Mirena and Pain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Tha...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 25, 2014

For Birth Control "I understand every woman is different, but Mirena has been wonderful for me. I have struggled for 25 years with painful cramps and excessive bleeding, and Mirena is the only thing that has worked for me. I never have had children, so there was some pretty nasty pain when it was put in. I am on my second one, and it was much less painful the second time around. Both my husband and I could feel my strings at first, but that faded with time. As I said, it isn't for everyone."

• Cyn...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 24, 2023

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena placed about 4 years ago. From day 1, it has been complete misery. It is painful, it is disrupting my hormones, I have gained 30 lbs, I have brain fog, fatigue, severe myalgia. It worked its main purpose of ensuring no unwanted pregnancies, but in my opinion, it was a high price to pay. My quality of life was affected, and I would not recommend it to anyone, ever."

• mq1...
• August 13, 2013

For Birth Control "I just had my Mirena put in yesterday. I work in an OBGYN office, and I had one of our doctors put it in. I searched reviews and saw a lot of negatives on the pain during insertion. I just wanted to share my experience for those out there looking for a positive review. My doctor prescribed misoprostol (dilates the cervix) to insert vaginally 24 hours and 12 hours before the insertion because I haven't had children. I would strongly recommend doing this if you haven't had kids. The doctor used lidocaine when measuring my cervix, which helped. My uterus is retroverted, and she had no issues placing it. It's uncomfortable, but not unbearable. Just take deep breaths and focus on something else, and you'll be done! Make sure you have a heating pad and Aleve."

• Sar...
• August 14, 2015

For Birth Control "I decided to write a review because I wish someone told me this on one. Most people who are unhappy with anything will write a review, but the people who are happy don't think to write reviews. Thus, I want to share how I am so happy with my experience. I only just got it in today, but so far so good. It's been about 6 hours, and I am having mild cramping. The insertion process was a bit painful, but doable. I recommend taking ibuprofen before. But if you are hesitant because of the bad reviews, then take a minute and realize that everyone is different, and most people don't share the good reviews! I say go for it and see how it works with your body!"

• jja...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2020

"So far, so good with Mirena. I do not really have pains. I did sort of stop having regular periods. The first month was so bad though...bleeding every day and spotting every time I thought it was finally over. So far, it's my second month, and I do not have a period, but I have like brown-colored blood, which I am assuming is just my uterus getting rid of old blood. Pain was moderate at first, but not so much now. Honestly, it did feel as if the bleeding would never end, but it did stop. Just have a little patience and monitor yourself to make sure that there is nothing abnormal from how your body is changing. Keep in mind that the body has to adjust to the higher hormonal dose that this IUD provides. Just hang in there and be positive!"

• But...
• January 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena inserted after my child was born. He was six weeks old at the time, and I was 36. Since then (a year ago), I have gained 12 kg (no change to my diet, etc.), have back and pelvic pains and inflammations all the time, and no sex drive. My marriage is struggling, and my moods are absolutely horrible. The gynecologist does not want to remove it as he swears by the Mirena and thinks I am overindulging and just full of nonsense. I feel horrible, bloated, and moody 100% of the time. I need some help, please."

• Har...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I just want to say before I start this that I have a very low pain tolerance. I am 18, with 1 kid, and I would just like to say that I thought this would be a terrible experience because of some very bad reviews. I think everyone reviews when something goes bad and not enough people review the good things. I was pleasantly surprised to not feel any pain at all. When they measure your cervix, it is uncomfortable. When they clean your cervix, it feels like a pap smear. And I have read a lot of reviews where people say they feel a pinch, but I didn't even feel it. All I felt was the cramps afterward. But this is only the day after I got it, as I am writing this, and I feel just like normal. Would recommend to anyone and everyone!!!!!"

• Hjo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 2, 2014

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena inserted 7 months ago. I took 800 mg of Ibuprofen beforehand and experienced only minor pain upon insertion. I had some mild cramping throughout that day, but afterwards none. I still have fairly regular periods-every month, light bleeding with a little bit of cramping. I was told that after about 6 months my periods would probably disappear, but I'm still waiting for that to happen. No weight gain, acne, or change in mood or libido. I love it! Very satisfied."

• Bri...
• October 25, 2009

For Birth Control "I've had my Mirena since July 29, 2008. When I first got it inserted, I was a bit nervous because I was told that it was a little painful. I did feel a small pinch followed by a few minutes of what felt like menstrual cramps, but that was it. It has been over a year, and I still have periods, I didn't gain any weight, I even forget that I have it in. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a birth control that is low maintenance but effective."

• Lca...
• July 25, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena placed December 26th, 2018. I have fibroids and the world's heaviest period. I was told this was going to help lighten, if not make my period go away, and shrink my fibroids naturally. In the last 7 months, I have had my period almost completely straight through the 7 months. It’s still very painful, the bleeding is lighter, yes, but it is NOT worth it if I am continually bleeding for months. The time when I would normally not be on it, I am spotting thick brown discharge. I’ve been told this is normal. As for the fibroids, they are still the same size. Just to add onto this, I have gained a ton of weight (I workout with a trainer every day), so this is very frustrating, and I have small acne hormonal bumps around my chin. I can’t wait to have this thing removed. This is a complete nightmare, I don’t recommend this to anyone."

• MB-...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2013

For Birth Control "I was lucky and was having another procedure done at the same time, so I was under anesthesia when they inserted mine, and I didn't experience the pain of insertion that some have described. My body is confused though, because I was supposed to start my period the week after, and I had just had a D&C for a biopsy (which was benign, yay!). So my body tried to have a period, I experienced intense, angry mood swings. I saw others had experienced that on Mirena. Very little bleeding, a little more intense cramping, but Advil took care of it. Mood swings passed after the first couple of days, now I am back to normal. You can feel the string if you search for it in there, but my partner doesn't notice it during intercourse. I will update in 6 months."

• hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2014

For Birth Control "22; getting married in August. I received my Mirena at the beginning of January 2014, and I am currently loving it! Like many of you, I did extensive research before deciding on a birth control. I decided to go through with Mirena, and having it inserted hurt REALLY BAD because I've never experienced something passing through my cervix. I turned white immediately and nearly passed out. I cramped for about two weeks, but used ibuprofen, and it was fine. My fiancé"

• col...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm a 21-year-old college student, and I recently had my Mirena inserted for the first time. I was terrified from all the reviews I read beforehand, so I felt the need to share my experience. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen an hour before I saw my gynecologist, nonetheless, the insertion process was like getting a pap smear, only much, much worse since I've never had my cervix dilated before. Don't let this hinder you from getting it, it only lasted me 1-2 minutes, and being worry-free for the next five years is 100% worth the short-lived pain. Had it inserted Friday, and by Sunday, I was good as new. No pain, no spotting! And it's been this way for the last month :)"

• Mir...
• March 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I have only had the Mirena a couple of days, but I really wanted to comment on the pain of insertion. Although it is a very, very uncomfortable type of feeling, it was NOT excruciating pain like some people had. I'm 26, have had no kids, and am overweight (if that helps). It is over with fairly quickly, no longer than a minute or two. I felt some intense cramping and a couple of pinches of pain, but the pain spread into just a bad cramp. Just breathe and you'll be okay. I got this put in because I was sick of breakthrough bleeding on the pill. I wasn't on my normal period when I had it inserted, but I was bleeding a fair amount. This made insertion easier."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2014

For Birth Control "I got Mirena inserted December 15, 2014, and I LOVE IT! I am 21 years old with no children. The insertion was very, very painful. I bled and cramped the day of the insertion and the day afterwards. So far, it's been one week, and I feel fantastic!"

• VKB...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 6, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got Mirena to help with my endometriosis. The insertion hurt. I blacked out for a second. Horrific cramps for 1 day. My uterus bloated. I went from a flat tummy to looking 6 months pregnant. I bled lightly for about 5 months. My tummy would swell out of nowhere. I would have a flat tummy & an hour later it looked like I had a basketball in my tummy. I had cramps & swelling. BUT! After the first 4-5 months, everything has changed. Before Mirena, my endo made it so I couldn’t have sex, screamed with pain when I had my period, bled like crazy, pelvic floor pain regularly, period poops that were urgent & painful, my vagina & anus hurt. For the first few months, I had all that + the IUD side effects. My body adjusted & now I don’t bleed at all, no cramps, mild and sporadic pelvic pain, no gastrointestinal distress, vaginal intercourse is so much easier and enjoyable, and the tummy swelling has gone down. I thought I would have to have the IUD taken out during the 1st month, but I stuck with it and it has changed my life. I am so glad I got it."

• mls...
• January 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I love Mirena. I am 26 and never had kids before. I had my Mirena inserted 7 months ago, little pain when MD inserted. Little cramps, but it all went away. I have gained a few pounds. Overall, it is a great birth control."

• Lou...
• July 6, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was put on Mirena 9 months ago to help with my heavy periods and thickened womb lining. I found the insertion procedure very distressing and painful. Psychologically, I was a bit messed up for a few days because it felt like I had something alien inside me and was terrified that it would move position and damage me. My periods are a lot lighter, but they drag in for longer. I never know when I'm going to get one, but the current cycle is about 20 days. Because about 10 days of that is bleeding, I don't get much of a break. I'm unhappy with Mirena, but I worry about the alternative. I don't want ablation or hysterectomy, so is it best for me just to put up and shut up?"

• She...
• July 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I received the Mirena in 2012 with slight pain and cramping for 3 days. It was well worth it because I never had another cycle, cramps, or mood swings during the duration of having the Mirena. 2017 arrived and it was time to replace my Mirena, but my insurance would not pay for a new one due to my provider changing. The cost was going to be $900.00 for removal and re-insertion. I did a lot of research and decided that I would keep my Mirena in for a few more years. I didn't want to switch to a cheaper BC and risk having a cycle again. I didn't want to pay for another Mirena because I wanted children in about 2 years. My Mirena was removed in May 2019 with no complications. I had the slightest spotting for a day. My cycle took 7 weeks before it resumed, and it was like I remembered it 7 years ago. I hope to have another Mirena put in after I have a child, it has been the best BC on the market for me."

• KDu...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I am on my 2nd Mirena. I am 36 years old, no kids, and never want kids. The insertion was very painful, but tolerable. I did tear up a little from the pain, and I took deep breaths to help get through it. I love the Mirena. I did not gain weight from it, however, I am a runner. No acne, no abdominal pain. I am spotting brown, but that's normal after insertion for the first couple of weeks. I did not get my period the first time around, so I am hoping for the same this time. Not having a period for 5 years is amazing. This alone is worth the uncomfortable pain during insertion. Take 800 mg of ibuprofen 1 hour before, it helps a little bit. But you still feel it, it feels like the most painful cramping you can ever imagine. Ugh. Ps. #never been in labor."

• mia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2013

For Birth Control "It was extremely painful getting this put in. I've had pain and cramps since on and off. Sex hurt at the beginning. Not so much now. My periods last for 2 weeks, and I get another one 2 weeks after that."

• Ste...
• June 10, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena inserted on May 27th. Terrible pain, but only for a minute. My doc was quick and talked me through the procedure. Since the 27th, I have bled constantly. It is terrible. I have an extremely heightened sex drive, but the bleeding is getting in the way. My husband wants it out, he said I was better off without it. I have been very moody and tired. I also notice a weird odor, but no infection is present. Ugh."

• Rev...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the Mirena for almost a year. The doctor I had was amazing and explained it perfectly. Worse pain for about one second and a break, and then even worse pain for about 1 more second. You can seriously count to 1, and it's over. I am someone that got extreme cramps before, and my cramping was bad the first three months. I spotted and cramped and hated it! But my boyfriend (a doctor) told me to give it three months, then decide, so I did! And I'm very happy I did. My only concern is I've gained 45 lbs since the insertion. I'm not sure at this point why? Four months now, I have changed my diet and work with a personal trainer 3-5 times a week. Fingers crossed I get my body back!!"

• Ano...
• May 16, 2013

For Birth Control "I am a 40-year-old who has never given birth, and I had the Mirena placed 3 months ago to try to alleviate very heavy menstrual bleeding. The insertion was quite painful but only lasted a few hours. I did bleed for about a week afterward. I've had my period every month since, but I do not need to use tampons. I'm hoping that within the next 2-3 months, it will get even lighter. I still have some cramping, but nothing compared to before the insertion. I have read lots of comments with bad experiences, but I guess this is not for everyone."

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got the IUD the first week of October. It definitely hurt to me (they dilate you as if you're giving birth, so if you haven’t given birth, this will hurt). I also didn't take medicine before I had it done. I have been on my period since October 14th, it is now November 22nd. They keep saying it’s “normal,” but I'm sick of it. However, I’ve been having unprotected sex and no baby."