I just had Mirena inserted a few days ago and was wondering how long I'm supposed to be bleeding afterwards. It's only been a very light flow (similar to the old, dry blood that comes out at the end of a period) and I haven't experienced any cramping. I've never had kids, so the procedure was painful, but not the worst thing I've experienced (I'm definitely a wuss with pain). I've read a lot of horror stories about bleeding that doesn't stop and terrible side effects, but I'm hoping to have a positive experience.
I was previously on a generic of Yaz and it worked fine for regulating and shortening my periods by a lot. I didn't experience any negative side effects on the pill. I switched to Mirena to eliminate daily routines and periods altogether. Has anyone else also taken this route of action (from the Yaz to Mirena)?
One last question I have is how much will my sex life be effected? My fiancé has only read terrible reviews and is worried that sex will be awful (painful for both of us). When I go back to the doctor next month, I'm definitely going to try to have the strings shortened as much as possible so he won't feel them. He's larger than the average male down there and I'm petite. I'm not sure if he'll still feel it even if I cut the strings. Has anyone else had this problem? And if so, how do you cope with it?
Yes, some women can have prolonged bleeding after Mirena is inserted.
The manufacturer says that in the first 3 to 6 months your period may be irregular, or your period may be heavier at first and the number of bleeding days may increase, or you may have frequent spotting or light bleeding.
A few women may find that their periods are heavier than normal. Some women have heavy bleeding during this time.
You should call your health care provider if your period continues to be heavier than usual.
Please see the links below ... the first has reviews that you may find useful.
Hello, I had my mirena inserted mid June and have not stopped bleeding since. I'm very petite and got the mirena to help with my low iron since I bled heavily on my periods prior. I as well have a husband and we have not experienced anything negative with intimacy, he is as well larger on the average size, except that I'm constantly bleeding and heavier than ever. I'm only going to give this 6 months since this is my first contraceptive but am regretting getting this IUD. I have also experienced intense ocular migraines that are so bright in colors than ever before, I assume it is from the hormones. I would like to know of the bleeding daily all throughout the day is normal or should I reach back out to my ob/gyn. I reached out last month and my ultrasound came back normal. I am using super plus tampons and go through a box a week. Thank you for any help.
Votes: +0
MI
Misty9039
25 July 2018
I am currently on my third Mirena, The first being inserted in 2008, 8 years after my third child. The first insertion was painful but it was just cramping. I bleed with the first one for about 2 months on and off lightly. then things were great, I had that one removed in 2013 with 0 pain insertion was 0 pain, spotted for 7 days then 2 day light period each month for 5 years, Went in 7/23/2018 removal and insertion. here is how things have changed since 2008. They numb the cervix now with only large q-tips. no needles! it works well. no pain, no bleeding at all...
Votes: +0
DE
Debz7
10 Feb 2018
Ive had the coil in for 16 months and have bled on and off for all of it. Ive had cramping headaches fatigue and bleeding for long periods. I went to have it taken out but they told me to give it a while to see if it settles down but it hasn't and now im suffering for it. I hate the pain i feel from it and i wish i had never had it done now. I would not recommend to anyone.
Votes: +0
IW
IwonaTuttle
31 Aug 2023
I feel this is going to be me. I am regretting it and it is only 3 months and haven't had energy even for intimacy, I sleep alot now too, my migraine attacks have intensified and I haven't stopped bleeding except 3 days out of those three months. If I hadn't read this comment I'd feel so alone. I'm so sorry you are suffering.
HP
HP72
22 Dec 2017
I posted earlier, after having this coil fitted 25 July. I have continued to experience spotting to date, which would turn into heavier bleeds lasting a week or two at a time, but lighter than my periods prior to having the coil. I went for my check up 20 December. When I described this the consultant advised this was seepage bleeding and my options were to take mini pil aswell, to stop the bleeding, or to have operation to remove the lining of the whom. I have opted to take the mini pil as I didn't fancy having an op. However I sort of feel that having the coil has been a bit of a waste - I probably would have been better just taking the pil. But I suppose you don't know til your try. I am dreading having the coil removed in 5 years, as it was very painful having it fitted. I have tried to feel fit the strings but not been able to find them.
So don't actually know if it's in the right place, but given how uncomfortable I found the whole procedure, I didn't mention that to the dr as I didn't want to go through it again (wuss I know). Anyway Good luck to you all! H x
Votes: +0
PR
pr1cey
22 Dec 2017
I had the Mirena coil fitted 7th November as I was having 2 week long periods every 2 weeks for the last few years. I have been bleeding (not spotting) every day since having it in passing clots quite regularly (once as big as my thumb and quite regularly leak. I’ve also been getting some cramping. The bleeding is worse now long term than it was before and I never used to get any cramping.
I was told to expect bleeding for up to two weeks. It was never mentioned that it could take longer and after reading people’s experiences online I don’t know how long this could go on for. I feel quite annoyed that I wasn’t given the full honest facts, there’s no way I can attempt to date at the moment I just feel frustrated and tired.
Votes: +0
MI
MissHuynh
9 Nov 2017
I recently got the Mirena again on October 4th. This is my third time with the Mirena. And the first two times was an absolute breeze. No bleeding or pain after insertion or during the length of the Mirena. I had my son August 21st and I have not stopped bleeding. My doctor has been telling me it could last up to 6 months. But I have never had any issues with the Mirena or bleeding after birth as I just had my 4th kid so I’m a little concerned. I have a second opinion appointment coming up soon!
Votes: +0
JU
justagirlwithaniud
27 July 2017
Hi! I'm 18 years old, and I just got a mirena implant 2 and a half weeks ago. In terms of implant pain- I was used to some intense period cramps (which is why I went on birth control in the first place) so the pain was doable. Honestly I wish my healthcare provider was more upfront about the cramping and bleeding that would take place after the implant procedure. I've been bleeding pretty non-stop since I've gotten it put in. At first, it was brown looking blood and then turned to reddish/pink as the week went on. (not sure if I should be concerned about blood color... the uterus is thinning itself so an egg can't attach) just be prepared for at least two weeks of heavy period-type bleeding and cramps. sleeping on my side with a pillow in between my legs seems to help. GOOD LUCK!!
Votes: +0
NE
NemisisNemo
28 July 2017
The pain of the periods is why I also went ahead aswel as not having any more children however although we react different yours sounds similar to mine! However your health provider should of given you more information about the mirena you obviously know not to have sex for the first 7 days and if you do use a condom I also didn't have sex for a good 4 weeks! Please don't expect it to stop I did this make sure you have sanitary towels handy if you do stop just incase I had mine fitted 22nd March 2017 at 3:30pm (UK) to be exact and I still haven't had a break from the bleeding!! I've put weight on and had spots so also expect this the healthcare worker I had explained only in minimum within the terms of bleeding but doing my research fully you can bleed upto 2 years!
NE
NemisisNemo
28 July 2017
The pain of the periods is why I also went ahead aswel as not having any more children however although we react different yours sounds similar to mine! However your health provider should of given you more information about the mirena you obviously know not to have sex for the first 7 days and if you do use a condom I also didn't have sex for a good 4 weeks! Please don't expect it to stop I did this make sure you have sanitary towels handy if you do stop just incase I had mine fitted 22nd March 2017 at 3:30pm (UK) to be exact and I still haven't had a break from the bleeding!! I've put weight on and had spots so also expect this the healthcare worker I had explained only in minimum within the terms of bleeding but doing my research fully you can bleed upto 2 years!
NE
NemisisNemo
28 July 2017
Sorry! 14th March 2017 @ 3:10pm (UK)
ME
MelissaJill
29 July 2017
Third Mirena and still kicking
I just replaced my second mirena last week. I'm now starting my third, a 5 year cycle. After having my daughter, I went to mirena because the idea of "No Periods" sounded fantastic. Normal periods, for me were 12 very heavy days. My first couple of months with Mirena was very irragular. I discribe it as my body being confused. Sometimes I would have a period, then two weeks later, surprise, period. I didn't give up. Just was always prepared. (Although I had periods now randomly, they were considerably shorter and lighter) I knew that at some point Iwould be one of the women who had a period every couple of months. Then it happened. By the ninth month I was skipping months. Before I realized it time had past and I had not had a period in months.
As the mirena aged in years I notice that the periods start returning. First, with a little cramping here and there. Then next time, spotting. Till finally, they return full fource. (Last months of the five years) I pick a day I can stay home to have it replaced. I won't lie it hurts to have it removed. I care for the insertion even less. I have horrible cramps the day off and bleeding after. Like in the beginning, it's a new mirena, so that means new medicine. My body is confused all over again. Sadly, they're no short cuts for repeats. I will start the cycle of random and gradual period disappearence again. Hopefully, by me sharing my experience with the mirena it will give some of you some piece of mind.
A Mirena is going to shed the lining of your uterus when it is placed, therefore causing spotting/bleeding which is very normal until there is no more lining to shed. that is usually when you start noticing that your periods have stopped completely. I had my 1st Mirena back in 2003 following 2 weeks after childbirth. I don't really recall how long it took for the bleeding to stop considering I was still bleeding from childbirth but I know it wasn't that long, I'm assuming that the bleeding I was experiencing was cause from childbirth and not the shedding process considering your uterine lining already thins to prepare for childbirth. I absolutely loved the Mirena! I had no side effects, no periods and no sexual problems while I had this birth control. My husband was not able to feel the string at all but you do need to take in consideration that the string needs to be long enough to be able to self check that it is still in place each month.
I had my mirena removed a year early to have another baby and my pregnancy was very fast and successful. The only downfall to getting pregnant very soon after removal is your uterine lining being very thin which is not safe for a pregnancy, so my suggestion would be to wait a few months or so to get everything where it needs to be. After my pregnancy I decided to have a tubaligation, now 10 years later I was diagnosed with Endometrial Hyperplasia. This causes my uterine lining not to shed right and I experience very heavy and painful periods. I decided 2 weeks ago to have another Mirena inserted to fix this issue and I am on week 2 now experiencing spotting everyday since it was inserted, so in other words it is definitely doing its job! My point is that the Mirena is not just used for birth control, it is used for other problems and that is why we experience some side effects that come with it, like the spotting or prolonged bleeding. I know that some of this information I have shared was probably more than needed but I hope it helps someone understand what is going on and can ease some worries. I had a great experience with my first IUD and I am hoping that I have the same this time around. Good Luck!
Votes: +0
LE
Lemonlime623
2 June 2017
I'm 29, just had my second Mirena re-inserted today, never had kids. Still just as painful as the first time, if not more so. I'm the idiot who forgot to take pain medication, and am now suffering cramps and spotting--which, after the 2nd time, I'm not sure whether or not that's normal, though the cramping certainly and annoyingly is. The first time, I spotted a month before it went completely away. For those who want to know why it's better for a lot of women if they have kids, it's because your uterine/vaginal wall is permanently expanded, making it easier to set the Mirena in place. Women who've never had children have a narrower gap to insert the IUD. Oh, and the sex - life question? I would assume it depends on the person, but if anything, it enhanced my sex life, partly because of its effectiveness at preventing unwanted pregnancies.
Like I said, it's not a picnic, but the pros far outweigh the cons in this situation. I guess my own question would be to second or third timers: did you spot, and if so, how long was it for, as well as how long did you cramp for?
Votes: +0
ST
Student321
24 May 2017
I have had the merina coil in since February the 1st And have been bleeding ever since, bleeding varies with some days being heavy red blood and some spotting with light pink blood, I have only just started to notice that the the bleeding is slowing down nearly 5 months after insertion but due to the unpredictable nature I don't get excited when I start to see less blood anymore as in the same day I could start flooding again. Not to sound too harsh and just trying to help from experience of the merina, if you're not prepared for the possibility of bleeding and a disrupted sex life for a few months then this option probably isn't the best for you
Votes: +0
IW
IwonaTuttle
31 Aug 2023
I go from light sometimes to flooding within hours. This wad very honest.
CO
codyswife06
20 May 2017
I had my son 2 months ago an just recently got on the mirena an the bleeding his heavy an driving me crazy. I tried tampons an I think those make it worse. when does it stop?
Votes: +0
NE
NemisisNemo
15 March 2017
I had my mirena fitted 14th March 2017 at 3:10pm to be precise (lol) I took 3 paracetamol a hour before (I was told to take two a hour before but I'm a wuss and knew an extra would help) I've had three children first 2010 and last in 2016 I didn't feel anything! I felt the 'weird' sensation of the spectrum but that was it, although the first one slipped
Votes: +0
SU
Summerc
14 March 2017
I had it inserted while I was on my period. No kids and no previous birth control experience. I had my entire period that night. It was brutal. Then I just spotted for like two days and haven't had much of an issue since. The periods I've had since were very light. My doctor says with the way my body is responding, I should be done with periods in a few months. My sister spotted for about a week after. She wasn't on her period when she went, but we got it the same day. She hasn't really dealt with cramps, while I've had actual contractions from my body not liking it at first. Everyone's different there. My boyfriend is also a big on the large size there. He says he can feel the strings, but it's not painful and not enough to distract him from everything else. After a few times, he didn't even worry about it. They're not hard and pokey. The soften up with time.
Votes: +0
SA
Sarah1810
11 March 2017
I worried the same as you for months, I had mine inserted in august and i spotted everyday for 5 months which was annoying and a hassle, and it made me feel like it wasn't a good fit for me. But now I've been clear for 2 months with the odd bit of spotting(once every 2 weeks) and it's nothing like it was, it definitely is getting better. It really does just take time for your body to get used to it.
Votes: +0
JU
Juliehew
17 March 2017
I'm two months post mirena insertion. Still getting some cramping and bleeding and spotting. After a couple of heavy flooding episodes, gyno said my body hasn't accepted the mirena so 3 weeks ago gave me the depo provera shot. I have a large fibroid so he says the mirena may not work alone hence the shot. If this doesn't work I have to have the mirena removed and it would be classed as a fail. Everyone reacts to the mirena differently but I know some women don't see results before 6 months so I'm praying this works.
SA
Sadler17
4 June 2017
I just had mine inserted 5/26/17. A little background history on my journey... I wanted to get Mirena months ago when I started bleeding heavily, passing clots that looked like children I decided enough was enough. I went to OB/GYN and they suggested Mirena but I wanted them to check me out first because by nature I'm not a heavy bleeder. Well weeks later they found a massive fibroid in the lining but also pretruding out so I had surgery (vaginally) D&C and Hysteroscopy (check spelling) to remove fibroid (shaved off) instead of the other option hysterectomy. Anyway 2 months after the fibroid removal, I got Mirena as mentioned above about 1 week ago. I was on my cycle and went through 8 days of needing that went from heavy, to light and just a day ago dissolved to nothing. TMI coming next, had relations with my husband this morning and he said he could feel something but it sure didn't stop him and he said it didn't hurt. And there was no blood afterwards.
I'm soooooo hoping that this is the end of the blood until next cycle. I'm also very grateful that I had the fibroid removed first because I think the bleeding would have never stopped.
