Mirena for Birth Control User Reviews

• Mirena...
• April 1, 2009

"I have had my IUD for over a year now and I think it's the best thing ever. When I first got it put in I only bled for about a week with a little cramping. After that nothing at all. I haven't had a period for about 8months until I finally got one, and its not bad at all. It's light, no cramping, no headache, nothing. I haven't gained weight, my acne is gone, and my moods are fine. I know all women are different, but I just hear all these horror stories and I just wanted to tell my story, which is a good one. Hope it calms some of your fears."

• lisalor
• December 21, 2020

"I wanted to come back here and write a review because before I got the Mirena I was reading all of these, although aware that people are more inclined to write about their horror stories rather than their happy stories. So here is my happy story! I was using the ring for a couple years before I tried Mirena. The ring made me miserable, hormonal, moody, irregular. I was very depressed from the fluctuating hormones. In comes Mirena. The Mirena has been the best choice I have ever made for myself. It is true what all my friends and reviewers say. I do not feel hormonal or moody. In fact I feel much more balanced! My skin does break out at times but I will happily take that over what I was experiencing before. My periods have stopped and I sometimes pms about a week before what WOULD be my period, but it is very mild and manageable. Sooo happy with my Mirena!!! I was scared just like you and it was the best choice I made for myself."

• Anonymous
• May 7, 2010

"I have had this for about 5 months now.. I had NO IDEA others were going through the same things I am... I am tired, moody and have gained about 25 lbs.. I have been working out more and couldn't figure out what was going on until now. I am dry during sex, not in the mood most of the time. Acne has been pretty bad, didn't know why that was either (don't usually have acne). For a few weeks now my body feels like it is pregnant. The moods, tired, etc.... but all tests say not pregnant. It makes me uncomfortable to have so many things going on."

• Anonymous
• October 1, 2008

"I love my Mirena. I've recommended it to several friends. I'm 43 and have 2 kids and wanted something to simplify my life. Insertion was not at all painful or even uncomfortable. I had some spoting continuously for about 3 weeks, but since then I haven't had my period (2 years). I have no side effects at all, and I love NOT getting my period. No cramping, mood swings, PMS, heavy bleeding, not to mention all the dollars saved on NOT buying outrageously expensive tampons and pads. I have never been so happy with a product of this nature. Much better than the pill and that awful sponge, messy diaphragm and horrid condoms!"

• OB Nu...
• October 22, 2009

"I am an OB nurse, married with two children ages six and three. I chose the Mirena after suffering severe migraines on the pill. I interviewed several OB doctors at my job and my pregnant patients about their form of birth control prior to their pregnancy and decided to give the Mirena a try.I had the Mirena inserted in early May. Insertion process was very painful.It reminded me much of mild labor contractions. After the insertion, I had mild cramps for the remainder of the day. For three weeks thereafter, I experience light spotting and wore a pantyliner. For the next four months, I would spot beginning the same day each month for a week followed by a regular light period two weeks after the spotting subsided. It is now five months after insertion and I did spot for less time but no period came. Rather, I experience symptoms of bloating and increased appetite as if my period is going to start but without the period. I am most happy to report NO migraines and I lost weight! My mood and libido has remained the same. I cannot feel the string I was instructed to check for monthly, and no complaints from my husband. I did experience some hair loss and noticed my complexion is not as clear, but overall, I am satisfied with the Mirena and recommend woman to try it especially if you want a low maintenance birth control method."

• Coffe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 15, 2021

"Hi sisters. This is my review only of the insertion, as I just had the Mirena put in 2 hours ago. Before the appointment, I took the recommended Motrin, Ativan (to calm my nerves) and the medication that softens your cervix, which my gyno was kind enough to prescribe for me to hopefully make the insertion process smoother. The entire process took no more than 5 minutes. It felt like a slightly longer pap exam, with more pressure than usual. I didn’t cramp, I didn’t yelp in pain, and I didn’t pass out or feel sick. What got me through my anxiety was taking deep breaths. It was not excruciating as I expected it to be, since I have never given birth (I’m 40, btw). Here’s hoping this device works for me and agrees with my body. I had been on the pill for over 20 years, and I look forward to not having to take them every day. I’ll report back in a few months with an update. Good luck to all of you ladies. Do what is best for you."

• Anonymous
• June 21, 2009

"I'm 22 years old and have two little boys. My husband says he hopes to one day have a girl so I figured 5 years should be enough time to decide. I got the Mirena last year and the only side effect I had was hair loss but I'm not quite sure if it was the Mirena or from just having another baby. But other than that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! I have been reading all these reviews and they were almost all negative I was wondering if something was wrong with me. Since I got the Mirena last year I lost weight, no more cramps, lightened periods, and a better sex drive (probably because I don't have to worry if I'm going to get pregnant), I feel safe. So would I recommend the Mirena, YES."

• Justj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2020

"I have issues with hormones any time I have been pregnant or been on birth control I get every bad side effect possible. I was hopeful for this one. I had it in for a month and had severe headaches, cystic acne (literally all over my face & no wash would make it go away) constantly felt light headed/dizzy, nauseous, zero sex drive, horrible mood swings, my period lasted 12 days and I was constantly bleeding, horrible stomach pains randomly when I moved certain ways. This medication made my anxiety & depression worse. So bad that I couldn’t be around my 4 year old son because I’d get so anxious if have a panic attack. One day at three weeks of having it in I had such a bad panic attack over literally nothing I had to lay down in a dark room with a fan on me, got so worked up I passed out. Do your research there are a lot of harmful things that can happen when being on the Mirena IUD that they don’t tell you at the doctor. Do your research!!!"

• Shell
• June 6, 2020

"I got the Mirena IUD placed 7 weeks after my second son was born. I heard good things about it from the girls I worked with. They told me they loved it. Placement was pretty painful, even though I just have birth 7 weeks Prior to it. I bled constantly for 2 in a half months After that the bleeding only happened when my monthly flow was coming. When it came it was pretty heavy and would last 7-8 days. My periods were right on schedule monthly . Then I started feeling fatigue, anxiety, massive mood swings, depression, insomnia. I had to push myself to get out of bed and take care of my children. Around month 9 I started getting blurred vision. I had blurred vision when I was on the pill after my first child was born. I knew it was the IUD causing all this. I had it removed 2 days ago. Spotted a little after removal. But now have a full on heavy flow. My mood has changed a lot already. I’m calmer like I used to be. Not 100% back to myself yet, but removing it was the best thing I did."

• Mama
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 25, 2019

"I had the Mirena placed three months ago. The insertion was painful, I won’t fabricate that, but it only lasted at most 12 seconds and it was over. I took both Tylenol and Advil before my appointment and that seemed to help a bit. The more uncomfortable/painful cramping lasted less than 24 hours after my appointment. I took the day off of work which I am glad I did. The first 2/3 weeks after I had it placed I had no bleeding or spotting. I had medium spotting for 2 months on and off after, I just usually wore a liner. Bleeding lasted a few days and would be inconsistent. The third month the spotting was extremely light and would occur 1-2x per week. My hormones seem to be actually really well balanced. I experienced some neck acne for the first 2 months but that did subside. I haven’t gained or lost any weight. My sex drive is unchanged. I’ve read plenty of horror stories on the internet in regards to this method, so I thought I would throw in a positive one."

• delai...
• August 9, 2009

"I'm 27 years old and the mother of two boys. I had the Mirena inserted one and a half years ago. The insertion was fine, mild cramping, but for the last year and a half I have experienced depression, bad acne, weight gain of about ten kilos, mood swings. Six months ago once my periods stopped altogether the symptoms got worse. I began having stomach cramps, nausea on most days, painful breasts and diminished libido and when it was supposed to be that time of the month my abdomen would bloat. I had Mirena removed last week and feel like a new person. I'm already losing weight and all the other symptoms have vanished."

• proBC
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 14, 2019

"Just wanted to share my experience because I think it is really important to add that more often than not people post negative reviews rather than positive because they find it more necessary. Nothing wrong with that, it's just the reason I am posting my review. Please if you are considering birth control talk with your health care provider about what is best for your individual need. Anyways, I got the Mirena about 2 and a half years ago and I have NEVER looked back. I recommend it to all of my girlfriends. Yes there is some discomfort upon insertion but I haven't had my period in 2 and a half years! The amount of money and time and honestly just stress and emotions that I've saved make up for it ten-fold. I also did not gain weight, didn't get acne, and just overall have forgotten I've even had it. No period and no unwanted pregnancy with no side effects, I really couldn't think of a better scenario. I highly recommend if it's something you've been considering."

• Anonymous
• September 24, 2010

"First off, I was 25 and childless. I had tried the pill, but I am a poor forgetful soul, and that was unacceptable. The patch left an icky mark that hurt my skin. I am married so we are beyond condoms. My Mirena insertion, a year and a half ago, was somewhat painful, so I took a nap. I had some cramps for the first two weeks, probably due to getting used to the hormones in the IUS. My first cycle afterward, the blood seemed thin and only lasted a few days. I have not had a period since. I really like Mirena because it's easy and I don't have to think about it. My sex drive is still great, and I don't have to pay every month for birth control. I just wanted to explain all of the side effects I experienced so others could be informed."

• Sano
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 26, 2020

"The Mirena seemed like a great option for me as I had negative experiences with other forms of birth control. Insertion was fine but I had severe cramping for a few days after. My moods were up and down for the first few months and I wanted to have it removed but my doctor recommended to try it for 6 months. It has now been 6 months and my mental health is the worst it has ever been. I'm constantly on the verge of tears and cannot cope with everyday life. I have a history of anxiety but I've never felt this low. I would not recommend the Mirena if you are sensitive to other birth controls (pill, implanon). I still have bad cramps on the Mirena and my periods are heavier. Can't wait to have it removed!"

• JMano
• August 20, 2020

"I have had the Mirena in for for nearly 2 years. Was ok for first few months odd cramp here and there. 6 months after insertion got my first (of many) bacterial infections. Cramps, pain during sex, brown smelly discharge. Always cleared up with flagyl and cream. I can’t even count how many I have had since then. It’s awful. I have 0 sex drive which makes my partner and me feel awful. Every time I get spotting always puts fear in me that it could be something more sinister which always escalates my anxiety. Have made an appointment to get it removed, as I can't live like this anymore."

• Liv
• October 5, 2019

"I had my Mirena inserted in March 2017, because my husband & I didn’t want anymore kids. The insertion wasn’t bad, it didn’t bother me. I had irregular bleeding for about 2 months, then no more periods. I had a healthy sex drive, that crumbled with Mirena. I thought it was unrelated to the Mirena, my Dr said it couldn’t be the Mirena. I couldn’t lose weight & always felt bloated. My skin was constantly breaking out with acne. My husband & I agreed for him to get a vasectomy. I had the Mirena taken out in August 2019. I didn’t even feel him take it out. A) I started to lose weight & that constant bloated feeling B) My sex drive is back to what it used to be, I felt broken for over 2 years C) My skin is clear D) I have energy & lost that feeling of depression & fatigue. Listen to your body, everyone is different, my Dr tried to convince me to keep it in, but I choose what was best for me. Some women love it, some hate it, this is my personal experience with Mirena."

• tinker
• January 26, 2010

"I have had the Mirena for about 2 years now and have had nothing but problems with it. My hair is falling out. I have gained weight. I don't want to have sex. I'm depressed I now have anxiety attacks. I haven't had a period since getting it but I would rather have one then be moody all the time!"

• Mommy...
• September 12, 2008

"I love my Mirena. I had it inserted 4 weeks after my son was born. unfortunately I had to deliver him C section and he was my first child, so my cervix never dilated thus, the insertion of my Mirena was painful. For a couple weeks after I bled pretty heavily (but that could've been from his birth as well), and the bleeding stopped after about 4 weeks. I have not had a period (not even any spotting or cramping) yet and I am SUPER happy with that. I had horrible periods before. No side effects, weight gain, acne, etc, thus far (12 weeks later) despite the pain of insertion, I would do it 100 more times for the benefits. I would recommend Mirena to anyone."

• HSF
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 20, 2015

"I was scared to get Mirena after reading all the horror stories but got it anyways and I'm liking it so far! I'm 20 years old with no kids. Cramping during insertion and off and on for a few days after, nothing unbearable. Skin has gotten better and I've actually lost weight but this might not have anything to do with Mirena. Only downside is I'm still spotting but my doctor said it should be gone within a month or so. No pain during sex and my boyfriend says he can't feel the strings either. Would definitely recommend! Don't let all the horror stories scare you."

• Callie
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2020

"I am a nurse practitioner working in women's health, so I thought I knew what to expect when I had my Mirena placed 3 months ago. I was WRONG! I have had bleeding every single day since insertion - occasionally just spotting but most days I have light-to-moderate bleeding like the final couple days of a period. I do not have cramps, and I have had an ultrasound to ensure proper device placement. I know that irregular bleeding is common in the first few months of use, but I did not expect the bleeding to be this persistent or this heavy. I am going to give it a few more months to see if the bleeding resolves; if it does not, I may have to get the Mirena removed."

• jenny
• April 30, 2008

"I'm 22, have never been pregnant, and had my Mirena inserted ~3 weeks ago. Other than some slight cramping during and some moderately worse cramping later that day and for a few days after (nothing pain killers can't handle) it's been great! I used to have really heavy, really painful periods (which is why I went with Mirena over the paraguard) and though I was supposed to get my period the week after they put it in I haven't had anything but super light, almost non-existent spotting."

• rainr...
• December 7, 2009

"It's now been three months since I had the Mirena IUD inserted and I'm glad I went for it. The insertion was not painful, although measuring the cervix was. However, the pain went away real quick. I had lots of cramping and spotting for the first six weeks, and since I'm very sensitive, it made me a bit moody too. However, as it settles in, I'm loving the convenience and the no-worry assurance of birth control, and I'm very glad I got the Mirena. Read a lot of negative reviews before I went for my appointment, but I felt like it was the right thing for me and I'm glad I trusted my instincts. If you're thinking of getting one, just know that there is an initial adjustment period and things will get better if you just give it some time."

• Anonymous
• February 25, 2009

"I have been very happy with Mirena. It was inserted at my 6 week post-partum appointment. I was nervous but felt nothing. It felt like a pap smear. I did have spotting for about 6 weeks after. I started a diet program two weeks after insertion, and I have lost 21 lbs in the last 6 weeks, so don't believe it when people tell you that they gained a whole bunch of weight after insertion. I have no complaints, and I would recommend Mirena to anyone."

• BurkT
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 26, 2014

"I had Mirena placed in on September 12,2014. I just had my second child in July 2014 so the insertion was not painful! I liked the concept of having Mirena but now that I have it, I have not stopped bleeding since!!! I can't have sex ever because I am always spotting! It is just annoying!! I am really considering getting it removed! I would much rather have my period once a month then bleed every single day!!"

• Happy...
• June 28, 2009

"I have had the Mirena in for a year now. I'm 29 and I haven't had babies. I've tried all sorts of birth control pills and Nuva-Ring. All they ever did was cause depression and mood swings. Mirena on the other hand has been a blessing to my uterus. I had slight cramping the first day or two and since then my periods have disappeared, I haven't had a period in 6 months, no monthly symptoms either. Mr. Mirena deserves a trophy and a million dollar mansion for his kind help."