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?
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
36 Answers Page 2
LE
lemongrass84
19 Dec 2016
I had the Mirena inserted about 6 weeks ago and have bled everyday since. It's annoying but never need more than a panty liner. I've read it lasts roughly 6 months so will stick it out until then. I got it inserted 15 weeks post birth and if hurt like hell! Maybe because I had stitches at birth and maybe a little tender but my uterus kept having spasms so the procedure took longer than normal. I definitely wanted to pull the plug on the procedure more than once but I thought if I could endure a painful childbirth I can tolerate this. We don't want another child but just in case we didn't want to risk the snip with my husband, we want to keep our options open and I've had bad experiences with Yaz and feeling depressed or apathetic towards all emotions and zero sex drive in the pill.
I find I'm still having low sex drive on mirena but not as low as when I was on the pill. I don't get the apathetic or depressed feeling nearly as bad, I hardly notice it so that's an improvement I guess. I only get mild, very mild cramps just prior to my cycle. The blood is brownish and everyday but only requires a panty liner. I do find I bleed quite a bit after a bowel movement. But goes back to spotting straight after.
Not sure if I will get it again in 5 years. By then we will well and truly have our minds made up if we want a second child. If jot, husband is getting the snip. I won't go through with that procedure again and don't want to put anymore synthetic hormones into my body ever again!
Votes: +0
AN
Annie79
26 Oct 2016
I had the Mirena put in on Aug 30 and still bleeding to this day. I'm wondering how much more I have to deal with its getting annoying.
Votes: +0
RD
RDGar
24 Sep 2016
I had the IUD inserted 3 months back, had been facing heavy bleeding issue for the past 2 years, and after trying several medications, gyn suggested mirena. It was painful, both my kids were through C section, so i guess thats why I couldn't take the pain, yes, i am a wuss when it comes to bearing pain.
I had light spotting and some flow on and off, but always had been wearing a panty liner. For the past few days, the flow has increased a bit, have noticed clots too. Usually tends to stop or reduce by the end of the day, then again in the morning, I notice a bit of a flow, i like to change the panty liner overtime I go to the bathroom. Have been worried why, but upon google searching, I learnt that the flow tends to keep changing for the first few months. Hope it works out well soon.
Votes: +0
LR
lrtaylor88
10 Aug 2013
I don't think the amount of pain nor bleeding/spotting really has much to with whether or not you've previously given birth. I say that because I've had two children. I had the mirena put in June 5th of this year. I took ibuprofen beforehand. And in 25 years I don't remember ever feeling anything quite as uniquely painful as that. I'm also still spotting. Sometimes accompanied by pretty painful cramps. I really really REALLY hope the benefits eventually outweigh the effort it took me not to scream like I was being physically assaulted when the doctor clamped unto my cervix.
Votes: +0
KR
Kris10Aus10
9 Aug 2013
This is my 2nd time getting the mirena put in and both times have been absolutely horrible. The first time I had it put it, after my 2nd child, I had non stop cramping and was bleeding continuously for a year. I had it removed 3 years later (to conceive) and got pregnant 12 weeks later. I recently had the mirena put in again 4 months ago and I've been bleeding heavily and cramping ever since. Not to mention how painful it was to have put in again... after having 3 kids! Sometimes I honestly think having a hysterectomy is best compared to the daily pain from the mirena. I only chose this B/C because I don't trust the pill and I'm in no position of having a 4th baby any time soon.
Votes: +0
AM
ambrown652
11 July 2013
I had my mirena inserted may 31, 2013. Today is July 11, 2013. I have had 2 kids. I decided to have the iud because of potential no periods and of course the hassle free birth control. The insertion for me was a breeze. My doctor wanted me to be on my cycle to make insertion easier. Gross I know. Insertion is kind of like a slight quick period cramp. I honestly went in terrified it was gonna hurt bc I read reviews beforehand, but it didn't hurt at all. The first 2 weeks were nice. I thought. "Man! This is awesome!" Very light bleeding more like just spotting or blood when I wiped and minimal cramps. HOWEVER... I have now made my appt to have this thing removed! The past couple weeks I have bled constantly, and oh my lord the cramps are hideous! It almost feels like the mini contractions. And the sex drive thing... well I use to could want to do it all day long. Now, since mirena... I haven't had the urge to even think about sex.
I haven't even had sex while on it! I don't want to have sex bleeding, its gross to me. I personally don't like mirena.
Votes: +0
MO
mommyQ223
13 July 2013
I decided to get mirena because i was not on birthcontrol since i had my son feb 2011 and i was tired of counting days and remembering to stay home around ovulation time. It got annoying to keep up with. So i opted to get the mirena. I have been on orthro evra before i got pregnant for 3 years then nothing for a year and a half and i finally got caught up and got pregnant.(me and my fiance are like rabits lol) so the procedure to get the mirena put in wasnt bad at all. I got it done june 30th. Before i was taken back my doctor gave me 2 advil and made me wait 15 minutes. It didnt hurt at all. I was on my period and i have a high tolerance for pain. Ivve barely had cramps and didnt feel any contractions with my 10lb son. I was up and moving the day after my c section like nothing happened lol. My only gripe with mirena is the i am stil bleeding and it is getting quite annoying. Its like im still on my period.
AM
ambrown652
13 July 2013
Yeah, I've been bleeding for 6 weeks. Very annoying.
TX
Txmom619
13 July 2013
I have a 3 1/2 year old and last year I destroyed my leg in a fall and I was in the hospital for two weeks and had 3 major surgeries. I could not walk for 6 months and I am still on pain meds. I got the Mirena inserted July 1st. I have a low pain tolerance since my injury so my husband held my hand and it only a hurt a little bit. I spotted the first few days and got my period on July 5th and I am still bleeding and cramping quite a bit. The Mirena has also triggered my migraines. My doctor's nurse said it was common to bleed a lot the first 3 months. If I don't stop bleeding soon I am thinking about having it removed.
Hi, I would say hang in there, I'm on my 3rd mirena. It takes time to settle but I have not had a period that is more than a tiny drip now for over ten years! Ive had my new one inserted today and I have aches, cramps and bleeding, but it does settle back down. You can have the threads trimmed if your partner can feel them.
Votes: +1
NI
nicoleballard1113
15 Aug 2016
Got my mirena in a month ago and have had maybe 5 days of no bleeding the rest I've been bleeding and not just spotting either! Was wondering how much longer it may be before letting up on me!
NI
nicoleballard1113
15 Aug 2016
Got my mirena in a month ago and have had maybe 5 days of no bleeding the rest I've been bleeding and not just spotting either! Was wondering how much longer it may be before letting up on me!
ST
student01
16 Aug 2016
I just got my second one placed in June. I had this one placed right on the start of my period and like the first time, I bled for 2 weeks. The experience was slightly less painful than the first and cramping only lasted for the day. I had slight spotting in July when I should have had my period, but nothing since.
Nicole, do you have your one month check-up scheduled yet? They will make sure the device is in place and provide reassurance that your bleeding is most likely normal. Everyone takes a little bit of time to adjust. They usually want you to wait somewhere between 3-6 months to see if this IUD is right for you. If you decide it's not a good fit for your body (like non-stop bleeding), you may want to try another brand with a different level of hormones.
TA
Tavie40
4 Dec 2016
Hello I know this is very old but I got the mirena inserted 3 weeks ago and I go from light flow to spotting to sometimes a little heavier and cramping Really get discouraged and thinking about getting taken out Is this normal? And do u know why something that's suppose to stop or make your flow lighter causes this in the beginning?
TA
Tavie40
4 Dec 2016
Hello I know this is very old but I got the mirena inserted 3 weeks ago and I go from light flow to spotting to sometimes a little heavier and cramping Really get discouraged and thinking about getting taken out Is this normal? And do u know why something that's suppose to stop or make your flow lighter causes this in the beginning?
SU
Summerc
13 Jan 2017
Started my period yesterday. Got mirena about 2.5 hours ago. I've gone through 3 heavy flow pads since and giant clots are coming out so much. My Dr's office is already closed so I can't ask if this is normal
AR
Ariesjenn
30 Jan 2017
Ty you give me hope.. I only spotted lightly the first 2wks but now it's getting a bit heavier.. is this normal? How long did it last?
I gave birth by C-Section in late February. I got the Mirena inserted on 21 May, it didn't hurt too bad since I took two ibuprofens. My cycle came on June 1st and has been on ever since.It has been heavy every single day, and I'm starting to wonder if it was worth it.
Votes: +0
CO
coco3180
3 July 2013
Hi, I had my first mirena inserted on May 21st too and i spotted for a few days and then it stopped. Thought it was great, but come June 1st (like you) my cycle came really heavy for a couple of weeks down to a slow flow for one week then back up to a full force flow. It has been constant and relentless. Friends tell me that the side effects aren't worth it and consider having it taken out. I am off on holiday in a few weeks and I'm really hoping that I stop bleeding in time. I'm impatient at the best of times, but this is really testing!
CH
chikapea444
10 June 2013
I had Mirena inserted just about 3 weeks ago after giving birth to my daughter in April. I highly recommend getting this after you've already had a child AND when you're on your period because I seriously did not feel any pain whatsoever. Maybe some slight pressure but stubbing my toe has hurt worse than that. Because I had just recently given birth, my cervix had not completely closed (and the fact that I was already back on my period helped) which made putting it in much less painful- no clamp needed!
Also, I did take 800mg of Ibuprofen about an hour or two before I went in, this probably helped with not having any pain too. I also continued taking it after the 6 hours. After having a history of horrible menstrual cramps, I didn't want to "test the waters" so-to-speak to see if I would have any cramping. I missed the dose in the middle of the night, however, and woke up to some cramping; a little worse than I expected, but not completely unbearable. This lasted the first 3 or 4 days - but with Ibuprofen it completely went away. As I was already on my period at the time, I was expecting to have spotting which was no big. However, it's been almost 3 weeks and I'm still having a little bit of a flow. Never need anything more than a pantyliner and it's usually worse in the morning (I expect because I lay flat to sleep at night - thanks gravity) but by the afternoon I'm home free. To put it in a bit more of a perspective, the spotting isn't enough to put a damper on my sex life (And the strings haven't been troublesome either!). And it's getting lighter and lighter. I do have - what I think is - random cramping occasionally, but it is barely noticeable. I think it's just my body still adjusting to having such a foreign object inside. My doctor warned me about the cramping/spotting thing and it could last a few months but what I'm experiencing by no means is enough for me to run back and have it taken out. It has been a SLIGHT inconvenience, but compared to having to take the pill everyday, I'll take this 10x over!
Votes: +1
TR
tracy9134
10 June 2013
I had my mirena inserted on 30 April. My cycle ended 3 days later very abruptly. On 17 May it stated again quite heavy and has continued until now. Its goes from light spotting and I think its going to stop to real bleeding... all in one day. I only have to wear panty liners, but the fact this it is a light flow daily and for so long is really getting on my nerves. I have had the Copper T and it was nothing like this. This is less painful and my body adapted better to the mirena. I had a history of heavy periods so this was suppose to solve my problem. Im so tired of wearing a pad everday and sex is out of the question. I have felt extremely tired and exhausted and don't know if this is common. Some days I feel washed out and very irritable. I was desperate because the heavy periods would cause me to have to limit my travel or activities. Im hoping my period will end all together but so far NOT. Im 45 with a 2 year old and we certainly don't want another. I will give it until july and then Im taking it out.
Votes: +0
MA
mania72
30 April 2017
Hi, could you tell me what did you finnaly do? did you have it removed?Or the blleding stopped? Im your age and sittuation, wanted my heavy periods to end and after the IUD i've been bleeding for 4 moths almost.
CA
cat234
18 May 2017
I had the Mirena inserted on 28/3 and I've been bleeding pretty much every day since, had the worst cramping I've ever experienced - the whole pelvic region is sore, the pain spreading around both hips and right down to the the tops of my legs and nothing can touch the pain - not even cocodamol. I've now realised in my late 30s that the cramps I got as an 11yr old were stomach migraines and not just cramps) and am still getting severe migraine attacks (lasting up to 10 days, eyes streaming for at least 50%of the time thus leading to conjunctivitis (the joy!) with the 3+days following an attack coming back to "normality". I can no longer take BC pills as I'm suffering with these severe migraines so this was my last hope of having some semblance of a life. As for sex, it's the last thing I ever want to do as I'm having to sleep in jogging bottoms and wear bladder control pads as the flow is so heavy. Had enough now and I'm not 2 months in. Made an appointment to have it out in 7 days time (not that I'm counting!).
JE
Jenny420
6 June 2013
I had Mirena inserted I week ago, have had light bleeding and heavy cramping ever since. I have two children aged 22 & 18. I had procedure to stop heavy, peri-menopausal bleeding. I feel like I was mislead by my doc of 25 yrs ( who also happens to be in the top 10 docs EVERY YEAR in my state) who told me "I would love it, very little side effects". At least I knew that when I got my period every 30 days, life would be awful for 5 days. Help please?
Votes: +1
BE
beanybaby
27 May 2013
So, this is my first time doing any forum-related activity, but... I got mirena inserted on 5/20/13, while on my cycle. I swapped from Lo Loestrin B/C pill, and had it inserted on the day I should have started the new pill pack. The bleeding slowed into spotting and the spotting ended the following Thursday.
Friday night I slept over with my boyfriend, and we ha (protected) intercourse that night and Saturday morning. Everything seemed fine, and normal, then Sunday morning I had sudden menstrual-type bleeding, and it hasn't let up any. We tried out a few new positions (I'm still new to this), and a couple of them were very painful for me.
He changed our position immediately, of course, but now I wonder, could the bleeding be related to that, or a side-affect of mirena, or both? I read elsewhere that intercourse immediately after the cycle can "rattle" leftover residue loose, but this seems like a bit much to be that... It's like my whole period has started over but it seems weird that the cervical lining could get built up and begin to shed again that fast! I've already ruled out risk of infection/mirena moving - it's still in place.
I hope I'm alright to ask this here - any answers would be very much appreciated!!
Votes: +0
MA
mallorylewis3
3 June 2013
hey, this is my first time doing this too and i came to this site to look for answers myself... i picked yours because we got ours at the same time and were taking the same BC pills prior... ok so on th pill my cycle stopped which i had no problem with i liked that , now the day i got my mirena i was on my last week of BC and she said dont take them anymore... i honestly think thats why im still bleeding because i stopped the pills cuz my body was use to them... the mirena was horribly painful indeed i kinda want it out already and go back to pills cuz everytime i think about the procedure to get it and the thought of taking it out makes me sick... but like i said im still bleeding i havent had sex since and i havent tried to see ifi can feel the strings up there... I just feel some type of way now that i have mirena wish i never did it!!
FO
Forever_Menstruating
16 July 2018
I’ve also never posted on forums before. And looks like im writing years later.
I got mine inserted on June 12th had horrific cramps, nausea, and dark dry spotting for a week. Then got my period on the 25th of June and have been HEAVILY bleeding for 25 days... cramps so bad im exhausted every day, ibuprofen, codeine wasn’t even working! Im so hopeful this will start to get better soon, as I got my mirena to fix my heavy painful periods and a touch of endometriosis, but seeing the above comments saying this could go on for 6 months is freaking me out.
KJ
Kjhuber227
6 Sep 2018
First, thank you for everyone sharing their stores. It’s comforting to know that other women are going through what you do.
I had my Mirena inserted in April 2018 due to heavy persistent periods since January 2018 and simple hyperplasia diagnosis. My husband and I decided that this was a better option for us instead of taking progesterone pills for six months. We weren’t planning on having anymore children so it was fine. The bleeding hasn’t stopped, I have secere cramping and I’m exhausted. My doctor tells me it can take up to 3 months for me to stop bleeding but after already bleeding since January... it’s very frustrating. I’m supposed to go back this month for a check up but am thinking of telling my doctor to remove it.
Thank god my husband is very understanding cause I too don’t feel much like being intimate. I mean who does when your bleeding constantly. I really wish there was a better solution.
I had my Mirena inserted on May 2nd. It was the worst/weirdest pain I've ever experienced. I actually screamed when she plunged it in (never had kids, not going to.) The cramps the day of were brutal and I was exhausted but the next day I felt pretty good.
My flow is very light and the insertion took place on the 3rd day of my period (when it's usually getting ready to end) and I'm still bleeding. Not heavily, but I need to wear a panty liner every day and I tend to cramp in the afternoon. I'm wondering how long this will last.
Votes: +0
LA
lassolouise
28 July 2013
I am in your exact situation as of 07/27/13. Insertion was 5 days ago for me. How are you doing now?
AM
Amy Gee
21 Aug 2013
I am having same thing. Had it put in while on my period and it was blinding pain. That was about 8 days ago and I'm still bleeding heavily and horrible cramps even in my back and sides wondering when it will stop
BP
Bpck2015
1 May 2013
I had mirena implanted on April 9th 2013. I gave birth in April of 2012 so the insertion was a breeze.. I didn't even feel anything. I was on my cycle at the time of insertion and it immediately went from a normal flow to spotting. I spotted up until April 26th. The last couple days there has not been any sign of spotting, not even small amount of brown when I wipe. I also had some pretty intense cramps towards the 2nd week on my right side. I know bc can cause cysts and at my follow up US the tech confirmed I had a small one forming. Since the 26th I haven't had any cramping though so I'm assuming it has remedied itself. I love mirena so far. I know I haven't had it for very long, but it's extremely worth it. I can't remember to take a pill, nuva ring made me a little crazy and my doctor refuses to give the shot. Mirena was the most logical choice for us when it came to BC.
Votes: +0
MZ
mzmelissa1007
19 April 2013
I had the Mirena inserted (the 1st time) in late March 2008. I was 18- turned 19 in April. I haven't had kids so the insertion was painful. I didn't take anything for pain before hand but I wish I had. I actually put my fist through the wall it hurt so bad. I had severe cramps and surges of pain for about 5 days. I bled heavily for a little over a week; then slowed to spotting for a week then I stopped completely. Never had a period again. Well today I had it replaced since my 5 years were up last month. (Side note- my doc said they are still effective up to 6 months past the expiration date). I'm 24 now and of course still no kids. I remembered what last time was like and I imagined it would be worse with a removal taking place too so I took 2 Aleve last night before bed; 2 more at 6am when I got to work then 2 ibuprofen at 11am. My appt was at 11:30.
The removal was painful but no more than hitting your funny bone one good time. (Which I did do when she clamped my cervix. Kinda startled me lol) However the insertion of the new one was worse than last time. I literally screamed. The nurse hit the floor when I squeezed her hand. The cramps are still terrible. I took 2 tramadol when I got home and the edge is slowly coming down. I'm bleeding pretty bad- it's the dark colored flow like I used to have after my period. I'm hoping I won't hurt or bleed like last time. I'm 24 now. I will be 29 when it's time to come out. Done told me boyfriend he's getting snipped because I ain't going through that again :) we both done decided no kids so the Mirena has been the best option so far. However it kills my soul knowing I paid $1200 for this much pain because my insurance didn't cover it. Well that's my story. Have a good weekend ladies.
