Mirena and Pain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Aud...
• December 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I am almost 24, and I have never been pregnant. I also work at an OB/GYN (so I have access to good information and doctors). I was on the pill, then the NuvaRing, and back on the pill. These methods made me lose my libido, and I started going through waves of depression. I was going to do Paragard to get rid of the hormones in my body. My doc advised trying Mirena instead, and I followed her advice. I took painkillers before and after the procedure. I also scheduled for the near end of my cycle. The pain on a scale of 1-10 would have been about a 6 (and that lasted about 1 minute). I went back to work, and I feel pretty normal. Everyone is different, don't let reviews sway your opinion, talk to a doctor first. Will follow up in a few months."

• Anonymous
• August 8, 2009

For Birth Control "I am on my second Mirena - I had the first one for the full 5 years and loved it. I want to caution about one thing that has not been mentioned in any of the posts I have read. After the first Mirena, my new doctor insisted on an ultrasound before replacing it with a new one for 5 more years. I am grateful she insisted. I had 2 strawberry-sized cysts - one on each ovary. Easily treated with 3 months of birth control. The cysts disappeared and I was able to have a new Mirena. This insertion was very painful. In the hour afterward, I broke into a sweat and almost passed out. It has been 2 days and I'm much better, just light cramping. Please get an ultrasound before replacing. My doctor will also require follow-up ultrasounds in 2 years."

• Ser...
• June 22, 2008

For Birth Control "I have had Mirena for a year now, and I love it. The only problem was the incredible pain involved in insertion. It only lasted for a few hours, and cramping for a couple of days. I have not had a period in 8 months, and it is very easy to check that it is in place. When this one gets removed, I will definitely get another one. My husband can sometimes feel it, but it doesn't bother him. This is the best thing ever."

• Lex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 10, 2014

For Birth Control "Went on Mirena as it was one of my only options for birth control due to hormone issues and aura migraines. It hurt pretty bad having it put in. I suggest 800 mg of ibuprofen a half an hour to an hour before insertion. I have never had a child. Right after insertion, I felt great, no pain for a few hours, then the cramps began. Nonstop terrible cramps with a little bleeding for 3 full days. I finally called the Dr., and she wrote me a script for Vicodin, so I could go to work. No sleep for those 3 days due to terrible pain. The cramps finally subsided, but then the stabbing pain started. Terrible stabbing pain in my abdomen. I think my body was rejecting it. I had it removed. Feel much better."

• In ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 30, 2020

For Birth Control "It was absolutely horrible. I gained a lot of weight and acne, and I was in so much pain all the time and depressed. The doctor told me to wait it out when I continued to explain all the pain I was in and how much hair I was losing. It was like the doctor didn't care in any way to hear what I was saying. I have zero idea why they push it so hard on patients and really push for you to keep it in when you are telling them how bad it is. I finally had enough after three years, told my doctor to get it out of me. She went on about how amazing it is for me and how it is helping with my pain from endometriosis. I stopped her in her tracks and said no, take it out now - I have lived with it for three and a half years, and it does not help. I am in so much pain all day, every day, and swelled out like I was six months pregnant. Oh my goodness, when it came out, all the pain went away instantly, and the swelling did the next morning. Yes, it helps with not getting pregnant, but there is a lot of bad that comes with it."

• Tex...
• January 24, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 51 years old and am in the middle of the menopause transition. My doctor recommended placing a Mirena IUD to control post-menopausal bleeding. He implanted the IUD earlier this week. The doctor assured me that placement would not be very painful and that it was a quick and easy procedure. Well, that was nuts! The placement took at least 20 minutes, and it was pure nightmare material. My cervix apparently bled during the procedure, so the doctor cauterized it with silver nitrate, which, of course, stung. After placement, I was in constant pain. I could not sleep that night due to the severe pain and called the next day to have it removed. Upon removal, the pain went away almost instantly. Now, however, two days later, I am bleeding rather profusely. This is a nightmare. I would highly discourage any perimenopausal or menopausal woman from considering this therapy. Not only did it not decrease the bleeding, but the placement was excruciatingly painful, and now I am bleeding more than ever."

• Jul...
• January 2, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have used Mirena for 12 years so far. The first insertion was very painful; my doctor explained that the cervix can tilt, and that is why it was painful. Mild discomfort for two or three days and very light spotting in the first year or two. From then on, no pain or spotting. Occasionally, I have had light spotting after sex. Subsequent insertions by female doctors were pain-free. Having had incredibly heavy, painful periods of 14 days and longer, using tampons and pads at the same time and still having embarrassing leakage, having a Mirena is wonderful. I was anemic and exhausted most of my time before Mirena. Oral contraception made me emotional, and I felt so unsettled I came off them after a few months. I haven't had PMT or menstrual cycle-associated issues since my sixth month or so with the Mirena. My quality of life improved immediately without the fortnightly worry and pain. There are positive outcomes using a Mirena. I would highly recommend giving this IUD a trial at least."

• egr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I am 20 years old and never had a child or been pregnant, and I decided to go with Mirena after much thought. I was pretty nervous going into it, and I'm not going to lie, insertion was pretty painful. I would recommend taking that day off for anyone, but by the next day, I felt better, and by the second day, I was back to the gym. The first month was pretty much continuous bleeding, but I have now had Mirena for 4 months, and I must say the pain of insertion and bleeding was worth it! I would definitely recommend sticking it out, considering that you can keep it for 5 years!"

• swi...
• October 22, 2010

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 28 years old and have no children. I got the Mirena inserted 2 months ago (very painful) and have been bleeding non-stop since. Some days are fairly light while others are heavier. I have yet to go a day without wearing a liner or tampon. It is extremely frustrating and has disrupted my sex life. Luckily, I am in a committed relationship of just over 2 years with an understanding man. However, I am seriously considering getting Mirena removed. My most recent vacation to Hawaii was pretty uncomfortable, and I have another vacation in another tropical area coming up next month. Having to constantly worry about this is stressful."

• Lou...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 3, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Love the Mirena! I have endometriosis and got surgery for it, and at first, I had the copper IUD and two kinds of pills to prevent regrowth, but it was horrible. After a few months, I got switched to Mirena. The first one lasted close to four years before symptoms returned. I got a new one put in, and I’m on year 3 now. I haven’t really seen a period in years and rarely get pain."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• January 13, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm 16 years old with no kids. The insertion of the Mirena was very painful, and I mean so painful that I teared up and felt very dizzy after. I have used birth control pills in the past for heavy bleeding and cramping, but I got breakthrough bleeding. The first day of getting it inserted was probably the worst day, now I'm just spotting! But I do recommend this device to other teens/women who have heavy periods!"

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2021

For Birth Control "I have tried pill after pill, and each time I am left feeling depressed, anxious, and not myself. The last pill I took left me feeling out of whack for 3 months after stopping. After that, I decided it was time to look for a different form of birth control. I was recommended the Mirena IUD. I was absolutely terrified and worried that I would feel out of body again. Hate to break it to you, the insertion was pretty painful, but let me tell you, so worth it. I have now had my IUD for about a month. I feel perfectly fine, nothing painful or odd. My first period with the IUD was completely manageable, minor cramps at most. I feel protected, comfortable, and most importantly, myself. Again, EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. But I would seriously recommend the Mirena."

• Het...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got the Mirena three weeks ago. Was worried after what I had read here, so I took two Advil an hour before. Insertion had a few painful moments, but it was over quickly. No pain or bleeding since. So far, so good."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I first decided on Mirena because I was terrible with taking my pills on time. I was in nursing school, and with my schedule all over the place, I was non-compliant. I finally decided on Mirena, even though I had read some horrifying reviews. On the day of insertion, I had mild pain, similar to PMS. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen and felt just fine. I had light spotting for 2-3 days after. Just enough for a liner, not a pad. It has been 2 years now, and I absolutely love it. My boyfriend has never complained of feeling the strings. I have had some 'pressure' during intercourse, but nothing unbearable. I definitely recommend this, just remember, there is no protection against STIs, so get tested! Hope this helps!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 13, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have always controlled my periods and the heaviness of them with the pill. When the pill no longer worked to control my heavy bleeding and huge clots, the Mirena was suggested to try, otherwise, I would need a hysterectomy. I have to say the Mirena is the best thing I have ever done. I wish I had done it years earlier. Once inserted, I had a light period every second week for about 6 weeks. Then nothing, no period at all. I do get slight spotting maybe every 3 months. Honestly, this is the best thing for my health. I feel so much better, no more pain, heavy bleeding, clots, or anemia, and I have much more energy."

• Kai...
• December 25, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "It’s been 14 months since I had the Mirena inserted under anesthetic to help with heavy bleeding and severe pain. Two weeks following insertion, I had the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. I got off the bus and almost collapsed to the ground. All normally, apparently. I bled consistently and quite a bit for about six months. Now it switches from very light to just a bit lighter than a period. I stayed on the pill until just recently to help with cramps and bleeding. I use a liner every day, there is enough discharge that I couldn’t not wear one. If you don’t mind light to moderate bleeding/pain almost all the time, then I would recommend it. At least keep it in for twelve months. The first six months or so are pretty bad, but it does ease up. Don’t get discouraged at first."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 27, 2014

For Birth Control "22, no kids. LOVE. The insertion was painful, I took two ibuprofen 30 minutes prior, like my gyno directed. Thanks to the most supportive nurse and nurse aide, insertion went smoothly. I was in and out in an hour. After a week of discomfort and 2 months of getting an irregular period, I now no longer have a period. This is a miracle device-no kids and no aunts for 5 years."

• Don...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had a copper IUD for 5 years, no issues other than heavy bleeding for the first 3 months after getting my IUD. I had the Mirena IUD for 6 days, always felt pressure (to the point it was causing pain and could barely walk), so I had to have it removed, bleeding, and severe moodiness. From what I've researched, the side effects of Mirena are extreme compared to the copper."

• mam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 5, 2013

For Birth Control "I had Mirena twice. The first time I was thinking on getting it out because it hurt when I had sex, and when it fell out, I decided to get another one put in. It's been in since Dec. 11, and I don't feel it anymore, little to no period, and no more pain during sex. My breakouts are clearing up little by little, and sex drive has NOT been affected."

• Jus...
• September 24, 2016

For Birth Control "I got my Mirena placed today, and while time will tell what happens, my insertion experience was nothing like the majority of reviews I've read. I am 31 years old and have 2 daughters, the youngest being 19 months. I had absolutely no problem with insertion. I share because I saw so many posts about pain and cramps, and while everyone is different, it's not that scary. I will follow up, but I will say this was nothing more than a pap to me. Moms, I feel great, happy, and I'm not gushing like I've heard happens. It's been most of the day, and I'm barely spotting. Much luck, be safe, but don't be turned off by everything you read ☺"

• Mir...
• May 15, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Due to a blood clot history in my family, I can't take hormones... thus, the Mirena IUD was recommended to help deal with my heavy, nonstop bleeding. I had it put in 2 months ago. The bleeding is not gushing anymore, but I am still bleeding every single day, nonstop. Such a drag. I still have cramps. I am moody and sore and feel like crap. I hate it! I want to take it out tomorrow, but then what if the hemorrhaging comes back? Stuck between a rock and a hard place. It all sucks."

• lil...
• August 21, 2014

For Birth Control "I had Mirena for a little over 2 years now, and I love it. I got it after my 2nd child. I did not feel any pain or cramping when the doctor inserted Mirena. I have been on the patch, the pill, Depo-Provera way before I got Mirena. I am 28 years old, and in a few more years, I am going to get this one again. I would definitely recommend it to anyone."