I had minera inserted 3 weeks ago and have had spotting ever since, which I understand will go away eventually, but the cramping is pretty much everyday, very low, and restricts even being mobile on a bad day. I never had frequent cramping with my periods so this is almost unbearable for me. I am not sure if I should get it checked or removed, or just wait since it has only been 3 weeks.
Mirena - How long does the cramping generally last?
Question posted by lisaOB on 21 April 2012
Last updated on 18 April 2021
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.
34 Answers Page 2
MPenn71
31 Jan 2017
I had my IUD inserted a few days ago ... wasn't aware of the extent of the side effects or how long they could last!
My Dr did tell me about possibly experiencing some cramping for the next little bit (every person is different so she couldn't say how long it would last) maybe some spotting for a few weeks ... so far it's been near constant cramping that feels like the first stages of labour ... that just never ends ... with some added extra back pain thrown in (just to make it extra fun) and also makes it hard to sit at my desk and work ... and the headaches, I've never had headaches like these ... and I've suffered from migraines occasionally!
If I had known what I know now about the side effects I would reconsider the IUD ... my daughter is getting married in less than 3 weeks and I'm hoping that I can enjoy the day, her bridal shower that I hosted yesterday was rough!
I got the IUD to help with my endometriosis, which has gotten worse over the last year ... so it was the IUD or a hysterectomy... I'm only 45, didn't want to jump start myself into menopause so I thought this would be better ... with the amount of Tylenol 3's I'm taking I'm not so sure!
Just wondering if I should cut my losses or hold out and hope it gets better???
Grumpylady
7 Feb 2017
I hope you are feeling better. I have endometriosis as well and on 1/26/17 had a laproscopic ovarian cystectomy, (diagnostic laproscopy), removal of adhesions and a vaginal (!!! ) Endiometriosis removal (gross and rare), hysteroscopy and iud insertion while I was under general.
I have always had issues with spotting; i have never had kids (35 yo) ; was having some minimal pain with intercourse. Spotting and a huge endometrioma were the indications for sx.
Obviously, after the surgery i was having other pains that i was focused on (from the CO2 when they do the laproscopy). After that pain resolved I started noting a constant dull (but sometimes shooting) pain which i can only describe as the sensation you get when you first "pull a groin." Mostly on the right but sometimes on the left.
Also when i contort my body (im petite)-so sitting with my legs up, on my sides, etc, the nerve irritation makes me "feel" the iud rubbing around in there (which of course it isnt). Very uncomfortable. The pain is there and its not excruciating but so uncomfortable that it is constantly on the forefront of my mind. I have read hours (not a joke) of articles and forum posts (i myself am a MD but not a obgyn) and have read arguments that convince me to suck it up and carry on and also to bail out and seek alternatives. I have been texting my doc but i think she seems surprised at my discomfort so im interested to see her at an appointment tomorrow and will update this thread on any pertinent information i can give. I myself cannot see how i can operate a busy clinic with this kind of discomfort. It really sucks. Although... thinking back in retrospect, several days ago i also had severe discomfort in my bladder and that has let up slightly. Keep you posted.
Clarkem5
2 Dec 2016
I just got mine inserted yesterday 12/1/16 and went right back to work seeing patients afterwards with no problems . I have horrible cramping with my cycle which is why I have been on the pill for years. I am experiencing some cramping today but am not sure if it's from my cycle or from the mirena. The experience for me wasn't excruciating. Honestly the insertion process felt exactly how my normal cramps feel. If the cramping is like this for weeks it will be incredibly annoying but not impossible and I'm hoping that it won't be bad for me. Good luck to you ladies!
CMorgan1081
7 Nov 2016
I had my Mirena inserted on Oct. 28th, which as of today is really on a week and a few days, but I am experiencing the WORST cramps I've ever had. I have to wear a pad non stop because of the spotting and my mood has been horrible. I've had a child so the insertion was a piece of cake but two days afterwards, I started cramping so bad I was in tears. Look, I've had a kid with an epidural but it didn't work so I know pain and honestly this is pretty damn close on the pain scale. I will be calling my doctor this week, because I really do not want to wear pads 24/7 for fear of random spotting and I really can't take the cramping, it's absolutely unbearable. Did anyone's cramps go away? Guess I'll have to go with pills which I hate because I never remember to get them refilled or to take them, plus they're expensive as hell. I just can't take the cramping... I legit feel like I'm dying.
cali38
28 Nov 2016
I had mirena inserted 5 days ago. I started spotting the next day and it's getting heavier now. Plus I've been experiencing pain since. It doesn't feel like cramps, just pain in the uterus or around the pelvic area. Called the doctor and he told me that it's normal and it's the body adjusting to it. I'm very worried as I read that sometimes it moves out of place, or it can perforate the wall of the uterus. Anyone experiencing some symptoms?
Lozza12
29 Nov 2016
I had the injection and bled for 6weeks straight then nothing for a year but it just didnt work out I was so moody me and my partner almost broke up. So I decided to get the coil I heard a lot of people said it worked wonders for them well I had it inserted just under a month ago and there was pain I have been non stop bleeding the whole time I am having constant cramps all the time so the doctor gave me naprocin to stop the pain then she spoke to another doctor and decided to put me on methanamic acid after a week of taking these I had dhyoria then the bleeding stopped and started in my poo so I've stopped taking the tablets and now I'm in so much pain with cramps I don't know if I should wait it out or just get it removed since having it it has just caused me complete problems I have just started at a new Job and can't keep time off as I'm in the probation period ...
Bmcc26
1 Nov 2016
I had my Mirena inserted on September 12 which was six weeks after having my daughter. My experience has been awful!! I have not stopped bleeding since I got it out in, I have major cramping randomly throughout the day, and I just hate it.. I talked to my doctor and she put me on Provera about 2 1/2 weeks ago to try to stop the bleeding and it has just gotten heavier.. I'm holding out to the three month mark and if it doesn't stop I have have to find another method of birth control.. I had the mirena when I was 18 with no problems at all but had it taken out early to try to have another baby but this time around has been completely awful! Best of luck to you ladies! If you are considering getting a Mirena put in, really think about it.
Jgmiddleton73
15 Oct 2016
I just had Mirena put in Oct 11 and have had pain and cramping. It's pretty intense and I got the Mirena 5 years ago 5 weeks after I had my baby. The first Mirena I had no pain, cramps or even discomfort other than at time of insertion and even that was minor. This time, I've had terrible pelvic pain, cramps and even back pain. My sister just had a baby 4 months ago and had one put in a month ago and other than discomfort with initial procedure, she's had no problems or pain at all. When you read about mirena on their web site it says it is for women who have had a baby. So, here is what I've concluded. This is a foreign object and like someone here said, our body's natural reaction is to try to get it out. Hence the bad cramps causing pelvic and back pain. Mine ebb and flow and change in intensity so that makes sense. 5 years ago I just had a baby.
That Mirena ring was pretty insignificant compared to the 8 pound baby I just had. So, my body probably didn't even notice that little thing. Apparently 5 years later my body knows it's in there and is painfully trying to get it out. I'm taking 4 ibuprofen 2-3 times a day with a muscle relaxer and that seems to help. And a heating pad... i'm not a doctor but I do have two different experiences with this mirena and based on the differences really do think I've figured it out. Good luck and hope this helps give some insight.
cindy95
20 Oct 2016
I am 41 years old and I have been diagnosed last year with Anxiety, panic, depression and vertigo so these systems are very challenging for me. For the past two months I have had on and off bad menstral bleeding and clots and pelvic cramps. Hurt so bad. I have had various tests and comes up with nothing everything is normal. I do not understand. I,go to my gyno doctor and him being a male I do not think he understands. He said for my bleeding to stop you either need the iud or hysterectomy. Those were my only choices well that is a big thing to think about. I don't feel the doctor cares about my health and getting me better. I feel like I am a number.
The doctor pressured me into trying the iud. I got it put in yestureday and yes for 39 seconds the pain is horrible. You can feel the uterus opening with the tool they use. They have to measure the uterus then they insert the hormone tshape object inside your uterus. Make sure you feel the string as well. I would also suggest taking motrin prior to having the iud installed to minimize the pain. Afterwords you can still feel the pain and cramping and my doctor gave me the torrid shot that works for about 6 hours to help the cramping.
Today is day two and I am still having bleeding and bad cramps. I went to see a female doctor this time and she said bleeding and cramping is normal and to give it time. I need to go back to work and no way can I work like this. I have been reading on this site and from what I see you won't see the cramping get pain stop for 6 months? I do not think I can go that long with this pain. I will keep posted.
Jelena0079
9 Nov 2016
Just giving update I have IUD to reverse my complex hyperplasia apparently new one will be inserted I had this one for 5 months pain still continues hope the pain is not ad bad.
Lapiper37
20 Sep 2016
I originally had the Mirena inserted back in November of 2010. I honestly thought I was not going to make it through those first few months. I had mine put in due to the severity of my monthly periods. The cramping and pain would literally take me out of life for a few days. Just like many of those in this thread I was ready to have it yanked out within the first month. The cramps were constant and the spotting with exactly the same. Constant! My Gyno told me to hang in there. Ibprofen and Aleve were my best friends (not at the same time). At month 3 I decided I was done. I scheduled an appointment and advised my Gyno how I felt. I was a 40 year old woman and this was seriously affecting my "enjoyment" of life with my better half. He asked me to hang in one more time. If I could just leave it in til the 6th month mark it would get better. I have alot of faith in my gyno and gave it 2 more months. And I'm glad I did.
I just hit my 5 year mark and had a new one re-inserted yesterday. Today I am back at work good as new. Over the last 4 years and 6 months I've had very little spotting and cramps are non-existent now. While those first 6 months were literally HELL - it does help and it does work - from a survivor!
JenMinott1979
29 Sep 2016
Did you experience any weight gain? Did you notice you were eating more? I am getting married next year and I am trying to lose weight, get rid of my acne and I am prone to get headaches/migraines. I just had the mirena inserted on Monday 9/26/16. Its only been a few days as my body is adjusting but I have had severe cramping every day, headache constant and today on day 3 I have eaten everything in site. If this continues this is the OPPOSITE of what I want especially with my wedding right around the corner. I would rather have the heavy periods once a month that to experience this every day for 6 months.
Cramps18
1 Nov 2018
I just got the marina put in n I’m in so much pain n cramping how much of that should I expect
Littlefirefly82
16 Sep 2016
Ive had mirena in for exac5a week. The first day it was so bad i had to have a friend find me pain meds. Not an easy thing to do it seems. I havent had to go to that extreme since. But,im still taking a lot of midol,and motrin. It started as sever cramping in my stomach all the way down my thighs. Now it feels more like period cramps. But,its still not going away. My question is,is it just as bad getting it removed? Im pretty much afraid of everything right now. And god forbid sexual contact. Here i thought that was the whole point of birth control. And now im afraid ill never be able to do it again.
TaylorDanielle
5 May 2017
It's not as bad getting it removed but it definitely hurts.
Mamimia
16 Sep 2016
I had Mirena placed about 2 weeks ago. I was bleeding non stop prior (due to fibroids or pre menopause, Dr's aren't sure) and this is supposed to release a small bit of progesterone so as to stop the bleeding. I have had a pulmonary embolism in the past so they didn't want me to take progesterone tablet based. Well... After 2 weeks I'm still bleeding, even more than before and they are putting me on the tablets too. When they placed Mirena the cramping was very painful, not like child birth but like when you dialate, but now my cramps are outta this world! Every day they seem worse. I take Percocet for nerve damage related to a whole other issue, but not even that helps much at all, so I can say that Advil or Tylenol wouldn't even touch this type of pain. I'm gonna have to stick it out for a month because blood loss, with my situation, is more serious than my suffering with pain.
Not sure I'll make it , but will update with any info I find out along the way. I think any foreign object in the body is risky and not wanted unless there are no other options and Mirena seems to be proving that theory.
JessieDenver
19 March 2017
Hi, your story is so similar to mine..the Mirena was supposed to be my solution to irregular bleeding and it's been over a week since insertion and I'm in so much pain with continual cramping and back pain. Can you provide me with an update on your outcome? I realize it has been years but your experience is the one that closest resembles my situation. Thank you.
Jelena0079
14 Sep 2016
I have had the mirena for 3 months now it hasn't been easy.i struggled with pain in tears severe cramping I called my gyno twice she told me the uterine walls and mirena contract causing pain alot of thigh pain I am going through as well as pelvic pain sleep deprived I had massive cramping few weeks ago and I found breathing techniques help reduce pain inhale and exhale my bleeding has stopped 2months ago see how the breathing helps it made it so much.easier
Sammyleanne
6 Sep 2016
I've had mine for 2 weeks now. The insertion absolutely sucked and I've had non stop problems since. It's now getting to the point where I cannot sleep because it is so uncomfortable. I called the doctors to basically be told "get over it, it's normal." I'm sure this is normal, however this is unbearable. I am trying my best to persevere with the pain but I don't know how much more I can take! And last night I finally had the courage to check for the threads and I can't find them!!! But apparently, I should just "get over it."?!
Shelby2535
14 Sep 2016
I had to get my Paraguard removed after 1 week. I doctor told me the same thing but I didn't care, I wanted it out. I couldn't work or get off my couch because when I stood up I would fall to my knees due to the pain. I felt so hopeless because I felt like something was wrong with me and did not understand why I was in so much pain when the IUD worked amazing for others. Everyone is different, don't let worry you if your body doesn't get used to the IUD. My friend is a nurse and she said women are rushed to the ER all the time to have IUD's removed. This procedure is not as easy for everyone, as doctors make it out to be ( it's all about the $$$$$).
Bec26
6 July 2016
Hi I had laparoscopic surgery on the 17/6 and had endometriosis removed and the Mirena put in while I was under. It's been a little under 3 weeks since my procedure and for the first 2 weeks the cramps were pretty regular and varied in intensity. For the past 4 days I was completely pain free but today Iv had cramps and they are quite painful. My surgeon said that it's the bodies natural response to dispel anything in the uterus, the Mirena is a Foran object so the body is trying to push it out. BUT it does get easier your body will naturally adapt to it and u won't notice it after a while. Each person is different, if you all saw the Mirena before it was inserted you would notice it is very soft, small and flexible. If it was to dislodge it would take a lot for it to happen and there is so much less risk with the new design for it to perforate the uterus it's nearly impossible. It's very safe and when it is removed there is no pain at all. Hang in there girls! I'm on the journey as well! Xox
TaylorDanielle
5 May 2017
Hi I had my mirena taken out about three months ago and I wanted to pop in and say YES it's painful to get it removed, not as painful as the insert but almost!
Shelby2535
25 June 2016
I got my Paragard inserted Friday morning and it is now Saturday evening and I have been in excruciating pain since. I even had to pay to call the emergency on-call doctor and she pretty much said this is normal that if it gets too bad to go to the hospital?! My doctor did not tell me this would be this painful. I had to cancel all my plans, including missing my cousins wedding because I cannot walk. I am taking 3 ibuprofens every 6 hours
Hayventasha
5 June 2016
I just got mind inserted Friday and my cramp are something serious I don't know how long it's suppose to last but I'm in pain
AmandaM86
7 June 2016
I got mine inserted a little over a month ago and I still get severe cramping. Worse than I've ever experienced before. It's more painful than when I got the mirena inserted. I'm scared to even go for a bike ride because when I tried a week ago the cramping got so bad I started crying. That was the worst pain ever and i never cry because of pain. Not sure if I should stick it out or get it removed.
Hayventasha
7 June 2016
Wow that's crazy but it will be week for me next week and I'm think able getting it removed it also has my mood swing are something serious
AmandaM86
26 June 2016
I'm still cramping just not as often. I was experiencing severe cramps several times a day. Now it's 1-2 times a day.
Shelby2535
14 Sep 2016
I only had my Paraguard in for 1 week. I was in so much pain for that whole week, I had to call off work and couldn't get off my couch. Every time I stood up to try to walk I would fall to my knees because the pain was so excruciating. I was taking 3 ibuprofen every 6 hours. After a week of calling in sick I knew I couldn't take it anymore. I went to the doctors and she removed it. Removal was just about as bad as insertion. After 2 days of the IUD being out of me, my body finally started to be back to normal. Don't listen to what other people say, everyone told me I have to give it time that my body would get used to it. Everyone is different and if you are in as bad of pain as I was then you should think about removing it. I was always told I have a high pain tolerance and this was by far the most pain I have ever experienced.
AshleyTT
3 April 2016
For me it was really bad cramping for 2 days then only cramping and a lot of discomfort at night for a week then a lot less and not really bad cramping the next week then I really stopped feeling it all together. So for me 2 days really bad 2 weeks uncomfortable and then I was good. My doctor says that small amount of cramping can last up to 6 week, but it should slowly get less and less each week.
Pixiedoodle88
17 Feb 2017
Oh thank god I'm not alone. Worst pain I've ever felt getting it inserted. Almost passed out. Got sick. Bed rest for most of the day. Still cramping (not nearly as bad) 3 weeks later. Glad to know there is light at the end of the tunnel!!!
JessieDenver
19 March 2017
Hi, my Mirena insertion was a little over a week ago and the cramping is unbearable.. how do you feel now? Thanks.
Catycat23
22 Aug 2017
Yassss giving me hope that this cramping and backache nonsense will be over soon! This is almost exactly what I've experienced so far too! I mean hopefully this won't actually last 6 whole weeks but even if it did, I wouldn't mind just as long as there's an end in sight lol
Lila84
13 March 2016
I got the mirena Feb 26 and it's March 12 today. I've never had children and the insertion was terribly painful like a really bad cramp. For the few days after the insertion I was incapciated at various times because the cramps were so bad. I also had the painful feeling of a tampon not inserted all the way for several days. I was doubled over at times and near tears. I have fibromyalgia so deal with pain in a daily basis but this cramp pain was horrid. I messaged my Dr after a few days and she said while some patients don't usually have this experience it is normal for the cramping and try to hang in there and take ibuprofen. Since the day It was inserted I've had cramps everyday. Some spotting or discharge. Some days the cramps are severe and at time even my vaginal area is cramping. Today I'm having awful cramps. I just want to curl up into bed with a heating wrap which actually doesn't help much.
But you know while in a period with cramps it sometimes helps to sit on toilet and poop. So I'm not sure if I'm having a period with bleeding now or if this is still just the side effect of cramping. I've noticed my mood has been down more so than my typical depression the past few days. But I'm really giving this a good try. I got the mirena so I wouldn't have a period (mine are heavy and painful) and also would not have the symptoms of one. I realize it could take 6 months for everything to get in check. But man I'm not sure I can go through this for 6 months. I just wonder why so few people have such a bad experience or horrible cramps on this iud. Like there's got to be a common link in our bodies or something. I'm sensitive to a lot meds so idk.
Motogrl
6 May 2016
I got mirena on April 27, I too have not had kids. And if child birth is more painful that that... I don't want them! But anyway, it was so painful I about passed out in the office when I was putting my clothes back on, then nausea hit. I went to the hall looking for a bathroom and I got rushed by a bunch of nurses. They put me in a recliner for a while with my feet up. Then my doctor came in to check on me and decided she wanted an ultrasound to check it. Later that night I read symptoms of perforation, and it matched, so that's why she did the ultrasound. It was placed fine. But the mirena didn't come out to a T like it should. She said it was fine and was effective. But she is doing another ultrasound at my next appointment too.
The next day I was still sore so I took the day off work. Its progressively getting better, and now a week later I started running again. The first day while running I was getting crampy, but the day after I didn't get cramps. I think it might just be my body adjusting.
The day after insertion, my period started to stop. And now just over a week after and the spotting is minimal. I've been on a combined pill generic of seasonale for 7 years or so without spotting. So hopefully my body will adjust quickly... maybe no period at all would be nice. We'll see.
It really sucked getting it put in, but getting better. Hope it continues on the better side.
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Further information
- Mirena uses and safety info
- Mirena prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Mirena (detailed)
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