Mirena for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 2)

• JoM...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 26, 2020

"Had Mirena twice after my son was born in 2007 (one for 5 years and the other one was past due and was removed after 8 years), never got pregnant even after the 5-year mark (don't recommend though). During Mirena, I had absolutely no issues. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. No period on site, never got pregnant. June 4th, 2020, I decided to have Mirena removed because I was ready to have another baby. Doctor advised for me to wait until the first full menstrual period to conceive, but I did not wait. Oops. :) They say it should take 6 months to 1 year to get pregnant after Mirena removal, but turns out today is August 25 and I am now 10 weeks pregnant. I am 35 years old (that delicate age), and I can say that I am a true believer of this contraceptive. It is true; it might not be for everyone, but it sure did work for me. 100% recommend."

• don...
• March 13, 2010

"I've had it for 6 days. I don't have kids, am young compared to most users, and have a tilted uterus. I chose not to use the numbing shot because my doctor said the needle would hurt just as bad as the insertion. I took 400mg of ibuprofen 1 hour before the insertion. It hurt but only for about 20 seconds. I had a kind of reverse contractions for 2 hours. I was directed to take 800mg of ibuprofen. I suggest going #2 before the insertion since it's very painful to do so after. Since insertion I've had minor spotting and very little pain. Do not use a tampon, it's so painful to remove. (I use a diva cup when I go out) Don't be scared off by all of the horrible reviews, most people only write a review when something goes wrong."

• Cou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2014

"While I enjoy not having a period and knowing I am protected from pregnancy without having to take a pill every day, I am having my Mirena removed Thursday. I have only had it for 6.5 months, and in that time I have had a constant dull back pain, uncontrollable acne, and I have also gained 25 pounds. Mirena is just not for me."

• Anonymous
• May 21, 2009

"Had my Mirena inserted about 2 weeks ago. I am 22 and haven't had any kids. I wanted an alternative to the pill as I've been on it for 6 years. I have to say that I was pretty nervous after reading so many bad comments. I was on the 3rd day of my period and, for me, the insertion hurt like a couple of pinches and a really bad cramp that gave me all hot and made me nauseous. But it only took about 10 minutes, and then it was okay. The rest of the day I had fairly strong cramps but nothing unbearable. The next day I felt back to normal. My period lasted another couple of days and stopped like normal. Since then, I have had very minor spotting with an odd little cramp here and there. Very happy so far."

• Dan...
• February 24, 2014

"Alright ladies, my experience with Mirena entails no gruesome or terrifying stories that will make you run for the hills. My experience with Mirena has been fairly good. I got Mirena approximately 6 months ago. Beforehand I was entirely frightened due to the horrible reviews that people post on the internet. But let me just straighten this out. Some people do have bad experiences but those people are the ones who feel obligated to narrate their story to the world. So I'll be the one to write something positive. Slight pain during the insertion, nothing worse than cramps. A month of irregular bleeding. Only to be followed by four months of glorious period-free time. I occasionally get spotting but it isn't anything bad at all."

• KAN...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 19, 2019

"I had the Mirena taken out after a year. I wish I would have never gotten an IUD, and I wouldn't advise anyone to do so. It's been a month since I had it taken out and still do not feel normal. My main side effect is/was extreme fatigue and vision issues. My hair has started to fall out, and my back hurts all the time. I also have had pelvic pain that feels like contractions from labor. I have seen multiple doctors about my fatigue, and they all make me feel like I'm making this up because all my labs and tests come back normal. They try to say maybe it's just anxiety. :( So I'm praying in a couple more weeks to months I feel completely back to normal. It's sad to think an IUD can cause symptoms like this and make you feel like something is BAD wrong with your body. Hope this helps anyone suffering from the same symptoms."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 15, 2020

"Soon after I had Mirena inserted, I began getting migraines and episodes of dizziness. I stuck it out since I was relieved to finally not have incredibly painful, heavy periods. Aside from developing some cystic acne and those occasional migraines/dizzy episodes, things were going relatively okay. Nine months later, I started to develop panic attacks and extreme anxiety. I have a dull headache every day. I am dizzy nearly all of the time, I have developed some facial hair, and my hair is falling out of my scalp. I have insomnia. This is incredibly frustrating to me as my GP keeps writing it off as 'general anxiety.' I did not have these issues before Mirena. I was previously incredibly active, adventurous, and enjoyed cycling, jogging, hiking. Now, I am afraid to do anything because of how dizzy I am and the intense anxiety I now experience. I just hope once I have this removed, I can return to my normal self. I haven't felt like 'me' in nearly a year, and it is getting really tough."

• Lif...
• September 19, 2014

"I love, love, love Mirena. I had my first one put in when I was 21 due to debilitating periods, and I hadn't had any kids. Not going to lie - the pain was truly horrible upon insertion, and I did cramp for weeks afterwards, but after that cleared up 5 years of no periods changed my life. I just had my second one put in yesterday and it was nowhere near as traumatic as the first time since my hormones had leveled out. I HIGHLY recommend it for women who don't want/can't take high estrogen birth control or would like to stop their periods safely. It's been absolutely life-changing for me, and I hope Mirena and other IUD's continue to gain popularity as people see how great they really can be."

• Anonymous
• January 20, 2010

"I first would like to thank all of you that posted comments. After reading them, I felt I'm not alone. It's not just happening to me, there is nothing wrong with me. I'm 34, with one child and had Mirena for 5 months. The insertion was almost painless and the first month was fine. Right now, I have gained 10 lbs, loss of sex drive, have headaches, back pain, insomnia, constipation, hair loss and general depression - OF COURSE that's going to cause to have mood swings. I'm waiting on an appointment to have it removed. ANOTHER IMPORTANT ASPECT is that I had suffered from postpartum depression after the birth of my child 4 years ago and honestly I was worried that these side effects (especially depression) were a sign that I was still not okay."

• MCH...
• June 1, 2014

"I am a huge fan. I read a lot of negative reviews prior to deciding, and promised myself that if I loved it, I would share! I got it 1.25 years ago. I got it for contraception, as I haven't had any children. Painless procedure - just pressure. Bad cramping for the rest of the day - I would take Panadol before going in next time so that it would kick in earlier. I would also advise having the day off work. After day one, it's been great! Smooth sailing. I get my period for about 2 days very lightly once every 5 months. And amazingly pain-free (used to get bad cramps). No weight gain or loss. No hair loss. No nausea. Better skin! So, I am an advocate. Good luck."

• Cri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 10, 2020

"7 months since insertion. Pros: no pregnancy so far, don’t have to remember to take pills or shots, etc., no condoms. Cons: irregular, erratic bleeding, cramping, back pain, damn near growing a beard, no sex drive (and my husband is hot), weight gain, depression, anxiety, angry all the time, no motivation, a deep desire to lay in bed and sleep all day, every day, months of bleeding, an altered sense of my normal reality. Overall: I hate it!!! I want to feel like me again, but the doc keeps saying to wait it out. What am I waiting for?.... complete loss of confidence and self-worth?"

• Anonymous
• February 22, 2010

"I had my Mirena inserted 1/4/10 and I love it! I know everyone is different, but it has been great for me. I'm 24, never had kids, and was on the pill for the past 6 years. Insertion was uncomfortable and painful, but not horrid (and I have a low pain tolerance). However, my doc did give me a local (lidocaine) which I'm sure made a huge difference, and I would not do it without. I felt dizzy and nauseous for the first hour after and relatively bad cramping for three hours. The next day I was a bit tender, and by day three, I was my normal self. Had some very light cramping for two weeks and now nothing, not even my period. I did have a little acne at first, but that may have had to do with going off the pill. I've even lost weight."

• Mou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2017

"I have had the Mirena for about a month. The insertion was easy, and it took my very experienced OB about 5 minutes. It honestly felt like a pap smear. I also have 3 kids and a retroverted uterus for what it's worth. Unfortunately, I have had spotting every day since. I hope it stops soon because I have no other side effects. No weight gain, acne, etc., and my sex drive has actually increased (weird, right?). So if you are considering having a Mirena inserted, my advice is to try it and see how it works with YOUR body. Yes, you can read the horror stories on this site and others. People are much more inclined to share a negative experience than a positive one. Talk to your doctor and look at actual peer-reviewed studies."

• Dur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2019

"I almost backed out of getting the Mirena because of these women on YouTube being so 'fear mongering' and, quite frankly, just scaring people. It is 2 days since I got it in, and I'm sore, and yes, it was really crampy, but I just wanted to say: Don't over-read like I did on the internet. Everyone's cervix and uterus is different, everyone has different pain levels. My pain tolerance is high (I've had spine procedures while awake), I've had wicked period cramps, and my NP said my 'perfect cervix' made the insertion extremely smooth. With all that said, did it hurt? Kinda. Was it uncomfortable? Yup. Was it painful? No. I'm sore, but I've barely bled, which is another plus, and I think a week from now I will be even more happy that I got it done! My point is - don't over-read. People tend to only post negative experiences online, but this is something that is already stressful enough. I don't think it's right to scare women before they get it done (and no, I've never had children)."

• lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2014

"Enjoying the idea of the Mirena more than having it at the moment. Got it inserted on 10th September 2014, the day that my period finished and have had a heavy period ever since. It's great to not take a pill every day, and sex isn't painful as I worried, although there isn't any need to worry because the bleeding is preventing that from happening. I just really hope it settles down and that the bleeding stops. Very jealous of everyone who only had a day or two of spotting."

• Lis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 26, 2019

"Sure, it is true I did not get pregnant while using Mirena. However, the quality of life is so absolutely poor I truly wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. Effects include and are not limited to: severe depression, intolerable headaches, nausea and inability to eat, inexplicable weight gain, extreme fatigue/lack of energy, no desire to exercise, aches, soreness, anxiety, and fear. My doctor wouldn't even listen to what I had to say, dismissing it as “other problems” I must've had previously. I legitimately never write reviews, but I feel compelled to warn women."

• NYC...
• September 3, 2014

"Mirena gave me my life back. Ever since I hit puberty at 11 years old, I have had horrible, very heavy, very painful periods. Around 18, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. I would miss school and work, and have to double layer my clothes when I slept, it was horrible. I tried every birth control out there including Seasonique, the NuvaRing, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Depo-Provera, Loestrin, Lybrel, if you name it, I've tried it. Nothing worked. I started having periods that would last for 2-3 weeks. Finally, I tried Mirena, having it put in was painful but bearable. The first 6 weeks I had cramps and spotting. After that, nothing. I get a very light 2-3 day period now and then. No cramps. It's amazing and gave me my life back. I'm so thankful for it!"

• Kaw...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 22, 2013

"I have not had a single bad experience thus far with Mirena. I had it inserted about 10 months ago right after work. The whole procedure, start to finish, took about 15 minutes and was only slightly painful. It was done by a nurse practitioner, who was reportedly more experienced than any of the other physicians at the practice. Another ten minutes to catch my breath, and I rode my motorcycle home with no issues. I am in my early 20s and have never given birth. My periods immediately lightened up until they became virtually non-existent. Very little cramping, easily taken care of by ibuprofen. I can still maintain my intense workout schedule, lifting, cardio, abs, stretching included, with no fear of dislodging."

• Des...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2015

"Got the Mirena in almost 2 weeks ago, and I must say I love it so far! Horrible cramps for the first 5 or so hours after insertion (had to drive home) and almost couldn't take it. The heating pad helped bunches along with laying on my back. The cramps went away the next day! I even went to work. A few cramps here and there, but that's expected. Nothing too unbearable. I'm also a 21-year-old with no kids. My boyfriend also can't feel it. One thing though, the antibiotics they put you on the day of insertion did give me a yeast infection. It went away a couple of days later. Love the Mirena so far!"

• ano...
• December 1, 2014

"I used to get cramps so terribly painful that at 24 years old, I was begging my doctors to approve a hysterectomy. This had been an ongoing issue for me. I finally got the Mirena as recommended by a friend, and I don't get my period anymore. The only downside is that on rare occasions, I do experience cramping after heavy exercise. I didn't gain weight, and no negative side effects to report on really. I would recommend this to every woman."

• Gee...
• January 12, 2020

"The implantation was super fast and easy. Just a little pinch, mild cramping. Very effective, easy, worry-free method of protection! My menstrual cycles were barely a cycle, and I was so happy to feel the freedom of no heavy bleeding or clotting! Negatives, unfortunately, A LOT of bloating and weight gain occurred for me especially in my 4th year. I noticed a change gradually over the years, then recently it was super rapid. Yesterday, I had the Mirena removed. Again just a little pinch, and mild cramping. Ahhhhhh my body was saying thankful because immediately I felt better! Today, I am down 9 pounds! YES, that’s the honest truth, 9 pounds gone!!!!! :) I’m so thankful I listened to my body, noticed the changes, and made the decision to remove it! I feel so much better! I encourage all to research before making a decision. Most importantly, listen to your body! If you don’t feel right, something's off, go see your Dr! Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy body! :)"

• Jea...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 31, 2013

"This is Jean's husband. Jean had this device inserted many years ago. She was NEVER informed of its risks or how long until it should be removed. She has had severe cramps for years. We (I) have informed every doctor and emergency room she has gone to about the device. They all ignored the info. Yesterday she was taken to the hospital. She had severe chest pains. All cardio tests came back negative. Today they transferred her to ICU because her temperature kept spiking. They did blood work and found out she has a massive infection running through her body. She is being bagged and they are flushing her system to try and get rid of the infection. An OB-GYN came in and tried to find the 'string' to remove this contraption. I will know more soon."

• Mot...
• August 4, 2008

"I had Mirena inserted almost 4 months ago. I experienced heavy bleeding about 2 weeks after I got it and every day after that up until the 2nd month. It started off heavy and gradually lightened up but the heavy bleeding lasted almost a month, and it was every day. The doctor that inserted it said this was normal and the further from the insertion date I got it, it would get better. I've found this to be true. I am happy with Mirena."

• ban...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2019

"DO NOT GET THIS. I'M TELLING YOU THIS NOW! Many people, like myself, have read the reviews and thought, oh no, that won’t be me. It’ll be fine. I'M DIFFERENT. Well - no, I’m not. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone. Constantly bleeding, I can’t even HAVE sex, constant cramping and discomfort. Nausea. Dizziness. And the worst of all is the HORMONES. All I do is cry. Getting it out asap."

• Anonymous
• March 24, 2008

"I have had the Mirena for about 6 months now. Aside from the abhorrent cramping that happened for about 6 hours after it was put in, I have no periods, no cramping, no bloating, no mood swings... nothing! I love it."