Mirena and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Bri...
• September 24, 2014

For Birth Control "Had it for years and love it. Changed it out after not having a period for years, and boy it was painful. My first Mirena was nearly painless - just a little tuck. This time it stabbed me hard a few times (quite painful), but each time it was over in seconds. I had menstrual cramps for an hour, and that was it. I didn't even get my bleeding back (just a little right afterwards). Yeah! My advice: if you choose the Mirena, be patient - the first year I constantly bled off and on, but then my period disappeared. Find a doctor who has done this a lot - I believe experience is the key! Also - have it done when your cervix is dilated during your period. I took Misoprostol for that the night before, but that did not help."

• Kay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 8, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had Mirena since April of 2016. I will finally be getting it removed next week. Benefits: *I haven't gotten pregnant in 3 and a half years on my Mirena. Consequences: *I bled for 11 months after having it inserted. *I gained back 60 pounds that I had worked two years to lose. *Lifestyle/diet changes, intense exercising with a class, and drinking only water for over a year has helped me to lose 2 of those 60+ pounds. *I have extremely irregular periods now. Sometimes 2 in one month (lasting 1-2 full weeks), and sometimes no period for 6-10 weeks at a time. *For two years, I have dealt with fairly constant/daily 'cramps' and pain I used to associate with PMS. *For a year now, I have dealt with breast tenderness and pain. *For the last six months, when I lay on my stomach, it feels like I am being stabbed just below my abdomen. My OBGYN says every single one of my symptoms is normal. I am miserable."

• Bug...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had my 2nd Mirena inserted nearly 2 months ago. I was also put on the pill at the same time. I have been bleeding every 2 weeks for 10-12 days at a time. I am experiencing really, really bad cramping even when I'm not bleeding. My recent period started 2 weeks ago next Monday. It has been really heavy some days, then other days it's light to medium."

• Mir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena inserted in early November. It is now a week from January, and I have had daily bleeding since insertion. I came to the forum because I was concerned. I know that the bleeding timeline varies per person, but who wants a light period for about 8 weeks?! My period has been light, which is the main reason I chose Mirena. I've had extremely heavy periods where I would have to wear an ultra tampon and overnight pad, changing both out in about 2 hours because they were both saturated for years. I am not in pain, although the insertion was very uncomfortable/painful but was a short procedure. Cramps afterward were horrific but passed. Tylenol helped. I have an amazing gyno, and when I called about the duration of my period, he did show concern, asking if I had an odor or pain, which was a no. I will go in for a check-up but am a bit nervous. I don't want to remove it unless absolutely necessary, especially if I am close to my body adjusting to the Mirena."

• Asp...
• November 10, 2013

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena IUD for 2 years, and I LOVED IT! Yes, getting in was a tad painful, had cramping the rest of the day to where I just wanted a hot pad and to lay down, but after that, I was happy that it was in, never had to remember to take a pill. I did feel like it upped my sex drive, my husband never felt the strings at all. I'm not sure if this was part of it, but I felt like I lost weight easily, my periods were sometimes nonexistent, and when I did have them, they were never heavy at all. A pantiliner was all I needed, and my period seemed to last a couple of days vs. 5 days to a full week. Cramping when it did appear was a little painful at times, but nothing a hot pad couldn't fix. After having a baby, I'm going for it again!"

• Rez...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 14, 2021

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena for 3 months. In those 3 months, I experienced the most horrific symptoms ever, and it was definitely the Mirena as I didn't have it before, and I was tested for many other things, which all came back normal. I got it removed today, and almost instantly my lower back pain disappeared, along with constant cramping, and even the headaches I started getting from it have subsided today! I became HIGHLY, dangerously anxious on this thing. I got into a severe manic depressive state on it, had such bad anger problems and outbursts over nothing, not to mention the weight gain and sudden migraines/headaches, joint pain, and pressure in my skull! I am actually furious as to how much this messed me up, but I know not everyone had bad experiences on this, which I find so shocking due to the things it did to me."

• zja...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I just got my second Mirena inserted today - I will seriously never do anything else. I've tried other methods (patch, NuvaRing, pill), and nothing compares to Mirena if you want longer-term birth control! Yes, it is fairly painful upon insertion, but it lasts for only about 40 seconds max, but it is so worth it! Both times I didn't have bleeding or cramping afterward. My first time I didn't even have spotting, my periods just completely stopped for all 5 years. I am crossing my fingers for the same this time! I never had weight gain, and my skin was amazingly clear. For those who are interested in low-maintenance, long-term birth control, I cannot recommend Mirena more!"

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had the Mirena IUD for 5 months now, and so far, I've loved it! I haven't had any weight gain or acne symptoms that everyone talks about in their reviews. I bled for maybe three days after the procedure and haven't had a period since. The procedure sucks, but it's bearable. It felt like intense cramping for maybe a minute, then it's over. I suggest taking 800 mg of ibuprofen before and after because I did have cramps and dizziness for the whole day. I switched to Mirena from oral BC because oral BC made me absolutely crazy (crying at every little thing, irrational, emotional, blowing up at people for no reason, etc.). Ladies, don't let the reviews scare you because every body reacts differently. You truly have to try it out for yourself!"

• ora...
• July 31, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 51. Had it inserted 2 years ago. I never felt a thing. Did not take ibuprofen prior to. It was quick and painless. I bled for a couple of weeks after. Slight cramping for a few days. I do still spot. Nothing major. Gained a few that I can't drop. That's my age too. Not to blame Mirena. Very glad I did it. Should also take me through menopause. Positive experience."

• d22...
• February 3, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I just got the Mirena inserted this morning and thought I'd share my experience. When my doctor inserted the sound to measure my uterus, it was like a sudden cramp that came on, and it was alarming (an eye-opener). Then she proceeded to insert the Mirena, which also was quite crampy, but not as intense. To me, the sound was more uncomfortable than the Mirena insertion. I have read a bunch of horror stories online, and honestly, I can say it really wasn't that bad. In fact, I only took 1 Advil before insertion, and I am home now, and I'm not even cramping. Don't get me wrong, insertion wasn't pleasant, but it wasn't anything horrible."

• jes...
• October 18, 2014

For Birth Control "Love, love, love it... Coming up on year 5 and about to have it replaced. Tiny pinch getting it placed. My periods were painful and heavy before, and well, I haven't had a period in 3 years. I lightly spot for a day or less every month when I can feel changes and a period is supposed to be present. No weight gain, no moodiness, higher sex drive... Only one downside is that my husband says he can feel a sharp poke when he penetrates deeply. Reason being the OB that placed it cut the threads too short, so instead of wrapping around the cervix, they stick out straight... Also, some cramping after sex on occasion."

• jes...
• October 18, 2014

For Birth Control "Love, love, love it... Coming up on year 5 and about to have it replaced. Tiny pinch getting it placed. My periods were painful and heavy before, and well, I haven't had a period in 3 years. I lightly spot for a day or less every month when I can feel changes and a period is supposed to be present. No weight gain, no moodiness, higher sex drive... Only one downside is that my husband says he can feel a sharp poke when he penetrates deeply. Reason being the OB that placed it cut the threads too short, so instead of wrapping around the cervix, they stick out straight... Also, some cramping after sex on occasion."

• Che...
• January 20, 2021

For Birth Control "I can honestly say that the Mirena IUD almost ruined my life, and even now, 4 years after having it removed, I'm still having problems that I never had before I got it inserted. I had the Mirena IUD for a year. I noticed drastic changes in my mood. I had the worst depression of my life, and it shattered my sex drive entirely, to the point I didn't even want to be hugged by my boyfriend. Not to mention, the string never softened as I was told it would and constantly cut my boyfriend during intercourse. Within a month of removing it, my mood drastically improved, but I didn't start getting my period again until 2 years later. I now suffer from incredibly irregular periods that I didn't have before. Sometimes I go half a year without one. Recently, I had a horrible month-long period where I was bleeding through the highest absorbency tampon you could buy in less than 45 minutes, as well as menstrual cramps where the pain reached all the way up to my chest."

• gmb...
• December 13, 2014

For Birth Control "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 who have not had children are having more issues and side effects than the women who have had children."

• H20...
• March 22, 2014

For Birth Control "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 800 mg 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 a 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!"

• Sar...
• July 26, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "The Mirena was a really good decision that I made. But getting it inserted was the most painful thing I have ever experienced in my life. The pain was so bad when the doctor was inserting it I thought I was going to pass out. I bled for a few days after it was in, minor spotting but very intense cramps. I got it almost a month ago, and I am just starting to spot a little again now, so assuming this is my period that is normally very extreme due to my blood disease I have and not being able to clot, the Mirena is working well for me."

• Coo...
• January 29, 2013

For Birth Control "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."

• blo...
• February 24, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am only about 4 weeks in since getting the Mirena inserted. My personal experience with insertion was okay. It was quite pinchy, but only for a short few seconds. I found the more relaxed I was, the better I could handle the discomfort. Right after having it inserted, I felt somewhat extreme cramping, which subsided within a minute. The next two days following, I had moderate period-like cramps, which made me quite irritable. The most annoying part is that I haven't stopped bleeding since insertion. People say 'spotting,' but it's a consistent flow of blood, not extremely heavy, but not extremely light either. It's rather annoying because blood doesn't smell great, and how is anyone supposed to enjoy their sex life when they're bleeding!?"

• Pat...
• December 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I had Mirena inserted 3 years ago. Only a little cramping after insertion, periods stopped within 2 months, no acne, but a little lower back pain and weight gain. Mirena is still worth it, though. Very happy with this product."

• KJ1...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 27, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm 40 years old with two teenaged children. I was tired of taking a birth control pill daily and had trouble remembering to take it sometimes. I had the Mirena inserted last month, and it was a painless procedure. I had some minor cramping for the first day or two, but no bleeding. I did not get my period this month, and I'm hoping I don't get one ever again! I highly recommend Mirena."

• Kel...
• December 27, 2013

For Birth Control "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."

• cat...
• April 6, 2014

For Birth Control "I am a 21-year-old, no kids. I was on the pill for a couple of years-absolutely nothing wrong with it except for the fact that I hated worrying about taking it every morning (especially on trips, weekends, staying over at my boyfriend's house, etc.), such a hassle! So I got Mirena about 3 weeks ago. I absolutely love it so far. It was semi-painful to insert, I felt cramping for a couple of hours and very tired all day long, but woke up the next morning and felt almost 100% normal! The cramping and expected bleeding/spotting stopped after about a week, and I literally have noticed no side effects since. Also, I have dropped 5 lbs, I believe, due to the lack of hormones from the pill, so I'm back to my normal weight! Love this and would recommend it to all."

• Sha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 10, 2014

For Birth Control "I had this birth control in for 2 years and have had it removed. The only benefit was the fact that I didn't have to take the pill every day. I spotted all the time on this and got really random heavy periods. The side effects were unbearable (they creep up on you)! I didn't notice any major problems at first, but by year two, I thought there was something medically wrong with me (I have been seeing a specialist, my normal doctor couldn't figure out what was wrong with me). I had really emotional PMS, the sharpest, worst cramps (I could feel the Mirena poking me from the inside), and no sex drive at all. I had difficulty focusing, was tired all the time, super sore body, and I gained 27 pounds with no major lifestyle changes. Insertion and removal hurt!"

• Ris...
• March 19, 2013

For Birth Control "Last August, I had the Mirena inserted. 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!"

• Jen...
• June 28, 2013

For Birth Control "I have never had kids and am not in a position to have kids anytime 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 it's been a year and a half, and so far, 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."