Mirena and Pain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Cry...
• December 10, 2009

For Birth Control "I am 29, never had any kids, and was just looking for an easier way to do birth control. I went to my Planned Parenthood and was given 800 mg of Advil before the procedure. Having it put in was absolutely the most painful thing I've experienced! I would never do it again based on that alone! I later found out that you are supposed to be on your cycle so your cervix is thin and easy to get through. I had serious cramping for the rest of that whole day. The IUD then led me to having severe panic attacks daily! I was crying uncontrollably, and I have been to several doctors and have been prescribed many different medicines. I took the IUD out against my doctor's wishes, and my symptoms stopped the same day! I'm still working out the kinks, but I am definitely 90% better."

• 2an...
• November 18, 2011

For Birth Control "I had to post a review of the Mirena after reading so many negative comments. I had no problems. No weight gain, no terrible skin conditions, no pain, and no menstruation for five years! I loved it. Once inserted, I never had a thought about birth control. It was so easy. I have recommended it to several friends who have also had no problems. Please do not be steered away from this product so quickly. Speak with your physician. I hope you have as good an experience as I did."

• Nom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2016

For Birth Control "My IUD experience... I had been having really bad pains for about 2 weeks on and off, didn't think much of it, just figured it was cramps. Then it started getting worse, only lasting 45 min. But the pain was so bad I couldn't even walk! Then I started thinking it had something to do with my IUD that I've only had for about 4 months. A couple of days ago, I decided to go to the hospital because the pain was so unbearable. I told the doctor all the pain I was having. She said she was going to go talk with another doctor to try to figure out what to test me for. While I was waiting, they had me pee in a cup for a routine test... like a pregnancy test. They did the pregnancy test in the room with us... we were kind of making fun of it, like, yeah right! No need for that, I have an IUD! The nurse looked at me and said... YOU'RE PREGNANT! No way in hell!!! I knew immediately it wasn't good because of the pain and because I had an IUD! They took me for an ultrasound and then told me after that I was having a tubal pregnancy and I would need emergency surgery. What they didn't know is that my tube the baby was in had already burst, and I was internally bleeding. They wheeled me down for surgery, the last thing I remember is asking the doctor to take out my IUD. It was one of the scariest things that have ever happened to me! How did I get pregnant with an IUD that was in place? I don't understand it, but apparently, it happens. All I know is that my IUD didn't do what it was supposed to... I strongly advise against getting this method of birth control! Be careful!"

• Cro...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 22, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 25 (2016) and got it inserted in December 2014. Insertion: a painful procedure for a tiny insertion. Followed by intense discomfort and pelvic pain, constant bleeding, and pelvic and vaginal pain. Symptoms: first month or so nonstop bleeding, mood imbalance. 3 months. Continued frequent bleeding, weight gain of 5 pounds. 6 months gained 15 pounds, 1.5 years gained 20 pounds (vegan, fit although no weight loss or maintenance). Experienced depressive symptoms such as lack of excitement, happiness, and lack of interest in previously preferred activities, fatigue, and lethargy. I was given as a method to treat not only menorrhagia but ovarian cyst pain. Remove as this is counterintuitive as one of the risks."

• Jes...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 27, 2017

For Birth Control "So I've had the Mirena for 6 years and I'm 24. I used to have heavy bleeding and tried absolutely everything: the rod, injections, the pill, you name it, I have tried it. This is the best thing I have ever had. I was under when I first got it. A year ago, I got it done again. I have never had kids, and yes, it was a bit painful, but nothing that I couldn't handle! Honestly, couldn't give this a better wrap. Hardly any bleeding, maybe every couple of months I spot for a day or two. No acne, weight gain, or cramps. I feel a lot of women need to figure this out for themselves as everybody is different, and yes, you may get side effects, but the first 6 months it's getting used to your body, so you just need to give it time to adjust to you."

• Anonymous
• March 17, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I went for a scan as my periods were heavy and not letting up. While getting the scan, the doctor said, 'I recommend the Mirena implant to stop the bleeding and get me through the next 5 years.' I am 47. So in it went, I didn't really know what it was. OMG, insertion was very painful, and cramps afterwards for 3 days were horrendous. More than I have ever experienced in my life. I had slight bleeding at the start, then OMG, heavy periods are back, and I need to change every 2 hours. I have had constant needing for 10 continuous days now, and I cannot go on like this. I will be visiting my doctor on Monday. I wish I had read the reviews, as I would not have gotten this fitted!"

• Ash...
• September 29, 2016

For Birth Control "To be honest, I don't know there's so much negativity about the Mirena. I am 23 years old and went from the Depo to the Mirena. Yes, there is pain at the time of the insertion, but not something that Advil can't take care of. After the insertion, I drove to work and took an Advil and worked for the rest of the day. The insertion was about a month ago, and the bleeding is so light it's noticeable only if I wipe. Don't make any decision based on what you read because it is not as bad as everyone here makes it."

• bea...
• November 3, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Had mine placed in March, it was very painful, but what the heck, 5 years to not worry put me at ease. I work two jobs, and I run 5 miles a day, 5 times a week, and at night I do weights, and on the weekends I burn 1200 calories on my cross trainer every Saturday and Sunday. I watch what I eat. I've been the same size since high school. I am 45. I noticed a belly coming on, and now I am size 13, I have gained 25 plus pounds, and this is unexplainable. Massive headaches, back pains. Now my hair is starting to fall out. Some memory loss, and at night I break out in heat sweats and can't sleep, or I am so groggy I have to drink coffee. Nonstop migraines, which make me nauseated. I have been healthy and active since my mid-30s, getting out Monday."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena IUD for about 1.5 years. The insertion was horrible for me - pain, vasovagal, vomiting, etc. I initially really liked it. My periods completely stopped. I love the carefree aspect and the ability to have unprotected sex with my husband and not worrying about condoms, pills, etc. However, I gained 30 lbs, started growing long dark neck hairs, and began having stabbing pelvic pain. Like to the point where I’d fall to the floor and start thinking about going to the emergency room... then it would just suddenly go away and everything would be fine again. I decided to get it taken out and the facial hair and pelvic pain went away. I also have finally been able to lose weight again (there were other factors involved, but I think it helped)."

• Kel...
• December 14, 2009

For Birth Control "The convenience of Mirena is phenomenal; have it inserted and you're good to go for years. There is a little pain at first, but the peace of mind is worth it. My periods are less frequent and less heavy, and I have fewer hormonal mood swings. I've had my Mirena for 2.5 years, and overall, I love it."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 13, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My doctor suggested Mirena to help me with unpredictable, long, heavy periods that may be months apart due to perimenopause. She said that I could leave it in for 5 years and this would get me through this time of my life and pretty much stop my periods, so I don't have to deal with them. She tried to insert it today in the office. After repeated attempts, she could not get it in, even with the assistance of another doctor in the practice. It was VERY painful, and I have a high pain tolerance. My entire body was soaked with sweat by the end of the attempt, and for at least 30 minutes afterwards, while the bad cramping continued on until the Advil kicked in. I was extremely pale, sick to my stomach, feeling like I would pass out. The doctor and nurse were great, watching over me until I was finally able to get dressed and leave an hour later. I would NEVER recommend an IUD insertion without being under anesthesia!!!"

• Gin...
• October 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I feel compelled to write this, as I have read so many awful experiences. Mine was not awful at all. I took 800 mg ibuprofen half an hour before. Insertion did hurt. But the pain was less than a minute. Cramps on my way home. No bleeding. So far, so good!"

• Ari...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 6, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had the Mirena in for 16 months (was given an epidural) felt the most intense pain still having it put in. I had been bleeding for 14 months heavy, and they didn't really give me a choice. Bled for the first 6 months still, and cramps never went. I've now been bleeding again for 7 weeks and am about to have it removed. Worst experience of my life, and now I can't wait to have it removed. I'm sure it works as a contraceptive, but that would be the only benefit. Will never have it again!"

• Ang...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 9, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I visited this site just like you and promised I would come back after enough time on Mirena. I got on it 2 years ago due to massive bleeding during periods when I would pass blood clots, one after another. First of all, the insertion was a breeze. I did have spotting right after and for about 6 months. After about 3 months, I wanted to get it out. I contemplated the heavy clots over this constant drip, but my doctor said it does stop, so I kept at it. I sometimes feel twinges or pain there, but nothing major. No cramps. No weight gain. No mental issues. It’s been two years now, and I love it. I can wear tampons and panty liners. It took about a year to even out my periods to normal, but I am so grateful to not have to hide out at home, change sheets, and bring extra clothes on heavy days. My periods are about 7 days but super light. So worth it."

• Ang...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 9, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I visited this site just like you and promised I would come back after enough time on Mirena. I got on it 2 years ago due to massive bleeding during periods when I would pass blood clots, one after another. First of all, the insertion was a breeze. I did have spotting right after and for about 6 months. After about 3 months, I wanted to get it out. I contemplated the heavy clots over this constant drip, but my doctor said it does stop, so I kept at it. I sometimes feel twinges or pain there, but nothing major. No cramps. No weight gain. No mental issues. It’s been two years now, and I love it. I can wear tampons and panty liners. It took about a year to even out my periods to normal, but I am so grateful to not have to hide out at home, change sheets, and bring extra clothes on heavy days. My periods are about 7 days but super light. So worth it."

• Chr...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 13, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Wow. This was a lifesaver. I've had the Mirena for 2 years now. After years of getting worse with heavy, embarrassing bleeding that literally held me captive to the bathroom and laundry all over. Anemia. Clots. Pain. My quality of life was awful. After Mirena, periods stopped. Altogether. I have had some spotting now for the last 16 days, but it's so light I don't even need a pad. Just shows up when I wipe. A bit of cramping and some breast tenderness, but the anemia is gone, and I don't even buy pads any longer."

• Car...
• October 4, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena inserted 3/25/19 for horrible periods. The insertion really didn't bother me, slight discomfort. But months 1-3, my periods were almost unbearable. Went to the ER month 3 because it hurt so bad. I got a cyst from it that had ruptured, and it gave me an infection. I was close to getting it removed, but the PA insisted it would get better, and it did. The following months, my periods were a complete 180. Barely any bleeding, heavy for maybe two days, then light spotting. The PMS I would always get before is obsolete. The pains really only happen now when I'm about to start my period. The only concern I have is that I spot for weeks after my period. The spotting is so irregular, it's rather irritating and a little concerning. Hoping it gets better soon. My periods were horrendous before, and I'm very happy I got the IUD and really don't plan to have it removed unless the spotting is a big concern. It has been effective for me, but everyone is different."

• Kar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 8, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena placed 10 months ago. Good for birth control, and the period was gone 1 month after, but I've had the most horrible 10 months, lots of anxiety, severe depression, fatigue, mood swings, and the pelvic pain never stopped. I will have it removed in 2 weeks at my OB/GYN appointment. I wouldn't recommend it. Nothing should mess with your mental well-being."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am a 35-year-old mother of 2 with extremely heavy, long cycles. On the pill prior to children. Decided not to go back on the pill after because I felt mentally better without mood swings. 6 years after my 2nd child, I had enough of the heavy, long cycles, which have given me anemia. I decided it was time to dive right in and give Mirena a try. I have heard of women who love it and those who hate it. It was worth the try to me. But try to stick it out for the first 3 months as your body needs time to adjust. I took Advil prior to the procedure. I experienced absolutely NO pain. I was aware my OBGYN was in there, swabbing, measuring, and inserting, but that's it. I did spot afterwards for a couple of days but no complaints. I believe an OBGYN should perform the insertion."

• the...
• September 7, 2013

For Birth Control "I knew going into it that the Mirena device was going to hurt, but being that I have a very high pain tolerance and have gotten used to lots of uterine pain (I've had really heavy periods accompanied by intense cramping since I was nine), I really didn't think it would be all that bad. I was wrong! I'm so glad I had my fiancé drive me and pick me up to the actual insertion appointment; after I got it, the doctor asked me to sit up and I almost fainted. My blood pressure dropped and I thought I'd be sick. It hurt a whole lot whenever I sat or bent over for the first week and a half to the point where I thought something was wrong and kept checking the strings to make sure it hadn't perforated. It works well and I love it now, but the initial pain is BAD."

• Anonymous
• December 27, 2010

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have many friends with fabulous Mirena experiences, however, mine has not been one of them. This is my second attempt with Mirena. The first time I had one inserted was after my third child. Yes, insertion is quite painful, nothing compared to childbirth, though. After riding out four months of spotting, my periods completely ceased, and I was so happy. After a year, however, I started feeling completely nauseous and had pain every time I had sex, so I had it removed. Now, five years and two kids later, I decided to give it another go. I have had this Mirena in for around eight weeks and have gained three kilos (my weight is usually very stable). I have constant mood swings and fear I am struggling to be a nice mom to my kids. I am awful to my husband. It has to go."

• Mae...
• May 3, 2017

For Birth Control "I wanted to post a comment regarding this IUD due to the horror stories I have heard. First off, I gave birth 3 months ago to my first child and would love to have more someday, but at the moment my husband and I are enjoying the 3 of us. I felt this form of birth control was ideal and worthwhile for our situation, however, I was not looking forward to the placement! Honestly, it was a bit uncomfortable, definitely the first 5 minutes or so after, 800 mg of ibuprofen and there is no more pain or achiness... it wasn't that bad, no bleeding, cramping subsided 3 hrs later. All is good... so, fear not, it's not that bad - you can do it!"

• bri...
• July 17, 2019

For Birth Control "Had Mirena inserted in August 2015, the pain was uncomfortable, and I had cramping, bleeding, and back pain after a few days. Was told my periods would lighten or lessen, and they didn’t. They were infrequent, sometimes light, lasting just a few days, and my last period lasted 10 days. After sex, I bled for days, which got in the way of our sex life. I would bleed when I was stressed, which made my job difficult. At the gym, during exercise, I had breakthrough bleeding. The last few weeks, I had felt really depressed and was having thoughts of suicide, so I decided to take it out because of the 10-day period. I’ve had it out for 6 days so far, and I feel a lot better. My anxiety/depression has basically gone away, no more hot flashes, cramping, random muscle spasms in my lower left abdomen. My blood was often super thick and goopy too. Not normal bleeding. It did prevent pregnancy, but at a cost. My emotional and physical well-being."

• Anonymous
• May 14, 2009

For Birth Control "I've had Mirena for almost ten months. I've had probably a more negative beginning with it than most. It was extremely painful for me, I was in pain for weeks after, and then I got an infection. I had to take two prescriptions because I had vaginosis due to the Mirena insertion that didn't clear up right away. Of course, all of that sounds terrible, but most people do not experience that. Now I am completely fine and recommend Mirena to everyone I know. My acne is stabilized, my periods are almost non-existent, and I'm not pregnant, which is the main reason for the Mirena. I do not use condoms with my fiancé, and I've been completely protected against getting pregnant."

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2017

For Birth Control "After having my first child, I decided to try a long-term method of birth control. I was open to the IUD but very scared about the insertion. I went to Planned Parenthood and loved their customer service. They gave me pain medicine before insertion, which I was VERY happy about! I felt only a little pressure when the nurse inserted it and no pain at all afterward. It has now been almost 5 months since the insertion, and I have yet to get a period. Do not know what to expect but am so far very pleased with my decision! Would definitely recommend! STOP reading reviews! I did, and I got super scared and almost didn't go through with it. Everybody is different, but recommend you carry pain meds with you if worried about pain during the procedure."