Information on 'Mirena' and Its Side Effects.

Hi S.,
I had Mirena put in over 1 year ago and I am loving it. My period has come to an end and I am not "hormonal" like I was on the Nuva Ring or Patch. I have never been on the pill because I forget to take my medicine, so one good reason for the others to come along. I wouldn't do Depo because I gained weight like no one's business. Mirena has allowed me to lose weight and no put on lots when I get stressed out. I don't even know that I have it. It doesn't take much to put it in and once it is there, you won't notice a thing.

I wish I had the same GREAT result as everyone else. I do like that I don't have to worry about getting pregnant that part is great. Also I have an AMAZING OB/GYN and she uses Lidocain and lets it sit in for 10-15 mins before she inserts so you feel absolutely nothing at all! she said most Dr's are too lazy to take the time out of their schedules to do this. SAD! Anyways, its great that the installation part of it was a dream. I did experience major cramping and pinching like feelings randomly all day long spiratically for about 4 months with spotting all the time. I do still experience spotting about every 3 weeks but never heavy periods like I used to have.

The think I really hate about the Mirena is, I have never had any not even semi odor coming from that area and now I do. When I work out its almost embarrassing sometimes and I don't know why!!! I think to myself that maybe becuase I dont' really bleed anymore my body isn't cleaning itself out as much or maybe the hormone that it's secreting it causing my biology to create this off sense of smell? Anyhow I am ready to get rid of it because that part is embarrassing.

No Acne, that's a plus.

Moody, Yes! Fiance says I am a different person week by week but generally I feel ok. He notices more than I do.

I hope that was good info for you.

My good friend is experiencing pretty much exactly the same thing I am and we are both very neat and clean people.

I, too, love mine. Had it put in at my 8-week postpartum appointment, and no side effects. My daughter is 12.5 months, and I've only had one period since the Mirena, which I love. No mood swings, no noticeable hormone effects for me. Definitely recommend! Good luck!

I have had a Mirena for about 3 years, and it's quite nice. However, in the first 2 months, I will tell you that I felt like I was pregnant -- same feelings of morning sickness as when I was pregnant (similar hormone, which tells your body you are pregnant, so prevents actually getting pregnant). This feeling went away, and my periods are quite light (and sometimes non-existent) now, so I really like it, but I almost took it out after the first 2 months. So if you get it, don't be surprised if you feel like you did when you were pregnant , mostly in the second month. Otherwise, very reliable, and it's nice not having to think about birth control. Also, only lasts 5 years (regular IUD lasts 10). Good luck!

S. ~ I LOVED my Mirena IUD - It was awesome. I would recommend that you do take the Ibueprofen that they tell you to take 30 minutes before your appt. I forgot to do that and it did hurt. I think it would have been fine if I had remembered. I did have my IUD taken out because we decided to have another child, it was completely painless coming out and I had no problems getting pregnant or with my pregnancy. We are going to go for one more child and then I will have a Mirena put back in at my 6 week vist. I have nothing but good to say about it! If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask me! Good Luck ~ Janine

I had mine put in a year ago and I like it very much. My periods are not regular at all though and I am still spotting out of the blue...you pretty much have to wear a panty liner for a year...but other than that I am so happy I made the choice to use the Mirena.

I had the Mirena inserted about 12 weeks post-partum and bled/cramped for another 6 weeks. Initially, I was aggravated with the incessant bleeding, but since it stopped, I have had no complaints at all. Having two kids myself, I really don't have the time or energy to think about contraception and the Mirena is a life- and sanity-saver. LOVE it!

GL

I've had mine for almost 3 years, and other than discomforfort/heavy bleeding in the beginning, I don't even notice it's there. I have pretty regular, light periods with occassional spotting in between. I wish I'd gone off the pill sooner!

I have had my Mirena for about a year and a half now and my periods have not stopped. In fact, I have had at least some spotting every two weeks and a full period about every six. I have had more cramping with the Mirena than I did before. I am considering having it removed.

Hi there, I have to say that I hated it!! I gave it a good try (1 yr) in which that time I turned into Jekyl and Hyde. My bleeding never stopped and I had terrible cramps and PMS. I talked to my gyno and she said that she didnt understand my reaction to it and it should not be happening. During this time my good friend also had it and she has the same problems as I did excpt her bleeding was very heavy. We have both had it removed and our husbands and kids are much happier with us. I have also found about 6 other women who have had the same reaction as we did. For most women I have found love it and have no trouble with it, myself and a few others on the other hand will never have it again, it was terrible!! Good luck.

S.,

During my C-section delivery of my second daughter, I had Mirena implanted and that was 1 year ago. I have since had no major side effects. In fact, my periods have sifnificantly decreased to mere spotting and the horrible cramps I once had are gone. I have had it checked by my OB/GYN during doctor visits and that is a little uncomfortable, much less discomfort than a pap though. All in all I am pleased with it. I took birth control pills for years and stopped just two months before conceiving my first daughter and when I got pregnant the second time I was not taking any contraceptives. Despite this, for my husband and I, our second daughter was still a surprise. Now that I am seriously considering not having any more children, the Mirena is a good choice for me. It is in place for the next five years and should we decide to try for that boy, I have the option of removing it. And if we choose not to have any more children, I will just keep it in until the next time it needs to be replaced. For me it works and I do not have to go back to taking pills daily.
- T.

I have the Mirena and I don't notice a thing. It's great. When I had it put in, there was some cramping for a few days and I did spot everyday for almost 6 weeks and then it stopped. Now I spot every so often and cramp for a few hours and then it's over. I'm still breastfeeding so it may very well change after I quit nursing but I hope not. I didn't gain any weight nor have any issues. My sister and nephews girlfriend each have one and they both love it. No complaints from either of them. My doctor said I should check for the "string" before having sex but that grosses me out so I don't. I think it's a great device. I always took birth control pills before this and I'm glad I stopped.
I hope this helped. Good luck with whatever you choose.

I've had a Mirena put in since 8 weeks post partum. The insertion was quite uncomfortable and I bled for about a week. I continued to spot for another 2 weeks, but now I don't have any periods. I think its a great option for busy moms.

My Mirena is my best friend! It cramped a little going in, but, I haven't had a period since! I love not worrying about it or having an undesired pregnancy!

I've had Mirena in for almost two years now and I LOVE it! The insertion is definitely uncomfortable (but I wouldn't say painful). I forgot to take motrin before though, so if you remember to take about 800mg (4 advil) an hour before you should be fine.

In terms of bleeding it's been exactly as described in the pamphlet. After initial bleeding, then light periods for a couple of months, now no period at all (although I still know it's that time of the month because I get a zit and crave junk :-P).

I haven't had any negative side effects. I was a migrane sufferer for many years and have had only two in the last two years (both clearly stress related). No cramps, no bleeding, no weight gain. I'm happy.

Hope this helps.

T.

Hi I have had mirena for 2 years now and have had no problems. It has worked very well for me, I haven't even had a period since I have had it which has been a great plus!

I got one in May. I have had some cramping and erratic bleeding. However they say it will subside and I should have a light or no period at all. So far I'm happy with it.

Personally, having it was one of the worst decisions ever! I had it put in after my 2nd baby and I had a lot of cramping. The cramping got so painful & severe that i had to go to ER. There was a horrible dr. and found it had dislodged & tried to go in after it. EXTREMELY PAINFUL AND AFTER ALL THAT POKING & PRODING, I HAD TO HAVE SURGERY TO REMOVE IT. I WISH I NEVER DID IT! GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR DECISION, I JUST WISH SOMEONE WOULD HAVE TOLD ME ABOUT IT FIRST.

If you've ever had side effects from birth control pills like mood swings or sadness it might be too strong for you.
I got one after me son was born and it completely stopped my periods after the first few months which was a big help - one less thing to deal with! H0owever, I have always been sensitive to BC pills and get really depressed and fat after the first 1-2 years and had to keep changing the dose.
I've also had a regular IUD - with no problems. My periods were heavier and a little more painful but that was it.
Both types of IUD can get in the way a little during sex - especially if Hubby is in a hurry - but if you make sure you're "ready" it's not noticeable at all.

Hi, I started with the non-hormonal IUD, as that was my preferece, but the periods were debilitating. I switched over to the Mirena 2 years ago and love it, love it, love it! It definitly has a good amount of hormone, which I do not like in theory, and I do not get my period. I would prefer Mirena lite, if they had it. But, no cramping, no worries, and most importantly, no babies!!

I'm sure Mirena works great for a lot of people, but I had it done a few monthes back and ended up taking it out because I wasn't happy with it and wasn't feeling well afterwards.

I had the Mirena put in two years ago after the birth of my son. I had it taken out in May to start trying for another baby.

It was fantastic and I would reccomend it to any busy mom who just wants to be spontaneous and not have to deal with monthly periods.

I will definately get another one after we have our second baby.

If you are worried about having it put in just remember that nothing is as painfull as having a baby and you have done that twice. I was a little uncomfortable and crampy for two days and then i was fine.

Good luck

I had the Mirena IUD twice and LOVED it!!!! The first IUD was prior to having children, and was the result of a very long and terrible journey with birth control. The IUD is not recommended for those that have not had children, but my Dr. and I agreed that is was worth a try. It was very uncomfortable to have inserted the first time (the second time was a breeze). I did not have periods for two years, had no weight gain, no migraine headaches, almost no PMS like symptoms. When I was ready for a baby, a quick trip to the OB and letterally 40 weeks later I had a baby.

The second time I had the Mirena put in my son was 6 months old. Super easy!!! I was all geared up for them to start and it was already over! Again, no periods, no other birth control side effects. When I was ready for number 2, I had it removed. I am now successfully pregnant (tried for 2 months), and will have the Mirena for a third time after this baby. I just may plan to have a new one every 5 years, as I really didn't miss those periods!

In closing, I loved it! It was the best birth control decision I ever made. What are your second thoughts?

I had the Mirena IUD placed in Feb of this year 2009. I was not a candidate for the pill due to some health issues and getting pregnant could cause death so I went with the IUD. I have a low threshold for pain so I took the 2 Ibuprofen they suggested and it was fine. I did not experience any other major cramping afterward. They do tell you that you can bleed & spot for up to 6 months afterwards and I did. I bled heavy and straight for almost 3 months but I'm glad I got this. I had this inserted 6 weeks post-partum.