My Experience: Mirena IUC Birth Control
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My Name is Stephanie. That's me in the picture on the right. I made the choice to use the Mirena IUD as my method of birth control back in June of '07. I researched everything about the Mirena birth control except actual mirena experience. Perhaps if I had I may not have chose to get the Mirena birth control due to all of the Mirena side effects there seem to be but nonetheless, I do not regret my choice.
I chose the Mirena IUC birth control because I am terrible at remembering to take medications. I wanted a no fuss, no work birth controlthat would allow me the security of knowing that for the next 5 years unless I decide otherwise, I will not be having any more children. I didn't want anything permanent but I do want the option to have children later on if I choose to do so.
IUD Birth Control
What is the Mirena IUC?
The Mirena IUC is an estrogen-free intrauterine contraceptive device that is 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy. The small contraceptive device is inserted by your doctor into the the vagina, passed the cervix and implanted in the uterus. The Mirena IUD is a T-shaped plastic device that slowly releases small amounts of the hormone Levonorgestrel. It works by:
- Block sperm from reaching or fertilizing your egg
- Make the lining of your uterus thin (this may also result in benefits like less menstrual bleeding over time)
- Stop the release of your egg from your ovary (but this is not the way it works in most cases)
The 2 Month Mirena Spotting Period
Imagine your longest normal period. 7 days? 8? Now imagine having a period for almost 2 months and with constant cramping. I have never really had intense cramping during my periods, but during this 2 month period, there were many moments when all I wanted to do was lay down against the side of the couch.
MY Mirena Experience: Getting The Mirena IUC
The day I went to have the IUC inserted I had no idea what I was in for. I have dealt with some pretty serious physically painful experiences but this definetly found it self up near the top of the "Sh** that's painful" list. Put this one up for my first Mirena side effect Now, the Mirena Website says the following in their faq:
Q. Will it hurt?
A. Some women may experience some discomfort while Mirena is being placed. Uterine cramps, which feel like menstrual cramps, and dizziness may also occur, but typically disappear within a day or two. Notify your healthcare professional if pain and other symptoms persist.
The registered nurse at my doctors office was a wee bit more accurate and told me "some women say it just feels mildy uncomfortable, others will grip the table and scream" Which one do you think I was? I learned that day from my mirena experience that I am a gripper and a screamer. The nurses at the nurses station just outside my room, also learned this that same day.
It hurt, it was painful, and I was cramped up for hours afterwards. I could not tell you what the pain was, but I do remember saying the same thing I said during the 13 hours the doctors tried to induce my labor. They had incorrectly inserted the inducement medication causing the most extremely uncomfortable feeling I've ever had. My catch phrase? "I am never doing this ever again" Of course, in about 4 years one of these will happen again. Time will tell which one wins out.
I Am Happy With Mirena
After the 2 months of heavy spotting, my periods disappeared. Only once a few months later did I have any sign of a period and that was just some light spotting caused by a medication I was on. I terminated the medication for other reasons, and the spotting went away again.
Other then that, thanks to my Mirena birth control, my period is non-existent. I consider this Mirena side effects to be a good one. I never have any cramping anymore, and I rarely even think about my IUD contraceptive. I've heard some stories from women very unhappy with their IUD's and say they experience many Mirena side effects. Me, not so much. The first 2 months were an inconvenience, but I don't regret my decision to get the Mirena IUD contraceptive.
However, with that said, I hesitate to recommend the Mirena IUD birth control device to my friends. If you have serious trouble remembering to take your birth control, then yes consider Mirena for your contraceptive needs. If you can remember you birth control, do the research before you opt for this method
Mirena And Weight Gain
Have You Experienced Weight Gain With Mirena?
See results without votingMirena Weight Gain
The Mirena site makes it very clear that "Won't cause significant Mirena weight gain". Significant must be subjective. Over the past 2 years, my total Mirena weight gain has been 25+lbs.. This most likely is also due to some stress experienced this past year, but I do beleive Mirena Weight gain plays a key role.
Mirena and Sex
I was lucky to have a understanding and patient boyfriend while going through this process with getting used to the Mirena IUD. More then once we had to stop because he could actually feel the plastic strings of the Mirena coming through my cervix during sex.
The Mirena strings are in place for removal and HAVE to be there, but they didn't have to be that long. The same registered nurse was able to cut them a little small and curl the ends. Only twice since then has he ever made comments about them.
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Your Mirena Experience?
I had my MIrena inserted in February 2009, about 8 weeks after my son was born. I was told this was the perfect solution to birth control since I was breast feeding. Now, I'm not so sure. The pain during insertion was so incredible I begin to throw up all over the room, got the shakes, cold sweats and very high blood pressure. I swear I think it was worse then labor!! After insertion I went back for the first check up 4 weeks later and my doctor said everything looked great he could see the strings etc. About 1 week after that I begin having a lot of very painful cramping that was very frequent. My husband and I were unable to have intercourse it was so painful. The doctor told me that this was sometimes normal because your body would sometime go through the motions of a menstrual cycle without the bleeding, Fine, I believed that. Unfortunately the pain never went away and several weeks after that I began bleeding very heavily. After 2 ultrasounds, 1 xray and 2 MRI's they discoverd the IUD had lodged itself into the muscle of my uterine wall. Apparently this is sometime cause by the natural contractions your uterus does during the letdown process of breastfeeding. WONDERFUL!! So now, i have an appointment later this week to go have it surgically removed. NOw I am not so much worried of if I get pregnant, but more about CAN I get pregnant ever again. I do NOT recommend the MIrena to anyone.
I've had it in for a week. Absolutely no problems. My partner had no complaints. Will post any changes.
I've had Mirena for about 5 months now and so far I love it. I haven't gained a single pound (I've actually lost a few) and there hasn't been any cramping or discomfort associated with the Mirena. Now that it's cycling season and I have a lot of pressure on my lower regions, I have more cramping than usual, but I'm not sure it that's because of my IUD or if it would have happened anyway.
Some women mention that their partners can feel the strings: my doctor cut the strings short, but kept enough length that she could curl them and tuck them away somewhere. (I can't honestly say where...I can still feel them when I check, but my bf can't ever feel them)
I haven't had any effects on my mood...no irritability or depression or anything. There's been a decrease in my sex drive, but it certainly isn't a show stopper. To be perfectly honest, most of the time I forget it's even there. I think I'll start using a backup BC though, since there have been a couple of stories on here about women getting pregnant while using Mirena.
Well, I had my mirena inserted 6 weeks after my son was born, so I have had it in for 14 months now. The insertion was a little uncomfortable, but tolerable. (This varies for everyone). The doctor & nurse told me bleeding for a week or two, and that I could use it WHILE breastfeeding. Well, I didn't bleed for the first week, then it was for a month straight (once again, a small price to pay for something so good, ok). Well, come to find out you're not supposed to breastfeed while on it and after having it put in I was unable to breastfeed within 2 weeks my milk was all gone, my doctor was experienced w/mirena & had never seen that. So, all said and done, I thought I was having a carefree bc! Things were going great. I am one of those people who sat down with my husband and we did the research, and we were both satisfied. I wish we had seen this review first. To those of you who have had positive experiences, congradulations. On the other hand, not everyone will have that, which is why I am posting my story. I had been warned of it getting lost (attatched) and having to be surgically removed, & I wasn't scared off still. After a year of having it one of my friends went to the ER, cause of labor pains, and she was having contractions, her body was trying to give birth (expell) her IUD. Ok, so I still didn't notice any problems with mine ;) I noticed I was not in controll of my moods, but before reading this didn't relate it to the IUD. But just like some other women who have had the IUD I too have been diagnosed with manic depression (I.E bipolar). Then I heard from a friend at work who is not on mirena that she will never get it because both her sister-in-laws and one of there mom's have all three gotten pregnant while on mirena. One of them the mirena did fall out, the other two it was still exactly where it should have been. The worst part, one of them didn't find out she was pregnant until she was 7 months along. And all three of these stories are from within the past few years. I am one of those people who doesn't want anymore children, but since I'm so young I can't get my tubes tied, so this was the best option, right? Well, needless to say, I am going to the doctor to have a pregnancy test done, not because of the rumors, but the symptoms I have!! I am soo tired all week, my breasts are sore (which is how we knew I was pregnant last time) and I have a little belly I have had some trouble getting rid of a few pounds, but this isn't a few pounds any more, I have also noticed in the past week that it looks like I am showing. My body is skinny, I have no extra weight, and what I thought I couldn't get rid of has turned into a small little ball in the middle of my stomach. Yes, I am positive I am pregnant. I am praying I am not, but I am still going to get the doctors final yes or no in two days. And guess what, there are quite a few other women on here who have said that they too have become pregnant while on mirena. Some women, it falls out. Others, it is still where it is supposed to be and it can attatch to the baby if it's not removed early on!! I am not recommending mirena to anyone if there is that high of a chance that they can get pregnant on it.
Well, I'm updating.
I had my Mirena placed 4 months ago. It was a horrible and painful experience taking 3 doctors, spacers and lots of kleenex (I couldn't stop crying and wailing) Since then, I'm unimpressed with this birth control method.
I'm a 32-yr old caucasian female. I have no history of endometriosis, but did have cervical carcinoma in-situ about 12 years ago and was treated with a LEEP procedure on my cervix. My current doctors said they thought I might have had a little scar tissue and that may have been what made the insertion so painful for me. I mention that to distinguish my experience from what might be an otherwise merely uncomfortable situation. Every person's body is different and will react differently.
I've had the Mirena for 4 months and have had a longer period each month, my pms symptoms are the same - fluctuating from month to month, but are worse. For example - I've always gotten cramps, but now my cramps are worse. I've always gotten a LITTLE cranky, but now I'm just RUDE and short-tempered! I also feel... bad. I can't explain it other than since having the Mirena, I've been worried that I'm going through peri-menopause. I'm hot for a week, then a total insomniac, then headachy, then slow and confused, then upbeat and normal for a week and then other strange things. I just never feel NORMAL.
Another bad side effect is - my fiance can totally feel it. It has nothing to do with size or positions, cause he's average and we've tried accomodating the Mirena strings with different positions... but nope, he can feel it and he says it really hurts. He actually flinches sometimes! That's horrible! I mean- why would I need birth control if I'm not having sex? Also, I went in for my check-up, the doc checked the length of the strings and apparently they'd been cut SUPER short. So, that might be why he says it feels like the ends of sharp fishing lines.
But, the worst side effect- the whole reason I GOT the Mirena? Because I get a constant dull, throbbing headache during the week of my period. Every method I've tried before hasn't really helped so I thought that the Mirena - with it's constant and steady dose of hormone that it might help my headaches. My doctor said it might be the best way to help that, as well. Also, my doctor had one herself so we talked at length and in detail about how it felt, symptoms and the like. I wish I had done more research and found this website tho. I definitely will not recommend Mirena to anyone.
I'm going to have it removed in the next few weeks and i'll update you on how painful the removal process was and whether I feel normal again. Until then - good luck to everyone. I wish you the best.
Thank you all for your posts. I had my Mirena inserted in May. First of all, my cervix would not dialate for them to insert it so I had to make another appointment and take meds for that to happen. I felt severe cramping for about 2 days and bleeding for almost a week. My first period after the insert was (and still is) the WORST. I bleed heavy for about 12 days and still and spotting. I have been siiiicccckkkkk for about 2 weeks. I have a pain. I'm wondering if I made the right decision. Due to ur posts, I'm going to keep it for a few months (about 4). If it doesn't get better I will have it removed. Does anyone have any suggestions????
I had my iud inserted Dec.2005. The pain was definatley there during the insertion.(Did't exspect that,OUCH!!) My husband also complained of feeling the srting. Now since May of 2009 I have had nothing but chronic bladder & urinary tract infections. Really, I just want to get to the botttom of this. Recieved four antibiotics, nothing has cured whatever the cause. Hope to get some answers soon!! I loved the merina till recently!!
I am soooo disappointed right now. Up until now I've been having a pretty good experience with this product. I had it inserted about 9 months ago. It was painful during the insertion and it took like 15 minutes for the whole thing, but I've given birth 3 times and seen better pain than that. Had my period for 2 months straight (sometimes heavy, sometimes spotting) and got it every 2-3 weeks after that for another couple months but would be over in 2-3 days. I've gained weight, but not sure if it was the cause of the IUD. Last month I got a urinary tract infection and I had it treated by my MD. It went away, but earlier this week I woke up with another one....anyone else out there have this happen? I went to the Gyn dr. this time and he examined me and said I have a UTI, a vaginal infection AND he can't find my IUD strings! My pelvic area is definitely feeling pressure and pain and the meds he gave me for the UTI don't seem to be working after 3 days. Any suggestions? I had an ultrasound yesterday and I am waiting for the results. they said in 2-3 business days! I am going nuts with worry now after I've read some of these comments with the possibility that it might be "lodged" somewhere else causing a problem.
I have been considering alternatives for daily hormonal birth control. Paragard, Mirena,...I know has a type of hormone. What are the side effects from the hormone? Lessened sex drive, weight gain, moodiness? To what extent are these side effects? any advise or experience is appreciated especially on sex drive.
I had my Mirena IUD put in yesterday, and I don't know if its that I just had my son a month ago and my uterus is still dilated, but I had no pain during insertion at all. It took about 2 minutes and I held my son the whole time. I had no side affects afterwards except that I've had minor cramping since then (just a low, dull, ache in my lower back) but nothing that is debilitating. I have heard stories about women who didn't have good luck with the IUD but, as my doctor said, I couldn't base my decision on someone else's story. So, I went ahead and had it placed... so far so good! Just remember.... every woman is different. Make the decision to get it for YOU and for you alone! I'll keep you updated on what I think over the coming months.
Hey Mirena Family..It has been 28 days since my last post...I told you guys I would keep you posted....Diana this post should help you out. Here goesssss.
Last post. They could not locate the strings. I was doing fine. Inserted April 27. Had a cycle for May..In the meantime waiting for the ultrasound cycle came again June 4th. I thought I would have to go to the hospital..bleeding was horrible. In bed for 2 days..Very sickkkk. No appetite etc...I knew the mirena was gone. Had the ultra sound June 12th. Yes it was there..I saw it..I asked about the bleeding etc..The doctor was like everybody was different. The reason I got it is for no periods or lighter ones. Still waiting to hear from my doctor..They act like it is no big deal...So now it has been almost 30 days since last period. Surely feels like it is coming. I hope & pray that it is better than last month. I could not go anywhere. It has only been almost 3 months. I am going to try & be a soldier. The funny thing is I have felt good all other days..Just the horrible bleeding...My face finally cleared up..Yeahhhh & when I got it I was 157 pounds. I'm back down to 150.As always I will keep you posted...:>)
I had my IUD inserted about a month ago. I was 3 months after I had my 4th child. I was told I'd have "a little cramping" at my consult appointment so I drve myself (30 minutes) to the office and brought some IB Profen with me. The insertion was pretty painful. Not as painful as having a baby, but I was gripping the table and breathing through the pain like a contraction. After I sat up I became really, really dizzy. I had to lay back down for a bit till I felt better, but the dizziness came in waves. I managed to make it out to my car, but by then the cramping and dizziness was so severe I knew I couldn't drive back and I had to call my husband to come get me. (Lesson: don't go alone!) The cramping stopped after a couple of days. The bleeding was heavier than I anticipated. I even passed clots. A month later I am still bleeding enough to need a light tampon, but other than that I have no complaints.
More Information About Mirena IUD
- Mirena Website
- Offiicial FDA information, side effects, and uses
- Cure Zone: Mirena IUD Support Forum
Just like with many birth control methods, what works for some does not work for all. Some women do not have an easy experience with Mirena IUD.
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SJ says:
20 hours ago
I was at my doctors this week for my yearly exam and scheduled an appointment to get the Mirena IUD next month. After reading all of this I am having serious second thoughts. The reason I am getting it is because at 34 years old I need to get off of the estrogen in birth control pills. But I do not want any more children, and I need to loose weight not gain any!!
Does anyone out there love this method??