Mirena for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 5)

• xrach...
• September 23, 2013

"Having read all the reviews here I nearly cancelled my appointment to have Mirena fitted, I was terrified not having a high pain threshold. Anyway decided to go and have a chat with the doctor first, I took 500mg of naproxen an hour before my appointment. My description of it is this ... to start with it feels just like a smear, then slight stomach cramps (not as bad as my usual period pains) then another bit of cramping then done. I was so shocked at how quick it took and how little it hurt, I really was expecting to be in a lot of pain.....now 2-3 hrs later I've got no bleeding and a bit of a dull ache like a period pain. I'm really glad I plucked up the courage to go, it was no where near as bad as I was expecting."

• gmbmw...
• December 13, 2014

"I had Mirena inserted 5 months ago and am still having very heavy periods with horrible cramps. Periods are lasting about 3 weeks and then I only get a 2 week respite before it starts again. I've also gained quite a bit of weight these past 5 months. Thinking about having it removed. After reading and hearing others comments, I have noticed that those that have not had children are having more issues and side effects than the women that have had children."

• H20
• March 22, 2014

"Many horror stories on the web, but here's my positive experience 2 weeks in: - note I never had kids, been on pills for over 15 years with no side effects, but want the most effective and convenient option. - took 800mg Advil 1.5 hours before. It was a day before my period. - key is finding a very experienced doctor who uses local anesthetics and cervical dilation, which I think really helped. I barely felt anything, similar to pap. - some cramping afterwards but not bad as I continued with Advil for 2 more days. Spotting once or twice daily but nothing too bad. No side effects at all yet. - everyone's different. Don't be scared off by reviews!"

• Rissy
• March 19, 2013

"Last August I had the Mirena instered. I was 20 at the time and knew that I did not want any children for the next 5 years. I was really nervous about getting the Mirena because I've never had any children before and heard that the pain was awful. The GYN doctor that I was seeing prescribed me Misoprostol to insert into the vagina to soften the cervix. I also took some Ibuprofen an hour before the procedure. During the procedure I did have A LOT of pain, (as expected), but nothing that was not bearable. I experienced a lot of cramping pain during the dilation and insertion of the procedure and also 2 days after the procedure. I love the Mirena now and no longer have a menstrual cycle or cramping. I've not had any complications so far! "

• Lucky...
• 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."

• AudRose
• 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 nuva ring, 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 to try mirena instead, and I followed her advise. I took pain killers before and after the procedure. I also scheduled for the near end of my cycle. The pain on a scale of 1-10 would've 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."

• Savan...
• February 25, 2020

"I got this IUD about 2 months after my second son was born December of 2017 . My husband said that he could feel pinching while we had intercourse. I go and get it checked and the dr said she would shorten the strings . I had ALL THE SYMPTOMS ( headaches, nausea, diarrhea, fever, cold chills , bloating , cramps ; but no period )This lasted for months and it happened around the time I should have gotten my period . I’ve had only spotting. . Well fast forward to YESTERDAY ( 2/24/2020) the dr says she CAN’T find the IUD and cannot even FEEL IT ! All was GREAT until she couldn’t find it ! I’m scheduled for an ultrasound next week to see if they can find it ! I actually enjoyed this birth control . Side effects because hey lets be honest this isn’t suppose to be in our bodies ! My periods basically completely stopped ! I just hope it didn’t embed itself ."

• Chris...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 29, 2024

"I experienced heavy menstrual bleeding which resulted in iron deficiency anemia, but got an iron infusion. I tried Mirena 7 times over ten years; my body wasn't cooperating. My IUD would malposition due to period cramps. Following yet another malpositioned Mirena with difficult removal, I took a Depo shot. I bled a lot with clots, and even the patch & pill that previously worked didn't work to stop the bleeding. So I prayed, researched, and took vitamin B1 pills. That was effective. Then I tried Mirena again while using vitamin B1, and voilà, it worked! I have now had the Mirena for 2 weeks, missed my period & had 2 days of light, clear/brown vaginal discharge. I am very pleased that I will no longer get my periods. This is a dream come true, I am overjoyed, ecstatic, truly grateful to God that it now works for me. If you experience side effects especially bleeding, combining it with vitamin B1. I now use supplements - B complex, magnesium, vitamin D3 & C, fish oil, ginger & iron."

• Katy
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2019

"I am 3 months postpartum I have 2 children. My doctor recommended me getting 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."

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

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

• Kellb...
• December 27, 2013

"I have a 5 month old and just had the Mirena last month. It is amazing! Did not hurt whatsoever when they inserted it. I have had no side effects, cramping, nothing! I even have noticed I have lost a few pounds versus the weight gain of traditional birth control pills. I read reviews for weeks that terrified me for no reason, it was painless. It is worth every penny and I am so pleased with the results. "

• Anon
• 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 3years, 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 reoccurring Bacterial Infections. What most people are not told is that the Mirena is for MONOGOMOUS couples, apparently I was the only one in my relationship monogamous. Only finding this out after my removal."

• Jenny...
• June 28, 2013

"I have never had kids and am not in a position to have kids any time soon. Mirena was a perfect solution. Having it inserted hurt like hell but only for a few seconds and then I had a good 2 months of on and off cramping but its been a year and a half and so far and I love it. I really don't get a period anymore which is amazing considering how heavy my periods were before. Best thing ever in my opinion."

• Cookie
• January 29, 2013

"I had Mirena for a year. Insertion was a small pinch and not bad at all. I spotted the whole time I had it in, experienced more headaches, lower back aches and cramping. The spotting wasn't really a lot but I always had to wear a liner. My sex drive was low and I would get panic attacks and have horrible mood swings. I also gained like 15 lbs. I had it taken out today so I am hoping I feel better. My husband is happy I am getting it out, he said I just wasn't the same with it."

• joela
• 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 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."

• 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 size 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!!"

• 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 afterwards. I had bad cramps for about 5 minutes and ended up throwing up. After that I felt much better."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 7, 2013

"I had the Mirena removed today after 4 years. I have had stomach pains forever and kept going to the doctor saying something was wrong. They did test after test and found nothing. I was convinced that it was the Mirena, then my doctor asked me if they put it in when I was on a cycle and I said no so she was determined it was the Mirena as well because they are supposed to put it in on a cycle. I loved that I didn't break out and my periods were light but I couldn't take the stomach pain anymore."

• acarr...
• January 2, 2012

"I'm 25 years old with no children and I have Mirena. I absolutely love it. The pill gave me acne, weight gain, mood swings and nausea. The Nuvaring gave me blood clots. Mirena has been a dream. Insertion was no worse than a bad period cramp (again, I've never had kids and it didn't hurt that bad) and I spotted for a few days. No biggie. I've had oily skin and acne my whole life but am able to control it. Mirena has made it no worse at all. I work out every day and have even been losing weight. So Mirena has not made me gain weight. I just want to be a positive voice out there for Mirena. Before I got it I read message boards and it almost discouraged me from getting it. Thankfully it didn't because it's been the best birth control ever."

• KimZ
• 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!"

• Anonymous
• October 21, 2016

"Hi! I wanted to write my experience bc 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 office is. It took less then 10min. There were 3 bad cramps, the second one being the worst but only lasted 30sec. 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 20min later and felt fine all day, spotted a bit but only wore a panty liner. I took 4 Motrin 1hr prior to insertion and haven't taken any since. I hope this helps bc I really do feel some ppl come on these sites and try to scare you. Good luck to everyone!"

• hfisc...
• December 12, 2014

"I just had the Mirena inserted yesterday. I'm 22 years old with no kids. The procedure was very painful. I felt nauseous afterwards and felt like I was gonna pass out during it. I had major cramping and bleeding for the rest of the day. Today I only have mild cramping and some spotting. So it seems to be getting better."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 14, 2021

"I am writing this review after a lawsuit I had with Bayer Bayer over the issues I had with Mirena. Long story short, it had perforated my uterus, and got caught up in my intestines requiring an emergency surgery to have it removed. This happened after 3 years from insertion. I do not recommend anyone to get this IUD!"

• 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 afterwards 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."

• 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 600mg 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!"