Mirena and Bloating: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Ray...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 31, 2019

For Birth Control "Mistakenly got this device for heavy periods before going on a backpacking trip. Not only did I bleed continuously for months, but I had such extreme cramping that I would cry out in pain, and I have a pretty high pain tolerance. I had moderate anxiety before, but with the IUD, it reached new levels; from panic attacks to racing mind. I have been extremely bloated ever since insertion (month post-removal currently) and gained 20 lbs in 9 months. The costs of getting this device are much too high. I would never recommend it unless it’s a last resort."

• Bar...
• September 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I decided, three years after having endometriosis removed and done having children, to try an IUD. Last time I was on any BC was 15 years ago. My periods are usually four days long and never have any cramping. I do tend to get overwhelmed about four to seven days before my period. My emotions are more challenging to rein in. I do get ovulation pain. I thought that an IUD would level out the hormones and make my emotions easier to manage. I had an IUD on Friday, 09/27/2019. I spent 24 hours in cramping pain and tiredness. Lots of brown discharge on the first day. The progestin made me bloated and gassy. Saturday and Sunday I felt in a brain fog and couldn't think clearly or just enjoy being (just like when I was on Micronor). I was very much aware of the device and pressure in my uterus. My pre-flow was noticeably reduced. Then all last night I was up with cystitis. Urgency and frequency and barely any pee coming out. I decided to take back control and removed it first thing on Monday morning."

• Boo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 10, 2015

For Birth Control "Have had this almost 5 years now. I've been terrific on it. Had massively heavy bleeding prior, so much so I could not leave the house without a baby nappy for a pad, for real. Hey, at 45 at the time, I was over that. They wouldn't do a hysterectomy. They offered the Mirena, and I was skeptical. I have had a great run, no periods for 4.5 years at least - love that. No side effects, no moods, no bloating - NOTHING. I'm due now to have it out, and I tell you what, I'm getting another."

• Tot...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 28, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Had the Mirena for 1.5 years, just had it removed today. When I first had the Mirena inserted, I was bloated and bleeding for 1.5 months, but after that, it cleared up, and my periods got lighter and more infrequent until they stopped altogether. I had a pretty ideal experience with the IUD, except that my hair started thinning about 6-7 months after insertion. It's thinned to the point that you can see through it in the front around my face... and I was worried it would keep getting worse. I had some trouble getting it removed, however. The threads went up inside my cervix, so I had to have a special procedure to get it removed, which was expensive. Because of that, I've decided to never use a form of birth control that I can't immediately remove or stop taking."

• DGe...
• May 1, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 43 years old and had the Mirena inserted a month and a half ago. I have to say I have gained weight excessively (12 lbs), but I do eat a lot and have not been to the gym as I usually do on a regular basis, so in time I will be able to factor in the cause and effect appropriately. Insertion was 'uncomfortable' but bearable. I have read many of the reviews and have to say it is definitely dependent on the person. You will always hear the bad, but for anyone contemplating the Mirena, I would do my research on the pros and cons and know that there are chances of it not giving you the results you want (outside of the birth control); i.e., weight gain, acne, etc. I have not had any bleeding or spotting, and I get a bloated feeling every now and then, but nothing painful."

• Anonymous
• January 5, 2012

For Birth Control "I had nothing but problems the entire time I had my Mirena. I had it inserted Feb 2007 and just had it taken out today (Jan 5, 2012). I had nothing but migraines, backaches, bloating, severe cramping, irritability, extreme weight gain (50 lbs total), anxiety, sharp stabbing pains in my ovaries, and my husband was always being poked by those strings. The only reason I kept it in was because it did what it was supposed to do-stop me from becoming pregnant. This past weekend, I was in so much pain I was in tears. I went to my ob/gyn first thing this morning and had it removed. Now apparently I am going through a 'Mirena crash' and feel like I am getting the flu. This Mirena-the gift that keeps on giving."

• Bca...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 17, 2019

For Birth Control "I had Mirena for about a year and a half. For the first 6 months, I spotted every day but had no periods/pain. After 6 months, I had zero symptoms!!! It felt so perfect. I didn’t get my period until about a year in. At this time, I had my period 3 months in a row, very light and virtually painless. After that though, it stopped. I still had bloating/cramps/mood swings. Then the worst part. I had cramps every day randomly for about 2 months. I just recently had it removed because I couldn’t take it anymore. Altogether though, Mirena worked for me really well for about a year."

• Lol...
• February 21, 2018

For Birth Control "I just had my Mirena removed yesterday after 3 months. I hated it! Cramps were awful, felt bloated, pressure after and during sex, face broke out, gained weight (so afraid to see how much, makes me so sad), what else? Super moody and emotional all the time, bled almost every day since it was inserted. BUT I wanted to go back to NuvaRing, and my doctor said no since I am over 40. So now what? Anyone on here over 40 (43) and using any pills?"

• Act...
• February 21, 2018

For Birth Control "I experienced the worst cystic acne breakout along my jawline, and it eventually spread to my cheeks, chin, and breasts. The first few months, I felt bloated all the time, despite working out and not changing my diet. I have always been careful with my diet because I have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and celiac disease. It seemed that no matter what I ate or drank, my stomach was constantly bloated. Before insertion, I weighed 135 pounds. Now, after 7 months with it, I’m up to 160 pounds. I assumed this was because of the holidays and general life stress, but I’ve been tracking my diet (1,000-1,300 calories a day) and exercising regularly, and I have not been able to stop gaining weight, nor have I been able to lose weight. I have no sex drive and began having vision problems (blurry vision/eye strain) and migraines. I have no history of migraines or blurry vision. I’ve experienced joint pain in my knees, ankles, shoulders, and horrible back pain."

• Nat...
• March 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I got the Mirena in 2013, like most of the reviews, the insertion was relatively pain-free. Then the bleeding began, this is a progesterone-only birth control, and guess what progesterone does? It assists in shedding the lining of your uterus. You know all those annoying side effects of menstruation: bloating, bleeding (obviously), cravings, and water retention. Well, multiply that by 10, and you have the side effects of Mirena. And since there is no break in your now 3-month-long period, you start gaining weight and are never able to lose. I have had two kids and have successfully lost the weight for both, easy. Just don't. Oh, they charge for the ultrasound separately to verify it is safe, WTF!!!"

• bwa...
• April 5, 2012

For Birth Control "I am 21 years old and have 1 baby boy. I have had my Mirena for about a year now. Insertion did hurt, like someone was pinching me. Since I have had the Mirena, I have not had a single spot of blood. That is what I love about the Mirena. Unfortunately, it has made me feel nauseous practically every day, my anxiety has gotten terrible. I have anxiety attacks over pretty much anything. My hair falls out worse than it ever has before. My acne has started up. I feel bloated a lot of the time. I am depressed. I got stabbing pains where it's out quite often. It hurts very badly. I get constant headaches every day. I plan on getting it removed in the near future."

• Rac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2017

For Birth Control "I have a love/hate relationship with Mirena. When it was inserted, it was uncomfortable for sure. I also bled like the Nile River for about a month straight, my body took a break for a week and then bled again for another 2 weeks. I had it placed in June, it's now the end of October. I spot every now and then and almost always have brown discharge. However, I am prone to long, horrendous periods and migraines without BC, and since the initial bleeding has stopped, my migraines are fewer and the bleeding seems to be as well. BUT, I have acne on my chin, neck, and back, and that is really frustrating. Weight hasn't changed, but bloating is present, and breasts are always tender. Yeast infections too. I'm considering removal."

• Anonymous
• April 19, 2012

For Birth Control "Extremely painful insertion. I have never had children. My weight gain, bloating, and constant spotting are creating conflict in terms of my decision. I am miserable with the weight gain and bloating. I want it removed."

• Abi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 6, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Mirena was supposed to be the perfect treatment for my extremely heavy and painful periods. It has lightened my period but not as much as I expected it to. I now have severe cramping on my periods. I’m severely bloated all the time. I feel extremely depressed. My periods are nightmarish. The cramping is more like severe sharp pains each month and often throughout the month."

• Reb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 21, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had Mirena for 3 and a half years now. I got it for heavy bleeding. I'm 40. At first, it helped the heavy bleeding a little. Now my periods have come back, and they're extremely heavy again. I have severe cramping. It causes severe bloating that makes it look like I've gained a lot of weight. My depression has been severe on it. It has worked for my friends who had average periods. For me, it's been a nightmare. It's still in place, and with each passing month, my periods get heavier, cramping is worse, and my moods are horrid. Useless device."

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena done to help with cancer cells and to save fertility for a few months. If it doesn't help, then I have to have a hysterectomy. I know it's only been a few weeks, but I have cramps and bloating bad and nonstop bleeding. I am living off paracetamol and ibuprofen, and I don't want to leave home. My heat bag is my best friend. I hope things change soon."

• 54n...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2015

For Birth Control "Aged 54, with no kids and premenopausal. Had my period for over a month with heavy bleeding and cramping. Went to OB/GYN for a consult on possible uterine ablation, and she suggested Mirena first to stop the bleeding. I have a retroverted uterus, and because this wasn't a scheduled procedure, I was not told to take any pain meds beforehand. It was the most excruciating pain ever, however, I also had cervical biopsies done just prior to insertion. Not sure which hurt more, but I lay on the table for a good 15 minutes after in tears. So far, it's been 2 weeks, heavy flow has slowed to constant spotting and bloated like a blowfish! So hoping that things get better so I don't have to do ablation vs. hysterectomy. Horrible panic attacks :-("

• Cai...
• November 16, 2016

For Birth Control "Cut long story short - I'm 21 years old. I've had a lot of problems with my left ovary since I was 14 years old. I tend to get a lot of cysts on it, yet my right ovary is perfect. My gynecologist suggested that after trying so many pills, I was still getting cysts and my periods were horrendous, to try the Mirena coil. WORST decision of my life. At first, they tried for 45 minutes to get it in, and it would not go, so I was told to come back in 2 weeks, which I did, and again it took a lot of trouble, and took 1 hour and 25 minutes until it was in place. After it was in, it was just like period cramping. A week after this, my stomach bloated, making me look 5 or 6 months pregnant, and the pain was excruciating! 1 week after having it put in, I've had it removed!"

• jen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 26, 2016

For Birth Control "My experience: Painful insertion, but I expected that since I've never had children. There was a lot of bloating, cramping, and breast tenderness in the first couple of weeks. I used Pamprin and a heating pad on my belly, and that helped. About a week after insertion came the brown sludge, and it lasted about ten days. The first month was a study in misery, but after that, my periods stopped and it's been a breeze with some occasional light cramping and spotting. The only drawback for me personally is that I am 51 years old and perimenopausal, so not having periods makes it impossible for me to track my cycle. But overall, I am delighted."

• Hun...
• August 15, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on Mirena for 4 years now. It has been good so far, I have not had a period or spotting in almost 4 years. I haven't gained any weight (but I do feel bloated from time to time). The only downside is my sex drive has nosedived. I used to ALWAYS be ready to go another round, but now I have no interest, which causes me to get a little moody, but the positive outweighs the negative."

• Anonymous
• November 21, 2011

For Birth Control "I am 24 years old and have a daughter who is almost 2. I got the Mirena put in when my daughter was 10 weeks old. Since I got it put in, I have had nothing but problems. I have been having a lot of problems with my back, my mood swings, and depression has taken a turn for the worse. I have gained over 50 lbs because since I got it put in, I have done nothing but try to lose weight, and nothing works, and the change in my eating habits has changed since. I somewhat lost my sex drive. When it comes to that time of the month, I get really bad cramps and bloating, but no spotting. I haven't had a period in almost 8 months, and it has been almost 2 years since I got it. I want it removed really badly."

• Bla...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 18, 2012

For Birth Control "I am a 29-year-old mother of two beautiful boys. I am pretty sure I do not want to have any more children. Five years ago, I decided to get the Mirena, the insertion process was a little painful, very little spotting the first couple of weeks, then no periods at all. I love the Mirena, I have had no more acne than I had before the Mirena, gained no weight, and only on occasion have slight bloating and cramps. Just yesterday, since my five years were up in May, I had my second Mirena put in. I love this product, I have had no problems with it, and I do recommend it to friends and family. It is nice to have peace of mind and not worry about remembering to take a pill. There is no other form of contraception I would use again."

• Jen...
• August 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I had the IUD for exactly two years. At first, it was amazing, I didn't get any side effects, but for some reason, within my second year, my back started hurting, and I lost my sex drive. I couldn't handle it anymore, so I went to the doctors yesterday and got it removed. Within 30 minutes, I had no more back pain. I already feel like my stomach bloating is going down."

• JJM...
• May 26, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had Mirena for about 3 months now. I'm 29, no kids, active lifestyle. So far it's been a mess down south. I will bleed for a few hours every week or so, then constant spotting since day one (brown dry blood consistency). My acne has gotten out of hand, so I went to my GP to get prescription acne lotion, and hopefully that will help. Breast tenderness and constant feeling of being bloated. Just waiting for this to pass and my body to adjust…but not sure if it will. I cannot do oral contraceptives as it makes me extremely moody and causes weight gain."

• Kan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I had the IUD put in last Tuesday to see if it would help with my heavy periods and endometriosis. Insertion was no issue at all. About three hours after, I started feeling like rubbish. I wasn’t worried, as she said I might feel a bit crampy, etc. By Friday, I couldn’t walk, the pain was unbearable. I ended up going to the emergency for it. Now it's Sunday, and I’m calling tomorrow to get it out. I read the good comments and the bad before getting it put in, thinking I would be one of the ones to have a good review. I highly do not recommend it unless you can put up with severe pain, bloating, heavy bleeding, etc. I have a high pain tolerance, and this has made me miss days of work just to lay on the couch with a hot bean bag, Tylenol, and a good cry, lol."