Mirena for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 5)

• Jea...
• June 27, 2014

"I had Mirena inserted two years ago, after I had my fourth child. When it was inserted, I did not feel anything at all, I even had to ask the doctor if she was finished, lol. For the first year or so, I had unexpected periods-some short, some long, some heavy, most very, very light. For a short while, I was able to predict when I was going to get my period because my mood swings would go crazy. Now it's been two months that I get less than a day of periods. It is only a little spotting done. I feel good, I have not gained any weight, no pain, no more mood swings. It does not interrupt my sex life with my husband. I would recommend Mirena to anyone."

• Ano...
• August 5, 2013

"I had the Mirena in place for a little over three years. I LOVED it. I did not experience any of the severe cramping or pain after getting it placed, due to the fact I had mine placed after a procedure. (I already experienced discomfort due to this procedure). My period stopped almost instantly (no period for 3 years, can't complain). The hormones Mirena released also helped speed up metabolism, I lost close to 30 lbs. My only reasoning for getting mine removed is because of the recurring bacterial infections. What most people are not told is that the Mirena is for monogamous couples, apparently I was the only one in my relationship who was monogamous. Only finding this out after my removal."

• Kim...
• April 19, 2015

"I just had Mirena inserted a week ago. I was terrified from reading all of the painful-sounding reviews. But I followed through because I really do not like BC pills. I have to say it was not that bad! I took 4 Advil an hour before. Sure, it was uncomfortable and bad cramping, but it only lasted a few minutes. I had no cramping after the procedure, but cramps later that night, similar to a bad period, which I am used to. Mild cramps every now and then for the rest of the week. Spotting the first two days, but nothing since then. I obviously haven't had it long enough to report side effects but will report back soon. I think everyone responds to IUDs differently, and people like to write their horror stories. So far, so good, hope it continues!"

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2019

"I am 3 months postpartum, I have 2 children. My doctor recommended I get Mirena. I did not want it, but she kept insisting that it was the best option and very safe. The day I was getting it, when she placed the Mirena inside my uterus, my whole abdomen felt a HORRIBLE cramp, which lasted a few seconds, then it was over. I went home with only mild cramps. The next morning I woke up, I was in severe pain, I couldn’t walk or sit. My whole abdomen was swollen and hurt if I barely touched it. My entire body felt sore, I was freezing cold and shaking, I went to the ER. They took my blood and checked my vitals, I had a fever and an infection. They took X-rays and an ultrasound, the Mirena was out of place and one of the T’s was poking into my abdomen. I was getting bags of antibiotics and morphine for pain, which didn’t help my pain at all. The pain only went away after it was removed 2 days later. Now, 4 days after removal, I am still cramping, in pain, bleeding, and very nauseous."

• Mim...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 7, 2019

"So I’m 26, and I’ve had this IUD for about 9 months now, and it’s been horrible! I’ve been bleeding old blood for months now, and it smells so bad. I literally have to wear tampons every day. I constantly have to take showers, and I’m sick of it. At this point, I’m ready to just get it removed because I can’t even have an active sex life with old, smelly blood coming out of my vagina every day."

• Aud...
• December 2, 2016

"I am almost 24, and I have never been pregnant. I also work at an OB/GYN (so I have access to good information and doctors). I was on the pill, then the NuvaRing, and back on the pill. These methods made me lose my libido, and I started going through waves of depression. I was going to do Paragard to get rid of the hormones in my body. My doc advised trying Mirena instead, and I followed her advice. I took painkillers before and after the procedure. I also scheduled for the near end of my cycle. The pain on a scale of 1-10 would have been about a 6 (and that lasted about 1 minute). I went back to work, and I feel pretty normal. Everyone is different, don't let reviews sway your opinion, talk to a doctor first. Will follow up in a few months."

• cle...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 15, 2013

"Just wanted to share my positive experience using Mirena. I have always had really heavy periods, accompanied by intense cramping. I've had the Mirena for about a year. My periods are tolerable because they're so light and only last for 3-4 days. Cramps have disappeared, which is like a dream come true. My skin is clear, I have not gained a pound. I don't feel all weird from hormones like I did when taking the pill-possibly because the hormonal release is localized. Initial cost was $370, but if you spread that over 3 years, that's a little over 10 dollars a month. I wish that I had been offered this option when I was 17-better late than never! I'm 28."

• Ser...
• June 22, 2008

"I have had Mirena for a year now, and I love it. The only problem was the incredible pain involved in insertion. It only lasted for a few hours, and cramping for a couple of days. I have not had a period in 8 months, and it is very easy to check that it is in place. When this one gets removed, I will definitely get another one. My husband can sometimes feel it, but it doesn't bother him. This is the best thing ever."

• Anonymous
• August 8, 2009

"I am on my second Mirena - I had the first one for the full 5 years and loved it. I want to caution about one thing that has not been mentioned in any of the posts I have read. After the first Mirena, my new doctor insisted on an ultrasound before replacing it with a new one for 5 more years. I am grateful she insisted. I had 2 strawberry-sized cysts - one on each ovary. Easily treated with 3 months of birth control. The cysts disappeared and I was able to have a new Mirena. This insertion was very painful. In the hour afterward, I broke into a sweat and almost passed out. It has been 2 days and I'm much better, just light cramping. Please get an ultrasound before replacing. My doctor will also require follow-up ultrasounds in 2 years."

• Jen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 26, 2020

"I had my Mirena for a little over a year. I was constantly bloated horribly for the first 9 months. I had no periods, that was the only pro to it. I never had zits before this but got cystic acne on my face horribly. I had horrible anxiety that made me feel like my neck was swelling and I couldn’t breathe. I had an erratic heartbeat randomly that would make me feel like I was going to pass out. Worst of all, I was losing my hair so bad I ended up with a tennis ball-sized bald spot on the top of my head. Once realizing this had to be the cause, I had the Mirena removed. I am glad to say that all of the horrible symptoms I had above went away after I experienced what is referred to as the Mirena crash. I would NEVER recommend this to anyone!!"

• Yet...
• January 24, 2015

"I got my Mirena in Dec 2014. I was taking the mini pill for years. I get classic migraines and can't take estrogen birth control. I had missed some pills in Sept 2014 and had an ectopic pregnancy. Once my body recovered from that, my doc suggested Mirena. I always read 'horror' stories about it, but after what I just went through, I decided to give it a try. I'm 36, with 3 kids, so not having to worry about birth control for a couple of years is great. The insertion was uncomfortable, level 5, but over and done quick. Spotting about a week. Periods are so light that I barely need a pad. I haven't noticed any weight gain or acne. No issues with sex, and I think my libido has gone up. Thus far, I'm REALLY satisfied and wish I had done it sooner."

• And...
• December 31, 2014

"I feel like the people who say that they had a painful insertion are only the ones who have either never had a baby or never had cramps. When they put mine in, it was only uncomfortable, not painful. There was some minor cramping afterwards, but I am noticing that I am struggling with losing weight. After my second child, I was able to drop my weight pretty well, but now after my third and having this in, it is really hard, and I feel like I retain a lot of water."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2016

"Ladies! Do yourself a favor and stop reading these. Everybody is different, and we all have different insertion experiences. I just got Mirena inserted this morning. I am 24 years old, and I've never had a baby. I was extremely nervous, as this was my second attempt at inserting Mirena. I went last week, and my cervix was too tight, so they sent me home with a prescription that was to be put in my vagina the next week before I go in again. The second time (this morning) was a lot easier. Yes, it does hurt a bit, but nothing I couldn't handle. Honestly, the worst part for me was the cramps afterward. I had bad cramps for about 5 minutes and ended up throwing up. After that, I felt much better."

• Anonymous
• February 18, 2013

"I'm 27 (no children), and I've been on the pill for 8 years. Insertion was really painful, like a 9/10, and I had taken 600 mg of ibuprofen beforehand! I scheduled it while I was supposed to be on my period (this is when your cervix is more open), but my period that month was just some spotting. They gave me an anesthetic spray on my cervix, but that's it. Insertion was thankfully fast-3 min total, 15 sec of PAIN. The next 12 hours, I had the worst cramps of my life! But after those 12 hours, I was fine and just had 3 weeks of spotting. I'm now 3 months in and have had no periods, no problems, and I love it! My libido has also increased (compared to when I was on the pill). No side effects that I can tell!"

• Anonymous
• October 21, 2016

"I wanted to write my experience because I was scared to get the Mirena after reading all the horror stories. I'm 37 and have 3 kids. I got the Mirena inserted yesterday on my lunch break, I work at the hospital where my doc's office is. It took less than 10 minutes. There were 3 bad cramps, the second one being the worst but only lasted 30 seconds. I did not cringe, cry, curse, or anything like that. My doc told me when I would feel each cramp. I was back to work 20 minutes later and felt fine all day, spotted a bit but only wore a panty liner. I took 4 Motrin 1 hour prior to insertion and haven't taken any since. I hope this helps because I really do feel some people come on these sites and try to scare you. Good luck to everyone!"

• joe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 15, 2013

"I had a Mirena placed 2 years ago for heavy periods. I was 38 at the time, and it had been 16 years since my last child. The doctor said it can be maybe more painful the longer you wait after having children. However, I had no pain with insertion. I had some cramping for a few days, as well as spotting. After 6 months, my period stopped completely. I have no issues with Mirena, from extremely heavy periods to none, and I didn't have to get a hysterectomy. I would recommend it."

• Luc...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 25, 2020

"I got my Mirena placed in 2013, and it has literally been my best friend. It kind of hurt to get it in, but that was the ONLY thing that hasn’t been perfect since. No side effects, no babies. For unrelated medical reasons, I’m getting it out soon, and I’m actually sad that I have to switch to a different form of birth control because it worked so well."

• Lex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 10, 2014

"Went on Mirena as it was one of my only options for birth control due to hormone issues and aura migraines. It hurt pretty bad having it put in. I suggest 800 mg of ibuprofen a half an hour to an hour before insertion. I have never had a child. Right after insertion, I felt great, no pain for a few hours, then the cramps began. Nonstop terrible cramps with a little bleeding for 3 full days. I finally called the Dr., and she wrote me a script for Vicodin, so I could go to work. No sleep for those 3 days due to terrible pain. The cramps finally subsided, but then the stabbing pain started. Terrible stabbing pain in my abdomen. I think my body was rejecting it. I had it removed. Feel much better."

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

"I am a 47-year-old female. I tried the birth control pill, and it raised my blood pressure too high. My GYN suggested Mirena. I read the reviews and warnings and was nervous but agreed. It has been over 6 months, and here is my take: 1. Having it put in was ridiculously easy and not worth any concern. 2. Very pleased with not worrying about pregnancy. 3. Periods are normal but extremely light. 4. Some cramping after sex - some light bleeding after sex. No biggie. 5. Had to have the strings cut shorter for my partner - he cannot even notice it now. 6. The only downside I have had is an increase in acne, and on the days I get my period, I am very moody (I never had this before, so I know it is a side effect). 7. Cost $100.00."

• NoB...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 23, 2016

"I'm 27 with no kids. I do not want kids and never have. I wanted something long-term that was more reliable than the pill and wouldn't mess with me in the way the shot does. I've had Mirena for several months now. At first, the cramping was odd and painful, nothing I couldn't handle, it would happen sporadically and would subside after a few minutes. A few months into it, it's pretty much gone. No periods and minimal spotting. It was literally, for me, 'stick it and forget it.' I'm very happy with it. No weight gain, no acne, no mood swings. I'm still my regular self. For the insertion, I was really scared, and my OB gave me something for nerves. Honestly, it just felt like a deep cramp. I didn't feel the pinch, but it's different for everyone."

• In ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 30, 2020

"It was absolutely horrible. I gained a lot of weight and acne, and I was in so much pain all the time and depressed. The doctor told me to wait it out when I continued to explain all the pain I was in and how much hair I was losing. It was like the doctor didn't care in any way to hear what I was saying. I have zero idea why they push it so hard on patients and really push for you to keep it in when you are telling them how bad it is. I finally had enough after three years, told my doctor to get it out of me. She went on about how amazing it is for me and how it is helping with my pain from endometriosis. I stopped her in her tracks and said no, take it out now - I have lived with it for three and a half years, and it does not help. I am in so much pain all day, every day, and swelled out like I was six months pregnant. Oh my goodness, when it came out, all the pain went away instantly, and the swelling did the next morning. Yes, it helps with not getting pregnant, but there is a lot of bad that comes with it."

• Nat...
• November 18, 2014

"I wanted to share my experience with the procedure. I am 19 and never have had kids. When they put in the Mirena, it didn't hurt like many women on the reviews said. It felt like a quick cramp, and then it was all over with. It's been about three days, and so far I have had light cramping about 3 times a day and spotting."

• ZEN...
• June 17, 2015

"I had my 1st child in November 2014 and got Mirena in January 2015. I spotted for the 1st month and a half. I've had cramping, no sex drive, lack of energy, acne, hair itching, and gained 20 pounds in 4 months. I finally got Mirena removed today, 6/17/2015, and I already feel better. No cramps. I've been able to work from 5 am to 1:30, go to the gym, go shopping, and play with my baby without fatigue. The RN was giving me a hard time and stating my research is wrong and Mirena doesn't make women gain weight due to such low hormones, but I told her everyone's body is different, and this was not the right birth control for me. I told her even all my coworkers that have it right now are experiencing the same issues, so what does that tell you? She acted like she had an attitude because she couldn't talk me out of removing it, but I don't care, it's my body, my choice. I hope that this helps someone. If this is what it costs to not have a period, I'd rather have mine!"

• mmw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2014

"Age: 24; Births: none; Previous contraceptives: none; I just got Mirena inserted yesterday with no anesthesia. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen before my appointment. I experienced two sharp pains that lasted about 10 seconds each-one during measurement and one during insertion. I just tried to relax my bottom and breathe through it. The pain immediately subsided after she inserted the Mirena. I did feel crampy for the rest of the day, but I returned to work and even went to the gym and did a 2-mile run on the treadmill. So it wasn't terrible. I can only comment on the insertion experience since I just got it inserted yesterday, but hopefully this will be helpful for those of you who (like me) are feeling anxious about the insertion."

• egr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2014

"I am 20 years old and never had a child or been pregnant, and I decided to go with Mirena after much thought. I was pretty nervous going into it, and I'm not going to lie, insertion was pretty painful. I would recommend taking that day off for anyone, but by the next day, I felt better, and by the second day, I was back to the gym. The first month was pretty much continuous bleeding, but I have now had Mirena for 4 months, and I must say the pain of insertion and bleeding was worth it! I would definitely recommend sticking it out, considering that you can keep it for 5 years!"