Mirena and Bloating: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Cle...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 28, 2016

For Birth Control "Only reason why the Mirena gets a star is because I didn't get pregnant. Extreme pain on implantation, and I have a high pain tolerance. I experienced extreme dizziness, headaches, mood swings to the point of breaking down once a month, cystic acne, headaches, and extreme bleeding. Constant cervical irritation and bloating with no sex drive. Would never recommend it, even though it did its job. I was convinced it was misplaced based on the horrible constant symptoms. When I went to have it removed, the nurse acted as if my symptoms were crazy, she had never heard such a thing, and my IUD was placed 'beautifully' and tried to convince me to keep it. I could have killed her. Finally, got it removed and I'm back to being a healthy 28-year-old."

• Kat...
• August 25, 2013

For Birth Control "I have two children and am on my second Mirena. The first one was great for the entire five years. The one I have now is different. I have bloating and cramping often, severe mood swings, anxiety and panic, and acne breakouts on my back. I am thinking of having it removed. The positive thing about it is I have no bleeding."

• Reg...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 2, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I wish I had read some reviews about this product rather than just following my MD's recommendation to have a Mirena placed to control my extremely heavy and long periods (12-20 days). Since I was spending more time bleeding than not, I was confident that anything would be better than that. I was wrong and am seriously considering having it removed even if it means going back to such awful periods. While my periods are now light and manageable, they are still consistently 14 days long. The worst parts are the weight gain and mood swings. Despite training for a marathon, including often burning 1,400 calories in a single run, I continue to gain weight. The bloating is unsightly and frustrating, while the mood swings have a huge impact on family."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 22, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been using Mirena for about a year now, and I've been waiting for the awful symptoms to go away, but they have not. Acne, tired, bloated, nausea, cramping, headaches. I've also gained a lot of weight. I thought the symptoms would go away, but they haven't, so I'm seriously thinking of having it removed. Everyone's body is different, and I am sad it didn't work for me. I'm thinking about just getting a tubal. I already have two little boys, and I'm pretty sure I'm done having kids."

• Che...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 6, 2019

For Birth Control "I decided to get the Mirena 8 weeks postpartum. I only experienced a pinch sensation upon placement. I was very happy until I spotted blood for 8 months, also, I developed a bloated lower belly that never goes away. I look 6 months pregnant all the time now. I have found it impossible to lose weight while breastfeeding and on a low carb diet plan. I feel fatigued almost all the time despite getting regular sleep. I don't know if my mood is affected. I've experienced major losses in life lately, so it's hard to know if Mirena is affecting my moods or if I'm sad because my mother has severe early onset dementia and my mother-in-law died recently. Also, my libido is pretty low. I want to schedule to have the Mirena removed. I'm tired of feeling pregnant all the time when I'm not! I might try the pill or the pull-out method. Those two methods have always worked for me. Also, the Mirena has recently caused my legs to itch like crazy. This happened during my last trimester of pregnancy. After delivery, the itching went away. But now that I have the Mirena, the itching came back, so this, along with fatigue, low libido, constant lower belly bloating, and inability to lose any weight despite breastfeeding and a low carb diet, I'm having it removed. Good luck, ladies."

• Rel...
• January 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena coil fitted in August 2018 for heavy periods. I was informed that it would NOT cause weight gain. The insertion was really painful. Immediately, I had major contraction pains that took my breath away. These went on for nearly two months. I also had an insatiable hunger. This lasted for 3 months and then every 2 weeks thereafter. I also bled seriously heavily for the first 3 weeks and then had light bleeding every day. Back and hip pain was also a permanent fixture from day 1 of insertion. I also had mood swings that made me feel very anxious and angry. My stomach was ALWAYS bloated and really uncomfortable every day with mild and sometimes severe cramps. I weighed myself. Despite not putting on weight in the 3 years previous to the Mirena, I'd gained 12 pounds within 4 months of having the coil fitted. It is now January 2019. I've just got back from an appointment to have it removed. My stomach pain has already disappeared. Please think very carefully about having one of these things fitted."

• Nca...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 29, 2017

For Birth Control "I got the Mirena placed in March 2014, 6 weeks after my second child. Insertion was easy (I had just had a baby). I spotted for about a month off and on, but after that, I would have light spotting for a day, so light a pad or tampon would have been no use. Bleed only about 3 or 4 times a year. Mirena was incredibly effective, loved the light/less periods, I would almost say non-existent, BUT the Mirena hated me. Horrible chin acne, constant bloating, couldn't lose weight at all, and developed anxiety and depression to the point I hated myself. I had it removed yesterday, and they couldn't find the strings, had to get an ultrasound, and the IUD was at the fundus of my uterus, so they had to shove a hook instrument through my cervix to the top of my uterus."

• Ted...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I got my Mirena inserted on 9/14/18 and weighed around 120 lbs at the time. I’ve checked my diet logs from before I got the Mirena and was usually between 115-120 for the previous years. It’s now been 4 months, and my weight has gone up to 133 lbs! My diet hasn’t really changed, and now on top of weight gain, I feel puffy and bloated most days of the month. I’m debating whether to get it taken out because it works, and I don’t really have a period anymore, but I don’t like the way I look and feel."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 20, 2012

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena inserted after the birth of my second child. I have had the Mirena for 3 1/2 years now, and at first it was fine, very light periods and eventually no periods at all. My husband did complain a few times about the strings during intercourse, but that's about it. However, for about the last year and a half, I have had crazy side effects off and on: weight loss (not complaining about that), anxiety, depression, no sex drive, nausea, sore breasts, bloating, stomach pain, cystic acne. You name it, I've got it. I have two boys (3 and 4), and they stay active, but now I just have no energy. I know everyone reacts differently to birth control, but I honestly believe that these side effects come with time, so just keep an eye on your behavior changes."

• 19y...
• March 23, 2016

For Birth Control "Great! No one posts the good reviews, so I thought I would shed some light! This was awesome, had it for a little over two weeks now, and I have no issues. After the initial insertion (which hurt but was a breeze, took 2 minutes tops), I had pretty painful cramps for about 12 hours after. I was fine the next day, with some brown discharge and bloating for around a week. 1. This IUD does not cause acne, but it lacks estrogen like the pill or other forms of birth control that help with clearing up acne. So you may get more pimples than usual, but it’s what you would normally have without the pill. 2. It doesn't affect weight gain, any weight gain may be an unrelated issue from the birth control."

• Ove...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had the Mirena twice, the first time was perfect, but had it again after my second child, and this one has been completely awful. I’ve experienced 30-40 lbs weight gain, bloating, extreme anxiety, depression, brain fog, and fatigue. Quick sharp pains in my cervical area, the doctor said these are normal and prescribed me some antidepressants that I didn’t take. But I've had it for 4 years. Yes, I would recommend it for unwanted pregnancies, but you will deal with the other issues, so your choice. I’m about done."

• D R...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 13, 2018

For Birth Control "Had my Mirena IUD inserted in 2007, right after my daughter was born. Had it removed and a new one reinserted once it had been 5 years. I haven’t had a period for 10 years, so it works. I’ve pretty much had Mirena for my adult life and never really put it together. I’ve experienced really bad UTIs and bacterial infections after the second one was put in. Excessive sweating and hot flashes, depression, joint pains, bloating, and weight gain. Again, all of this never registered. I’m not much of a complainer and just assumed aging was the problem. I’m now at my heaviest, went down 60 pounds after pregnancy, and have gained it all back since! It’s really hard to maintain or lose any weight! Exercise hasn’t helped! Went to get it removed, and now the doctor can’t find it! Having to get an ultrasound to see where it is. Can’t wait to have it removed and see if that helps all my issues. I’m only posting this so other women don’t feel like they’re just crazy."

• Dam...
• May 13, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena inserted after having my daughter in '07. Wasn't painful at all, no side effects, barely had a period. After 5 years, had it reinserted in 2012. To remove and reinsert the new one was the most painful experience ever. Since then, my period lasts 3 weeks straight, very heavy, and right when I think I'm done with my period (lasts maybe 4 days), it will start again, and I'll continue to bleed the remainder of the month till my next period. I'm very agitated easily, I'm very tired, never had I taken a nap, and now that's all I do. I'm always bloated, I've gained weight, I always have lower stomach pains. I don't know if it's because I didn't give my body a break before inserting another one, but I'm taking this one out and never doing it again."

• Jes...
• January 9, 2012

For Birth Control "I am 21 years old and have a 3-year-old daughter. I had Mirena placed a month postpartum. It was great at first. I had dizziness and cramping after placement, but a few hours later, it was gone. I had my last period in December of '08, which has been great, but the negative effects outnumber the 2 good effects (no periods and no unwanted pregnancy). I have had Mirena for just over 3 years now, and I feel like crap. I have bad mood swings, nausea, abdominal pains so severe sometimes I want to cry, headaches at least 3 times a week, weight gain, bloating (badly), and extreme tiredness. I didn't want to believe it is my Mirena because it works so well, but the worse my symptoms get, the more difficult it is not to blame Mirena. Getting it removed!"

• Spa...
• May 31, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had this put in around 6 months ago because I'm anemic and was bleeding excessively during my period (4 days max). Pretty much blessings constantly for that 6 months. Seems a little stupid to have something in that makes the situation worse. Also, I'm a very active person and it stunted my weight loss completely. I was always bloated and couldn't understand why! Got it removed. Immediately lost 5 lbs of water weight. NEVER AGAIN!!"

• Anonymous
• December 26, 2012

For Birth Control "I have had the Mirena for over four years now, it's due to come out August 2013, and I have had a lot more downs than I do ups from it. I have had longer periods, actually, they have lasted up to 14 days. I have experienced some bloating, not much though, and my sex drive is low. The most irritating thing would be my pelvic pains I have on and off from it. The one good thing I can say about it is it's a very simple procedure, and once in, you don't have to worry about taking a pill every day."

• Anonymous
• October 2, 2012

For Birth Control "I am 35 with an 18 and 15-year-old girls. I'm a single mom, so having any more kids was not in my plans. I've had the Mirena for 3 years now, and I love it. Maintain my weight, a little bloating every now and then. What I love the most is not having to remember to take pills, bad cramps, and buying tampons or pads, especially with a teenager in the house. Every woman is different, but most of my friends have this and no complaints. Good luck, everyone."

• Fal...
• March 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the Mirena inserted about 9 months ago, and to start off, the insertion was extremely painful (my back caved in as I was getting it inserted and almost passed out; I can tolerate pain very well). After that, I have been bleeding immensely since I’ve got it inserted, with the exception of maybe 5 days within a month. I’ve always been extremely happy. With this Mirena, I’ve felt extremely depressed, tons of bloating, pelvic pain, sharp pains in my back and uterus to where I just want to hunch my back, awful migraines, feet swelling, and get really bad thoughts in my head. Sometimes, my husband will want to have intercourse, and I won’t because I know the aftermath is going to leave me in so much pain. It’s honestly one of the worst feelings a wife could have is telling them no (especially when they’re in the military so away a lot of the time and want to 'catch up'). :( It’s been such a bad experience, and I just can’t wait to get this thing removed in a few days because all I want to do is be my old self again."

• Jam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Mirena inserted 2-23. I am an active, almost 30-year-old who has problems with heavy periods and very painful cramps. I was not on birth control before this. The insertion itself was a nuisance but tolerable. That was 3 days ago, and since then, I have experienced minor cramping with some spotting. I have had a gassy/bloated feeling since, with loose stool. Yuck. My stomach is making some weird noises too. The real pain is the headaches and dizzy spells. Never in my life has a medication made me dizzy like this. My mood overall is pretty damn great considering I am always a little over-emotional. I have also had an increased sex drive, but maybe this is due to some external factor I'm not thinking of. I hope I don't gain weight."

• min...
• August 3, 2016

For Birth Control "Had Mirena put in at 6 weeks postpartum check-up as directed by the doctor. Had lots of bleeding for 10 months. Abdominal pain was present, talked to the doctor, said my body had to adjust. Then came the bloating, it came and went along with the pain. Intercourse was painful, not too pleasant sometimes. Had 3 UTIs while I had it in. My skin was in the most beautiful state before I started and dramatically changed. My face became very oily and developed acne. My hair began to fall more than usual, shedding. I had to go to the doctor because I couldn't feel it. She ran an ultrasound, the strings were flipped. I had gained 30 lbs those 2 years. Right after I had it in, even though I breastfed for the life it was in. Once I had it removed, all is getting better."

• JHa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve had Mirena since 2018 after childbirth. Since then, I’ve had the most difficult time losing weight and have a fluid-like puffiness all over my body with increased cellulite on my legs. My stomach is always bloated and distended. I have mucous discharge every day that comes about mostly in the afternoon. I also have very dark, thick hair growing on my head among my normal dark blonde hair. I have mild acne as well that will not go away. I am now questioning whether my increased nervousness may be tied to this IUD as well. I do like the effectiveness of the birth control, but it seems to take a toll in other areas, which impedes my health and well-being."

• Yew...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 48 yrs, had the Mirena placed post-ablation December 2017 due to premenopausal symptoms, irregular periods, etc. I have had discharge every day since that is a brownish-tan color and also included a 15-day period (yup, 15 days). I have experienced daily back pain, breast pain, and bloating. I am a marathoner, very fit, in excellent shape. Never in my life have I experienced bloating. But indeed the Mirena holds true to review. Brutal. Today, at exactly week 6, I had it removed. Painless, didn’t feel a thing. I was so disappointed, I wanted it to work as it had for so many others. But synthetic hormones are hard to handle for some, I guess. I will post in a couple of weeks with how I am coping post-removal."

• cag...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 4, 2016

For Birth Control "The first 4 weeks were hard. I felt bloating and mild pain constantly (this may have been psychological - I couldn't stop thinking about a plastic thing in my uterus!), and lots of spotting/discharge. However, after that... nothing... literally! I am now on my second coil, 7 years in. Not had a period in 7 years, not even spotting - even when I had the old one replaced. This is the BEST form of contraceptive and period controller I have ever used, and I only wished I had taken the risk 20 years ago!"

• UGH...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 12, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena IUD inserted in January 2016 due to heavy periods. With the IUD, my periods were lighter but lasted 2 weeks. My moods changed severely, and I had cramping every day during my 2-week periods. I have developed acne cysts on my face, sex had become painful, and I began to bleed after sex. I had become miserable. Four days ago, I had my IUD removed. The string had coiled, and my doctor had great difficulty getting it out. Since its removal, I started with very light spotting. I am on day four, and I have heavy bleeding, and I am passing HUGE clots. I am experiencing gushing, which causes me to fill up pads within an hour. I'm dizzy, have no energy, bloated, and have a constant headache. NEVER AGAIN!!!"

• Red...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Had the Mirena in for a month, and the first period is basically non-existent. Was recommended for by my gynecologist because of harsh periods and excessive bleeding causing iron deficiency, though I don't really think my bleeding was that excessive. Have had minimal cramping and hardly any discharge, no bleeding to speak of. I was worried coming off the pill that my acne would come back, but my face is clearer than ever. Have noticed some abdominal bloating, but it's only the first month, so not a big deal. HOWEVER... people should be warned about the insertion process, as it was quite a terrible experience even with a very gentle and experienced gyno. Frankly, it hurt badly, and I had immediate cramping. Have a driver with you."