptive and that was a medication. Prescription insurance said it was not something that could be ordered via a pharmacy so it was not covered by them. So check with your insurance before having it done!

I'm not sure if this will help, but I had the regular IUD and not the Mirena. I understand the Mirena releases some hormone while the one I got has no medication what so ever.

The regular IUD was good for 10 years for me! I had one put in when my son was 1. He is now 11 so I recently took it out.

You will have to be on your cycle when they put it in and you have to be on your cycle to take it out. There is no pain involve when you put it in, however when you take it out it hurts just a little. Overall it works great as a contraceptive for 10 years. I didn't experience any weight gain. Symptoms include the following: Heavier than normal bleeding and cramping (some cycle more than others.) Some cycle I have to take Motrin to help with the pain.

Hey G.,
I decided on the Copper IUD (paraguard) instead of the Mirena. The doctor was not happy with my choice because it typically causes bad cramps during your cycle and also elongates the bleeding. I had some discomfort right after they put it in - some cramps. They went away after about day 5 and I've felt great ever since.

I didn't do the Mirena because of the hormones - just didn't want them in my body for fear of side effects. My doctor and a few friends swore to me that the Mirena really doesn't have bad side effects because the hormones only affect the uterus and don't really get into your system. One good thing is that the Mirena is supposed to actually shorten your period and sometimes does away with it completely.

I am supposed to start my period next week. If you want to know how it goes, email me and I'll tell ya!

Good Luck!
C.

Hi G.. My friend used it and just weeks ago found out they were pregnant. The pregnancy was eptoptic, so she miscarried. There is a high risk of eptopic pregnancies with an IUD, and these kind of pregnancies will not go full term. I had even been thinking that I wanted to get the Mirena, but since finding the risks have changed my mind. Hope this helps. Have a blessed day.

G.,
We chose the Mirena after our third boy was unexpectedly conceived... I had it for the full 5 years and loved it. The insertion at 10 weeks postpartum was a bit crampy but I took Tylenol and went back to caring for the boys no problem. I never got my period...perhaps because I also breastfed for a full year. Think of all the savings...no pills, no tampons...for five years!!!
I recently had it taken out (it was also time)... an we are trying again... hopefully a girl this time. I returned to "normal" within 3 weeks.
I chose the Mirena because I have a history of Migraines and since the hormone stays local, I had no issue with the migraines... if fact, because I wasn't technically ovulating either I was PMS free for 5 years. So less headaches. I had a hard time considering a copper IUD because if you do conceive, it prevents implantation and causes a miscarriage/ abortion. Because Mirena is hormonal, I didn't even ovulate...so no issue there. About the strings, you do need to check them but they are soft and pliable, like fishing line. We never had an issue, but the OB/GYN can trim them if necessary. I hope this helps.

I had a Mirena IUD in December 2004. I have not had any problems at all with it. No weight gain (as I did with the pill), I absolutley love it. I did lighten my periods, and I still have them regularly. No issues, I actally see my Dr. this month and will be making sure I can replace it next year (when my 5years are up). Good luck in your decision making.

I recieved the Mirena IUD in Dec 2006 after the birth of my first child....I had very bad cramps for the first week or so but after that haven't really had any big trouble with it. I personally suffer from hormone induced migraines so I did have a few of those while my body was getting use to the new hormones. I also had spot bleeding on and off for about 3-4 months which all is completely normal. I would recommend it for an effective birth control that keeps your mind off it....my best friend unfortunatly had to have hers removed because her husband could feel it during intercourse....which I have heard is one reason alot of women get it removed....I just asked them to cut the strings on it as short as possible and so we haven't had any trouble. Hope I help....good luck

I got my Mirena 4 years ago and I LOVE it. I have to give it up next year and will be sad to see it go. I had some cramping after insertion, but mild. After 6 months to a year, my periods have stopped. I have some mild spotting that I wear a panty liner with for about 2 days and that is all for a period. I have no cramping or menstrual symptoms at all. It is great. I have no weight gain, in fact, I lost weight, and I do not notice any moodiness. My husband had a vasectomy so I don't need it anymore for birth control, but I have considered having another one to prevent my periods from coming back. It is a wonderful thing. I am a L&D nurse and all of the docs I work with love them and recommend them too.

i got one inserted in 12/06...i bled for 3 mths nonstop and had serve cramps.....i still get the serve cramps once in a while and i spot all the time
:( but its been effective and we have not gotten preggo : )....my symptoms were worse but it has gotten a lot better, guess it takes time to adjust to ur body, but the other mamasourser is right its diffrent w/everyone....my gyno suggests i take ptests because nothing is fool proof besides not having sex, so instead of wasting $$$ on expensive ones i go to the 99 cent store and yes they do work......God BLess..... and hope this helps...............

My name is R.. I'm the mother of an 8 yr. old son and almost 3 yr. old daughter. I got the IUD after my daughter and I really really love it. Your periods go away and so I never have to buy tampons, pads or anything like that. I can have intercourse whenever I want with no worries. When I had the IUD inserted I was in and out in like 10 mins. I didn't feel anything and I had intercouse the same nite with no issues. I tried everything in the past pill, patch, shot and all gained weight or had some issues and I love it, plus you can have it out whenever you want I got the 5 yr one so then maybe we will be ready for another baby?

LOVE IT!!! I have had my IUD for almost 3 years. You stop having your periods altogether - mine is for about 2 hours, really. It is something you never have to worry about. Just make sure they snip the strings as short as they can. They can be uncomfortable for you(occasional itching) and your husband. That might be To Much Info, sorry.

I have had my Mirena IUD for almost 2 years. I love it! I had very light periods for the first year. Then they gradually dwendelled nothing. I may get very light cramps when my period is supposed to arrive but only for a day or so! I have never had any moodswings at all. I have talked to my OB/GYN about this and she says this is all normal. I hope this helped you in some way! Good Luck!

Love it! I go to one of the best ObGyns at Baylor who is very accomplished, does a lot of clinical research and trains the residents so she is on top of her game. She, herself, uses an IUD.

When she recommended it to me, I was surprised, I hadn't heard of IUD's in years. I was having really heavy periods after my second child's birth and I have always been very regular.
I barely have periods now and I love it.

It was a little pricey, about $500 for the IUD and $200 for insertion and at the time not covered under my BC/BS. I still went with it even though I am able to get the pill for $0 co-pay since my hubby works for a pharma co. It was worth the $700 for the IUD. Many insurance companies now cover it.

I have experienced no side effects and I am very sensitive to ANY side effects. I seem to always experience them even if they are rare. My periods are far BETTER on Mirena than before I received it.
Also, make sure they give you some ibuprofen and hour or so prior to insertion. Just ask about that. It didn't hurt at all but some women experience cramping. I did not. It's over in like seconds, simple as a pap. Good luck.

Hey Girl,
Well I just had my Mirena removed to try and get pregnant. I had it for 3 years. It was a little more uncomfortable in the placement, but I had no period the last 2 1/2 years. I loved it!!!! BUT then I realized I had gained 45 pounds, my face broke out from the begining, I had moodswings, and this past year sex would be uncomfortable with occasional bleeding afterward!!!!!! I have recently moved to this area and went to a GYN for the removal. She asked about any side effects, and I told her. She said there were more and more women with these issues, and she does not perfer the Mirena!!!!! FYI I had a short period 2 days after the thing was taken out and hoping pregnancy will be coming shortly!!!!!

I think I have the one without hormones, Paraguard. It may be different with Mirena, but I seem to always be on my period because they last soooo long. Good for you for wanting to be informed.

G.,

I am among those in this post who have it and love it! After getting pregnant while on the pill, I needed something more effective.

I considered a copper IUD but my husband and I ruled it out on religious beliefs because of the method of birth control it uses. Instead of helping prevent pregnancies, it just makes the uterus inhabitable for a fertilized egg. That's why periods are heavier on the copper IUD.

The Mirena is like the pill, but more effective and with less side effects. My periods did not disappear. They are still the same length of time and come like clockwork, but they're light enough only to warrant a pantyliner, which has been nice.

The procedure didn't take long at all. It was uncomforable, but worth it. I was dizzy for about 10 minutes and cramped (not horribly, I had worse with my periods) for about 3 days afterward. Then everything was great!

I haven't gained weight or had mood swings. In fact, it's been easier for me to lose weight over the past year or so. I'm wondering if the trouble losing it before had something to do with raging hormones... :)

Although I've heard of a few people who had problems with it, the number is pretty insignificant. A good friend of mine had major problems, but her situation was very uncommon.

I've had it almost 4 years now, and will probably get another if I haven't decided to have another child by then. I'd recommend it for any Mom!

I had Mirena inserted in January. The procedure was not too painful but after I felt very dizzy and nauseous. My blood pressure dropped, I became white as a ghost and the Dr made me lay down in her office for an hour after the procedure. She told me I was the second person that had had this type of reaction in her office.

The first 2-3 months I had some cramping. Sometimes while sitting or at night laying in bed I felt like I was getting poor circulation to my legs. They would get numb and tingly. A friend of mine said this happened to her as well. After the 3 month mark, however, all this has gone away and everything has been great. It was worth the few bumps along the way. IF I get a period it is very light. My favorite part is not having to think about taking a pill everyday or, even worse, running out of pills!

I am still trying to get paid back for the device from my insurance company 6 months later. Even if I end up having to pay for it though, I think it is worth the expense ($585).

i have had the Mirena IUD for 8mo. My ob/gyn assured me that i would be able to go straight to work after having it inserted and leaving her office. I did go straight to the office, tried to work, had the WORST cramps so I went home. i called the dr. and she then said that was normal and if they didn't get better by the end of the week for me to go in to see her (she's no longer my ob/gyn). However, the IUD it's self has been very effective. I'm almost period free. I just recently had a short bleeding period, lasted one day. The only thing is that i was told I needed to check and make sure it's there every 3mo. I've tried checking for it, but i can't feel it. good thing is neither can my husband.

Hey G.,
I had mine put in at my follow up visit after the birth of my second daughter, and had basically the same experience as everyone else who responded...BUT THEN...
At my one year checkup by GYN couldn't find the string. She sent me for an ultrasound and the tech couldn't find the IUD. Then I was sent for an MRI and they found it waaay up in my abdominal cavity. I was scheduled to have it removed via laproscopic surgery about a week later. This procedure was supposed to take 5 minutes, but she couldn't locate the IUD and it ended up taking almost 5 hours! No long-term problems, but it was a pain in the ***. Thank God DH and I had been too tired for much sex just before that happened, if I had gotten pregnant it would have almost certainly been an ectopic pregnancy. Also, my Gyn told me that it could have perforated my uterus at any time after it got dislodged. Apparently this does happen, though it is pretty uncommon.
I know it works great for most people, I just wanted you to have a bit of info from someone for whom it didn't work.
P.S. After I had it removed, my sex drive increased dramatically. Might be coincidence...but maybe not.
A.

I had the Mirena for about 2 weeks. It was very painful when my doctor inserted it and then I had sharp pain depending on the position I was sitting it. Well, it turns out the mirena actually punctured a hole in my uterus and went exploring in my body. I had to have emergency surgery to find the thing and have it removed. Apparently in some people who are breast feeding the Uterine muscle isn't as strong and when I nursed I would have contractions still and that's what caused the problem. I had the copper IUD before too and that worked fine. My sister has the Mirena and loves that her periods are very light. Lots of people have success with it I was just one of those fluke cases. I now have Implanon and so far love it.