Mirena and Cramps: What Users Say

• Mir...
• April 1, 2009

For Birth Control "I have had my IUD for over a year now, and I think it's the best thing ever. When I first got it put in, I only bled for about a week with a little cramping. After that, nothing at all. I haven't had a period for about 8 months until I finally got one, and it's not bad at all. It's light, no cramping, no headache, nothing. I haven't gained weight, my acne is gone, and my moods are fine. I know all women are different, but I just hear all these horror stories, and I just wanted to tell my story, which is a good one. Hope it calms some of your fears."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I know I have not had Mirena in long. First day was Dec 15th. This is horrible. I always had the worst cramps along with heavy heavy bleeding. Every month it felt like contractions. Since having the IUD put in I have bled every day. Yes, some days were lighter than others. Most days I had to wear a regular pad. Cramps are just as bad if not worse. I can't wait 3 months or longer to see if this will work. I'm miserable, my husband is miserable. I think I would prefer the 7 days of heavy bleeding than this. At least I knew it was going to stop. This everyday bleeding has to go. I can't deal with it."

• Bus...
• September 3, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was recently diagnosed with adenomyosis due to heavy, painful, irregular periods and cysts. My consultant gave me the option to have a Mirena coil, which he said will help my lining of my womb, stop heavy bleeding into my uterus, and having it inserted would feel similar to a smear test. So I booked my appointment based on his recommendation. As the alternative was a hysterectomy. I got it fitted July 2020, which was the most horrendous pain I've ever experienced, felt like a stabbing contraction and I was in tears from the pain. I had a little spotting a few days later with some severe cramps. The cramps stopped and then two weeks later, I started to get brown jelly-like spotting, which wasn't very nice, and I also don't feel very clean because of it. I spotted for two weeks, then came the heavy period, which hasn't stopped and it's constant. I don't like the way it's made me feel, and I've only had it in for five weeks, it's worse than what I had before."

• OB ...
• October 22, 2009

For Birth Control "I am an OB nurse, married with two children ages six and three. I chose the Mirena after suffering severe migraines on the pill. I interviewed several OB doctors at my job and my pregnant patients about their form of birth control prior to their pregnancy and decided to give the Mirena a try. I had the Mirena inserted in early May. Insertion process was very painful. It reminded me much of mild labor contractions. After the insertion, I had mild cramps for the remainder of the day. For three weeks thereafter, I experienced light spotting and wore a pantyliner. For the next four months, I would spot beginning the same day each month for a week followed by a regular light period two weeks after the spotting subsided. It is now five months after insertion and I did spot for less time but no period came. Rather, I experience symptoms of bloating and increased appetite as if my period is going to start but without the period. I am most happy to report NO migraines and I lost weight! My mood and libido have remained the same. I cannot feel the string I was instructed to check for monthly, and no complaints from my husband. I did experience some hair loss and noticed my complexion is not as clear, but overall, I am satisfied with the Mirena and recommend women to try it, especially if you want a low-maintenance birth control method."

• Sar...
• January 30, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm 47 and got the Mirena because I have very heavy bleeding during my periods. After insertion, I bled for 44 days. Then none for 11 days, and on my next period, I started bleeding again for (as of writing this) 27 days. Overall, I have been bleeding for 71 days out of the 82 (almost 3 months) that I have had the Mirena. While I appreciate the medium/lighter bleeding, the non-stop bleeding has been miserable. It has also been very brown and jelly-like (like the end or start of a normal period). I tried to wait it out, but it just isn't stopping, so I have an appointment in 2 days to have it removed. On a side note, I had bloating and cramping/pinching feeling for the first 3 weeks. I almost had it taken out after the first month, but my doctor said to give it 3 months. The bloating and pinching did subside. I did feel fine emotionally, no depression, and didn't have any weight gain or skin problems with Mirena. Just removing it because of the non-stop bleeding."

• Anonymous
• September 24, 2010

For Birth Control "First off, I was 25 and childless. I had tried the pill, but I am a poor, forgetful soul, and that was unacceptable. The patch left an icky mark that hurt my skin. I am married, so we are beyond condoms. My Mirena insertion, a year and a half ago, was somewhat painful, so I took a nap. I had some cramps for the first two weeks, probably due to getting used to the hormones in the IUS. My first cycle afterward, the blood seemed thin and only lasted a few days. I have not had a period since. I really like Mirena because it's easy and I don't have to think about it. My sex drive is still great, and I don't have to pay every month for birth control. I just wanted to explain all of the side effects I experienced so others could be informed."

• Den...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena IUD inserted on Feb 4th. It took 5 mins to insert, and they used an ultrasound machine to ensure it was done correctly. I have an extremely high pain tolerance, but must say the insertion was probably the worst 5 mins of my entire life. The pain was ridiculous! After that, I had mild cramping for 24 hrs and light brown bleeding for 3 days. On the 4th day out of nowhere, I felt sick to my stomach and had horrible cramping pains. Lasted for 30 minutes. I was almost in tears, but it subsided with 800 mg of Advil and a hot water bottle. My period was supposed to start on Feb 14th, but I had brown spotting 3 days prior and am still menstruating! It's been 11 days straight; it's light but enough to need a panty liner or tampon. I'm exhausted, cranky, and frustrated. My next doctor appointment is on Mar 7th to check that the IUD is still in the same position. I'm thinking if I bleed all of March, I'm getting this thing taken out. I had no idea I'd bleed for this many days in a row."

• San...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 26, 2020

For Birth Control "The Mirena seemed like a great option for me as I had negative experiences with other forms of birth control. Insertion was fine but I had severe cramping for a few days after. My moods were up and down for the first few months, and I wanted to have it removed, but my doctor recommended trying it for 6 months. It has now been 6 months, and my mental health is the worst it has ever been. I'm constantly on the verge of tears and cannot cope with everyday life. I have a history of anxiety but I've never felt this low. I would not recommend the Mirena if you are sensitive to other birth controls (pill, implanon). I still have bad cramps on the Mirena, and my periods are heavier. Can't wait to have it removed!"

• San...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 26, 2020

For Birth Control "The Mirena seemed like a great option for me as I had negative experiences with other forms of birth control. Insertion was fine but I had severe cramping for a few days after. My moods were up and down for the first few months, and I wanted to have it removed, but my doctor recommended trying it for 6 months. It has now been 6 months, and my mental health is the worst it has ever been. I'm constantly on the verge of tears and cannot cope with everyday life. I have a history of anxiety but I've never felt this low. I would not recommend the Mirena if you are sensitive to other birth controls (pill, implanon). I still have bad cramps on the Mirena, and my periods are heavier. Can't wait to have it removed!"

• JMa...
• August 20, 2020

For Birth Control "I have had the Mirena in for nearly 2 years. It was okay for the first few months, odd cramp here and there. 6 months after insertion, I got my first (of many) bacterial infections. Cramps, pain during sex, brown smelly discharge. It always cleared up with flagyl and cream. I can’t even count how many I have had since then. It’s awful. I have 0 sex drive which makes my partner and me feel awful. Every time I get spotting, it always puts fear in me that it could be something more sinister, which escalates my anxiety. I have made an appointment to get it removed, as I can't live like this anymore."

• HSF...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 20, 2015

For Birth Control "I was scared to get Mirena after reading all the horror stories, but got it anyways, and I'm liking it so far! I'm 20 years old with no kids. Cramping during insertion and off and on for a few days after, nothing unbearable. Skin has gotten better, and I've actually lost weight, but this might not have anything to do with Mirena. The only downside is I'm still spotting, but my doctor said it should be gone within a month or so. No pain during sex, and my boyfriend says he can't feel the strings either. Would definitely recommend! Don't let all the horror stories scare you."

• kar...
• October 19, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena inserted 7 months ago. It was a little painful and discomfort for a couple of minutes, but if you have been through normal childbirth, you can handle that pain, you can handle anything. After the insertion of the Mirena, which my doctor recommended because I was suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding that would last up to 2 weeks, I spotted a little after insertion and was also cramping the next day. It was all gone about a week after insertion. Then the bleeding was full-on for about 1-2 weeks, then it would stop for a few days, then the bleeding started again. It was constant: 1 week of bleeding, then a stop for another few days. I was so frustrated, as was my hubby. Now everything has settled. We are all different, you have to be patient."

• Nik...
• May 31, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I chose Mirena because I was having heavy periods with severe cramping along with terrible acne and PMS symptoms. I am 27 years old and have never had children. I was very nervous before the procedure because of reading many terrible reviews. First off, placement was the most painful experience thus far. Not even exaggerating. I've got a very high pain tolerance, and I thought I was going to pass out. I left the office in some serious pain and cramping, and it continued for about a day. I spotted for about a week along with minor cramps. It's now been 2 months, and I have not had any spotting, cramping, or periods! My mood is better, and for the first time in 10 years, I haven't had any acne breakouts. Also, zero weight gain! I love Mirena, best choice ever."

• rai...
• December 7, 2009

For Birth Control "It's now been three months since I had the Mirena IUD inserted, and I'm glad I went for it. The insertion was not painful, although measuring the cervix was. However, the pain went away real quick. I had lots of cramping and spotting for the first six weeks, and since I'm very sensitive, it made me a bit moody too. However, as it settles in, I'm loving the convenience and the no-worry assurance of birth control, and I'm very glad I got the Mirena. Read a lot of negative reviews before I went for my appointment, but I felt like it was the right thing for me, and I'm glad I trusted my instincts. If you're thinking of getting one, just know that there is an initial adjustment period, and things will get better if you just give it some time."

• jen...
• April 30, 2008

For Birth Control "I'm 22, have never been pregnant, and had my Mirena inserted ~3 weeks ago. Other than some slight cramping during and some moderately worse cramping later that day and for a few days after (nothing pain killers can't handle) it's been great! I used to have really heavy, really painful periods (which is why I went with Mirena over the paragard) and though I was supposed to get my period the week after they put it in, I haven't had anything but super light, almost non-existent spotting."

• Hap...
• June 28, 2009

For Birth Control "I have had the Mirena in for a year now. I'm 29 and I haven't had babies. I've tried all sorts of birth control pills and NuvaRing. All they ever did was cause depression and mood swings. Mirena, on the other hand, has been a blessing to my uterus. I had slight cramping the first day or two and since then my periods have disappeared. I haven't had a period in 6 months, no monthly symptoms either. Mr. Mirena deserves a trophy and a million-dollar mansion for his kind help."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Mirena gave me my life back. It’s not perfect, but I gave it time, and it has been good for me. I tried controlling my endometriosis with oral contraceptives, with nasty side effects and little success. I was really scared to try the Mirena IUD because it’s invasive, and I was so tired of side effects, but I had few options left. I spotted a lot for 3 months with some cramping, but now, at the 6-month mark, I have very little bleeding and hence very little pain. This is a huge improvement. In terms of side effects, my skin isn’t great, but it’s a trade-off I’m willing to make. Without this IUD, I would have no quality of life."

• Anonymous
• May 21, 2009

For Birth Control "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."

• CRG...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena placed a couple of weeks ago for major Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding, with moderate Endometrial Hyperplasia (14mm), and Iron Deficiency Anemia with megaloblasts. I was bleeding for 3 months straight. I was soaking through Ultra absorbency tampons every hour the week of getting the Mirena. I had it placed on a Wednesday, and by Friday, my bleeding had almost completely stopped. I have not had any spotting since. The insertion felt like a quick cramp and a fluttery feeling as the Mirena was being placed, not painful. I was very uncomfortably crampy that evening. But so far, moods are good, energy is coming back. My normal headaches are gone. I probably won't need a blood transfusion. I am liking this Mirena!"

• Car...
• May 19, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had the Mirena for about 3 1/2 years. At first, I experienced bleeding for about 4-6 months with only a few days of not bleeding in between (like some have said). I got it inserted after I gave birth to my son. After those first months of bleeding passed, my periods became light and only lasted a few days. I love this because before I was a heavy, heavy bleeder! But recently, I've noticed way more acne, along with bleeding (spotting) every 2 weeks. Now all of a sudden, I had a heavy period again along with cramps and the same old stuff! I'm kinda scared because it has always worked extremely well for me! I wonder if all this is because it's getting closer to the 5-year mark! Can anyone relate?"

• Lif...
• September 19, 2014

For Birth Control "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."

• MCH...
• June 1, 2014

For Birth Control "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

For Birth Control "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?"

• Syd...
• May 28, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got the coil to help with heavy bleeding. It went horribly from the start. I’d read it could be painful to get put in and varied from person to person, and an ibuprofen was recommended beforehand, which I took, however, the pain, which was described as a pinch, felt more like I’d been stabbed. The most nauseating cramps I’d ever gotten enveloped me - worst pain I’ve ever felt (only 19, by the way). I was in bed for the rest of the day because the cramps were so severe and constant. They continued for two weeks after. Immediately after inserting it, I began to bleed lightly - this continued on for a year nonstop aside from two days here and there. After three months, I had a check-up, and they assured me it was normal and would stop. I went traveling, hoping for the best and willing to give it a year, but last week marked a year, and the bleeding was still continuous. So I finally got it removed. That actually felt like a pinch and was much better than insertion."

• Anonymous
• February 22, 2010

For Birth Control "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."