Mirena and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• February 22, 2010

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena placed 6 months ago to control excessive bleeding during periods. I am 38 and have had one child. The placement was extremely painful for me, even with taking 800 mg of ibuprofen prior to the procedure. That being said, I have friends who have had it placed with no more pain than what you'd expect during a pap smear. It all depends on the person. My periods are tremendously lighter, to the point that I can almost get by with only a liner. So Mirena has served its purpose. On the downside, I spot frequently between periods, have reoccurring yeast infections, mild acne, less sex drive, and mood swings. My orgasms are nowhere near as intense as they used to be, and I frequently get mild cramping and lower back aches."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 6, 2013

For Birth Control "I have had a very positive experience over the last almost 5 years. I am 26 with no children. Yes, the insertion is uncomfortable, but only for a minute or so, just a couple of cramps. My doctor gave me Misoprostol (softens the cervix) to take the night before and morning of the insert. I also started ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours starting the day before. I had minimal spotting and cramping after. And for the last almost 5 years, I have very little cramping, no periods, no mood swings, and pain with intercourse only 2 or 3 times. I plan on getting another one and recommend Mirena to everyone!"

• 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."

• CLM...
• January 8, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 34, that had this Mirena device inserted after the recommendation of my doctor. I have been diagnosed with PCOS since I was 22 and was placed on the NuvaRing. From October 2015 to October 2018, I was on the Skyla (no bleeding from insertion and minimal of 3 periods annually). I had Skyla removed to see if I could ovulate. On or about July 10, 2019, I took a pregnancy test as I had two weeks of abnormal bleeding. I ended up being pregnant (I had no clue). On July 12, 2019, I learned that I miscarried. All too fast! On Nov. 26th, I had the Mirena inserted. She told me I could have bleeding up to a month. WELL... going on 43 days and I have bled from light to heavy, red to brown back to red. I really hope that it ends soon. I feel exhausted and moody. My sexual libido has disappeared, I get the occasional cramping, and can I mention I am exhausted. If I continue to bleed after the 6-month mark, this thing is coming out and I will go on the Skyla. At least I know how my body operates."

• Car...
• May 24, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got Mirena inserted about 3 months ago, and I am so happy that I did. I had been on 4 different types of birth control pills, and each of them affected me differently. I gained weight, had terrible mood swings, didn't have a sex drive, and was always fatigued. Now that I have gotten Mirena, everything has changed... I lost almost 10 pounds, now back to where I was before I ever started the pills! I weigh around 122, and when I was on the pills, I weighed 132, and I was miserable. Mirena has made me have light bleeding here and there, but my doctor said that it is just my body adjusting. I am very satisfied with it, and I hope that it treats me well for the next 5 years!"

• Jea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I did not love Mirena. In the 2.5 years I had it, I had vaginal odor, lower libido, weight gain (25+ lbs), anxiety, and IBS symptoms. It did make my heavy periods much lighter, but did not improve cramps or PMS. I went back to normal fast after having it removed. Odor, anxiety, and GI symptoms went away, and I lost the weight. I had 3 months of super heavy 'rebound' periods, and now they are back to how they were before. I would recommend Mirena to anyone looking for reliable BC/lighter periods, with a caveat: If you notice bad effects, don't wait more than 6 months to see if they improve. Your doc may brush off your concerns. I have heard horror stories of women who suffered for years because their doc insisted they were exaggerating side effects or that they must be caused by something else. I had 2+ years of side effects before I got it removed. Don't let your doc tell you you're wrong about how you feel. There are other options if Mirena isn't right for you. The only way to know is to try it."

• Che...
• July 6, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena for 4 months, and I have not stopped bleeding yet! There is a strange odor, but no infection. My sex drive has decreased because of this constant bleeding. I am extremely tired of this, and I am ready to take it out myself!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I am kind of upset at the negativity that I have seen posted: bad acne, cramps, weight gain, low sex drive...all of which I was afraid of. However, I admit that I have been breaking out a bit more, but I started washing my face twice daily, and it has subsided a lot better with occasional breakouts. I was told in the past that chin acne is due to hormones. My cramps are bad only when I spot (only happens once in a while). I'm not saying they are comfy, but are better than before I was ever on birth control tabs. I believe that I have actually lost weight, not due to Mirena, but due to work, etc. You need to stay active anyway, so who can really say that it's the birth control? However, I do believe that the NuvaRing caused mine. My sex drive is actually increased too:)"

• Col...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I decided to get Mirena after my 5th child was born. Since he was born, I have suffered from insomnia, mood swings, weight gain, impossible weight loss, odor and discharge, yeast infections, and zero libido. Overall, I just don't feel like the same person anymore, and my husband says I have changed. So, I visited my doctor and got extensive blood tests. Everything was normal, she said. Then it dawned on me recently, what is it that changed after my son was born? Oh! Well, I had the Mirena put in! I then started to research side effects and read forum posts by other women who have used Mirena, and to my surprise, everything I have been suffering could be related to the Mirena! I have had it in for 2 years, and now I am getting it out!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Had my Mirena removed after only 3 months. Yes, it did significantly reduce monthly bleeding and cramping, but the negative side effects far outweighed the little positive effects. I am fortunate to live a very good life and have never experienced depression; however, during the 3 months I had Mirena, I felt very sad and depressed for no reason. I also had zero sex drive all the time - not just certain times of the month. Gained 10 pounds in 3 months while exercising vigorously on a regular basis and eating very healthy foods, 1500 calories a day. I know my body very well and I know how to lose weight, but nothing worked this time. Also experienced tingling in my hands and feet. Looking forward to getting my life back after Mirena!"

• Pre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 14, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This was my second Mirena. My first was great. I had no periods, no complaints. Insertion and removal were super easy. However, after removal, I did bleed for a couple of weeks. The second one has been awful. I just had it removed after 3 years. My hair was falling out. I gained weight. I had a very low sex drive. I bleed all the time. I got it removed 5 weeks ago, and I'm still bleeding. I'm even on NuvaRing, and still bleeding. It's awful. There is no end in sight."

• Bro...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 30, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had the Mirena since March of 2015. It was a painful insertion. Since then, I've had migraines on a regular basis, acne, and decreased sex drive. I don't know if I should call them periods, but for weeks at a time since the insertion, there's the old super dark brown blood discharge. My OB-GYN put me on some medication for the bleeding, but it hasn't worked. I plan on getting it removed within the next couple of weeks."

• Kin...
• June 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had Mirena for a little over two years and had it inserted 4 weeks after having my only child. I had dealt with horrible cramps every month for my entire life, until Mirena. It is a blessing to not have cramps and to not have a period but maybe 3 times a year. However, this comes with a huge BUT for me. I have zero sex drive, have gained 20 pounds that I cannot lose to save my life, constantly have discharge, and bleed and hurt after intercourse. I've been thinking about getting it removed due to my husband being frustrated with my low drive, but to have those horrible cramps again makes me cringe. Tough situation that I would rather not be in."

• Ame...
• June 8, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have had the Mirena for 18 months now. I am getting it removed on Friday. The two major reasons are weight gain (10 lbs), which is a lot for me as I am a personal trainer, and it has killed my sex drive! I have always had a higher than average libido, and for the past year it is gone. Not worth it to me. I would rather have my painful periods back!!!"

• Mou...
• April 9, 2016

For Birth Control "I tried this because hey, who doesn't love 5-year birth control that you basically forget about? It was absolutely awful. The insertion experience was excruciating for me. I passed out on the table and vomited. I gained 35 lbs in 7 months despite counting calories/working out. I had extremely bad anxiety/depression, I would walk into a place and immediately start pouring sweat. I got terrible acne all along my jawline and back. Extremely low sex drive, and I was so emotionless I felt like a robot. I was on the IUD for about 7 months then decided I couldn't handle these issues anymore. The removal was easy, I didn't even feel it. Since then, I've lost weight, acne cleared up, sweating went away, and I have emotions again. Would not recommend."

• LB1...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 4, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena for 2.5 years and just had it removed as I couldn't take the non-stop bleeding and migraine headaches anymore. The bleeding has already stopped, and the pelvic tightness has already eased. I've had virtually no sex drive for a long time, but didn't make the association until I started doing more research. I am 47 and got it for heavy periods and cramping, but wish I had done something else. It just wasn't worth the misery of the past two years."

• Jak...
• October 22, 2009

For Birth Control "I am 21, and I had my Mirena inserted in March of this year. I had heard a lot of scary stories and people telling me not to get it. I continued anyway and had it put in. I had it inserted 4 months after my daughter was born. I personally think that having the Mirena put in was worse than childbirth. I cramped for a couple of days, and then it didn't hurt anymore. My doctor told me that my period may completely go away, but she said most likely it would just slow way down. The reason I don't like it is because the removal strings feel like fishing line and haven't softened like my doctor said they would. It hurts during sex. Plus, I have NO sex drive whatsoever. I just don't like it."

• Jak...
• October 22, 2009

For Birth Control "I am 21, and I had my Mirena inserted in March of this year. I had heard a lot of scary stories and people telling me not to get it. I continued anyway and had it put in. I had it inserted 4 months after my daughter was born. I personally think that having the Mirena put in was worse than childbirth. I cramped for a couple of days, and then it didn't hurt anymore. My doctor told me that my period may completely go away, but she said most likely it would just slow way down. The reason I don't like it is because the removal strings feel like fishing line and haven't softened like my doctor said they would. It hurts during sex. Plus, I have NO sex drive whatsoever. I just don't like it."

• Nat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the Mirena Nov 2018. After the painful insertion, I felt some cramping, but it only lasted about 2 days with minimal spotting. At first, it was smooth sailing, no discomfort, nothing. It felt like nothing was even there, no periods. Fast forward about 3-4 months, it started to go downhill. I became extremely depressed, I gained 25-30 lbs from November to now. My sex life was nonexistent because of the pain I would experience during intercourse. I experienced almost every side effect of this birth control. I'm having this removed first week of August. I would rather set a timer and take the pill than have something messing with my body in ways that I've never experienced. I hope this helps everyone. I wouldn't recommend this at all."

• Cle...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 28, 2016

For Birth Control "Only reason why the Mirena gets a star is because I didn't get pregnant. Extreme pain on implantation, and I have a high pain tolerance. I experienced extreme dizziness, headaches, mood swings to the point of breaking down once a month, cystic acne, headaches, and extreme bleeding. Constant cervical irritation and bloating with no sex drive. Would never recommend it, even though it did its job. I was convinced it was misplaced based on the horrible constant symptoms. When I went to have it removed, the nurse acted as if my symptoms were crazy, she had never heard such a thing, and my IUD was placed 'beautifully' and tried to convince me to keep it. I could have killed her. Finally, got it removed and I'm back to being a healthy 28-year-old."

• Cot...
• October 16, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena IUD for 1 yr, 4 mo. The insertion pain wasn't too bad, but starting immediately after insertion, I had stabbing, knife-like pain in my lower right side, which brought me back to my gynecologist one month later in tears. I was told that the Mirena IUD was not responsible for the pain, and ultrasound confirmed it looked normal. I suffered from chronic pain, leading to NSAID-induced ulcers, complete loss of libido, breakthrough bleeding 20+ days per month, and depression. I was prescribed additional medications and was scheduled for exploratory surgery. One month ago, I had it removed and was reproachfully told it wasn't going to help. Since then, I've had no pain and no bleeding. Mirena did not work for me."

• Sas...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 31, 2016

For Birth Control "Had the Mirena IUD placed during surgery in June 2015. I had spotting and bleeding for a while afterwards. OB/GYN said it takes up to 9 months to adjust. Most recently, very light periods, now no period. I'm told my hair and skin look healthier, I look like I'm losing weight, I've noticed my nails are growing. Most recently, though, my sex drive has decreased. I'm 41 and chose this because the man I was with couldn't use latex condoms due to an allergy. Overall, I'm happy with it."

• Che...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 6, 2019

For Birth Control "I decided to get the Mirena 8 weeks postpartum. I only experienced a pinch sensation upon placement. I was very happy until I spotted blood for 8 months, also, I developed a bloated lower belly that never goes away. I look 6 months pregnant all the time now. I have found it impossible to lose weight while breastfeeding and on a low carb diet plan. I feel fatigued almost all the time despite getting regular sleep. I don't know if my mood is affected. I've experienced major losses in life lately, so it's hard to know if Mirena is affecting my moods or if I'm sad because my mother has severe early onset dementia and my mother-in-law died recently. Also, my libido is pretty low. I want to schedule to have the Mirena removed. I'm tired of feeling pregnant all the time when I'm not! I might try the pill or the pull-out method. Those two methods have always worked for me. Also, the Mirena has recently caused my legs to itch like crazy. This happened during my last trimester of pregnancy. After delivery, the itching went away. But now that I have the Mirena, the itching came back, so this, along with fatigue, low libido, constant lower belly bloating, and inability to lose any weight despite breastfeeding and a low carb diet, I'm having it removed. Good luck, ladies."

• Jan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I had Mirena inserted at my 6-week postpartum checkup. It hurt a lot when placing it, I was experiencing my first period since giving birth, so the whole procedure was a mess. A week later, I kept feeling the strings in the vagina, I could feel the device inside my uterus too. It was uncomfortable, and so I went to the emergency room, where they did an ultrasound and a vaginal exam. Everything came back normal. The Mirena definitely helped stop the heavy bleeding I was having, then I got my period the next month, then nothing. I had the IUD removed last week due to the ongoing discomfort I felt. For the 10 months I had it in, I had low sex drive, no periods, the sensation that something was stuck in there, and a huge amount of hormonal-related mood swings. I now feel fantastic! I feel happier, I feel nothing in my uterus or vagina that hurts. I enjoy being a woman again, though I have been spotting since having it removed for about one week."

• Pas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I got it 3 months ago. The insertion was quick but very painful. After it was over, I laid down for ten minutes, and I was ready to go. Some cramping, but nothing an Advil can't fix. I did bleed heavily for the first 2 months during my period and spotting too, and cramping bad. Now, in the 3rd month, I am spotting a little bit and no heavy periods. No weight gain, but I have been breaking out a lot, this is a huge concern because I have always had a clear face. I just purchased some acne creams, I'll see if that helps. Still, getting pimples beats getting pregnant for me. My sex drive has decreased, so my partner has to work a little harder to get me going. Other than that, I will be sticking to Mirena. I am 29, no children."