Mirena IUD - Independence,OH

I haven;'t actually gotten this but i was going to and my friend that had it done told me not to because she had really painful cramps with it and infection after infection and it has a high risk for ectopic pregnancies and infertility but to each his own everyone is different but it does have a lot of risks if you do decide to get it... good luck

I got mine exactly a year ago. It was not painful at all. It was even less painful/traumatic than a regular ol' PAP. At first I had 2 week long periods and they were very heavy, but it was worth it. Now, a year later, I'm worryless about pregnancy and my periods are still every month for a week but they are so light I can barely tell I'm having one. My Gyno told me just last Monday that pretty soon I should have no period at all.

J.,
I do not have Mirena, although it would have been my second choice. I did however get Implanon, which is an insert into your bicep for up to 3 years and is over 99% effective. I have two year old twins, and the thought of being surprised by another one (or two) really scared us. If you have a chance, check out Implanon - insertion didn't hurt as they give you a shot to numb the area. Other than irregular periods, it is wonderful. Good luck.

Hi J., i just got the mirena iud about 5months ago. I absolutely love it. I have not had a period,just some mild cramping and i think one day i had light spotting and that was it. I love it also because you dont have to think about forgetting a pill. If you can have a baby, you can have it inserted! It took maybe 1 minute and didnt feel any worse than a pap smear. Enjoy it!!!! B.

I had the Mirena placed in November, 3 months after my daughter was born. It was painful, not going to lie, but quick. I am still breastfeeding, so not 100% sure about the effectiveness, although it is supposed to be even more effective than having your man fixed. Also, not yet sure about the periods, but from what I am gathering and seeing, only 1 day of spotting and light cramping. Hope it continues after I stop breastfeeding. Good luck!

L.

My best friend and her sister both got it and for them it does work as well as it says, but they where in a great deal of pain the first week and still pretty sore for about 3 more weeks, so in total it took them about a month to truly feel 100% after the insertion, which they both said was horribly painful

Yes - I had it for four years and loved the convenience but it had a few glitches. Not painful to put in- just a little cramping afterwards but compared to delivery, what is pain?? However, I had a difficult time getting it out which was very uncommon so I won't go into the details(I had a friend who's fell out so you never know...) One glitch was that the "string" that hangs down (more like a wire) was poking my husband during sex so I had to get it(the string- not my husband) shortened a couple of times. This is probably why it was so difficult to get out... Anyway- my periods were almost non-existent; just a little spotting each month.

I had it put in last August. I bled for 6 months everyday. Light most of the time. Now I have a very light period every other month or so. I love it though. No pills no worry. I had very heavy painful periods so I will take a light period over anything. TMI I know. I don't have any pain. Cramping every once in awhile. I think you will love it too!

J.,
I had a IUD, and yes it was several years ago, so maybe they have changed since then, but I was very unhappy with mine. First of all it was very painful on insertion, and then the worst part. I ended up getting pregnant anyway and of course lost the baby. I would of never of done it if I knew that that could happen. I would look more into the shots or the one that you have inplanted in your arm. Nothing is 100% but at least with these options, if you do end up getting pregnant then you wouldn't loose the baby!
Hope this helps you with this dission.

I've had Mirena for 8 months now and have counted on it and it ONLY - and still not pregnant... and I've had 3 babies in 4 years so I think I'm *extra* fertile, haha. Getting it done is a breeze - didn't even hurt. Sometimes I cramp, but nothing worse than usual period cramps. The only bad part is after it's first done, I bled for almost 6 weeks straight. Not always heavy, but definitely a pain the butt. But now I've been pretty much period-free for 2 months and love it! :) Good luck!

Don't get one!!!! I just had mine taken out a few weeks ago after having it in for over 2 years. I realized that since I have had it in my skin has been horible and my scalp has been dry and burning at times. Mirena only has one hormone in it and can cause breakouts per my Dermatologist.I guess there are some IUD's with 2 hormones. My doctor took it out and then did an ultrasound on me and I have cysts on my ovaries and a blocked falopian tube- caused by this IUD. I have never had any type of female problems like this before. This doctor said he is not a fan of them(he is not the one who put it in). I originally liked the IUD but wouldn't recomend them now!

I just had the Mirena IUD for the past two and a half years. I have three children ages 7, 5 and 3. When it was inserted I literally felt nothing and the same when I had it removed. For the first six months of having it, I had spotting pretty much every day but then my periods stopped altogether. it was a very stress free birth control and I had no side effects at all as soon as the bleeding stopped. Who can argue with two years of no periods? I would definitely recommend it and plan on using it again in the future. I just read other comments about Aetna not covering it. I discovered that myself but I got on the phone with them personally and explained that the pill or a pregnancy would cost them more and they agreed to cover it 100%. Don't accept a no from any insurance company.

Hi J.,
I have had Mirena for about a year. It has its pro's and con's. First, you don't have to worry about remembering pills, or shots, or messing with basil thermometers and such. It lasts a long time (5 years), and most insurance companies do cover it. It doesn't interfere with breastfeeding, which is important to me, and you return to fertility quickly after removal. Light or nonexistant periods. Now here goes my personal con's list: during insertion I had a vegus nerve response, which included light headedness, severe nausea, cold sweats, nearly fainted, doc made me stay in the office and lie down for a while since I drove myself to the appointment, I had cramps that day and continue to have cramps, After intercourse, I almost invariably spot the next day, the strings are really stiff until your body's fluids soften them, so at first it is more of a sex deterent than birth control. I have pain in my hip joints, which I only noticed after getting iud. This one may be psychological, but it is a foreign object inside my body and I "feel" like I have a foreign object inside my body. I don't like having to fish around in there to check for the strings to see if it is still there, either. Also, I have a cousin who still got pregnant with it. My sister-in-law has had it about the same length of time as I have and she absolutely loves it. If it were not for the fact that my husband and I just cannot, with out question afford another baby I would have mine removed today. Hope this helps.

my friend just had an iud put in and she said it was painful but worth it.

I have three children, ages 12,6, and 4. I got my Mirena after my 3rd child (and only boy). We were 99% sure we did not want another child, but not ready to make it "permanent" quite yet. My husband and I discussed the options and decided that me getting the Mirena would buy him 4-5 years before he would get a vasectomy. He will be 35yrs next week and I will have had the Mirena for 4 years in May. He plans to get his vasectomy this summer before I'm due to have the Mirena removed next May.

I have never had any trouble with mine at all. It felt like a pinching when it was inserted, our insurance paid 100% of it, and I've only had a couple days of very light spotting at most each month since getting it. For us, the best part was giving us time to wait and be sure before going through with any permanent birth control method.

My sister also got a Mirena after her son was born two years ago and has had the same results as me. She is also VERY happy with hers and enjoying the long term BC method without the permanence of some of the other options.

Good luck with your decision!

Loved it, loved it, loved it!!!!! Need I say more:) I had it for 4 years and wanted it back after my daughter was born, but unfortunately my insurance would not pay for it and it was going to be like $700 or something ridiculous. It was a little painful, similar to very, very severe cramps....but it only lasted for a few minutes. The insert was very quick, and I never had trouble with it after that. I was a little dizzy for the rest of that night, but after that, smooth sailing. My periods got extremely light and only lasted 3-4 days. It was great! The best part is that you never have to worry about pills, or getting shots, or inserting new rings(my current method). The only thing I did was check the string occasionally to make sure I could feel it. Good luck, and Mirena gets my vote!!!

Have you ever considered doing something natural -- that does not harm your body. Check out www.ccli.org. God Bless, M.

I love the Mirena IUD. It was alittle uncomfortable getting inserted, but it only takes about 5 minutes to get it in. I still have periods, but they are a lot lighter and I have NO cramps! I used to have really bad cramps before I had the IUD. Also, it is more effective than any birth control. I have had mine for over a year, and would recommend it to anyone. If you have any more questions, feel free to contact me, I would be happy to answer all that I can.

i have the mirena it is great because you just spot when you do have you period. i only have one like every three months. it does cause you to cramp when they put it in so take something for it about a hour before you go in. i havent gained no weight or anything. but sometimes i do cramp in my sides alittle. but other than that ive been on it 9 months now. so far i aint got pregnant and neither has anyone i know that has it.

Yes, I have had one in for almost a year now. It was a bit painful but I have a low pain tolerance. It just felt like pms pain cramps. I think its the best thing ever made. I still get my periods but they are short.
C.

My sister and I both had the Mirena IUD, and we both LOVE it! Really there are no worries with it! I very rarely have any sort of period, and if I do I usually just spot a bit. It's the BEST. Years ago I had the Copper T, I was totally fine with it and it worked great. Then when I wanted to have another child, I just had it removed at an annual exam. Now with the Mirena there is the bonus of not having periods.

Good Luck!

Hi J.,

I didn't get the Mirena IUD but I did have the copper one inserted. I really love it! Insertion was a bit painful, but like everyone else has said absolutely nothing you can't handle. I was crampy for about half a day and that's it. My periods tend to be heavier the first 2 days and then it's a breeze from there. I ended up going with the copper IUD because I didn't want the hormones in my system anymore - plus, the copper one lasts for 10 years. My insurance covered the entire procedure so it only cost me $20. Good luck!

I work for Healthy Familes and have several moms who are using the Mirena IUD. Most complained of cramping and heavy bleeding that last for long periods of time. And if this method does not work for you most insurances will not pay to have it removed. Hope this helps you with your decision.

Hi J.,

I have the Mirena and I LOVE it! I used it after my first child (he's now 5 1/2)and had it taken out after a couple years. I had no issues getting pregnant after I had it removed. After my second child I got another one--she is now 27 months. I felt very little discomfort while having it inserted and removed. As far as periods go...I spot maybe once a month for not even an entire day.

Just a note to let you know, an IUD is not a pregnancy preventer, but a pregnancy ender. You will still get pregnant as you normally would, then the IUD disrupts the lining of the uterus and ends the pregnancy. Even if you have no moral issue with abortion (which this is) it can wreak havock on your body.

I loved my mirena iud and highly recommend it. I did not have my period when I was on it and found it to be very comfortable/did not notice it.

It is slightly uncomfortable during insertion, but it is over quickly and surely beats the alternative of worrying about birth control or unplanned pregnancy.

good luck.
c

I have had the Mirena IUD for about a year now.

I have fewer PMS symptoms and no period at all -- which I love!! I did spot for the first serveral weeks, however.

It has been great, and I'm glad I did it, but I will caution you about the procedure. It is a bit painful and the first few hours afterward are difficult. Once its inserted your body recognizes a form matter and feeling faint and nauseas set in. Its only temporary, (and I don't know that it happens to everyone), but I had to lay in the examining room for a bit afterward and was alone -- so I would advise you take a driver with you! (I had consulted with my OB and read a lot of material so I thought I knew what to expect and that came on as a bit of a shock).

All and all -- a year later, well worth it!

I have had my IUD for about 6 mos I had it placed after having my third!!! I absolutly love it, I have not had a period yet!!! The day it was placed I had very mild cramping and bled for that day and maybe the next day.

My insurance did not cover it so it was going to be about $900 to have it done so I contacted Mirena and through them you can actually set up a payment plan and get the IUD cheaper. All I had to do was have my DR send them a perscription for the Iud, then set up my payment plan make the first payment and my dr had it in his office in a couple of days.

Dear Jen,

I have had the IUD for 3 years, I think it's great, the insurtion didn't hurt, after that you get some cramps but no more than on your regular period. I did stop getting my period after a while, now i just get a little spotting and the usual cramps bloating fatigue crakyness! All that you get with a normal period. I've had regular sexual relations with my fiance and have not even thought of the chance of being pregnant. I believe it's 99.9 percent effective. All my results have been very positive, the only thing i had to get used to was the low dose of hormones, because my body doesn't responde well emotionally to a change in hormones, and i was never able to take regular birth control, but definetly needed somthing after I had my daughter 3 years ago, so honestly I really think it's a great thing. Goodluck!

I have the Mirena IUD. It is WONDERFUL!!!! It was uncomfortable having it inserted, but only for the minute it took to get it in and in place. After I had mild cramps for an hour or so but nothing bad- they have to wait until you start your period to place it anyway so I was already having some cramps. I have had no periods in over a year -since they first put it in place- It was disconcerting at first but now it's wonderful. I do still spot sometimes but that's the extent of it. I just love it and have recommended it to everyone! Hope this helps- and I hope you like it too if you choose to get one!
J.

I have had one for over two years and love it. I have had no negative side effects and the insertion process was not bad at all. My OB did not know if they would be able to insert it as I have had 2 c-sections and no natural births. It went in fine with little cramping. It was just uncomfortable. I also no longer have period, although the hormone fluctuations are similar to previous, without the bleeding. I would recommend it to anyone interested.

I have it and love it. i was going to get my tubes tied but couldn't make that perm. decision. I had mine place shortly after my baby was born, there was some pinching. I have a 2-3 day period about every month and a half it's very light.

Hi, J..

I read through all of the advice, your question intrigued me because I am considering having mine removed after nearly a year. A couple folks mentioned it's not for everyone, and everyone reacts differently. They're 100% correct, and that's what is important to remember.

I had Mirena placed last June. It was PAINFUL. I didn't faint but I was dizzy and wanted to throw up. I had pain for several weeks after. I have one child by vaginal birth, so that is NO guarantee that it makes it less painful. I was having severely heavy bleeding lasting for about 5-7 days on birth control, so I was a "good candidate".

Someone mentioned the weirdness of it, knowing it was there. I felt that, too, still do. To this day it doesn't feel natural to me, knowing I have a t-shaped piece of plastic shoved into my uterus. Like the other lady, it bothered me, and still does. I guess the best way I can describe it is I sort of mistrust it, and I'm not convinced that after all of this time that it is the right method for me. I have constant fear of it shifting and puncturing my uterus, and apparently I am not alone nor are my fears unfounded, after reading through what everyone said.

After one year, while my periods are lighter, I have them all of the time now, with no warning. I buy Carefree in bulk at Costco, I have to wear them all of the time. Immediately after the procedure I had severe sugar cravings. My family doc said it was like PMS, that my hormones went into shock going off birth control. This resulted in a weight gain of nearly 20 pounds. And right before the procedure my weight loss had been 25 pounds out of my goal of 50 - not fair!! I cannot get the weight off. I feel swollen all of the time, my face has been breaking out, and I experience pain and bleeding after intercourse, heavy exercise, and even during stressful times.

After reading your request, I am calling my ob/gyn to see about having it removed. Thanks, J., you helped me!!

Jen,

I had the copper IUD. It was ok, my husband could feel it and he didn't like that.
We also got pregnant on it, I am 9 weeks ;)
I hear mirena is great, his cousin has it and has had it in for 2 years and she says she's never been happier and with no PMS.

I love it... I just had my second one a couple months ago. I dont have any periods, just a little spotting. The insertion isnt the most comfortable thing and Im a baby when it comes to things like that and I went for a second one! Its worth it. I never had one problem with it but I did have a friend who had to have hers taken out. She had heavy bleeding and cramps alot but she also had cysts so that might have had something to do with it. Good Luck! A.

I had the Mirena IUD put in 3 years ago. I absolutely love it. I didn't have much pain or discomfort when it was incerted. I love the ease of it. I don't have to remember to take a pill. There is very little hormones involved. The best part is I haven't had a period in three years. I would recommend it to all women out there.

I chose to try Mirena after I could not remember to take bc pills after my son was born. The insertion was not painful to me and I was very excited about the prospect of having no period. That never happened. After about six months, my periods became heavier and lasted longer. Around 1 year, my periods came every 2 weeks and started having terrible pain with intercourse and bleeding afterwards. Per my doctors advice, I had it removed after 15 months. I could handle the heavier periods, but I could not handle being on my period constantly. Very glad I had it removed. I also know of another person who had a Mirena. She just had hers removed as she was having terrible migraine headaches every day. She had hers for about two years. Obviously, doesn't work for everyone.

I had the Mirena put in after my third daughter was born. The procedure took about ten minutes and I walked out of the docs office with no pain. I have had it in for about 4 months and have NO side effects! No weight gain, no pain, etc. My periods haven't stopped yet, but they say after 1 year, 90% of women will no longer have periods. Best of all, my insurance covered it 100%, after my doc visit co pay ($30). I would (and do) recommend it to anyone who is looking for an easier method than the pill!

A friend had it put in and sue bled for 6 weeks but once that stopped, she's been happy with it.

Hello:
I have a Mirena IUD and it works fine (ie as it should bcos i am not pregnant). Insertion is not painful.
I do have 'periods' sometimes -- and its basically spotting. you know its the time of the month and i use panty liners. every month i just check to see if its there.
so far so goood. i will recommend it (as long as you can afford it)

A friend has had hers for 1-2 years and has just found that some of the problems she's been having are a direct result of the side effects-weight gain, depression, anxiety...It's coming out today.

i have the mirena and love it.  it has been in place for almost 2 years.  the instertion was not bad although i had it placed 8 weeks postpartum, i did take 2 tylenol # 3's and a motrin 600 mg prior to the appt because it does cause some cramping.  period wise i may of only had 6 periods in 2 years and that may be too many.  i do not have them very often, although i will still have period sx's like some cramping and fatigue also a little moodiness but no bleeding.  if i do have a period it may only last 1-2 days and is no more than spotting.  good luck and hope this info helps

Make sure you get all information before you do this!!! My sister in law had a problem during insertion where the Mirena punctured her uterus and she had to have surgery. They say that only happens to 1 in 100 women. So her and my obgyn talked me into one. I didn't know that if would be so painfull if you didn't have natural child birth. It was the worse pain I have ever felt in my life. I had my son by emergency c section. So after I about pass out (which the dr said many women do!) I went home wanting to cry. I bled heavy and it was all down hill from there.

I had severe back pains and everytime I went to the family doctor they tested me and found blood in my urine. So they treated me for a bladder infection. Then my strings were slowly disappearing. So I called the OBGYN and I went to him. He wanted to reassure me that everything was ok and he did an internal ultrasound. It was there for sure. 30 days went by and my strings were gone. They did another ultrasound and said see there it is everything is ok!

So in the meantime I kept going to the family dr for bladder infections. After 3 months of this my family dr did a CT scan to see if I had kidney stones. Nope they discovered my IUD shifted and punctured my uterus. I had to go and have emergency surgery to have it removed.

So all in all the IUD was free to get out in and paid by my insurance, but in the end with all the pain and surgery it cost me over $7,000

Just think that my sister in law was 1 in 100, I must be 2- in 200 and you could be one. Just weigh all your options!! It was the worst experience of my life!

I am not trying to scare you. But I wish people would have talked to me more about it!

Hi J.,

My name is L. M. My daughter just turned 13 months and I'm using Mirena. I'm very happy with this decision. I hardly have any signs of my period and therefore no side effects, I used to have horrible back aches and headaches. I do think we'll have more children, but we really didn't want any surprises. The only slightly unusual side effect is that I seem to be more temperature sensitive and so I perspire more, but that's it. I hope this helps you.

L.

Hi, J..
I have read a lot of stories about women who have gotten pregnant with it. One baby was born holding it! I think it would be ideal if it works. I'm wondering the same things you are, plus how reliable it is. I wonder if there are other IUDs people like better. Good luck.

I got my Mirena about the middle of January. I was really nervous about the insertion being painful, it was uncomfortable for a few minutes, but it was no worse than cramps I had during a period. I have had one period since it was inserted. My doc said after about 3 months is when you can tell what your cycle might be like.

Hope this helps.

I had the Mirena put in at 6 weeks after the birth of my 4th child. I had it removed 2 weeks later as I could feel it constantly and it made me very uncomfortable and crampy. I bled the whole time that I had it in and my husband could feel it during sex. I resorted to the Depro Provera for the time being although not sure I want to stick with that, but don't want anything permanent right now.

Good luck with your decision.

I had mine for about a year now, after few months your periods will become alot lighter but not gone completely thats just in my case. It was not painful at all it took about 10 minutes to be inserted. What I like the most is that I don't have to worry about remembering to scheduled an appointment for a shot or going to the pharmacy every month a presc. ring.
on a feedback note be sure to check with your insurance for coverage, I have Aetna and it was not covered, I paid around 900.00 dollars for it, 500.00 for the iud and the rest was 10 minutes of the drs time

J.,

I have had the IUD for 3 years now ... I LOVE IT!!!! The insertion is more like an uncomfortable "pinch", but nothing we can't handle, I had cramping that whole day, but was fine the next day --- I bled for about 2 months (on and off) and have only had "spotting" on and off now for the three years I have had it inserted. I will have another one done in two years when this one is done. The cost (for me) was $750, $500 for the IUD and $250 for the doctor. Which I figured out is WAY cheaper than the b/c I was on, you figure that works out to $150/year and $12.50/month. I have been told that you can buy the IUD and take it to Planned Parenthood and they will insert for free, but I know my doctor will not insert if I buy myself, they have to be sure it's "authentic". Good luck.

S.

I opted to get the Mirena after having my daughter this past July. I have two children, a boy and a girl, 11 months and 3 weeks apart. Both were accidents, beautiful mistakes, but I am not interested in being pregnant again any time soon. The Mirena is good for 5 years and you can have it removed any time you want. It was a little painful for the insertion and the only side effects were cramps (like period) for a couple hours. Other than that, I have had mini periods over the past 5 months I have had the insertion, none last more than 2 or 3 days. I love it and recommend to anyone wanting some freedom.