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?
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36 Answers Page 3
AN
anonymous30
26 Feb 2013
I've had the mirena for five years, and actually just had mine replaced this week. Needless to say I've found the mirena to be worth the hassle, although certainly there is hassle involved. My experience was that I had frequent bleeding and cramping that varied in severity for about three months. I took Ibuprofen frequently and decided to just wait it out. Eventually it got better, the bleeding subsided, the cramping became limited to only being premenstrual, and then eventually both the bleeding and cramping went away altogether. For the past four years I've barely had a period and have never had to use anything more than a pantyliner, which has been wonderful. It hasn't affected my sex life negatively, if anything it has helped because my partner and I don't have to worry about having other contraceptives. Sex has never been painful or awkward for either of us, although he did tell me he used to be able to feel the strings.
That sensation will diminish the longer you have it though, because the strings will soften with time. Counterintuitively, you don't want the strings too short, because that will make it worse. Picture a piece of plastic fishing string that is an inch long compared to a quarter of an inch - the longer piece has more bend and will feel less sharp, whereas the shorter one will poke you more because it ends up being stiffer. So I would say that the strings are something you and your partner may notice, but it won't impede with sex and it will get better with time. My main message is that yes, everyone's body will react differently, and certainly the mirena is not for everyone (as with all birth control!). However, the first 3-6 months are the hardest, and if you can get through those it will get better and make your life much easier in the long run. And you can't beat the peace of mind it gives you, which to me was worth a tough couple months.
Votes: +3
AR
Ariesjenn
13 Jan 2017
Ty your comment made me hopeful! I just got mirena inserted today and it was horrible! You give me hope it will get better.
BO
BobbiToones
28 Aug 2017
I just had my Mirena replaced today after 5 years with the first. I had complex endometrial hyperplasia, and it was either a mirena or oral progesterone, which turns me into a basketcase. So Mirena it was. Like other experiences you read about the first 6 months or so are the roughest. Since I had hyperplasia with an endometrium severely overgrown, my first two months were very trying. I bled A LOT. Cramped a lot. Felt awful as my body worked to get my endometrium rid of the hyperplasia. So at my 6 month check-up they biopsy the endometrium and the hyperplasia was gone. My endometrium lining was down to about 6mm (from the highest readings of 14+mm with months of continuous bleeding). I must admit I seriously considered getting rid of the mirena during those first months, but I am quite grateful that I stuck it out. I have had 4+ years of very light bleeding and it got rid of my hyperplasia.
My issues were: periodic ovarian cyst ruptures (about 4 in 5 years), reduction in libido and painful sex (which my doc says is due to inflammation). It's tough choices we have to make in the care of our bodies, and depending upon why you're having to choose Mirena it could be the best choice for you. My advice to anyone searching is to continue doing some research (as you're doing right now) and listen to & advocate for your body. Good luck and best wishes to all.
SW
Sweinel
27 Dec 2017
This was very helpful. I had my Mirena inserted 5 wks ago. I had the first week with cramping and and then 1 week nothing. Then heavy again. Now constant spotting. Very annoying. Have also had headaches. Is that common?
I had my inserted on 11/7 the frist 2-3weeks I only spotted very lightly. Now I been heavy bleeding for a few weeks with terrible cramps. I dnt know wat to do or how long it will last. I been considering taking it out.
Votes: +0
AM
Amber Calfy
22 July 2013
Ya a year late here sorry about this but I had my kid 4/5/13 and got the Mirana 6/4/13 and I'm still cramping and bleeding now the first 4 weeks were spotting but the last three weeks were heavy and cramping got ten times worse I'm for sure considering taking it out its annoying
AN
anad123
18 Dec 2012
I had mine inserted 2 weeks ago today. It was the most painful medical procedure I have ever had (with no sedation or medication). I have never had children, but have no idea if that is even an issue. I have bled every single day since the insertion and have mild cramping which gets worse in the afternoon.
I have had emergency surgery which required sticking a long needle through to the back of my eyeball while I was wide awake. I would do that 10 times before I will go through this Mirena thing again.
When it is removed, I will have to have some type of medication and/or sedation as I will not willingly get on that table without it.
Votes: +0
AM
Amanda1967
30 July 2013
I've just had the mirena coil inserted for the second time after having it removed for pregnancy. The first fitting was absolute agony ( during and for hours after) as I didn't take painkillers before my appointment. This time, however, I took Ibruprofen and Codeine 30 minutes beforehand and the pain was minimal. So I guess the key is to 'saddle up' with painkillers before your fitting.
IB
Ibel120
18 Nov 2011
Hello, I'm really late at responding but I'd like to share my experience.
I switched from Ortho-Evra (I had a really positive experience with it but couldn't afford $100/mo with health insurance for the monthly box) and decided I would try Mirena, since I had a negative experience with the pill.
I got the Mirena on March 8, 2011 and bled for 6 months straight with hardly any free days. The first 3mo was heavy bleeding and then I started bleeding lightly then heavily. It's finally at the spotting stage, which my doctor says it's perfectly fine. Unfortunately, my sex drive has gone down significantly to the point where I would be fine not having sex for the next 4 1/2 yrs I have left with the Mirena. I feel slight discomfort during intercourse and my partner at the time complained about the strings (which are relatively small). My current boyfriend complains a lot because of the dryness.
It hasn't been so great but I feel happy that my period has decreased about 90% compared to how it was when on Ortho/the pill, which is one of the reasons why I got it.
I occasionally get cramps around the time I'd normally be getting a period but, that's about it. I could say my body responded well: no expulsion during a period, rejection, or infection.
Votes: +1
RK
rkcf
4 June 2011
I had a Merina inserted on the 11th April and have been Spotting and bleeding ever since , I was really hoping that this procedure was going to help me but I don't know now so I guess I am no help at all as I was told you could bleed on and off for 3 to 6 months, has anyone had this problem, Cheers
Votes: +0
ST
student01
6 June 2011
I spotted for approximately 2-2.5 weeks after having it inserted. I was supposed to have my period during that second week anyway, so it made sense. After that time, I haven't spotted since. I'm waiting to have my second period.
YA
yam12
30 March 2012
yes me i had mind 6 avril after six day i been bleeding sience then now its 20 days i dont know what to do and its make me feel sick
NI
Nisha87
11 April 2013
I've been having the same problem as well. I've had the mirena for a little over 3 months and I've been bleeding nonstop ever since. I'm not sure if the mirena has shifted or not. I see the commercials on tv constantly and I kind of worry.
LA
Latonya Few
23 May 2013
I have had dis prblm. N I wuz told da same thng. I've been bleeding goin on 2 months nw nun stop.
NI
nicoleballard1113
15 Aug 2016
I had mine inserted a month ago and have been bleeding pretty heavy off and on (more on) since then! I'll stop for a day then start again! It's really annoying and am being told it could be up to 3 months
AB
abbyzmom15
19 Nov 2016
I got mine like three weeks and its have been bleeding... a week ago I called my doctor that put it in and I told him my problem and he told me that's not normal to be bleed that way... so I had to make an appointment for a check up. I go in and they tell me they cant find it not even the string... but my husband says he can feel it... this is the second time im having problems with an iud. frist time it punctured my uterus but when they put it in my bleeding stop after two days... (had sex and that punctured my uterus) now this time I get it and this before I got it I had an abortion two months before getting the iud... now they telling me I have to go to the er for an ultrasound to find it... so ya I cant help you with that either...
KN
Knoxlife75
19 June 2017
I have gotten the Merina on the 20th of May and been bleeding every since I have had side effects from it like an allergic reaction I broke out in hives and every time I cramp I brake out in hives and my cramps are unbearable.
