Mirena (IUD) Qestion

I also have an IUD- but copper. I have heavier periods and longer and I got mine 2 years ago!! I also often have light spotting throughout the month. My docs say it is normal!

Mirena's are very effective as contraception. They're even more effective than getting your tubes tied. You're also a lot less likely to have an ectopic pregnancy (embryo grows in your tube) with the Mirena. Other IUDs have had higher failure rates and different side effects.

As for the bleeding, it can happen in all kinds of patterns. For most women, it gets much better in the first few months. Sometimes it can take a little longer. It's normal to have breakthrough bleeding (BTB) but again, that gets better after time. I think anywhere from 20 - 60% of women end up with no "period" when using Mirena - depending on the study you look at and how far out they tracked things.

Having the BTB can certainly be annoying, and it can get expensive if you're having to deal with feminine protection supplies and maybe replacing underwear, but it's not likely to be a health problem as long as you're not anemic. If it's bugging you, talk with your health care provider, they can usually do something to make the bleeding better. You also might need to be checked to make sure that you don't have something like uterine fibroids that are making your bleeding worse. When you do go to your doctor, it really helps to take in a bleeding calendar (you can find them on the web, or just make your own) that says whether you bled heavily, spotted, or no bleeding each day. Track that for a couple months and that info will REALLY help your provider know how to help you.

Good luck, & hang in there. I've worked in women's health for about 15 yrs, and seen many patients very happy with their Mirenas. I've had 2 myself, before and after my son. I also used to work in contraceptive research and helped coordinate the US clinical trial for Mirena's when they were coming over here from Europe (finally!).

I have had the Mirena implant for almost 3 years now. I was the same as you with the breakthrough bleeding and very heavy at times. And, like you I was very frustrated!! I had considered having it removed several times, but then the bleeding became less heavy and less often after about six months. This lasted for about a year, then in May of this year, my periods stopped altogether. I recently had an annual check-up with my GYN and he said that everything I went through was normal and that everyone will be different.
If you are really uncomfortable, contact your doctor to have it checked and to see what's best for you.

Hi M.

I also have the Mirena IUD but I got mine in April. Like you my period is abnormal (I didn't have one more 2 months now it is back.) Hopefully it will make you feel better to hear that is is normal to have heavier periods over the first 3 to 6 months. Eventually you may have a shorter period or none at all because of the thinning of the uterine lining, but this does not happen to all women. I would wait it out for a few more months to see if your periods change and if not then just consult your ob. Best of luck to you.

hi, i juss wanted to say that im on the depo shot and apperantly i kept breaking through aslo. so my gyn gave me estradiol( estrogen pills) it stp the break through but once a month i need to stop takin the pills to have a period. my gyn said this happens because of the fact my kids are 10 months apart so my body didnt have time to heal. and that gives the reason a break though.

Hi M.,

I've got the Mirena IUD for over one year now and to get the Mirena was the best decision for me. I got my period maybe 2 times the year (mostly when i am under a lot of stress) but it isn't realy a period anymore as i had it before. Did you have a check up, that the Mirena is in the right place? Maybe the Mirena can't work the way it is supposed to be, because it changed the position and this i a reason for your heavy bleeding. Maybe it is better to see a Gyn.

Greetings

A.

I had the copper Iud and for the first 6 months it was a constant period. I had called my doc and he did a sono to rule out fibroids, but I guess some women react that way for the Mirena and the copper. He said to stick it out for 6 months and it would probably get better. It did get a little better. I would say to call your doc and see what he says.

Hi M.,

I have the Mirena IUD. It has been a little rough. I had it inserted on June 19 and bleed daily until the middle of August. I stopped for a few days and I have spotting again. I also am having major problems with acne. However my periods are shorter and not as heavy. what I was told was that you can bleed this way for up to 6 months and you May be one of the Percentage of women who bleed heavier. Your doctor can place you on oral estrogen if they feel it will help. Good luck

Hi,
I was actually the one tht posted the IUD pregnancy one, but I know that you can get breakthrough bleeding and heavy longer periods as well... I read everything up and down on their site and in their pamphlet after I stopped getting mine, I got mine in May as well... I think it dpepends on your body too, I would give your OBGYN a call just to be on the safe side too....

M.