Mirena and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Nee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 2, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I’ve had the Mirena coil for 15 months now, and in my experience, it’s been awful: tender breasts all the time, period pains pretty much all the time. The heavy bleeding did settle after 6 months of it being inserted, however, I never know when the bleeding might start again, as sometimes it’s every 2 weeks. The last period I had was so bad it scared me as I was losing big clots and soaked an extra super absorbent tampon within 5 minutes. I’ve since been to my GP, who has confirmed the strings are in the right place. Swabs came back fine. Now got to go for a scan before I can have it removed to make sure I haven’t got a fibroid. I did persevere with it for this long in the hope it would settle and make each month better. Unfortunately, it’s just made me more miserable and can’t wait to have it removed. I’m going on holiday tomorrow, and I’ve been awake since 3 am with excruciating cramps."

• MSV...
• March 10, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I originally had Mirena put in 2013; had 6-day-long periods/spotting. The cramps were gone. I started to read upon people mentioning getting a very low dose of estrogen that brought relief. My doctors at the ob-gyn would refuse. A friend was on the Estradiol .5 pills and had switched to the Estradiol Patch and gave me her pills. I took 1/2 every other day (.25) and spotting stopped in 2 weeks! Periods regulated. I was running out, so I visited the Ob Gyns, who again refused to offer me this option! I started taking half of the pill every other day. I did this for 2 more months. I saw a new OB Gyn who gave me the lowest dose of estrogen! In 1 month, I stopped gradually taking it until I became 'normal'. Periods were still coming to this day, and the shortest period I ever had was 3 days. No more spotting, which is what I wanted!"

• hfi...
• December 12, 2014

For Birth Control "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."

• hfi...
• December 12, 2014

For Birth Control "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 less than 1 month
• September 27, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Today, I decided on Mirena for help with very heavy and painful periods. With so many negative reviews that scare you into not having the procedure, I wanted to give an honest review and post a positive review. I understand everybody reacts differently to different procedures, but getting the Mirena inserted was NOT anything like 99% of the reviews I read said. It was uncomfortable at the most and for only a matter of seconds. I did take 800 mg of Motrin an hour before. I am 48 and have had one child 23 years ago (vaginal birth). So far, no cramping, and I am spotting a bit. I pray this helps as it is my last option before more evasive procedures."

• Lol...
• November 3, 2013

For Birth Control "I have had my Mirena in for 2 1/2 weeks. Before that, I was on the pill for many years. I am 36 and have had 2 kids by C-section. My periods have been heavier since I had kids, and I don't want to have any more. I also have slightly high blood pressure. Doc suggested we do Mirena because it is used to treat heavy periods, has no estrogen (which can contribute to high blood pressure), and circulates progesterone only in the uterus rather than systemically. The insertion was...um...awful, but quick. After that, just some cramping for the rest of the day and light spotting. A few days later, I actually woke up with a sex drive!! Haven't had a period yet, but still have occasional cramps. Overall, it has been a good choice so far."

• Lol...
• November 3, 2013

For Birth Control "I have had my Mirena in for 2 1/2 weeks. Before that, I was on the pill for many years. I am 36 and have had 2 kids by C-section. My periods have been heavier since I had kids, and I don't want to have any more. I also have slightly high blood pressure. Doc suggested we do Mirena because it is used to treat heavy periods, has no estrogen (which can contribute to high blood pressure), and circulates progesterone only in the uterus rather than systemically. The insertion was...um...awful, but quick. After that, just some cramping for the rest of the day and light spotting. A few days later, I actually woke up with a sex drive!! Haven't had a period yet, but still have occasional cramps. Overall, it has been a good choice so far."

• Anonymous
• July 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had my Mirena IUD for over 2 years. I struggled with the decision to get one because I refused to take the pill due to hormones. I wanted the copper IUD. Because my period was already heavy and usually involved serious cramping, she recommended the Mirena. I read as many reviews as possible only to conclude that it’s really case by case. I decided to go for the Mirena. I had my period for 3 months but haven’t had my period since. Wow, what a wonderful world where you don’t have a period. The insertion process involved uncomfortable cramping but 15 seconds for 3+ years of peace of mind? The day I got Mirena, I felt as I did on a heavy period day with lots of cramps but nothing worse. I’d give the Mirena a 10, but I feel skeptical that something could work so well without repercussions. My thoughts now are more long term, which I cannot answer. But today, I recommend that you wonderful ladies consider Mirena and hope you have as peaceful and pleasant an experience as I have."

• Nor...
• February 27, 2014

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena IUD inserted about a month and a half ago. I cramped the day of a little bit, and everything was fine. So far, I love it, I have only had one period since and have been expecting a second, and it hasn't come yet. Unfortunately, I am having it removed in a couple of weeks. My husband and I, after having sex, noticed blood in our areas-and it was from the strings of the Mirena cutting him. This was really painful for him, and it is not his first injury during sex since I had it inserted. I would recommend if your partner is rather larger than average that this may not be for you because it has been an issue for us since inserted."

• bmi...
• September 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I went on the Mirena IUD 5 years ago, I am now 21. It was great! No side effects except the most painful cramps in my life the first day I got the IUD inserted. It just recently expired, so I had it taken out about 3 months ago... The most terrible acne I've ever had in my life popped up about 1 week after I was off the IUD, and no one warned me. My skin has always been clear for the most part. I have developed tons of cystic acne on my chest! As a woman, I've literally become depressed not being able to wear a tank top or anything that shows my chest in the last 3 months. My face also went a little nuts. 4 weeks ago, I started Yaz BC, hoping it clears me up, no results so far. Looks like it's all getting worse, tbh. Every day I wake up, praying Yaz will do what it's meant to do and clear me up! Be aware getting off Mirena has serious skin side effects, to me, it made it not worth the IUD due to the treacherous hormonal outbreak immediately afterwards."

• Nge...
• April 19, 2015

For Birth Control "Well, I've had the Mirena for about 2 months. I'm 22, no kids. I have tried different pills, but I was horrible about remembering. The insertion of the Mirena was really painful. I have had kidney stones, and insertion wasn't quite as bad as that. After 2 days of horrible cramping, it went away. After 3 weeks of spotting/bleeding, I stopped and have not had any period since. I do have cramps sometimes. I have not gained or lost any weight. No hair loss. No changes in acne. The only thing I've noticed is that I now have lots of little fine hairs all over my chin and the side of my face. Way more than before. Not a huge deal, but annoying. My boyfriend cannot feel it at all, and my sex drive is the same. So far, I love it."

• Ler...
• August 30, 2010

For Birth Control "Please don't be afraid to try this! I'm 36 with no children, had to come off the pill for health reasons. Dr. said it was great for women my age. I was scared to death from all these reviews. But I gave it a try. Yes, insertion was terribly painful (and I'm a tough cookie). After a few hours of cramping, my ibuprofen did the job and I felt better. Had a sore back the next day and that's been it. No bleeding (insertion during my cycle) since. I've been working out and actually have started to lose weight. No acne or moodiness, although it's only been a week. Please give it a try and enjoy your built-in birth control."

• Ven...
• April 14, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have had it since September 2014. I am 40 and have had problems with heavy bleeding, frequent periods, painful cramps, and depression during PMS since age 35. This has been great for relief of all my symptoms. Until my doctor mentioned this, I was looking at having a D & C done. I have had no weight gain, I actually lost 5 pounds. Some spotting in the beginning, but very light periods now. No more depression the week before my period. It was a very positive experience for me."

• DMa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 45 and never pregnant (my husband of 17 years has a vasectomy, so pregnancy is not the issue). Got my Mirena on Nov 6, 2015, to control heavy (gushing) bleeding every time I get my period (which was quite regular and predictable). I have bled pretty much continuously since Nov - have had maybe 10 days total where I didn't bleed or have brown discharge. Cramps hit randomly and are severe. It's seriously starting to affect my marriage too - mood swings, constant bleeding = no sex, arguments because of no sex, etc. Called my GYN office today and told them I want this OUT - waiting to hear back from their nurse. I'd rather bleed heavy for 2 days and know it's coming than to maybe bleed or spot or cramp at any given time. NEVER AGAIN!"

• noe...
• March 20, 2014

For Birth Control "I am 19, and the obgyn I go to strongly suggested getting Mirena, but after reading the horror stories people post online about it, I was almost too terrified to get it. I finally decided to get it, and it is the BEST form of birth control out there. I didn't even feel them insert it! I've also seen a lot about people talking about the strings stabbing them or their partner. Just ask them not to cut the strings, ask them to tuck them behind your cervix. It works great! The only side effect was the barely mild cramping for a day afterward. I did have light spotting for a month, but I haven't had a period since. If you're thinking about getting it, you definitely should at least try it."

• LOV...
• May 11, 2014

For Birth Control "I got the Mirena about three months ago, and it is absolutely wonderful! The insertion was painful, but completely tolerable. The day of insertion was spent in bed, but I was back to normal the next day. I hardly spot, the cramps come around during the time of the month, but they are not nearly as terrible as they were before Mirena. I was terrified of getting it after reading terrible reviews online, but I understood it works differently for everyone. My experience has been nothing but amazing, and my partner loves it! I don't have to worry about pills. Every once in a while, I just have to make sure the strings are still there. At times, he can feel the strings, but they do not poke or hurt him in any way."

• Lin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena placed after fibroid removal. My doctor claimed that this was going to be super helpful, but it ended up being a nightmare. Not to mention it was super painful and $1500 to get inserted, I bled and cramped every single day after the insertion. After four months, I had it removed as I slowly developed anxiety, fogginess, and migraines along with the cramping and bleeding. The day after I got it removed, I ended up in the ER due to uncontrollable bleeding. While there, I found out that I was now anemic because of the constant bleeding. After a few weeks, I started to go back to my normal. The cramps did stop as soon as the device was removed. I began sharing my story with friends, and every one of them who had a Mirena eventually had it removed due to some type of adverse reaction. I suggest that anyone thinking about getting this should really study user reviews and talk to friends before listening to a drug company or doctors pushing the device."

• Ms ...
• August 21, 2010

For Birth Control "I am a new user and just had my follow-up appointment to make sure the Mirena was in place. I am a 28-year-old woman with no children. I wanted to try something different. My doctor and I discussed my options, and I wasn't thrilled about remembering the pill every day, so I wanted to try Mirena next. I went in for insertion on the 4th day of my period. I was surprised at how much pressure/cramping I felt during insertion. I actually moved back on the table. It was tolerable, but not pleasant at all. After insertion, I felt crampy for about an hour, and then mild cramping for the next 3 days, but now I feel great. No issues after sex, no bleeding or pain. It's hard to say I'd recommend it as I'm too new, but it's definitely worth a try!"

• acn...
• January 26, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Did not research the Mirena prior to my procedure, so the pain of insertion was a surprise. It felt like someone was scraping the inside of my uterus with a small and very sharp knife. The doctor jokingly said I looked as if someone just beat me up because I was tear-eyed and probably looked very angry. Had it now for two months and have been spotting and cramping every day. I used to have pretty and clear skin. At 51 years old, I feel like a teenager with a bad pimple condition. Have an appointment this Tuesday and decided to have the Mirena removed. I will definitely research the pain of removal and come prepared."

• Anonymous
• October 20, 2015

For Birth Control "I had Mirena put in in January of 2015, and I have an appointment to get it taken out next week. I'm really upset that this didn't work for me. I have always used the pill, but after a while, I decided to try something new. The insertion was pretty simple, and it didn't hurt that much. The cramping was very mild. After a few months, I still felt really crampy, but I held out hope that it would subside. It never did. I'm a fairly active person; going to the gym at least four times per week, and I still managed to gain 35 pounds since the insertion. I also would get crippling migraines, mood swings that led to serious bouts of depression, and my sex drive is pretty much nonexistent. Mirena has been extremely effective; the side effects were just too much."

• Bee...
• November 7, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Had Mirena inserted July 2016, have been spotting and bleeding ever since (Nov 2016). Back pain, nausea, cramps, clots, headaches, low moods. Went to doctors who told me to persevere for 6 months and see how it goes, as they cost a lot of money and I can't just have them in and out. Came out feeling more confused, as I don't want the symptoms, and has put a complete stop to my sex life. Was meant to help with heavy periods, not take my life away."

• Lyn...
• April 15, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am on this site looking for information for my niece who has had an IUD for a couple of years. After reading so many women comment that they tried the IUD because of heavy bleeding, I wanted to share my experience. I had very heavy bleeding and painful periods my whole life. In my forties, I discovered a supplement called Cool Cayenne. It is a cayenne pepper capsule sold at health food stores. It helped my periods become lighter and cramping ceased. When I felt my period coming on, I started to take one or two capsules, and this helped greatly. If you are on an IUD strictly for a heavy period (and do not need one for birth control), then you should research cayenne and heavy periods/cramps. The brand I took is Solaray."

• Tay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 5, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "A year ago, I had the Mirena IUD placed because I was diagnosed with Complex Endometrial Hyperplasia without atypia. It's a precancerous condition caused by not menstruating for 8 years. This was my last option to try and kill the cancerous cells. So far, my biopsies have come up almost completely normal. For me, it felt like bad cramps as it was placed in my uterus. Not too bad at all. I had 2 periods in the first 4 months, and then they stopped. My sex drive increased dramatically! In my opinion, compared to other birth control methods, I highly recommend the IUD."

• iss...
• July 27, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena placed 13 months ago, and I am so happy. Before Mirena, I had absolutely horrific periods and bled more than I could handle. The cramps were unbearable. Because I am not able to remember to take a pill every day, my doctor recommended this. The placement, not going to lie, hurt a lot. Taking Motrin beforehand did not help at all, but I got through it and only had some slight cramping afterwards for a few hours. For the first month and a half, I bled, which at first was worrying, but eventually it stopped, and since I have not had any bleeding at all with the exception of the tiniest amount maybe twice since. I no longer have to use anything, not even liners. I still get light cramping, but it is absolutely nothing compared."

• iss...
• July 27, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena placed 13 months ago, and I am so happy. Before Mirena, I had absolutely horrific periods and bled more than I could handle. The cramps were unbearable. Because I am not able to remember to take a pill every day, my doctor recommended this. The placement, not going to lie, hurt a lot. Taking Motrin beforehand did not help at all, but I got through it and only had some slight cramping afterwards for a few hours. For the first month and a half, I bled, which at first was worrying, but eventually it stopped, and since I have not had any bleeding at all with the exception of the tiniest amount maybe twice since. I no longer have to use anything, not even liners. I still get light cramping, but it is absolutely nothing compared."