Don't skimp!
- After a lot of research I went with Mirena and I'm glad I did, other than a relatively mild weight gain it's been great. The one thing I will say is after checking around I would not go to a low cost clinic to have it inserted and checked if I could poassibly avoid it. I paid about $300 more and went to an OB/GYN who was very thorough about going over what to watch for, asked me many questions and went over side effects, did an ultrasound before insertion, and so on. I knew exactly what to expect. He told me he would not have recommended one for me if I had no children, for the reasons many of the women on this board gave. These problems are well known and should be explained up front. If you can come up with the extra check around and go to a professional with a good reputation. It's worth it.
- —Guest Kaye
Fantastic experience
- I'm coming up on my 5-year mark with Mirena and will be having it replaced later this month. I had it placed in my early thirties with two children. Insertion was uncomfortable and I had cramping for a few days but nothing worse than my normal (painful, heavy) menstrual cycle. After the first three months I had no more periods until a slight amount of painless spotting in the last 2 months.I did not have weight gain but have had an extremely difficult time losing the weight gain from my last child, much more difficulty than I should have had. And my hair and skin are oilier than before with occasional breakouts, but it's worth it to me for the effectiveness and convenience - and did I mention no more painful heavy periods! I would highly recommend taking the time to discuss all options in depth with your doctor though, it's not going to be right for everybody and as good as my experience has been some have had bad ones. But I'm going for another 5 years. Thumbs up!
- —Guest Michelle
mirena, great!
- I've had the Mirena in for 5 years now and I have loved it! No bleeding apart from maybe a couple of spots when my period was due- and I mean like 2 spots! No weight gain, cramping sometimes, & swollen breasts when I was due for period but other than that nothing! I would strongly recommend having a Mirena fitted, I did mind you have one child before so it was easier, am kind of scared to get it removed as it might hurt but the response on here has made me less nervous! Would rather keep it in than return back to normal periods :( but definitely would love to get another!!
- —Guest kelly
I would rather be on fire
- I had my original IUD inserted 5 years ago, just like childbirth I was unable to recall the pain. I had that IUD removed and replaced today and this is the worst pain I have ever had. It's totally worth it (for peace of mind) and I am sure in the days to follow I will forget how much right now sucks, but I love running across genuine posts and if you're reading this - it's as real as it gets.
- —Guest Nikee
Pleased with Mirena
- I have had my Mirena IUD in for about 4 1/2 years now. Insertion made me a little crampy, but that was very short lived. I have to say overall this was the best thing I have done regarding birthcontrol. I was not very good at remembering to take my pill! I don't have any discomfort, cramps, acne, weight gain, or any other side effect I hear others complaining about. My husband isn't bothered by it either, the strings don't get in the way. I think maybe some of the symptoms people might experience may possibly be due to bad eating habbits and lack of exercise (weight gain and acne). That's just my opinion though. I would strongly recommend the Mirena. When I have it removed in 1/2 year I will probably have another put in.
- —Guest Janine
iud insertion/ post
- I have had a few procedures done in my past due to having cervical cancer and of course I have had 3 kids 1 vag 2 c-sections. So I feel like I would have a good sense of how the pain would be and I feel I do have a high tolerance for pain.. However my procedure to have my iud was very painful they did have trouble due to my tilted uterus. I did crap and spot for about 24 hours, but I have now had it for a year and it has been great. I have had no problems and my cycles have stopped completely. However I have had a good amount of weight gain and I believe it could be related to it so I have sbout decided to have it removed..
- —Guest magan
It had to go!!
- I'm 38, and had my Mirena fitted in June 2009. Thanfully, it was inserted whilst I was inder a general, but the pain I was in when I came round was excruciating! The pain was so bad I was sick, and I had to take 3 diffrent types of pain killers before the pain subsided. I was totally mislead before having this thing inserted. The nurse at the family planning clinic assured me it was the best thing since 'sliced bread', and that there really weren't any side effects to mention!! Since I got mine, I've had bad cramping each month for the 7 days + of my weekly bleed (which didn't stop), like a knife going from my uterus to my rectum! Sore breasts, mood swings, backache, sore shoulder joints!! insomnia with hot flushes & night sweats. I underwent bloodtests to check thyroid, menopause, full bloodcount, liver, kidneys etc and all fine . . .It's this damn coil! I just felt generally unwell all the time. Wednesday I had it removed (painless!) and already 4 days later am feeling better!
- —xoxgixxergirlxox
mirena - not happy
- I gave birth to my daughter in November 2008 and had a mirena inserted in March 2009. I had endometriosis before having my daughter and wanted a birth control that would address the endometriosis as well as having minimal side effects as i struggle with my weight. My doctor swore by mirena and i did a little research and decided to try it. The insertion was excruciating, but I do have a tilted cervix. I bled for nearly 4 months straight (that right there is good birht control lol), but after that would just get spotting for a day or two every now and then. I have had a constant headache that increases in intensity sometimes, I lack energy, have been depressed and worst of all have really struggled to lose any weight since giving birth despite working really hard to do so. I was about to start the process of having weight loss surgery when I thought to research the I.U.D and low and behold, many people have had the same experience. I will be removing the I.U.D as soon as possible
- —Guest hepburn
Just removed after 5 years
- I just removed the Mirena three days ago and now am having a heavy period. First period since getting pregnant six years ago - forgot how gross they are! Anyway no trouble with insertion or removal other than mild cramping for a few hours after. Did have greasy hair, facial hair growth, and gained about 40 pounds in 5 years despite weight loss attempts through weight watchers. Missing no periods but not willing to continue risking my health with the increased weight.
- —Guest Marcia
IUD removal - not painful at all but...
- I had my Mirena IUD for 3 and a half years. I was dragging my heals on having it removed because I was afraid it would hurt. But, I finally had it taken out the other day. It did not hurt AT ALL!
- —MyIUDexperience
Ouch!
- Getting the mirena inserted was the most painful thing I have ever experienced. I have a tilted uterus so the doctor said it would hurt more than expected. It was horrible, and I burst into tears and started to hyperventilate but was able to calm down enough to get through with the procedure. It's been about 4 hours since it was inserted, and I have cramps similar to strong menstrual cramps. Taking advil and getting lots of rest tonight.
- —Guest Paige
My Mirena Insertion
- Having it put in wasn't that bad, but I felt incredibly bloated for days after.
- —Guest Kathryn
mom of 2
- I had my daughter in April 2009. Ever since I had her, my period was unbearable every month. It was heavy and 8 days long. So, I had the Mirena inserted in December 2009 with the hope that it would help regulate my period.
- —Guest unhappy
Holy Mother Mary of God
- That is how bad the IUD insertion hurt! I was screaming like I have never screamed before!
- —Guest CJ
Removal was fairly simple.
- I went through the entire 5 years with the Mirena. I did not stop having my period, it just got scanty, crampless BUT it lasted 10 days every month the entire time. That part was not so great. Insertion was quite painful, and I had pain on and off for a couple of months afterwards. Overall, it was a very effective form of birth control, but I didn't want another one because I am tired of having my period 1/3 of the time. Removal was not nearly as painful as insertion, quick cramp for maybe 5 seconds when it was coming out. I did pre-medicate myself with ibuprofen, however. I hope that this sheds some light on my overall experience, as well as give some assurance as to the ease of removal.
- —Guest DG
