Mirena and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 20, 2012

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena inserted after the birth of my second child. I have had the Mirena for 3 1/2 years now, and at first it was fine, very light periods and eventually no periods at all. My husband did complain a few times about the strings during intercourse, but that's about it. However, for about the last year and a half, I have had crazy side effects off and on: weight loss (not complaining about that), anxiety, depression, no sex drive, nausea, sore breasts, bloating, stomach pain, cystic acne. You name it, I've got it. I have two boys (3 and 4), and they stay active, but now I just have no energy. I know everyone reacts differently to birth control, but I honestly believe that these side effects come with time, so just keep an eye on your behavior changes."

• ceg...
• September 17, 2019

For Birth Control "Three weeks into having Mirena, I started to experience a significant decline in my sex drive, plus I had mood swings, depression (which I can only describe as a constant feeling of impending doom), anxiety, and acne in places I've never had it before. The spotting was on and off with small blood clots and brown, sticky discharge in between spotting (not romantic at all). I don't know whether this is because of Mirena or not, but I also started to notice a huge decrease in the amount of natural lubrication my body was producing before sex."

• Ant...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 8, 2017

For Birth Control "My #1 prayer is that someone will read this BEFORE they put this poison in their body referred to as Mirena. I had the IUD put in after my Implanon was removed (btw, Implanon was incredible for me. But my OB insisted I got Mirena). I had it in for about 5 years; yes, my periods were light, but sex sucked; it was painful during and after, I was never 'in the mood.' I gained about 50 pounds, grew depressed, obviously. Usually athletic and excited to work out, I became super tired and lazy all of the time. It took a toll on my relationship; I don't even see why he stayed with me (but he's amazing ☺️)! About a month ago, I got the IUD removed. It was a short, sweet procedure, and I instantly felt better (just knowing it was out of me gave me so much satisfaction). I was on a light period when it was removed, and it eventually ended as normal.... one month later, I started my period again (normal). But I have been bleeding since; it's been about 3.5-4 weeks. And if I'm not 'bleeding,' I have brown discharge (looks like dried up blood). I feel crummy, and I long for normalcy! I felt as if I have taken 5 steps forward getting it removed, just to take ten steps back! Don't do it! At this point, I wouldn't advise BC at all, but obviously, people use it for other reasons besides getting pregnant. Nevertheless, the hormonal imbalance and emotional toll are not worth it! I pray that after all of this, I can even conceive another child. I don't know this for a fact, but I feel like there's got to be some kind of extra financial gain for OBs when they insert Mirena. Do what is best for you and don't be afraid to say no or ask every question you need to... I wish I would've. Best wishes, ladies!"

• Jav...
• February 14, 2020

For Birth Control "Worst choice ever, wouldn't recommend to worst enemy. Got placed in August, and now it is February. I am still bleeding since the day it was placed. Ovarian cyst caused by it. Pain from wearing a pad day in and day out. Cost from buying pads/tampons to use daily, which in turn lately has off and on caused peeing to hurt from the pad causing injury. Loss of interest in sex, all good things. Now need to go to the doctor on a regular basis, which costs money to get ultrasounds for that. Pain and discomfort want the stupid 'insert curse word here' out. The reason I was put on it was misdiagnosis from the nurse practitioner, who said because of the epilepsy medication I was on, it would cause me to need an abortion if I became pregnant, which was incorrect, which annoyed the OB-GYN to no end. So it's the nurse's fault I am where I am, gave medical advice she had no business giving as she clearly didn't have the knowledge to give. Sure, before the thing, I had heavy periods that needed double protection, but at least it didn't last seven months straight and with other issues."

• Mar...
• February 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had my Mirena for 15 months - I got it at my one-month appointment after having my daughter. Worst decision I ever made. I have had cramps since, including back cramps every day that feel like I am in early labor all over again. Zero sex drive. Terrible acne, and I am in my mid-30s - every time I try to have sex or other stimulation, I start bleeding and cramping. My doctor wouldn't take it out. I hate it more than anything else and wish I never got one."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 18, 2012

For Birth Control "I had Mirena placed in January 2011. As soon as it was placed, I have not had my menstrual cycle. Between that and the fact that I didn't have to worry about taking it every day, that was the only good thing I experienced with it. I had more than half of the side effects of Mirena, which included, but not limited to, depressed mood, migraines, backaches, swelling, weight gain, dizziness, sometimes painful intercourse. The list goes on. For me, the side effects outweighed the effects."

• 643...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 31, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had Mirena for almost 4 years. I've had no luck with oral birth control. Low estrogen and progesterone-only pills kill my sex drive. Higher estrogen pills make my breasts too sore. Unfortunately, I have stage 4 endometriosis and heavy, extremely painful periods due to cysts. I decided to try Mirena after surgery to prevent any further cysts. I've stuck it out for 4 years, but Mirena is in the category of hormones that have killed my sex drive. I haven't had sex in 4 years for lack of interest. I've realized that, although I never want to go through the pain of endometriosis and ovarian cysts again, giving up any chance at a relationship and being a sexual person is probably not worth it. But it's so much easier to use than birth control pills."

• Jew...
• February 22, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena put in place for a dual purpose: extreme menstrual bleeding and birth control. At 44, I don't want any more children, and I have a history of pulmonary embolisms. Therefore, this was one of my few BC options. The procedure was excruciating, and I have had children and two neck fusions. I am also on narcotics for chronic pain and still would NEVER have dreamed this would hurt like it did. Some say it feels like cramps, they must have some wicked cramps. Ever since I have had this, I have had UTIs, yeast infections, severe pain, pain during sex, and spotting constantly. The only good thing I can say is my periods have not been as heavy. However, when you are spotting all month, who wants to have sex? It's coming out ASAP."

• Dee...
• October 30, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena inserted on 10/7/15 for heavy vaginal bleeding. I am 50, have had 2 children, and have to say the insertion was painful. Since insertion, I have been bleeding nonstop along with heavy cramping and low back pain. The side effects have been horrible for me. I have had major mood swings, anxiety, decreased appetite, and no desire for sex whatsoever. I have recently been experiencing a stabbing pain in my right side, which leaves me doubled over in pain for a short time. I had an ultrasound to make sure the Mirena did not move and was causing this pain to occur. Thankfully, all results came back okay. I have an appointment on 11/3 to have it checked, but I am going to ask the doctor to remove it at that time, not worth it to me."

• Ver...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 18, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena placed in April of 2015. I have had long, irregular periods ever since I got it. At first, I just dealt with the bleeding because I felt better than being on the pill, but things quickly changed in May of this year. From May 2015 to January of 2017, my periods were: the first was 8 weeks, the second was 6 weeks, periods 3-7 were 3 weeks long. Then, in May of 2017, I started having MONTHLY 3+ week periods with a few days of breast tenderness, then it starts back up. I have had two ovarian cysts with it. I have extreme breast tenderness a few days before the start of every period. I have zero sex drive. This does nothing for my skin, and I have issues with hidradenitis. I have very low energy levels. I am just ready to have it removed."

• Bre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the Mirena in January of 2017. I started having symptoms after about 6 months. In December of 2018 and January of 2019, I was hospitalized. Excessive throwing up, severe abdominal cramping, fever, and literally crawled up in a fetal position in so much pain! They chalked it up to “gastritis.” Now here it is July, supposedly I’ve had 5 UTIs since the visit in January. All of these were misdiagnosed. I was diagnosed with PID - happens to 1% of women. They finally linked every problem for the last 2 years to the Mirena. I got it removed immediately. Today, I was sent for a CT to see what other damages the Mirena has caused to my body. Do not get this! Other symptoms I have been experiencing - severe depression, anxiety, horrible breakouts, lack of appetite, loss in sex drive, excessive hair loss, weight gain (20 pounds). Doctors disregard anything you say and act like you’re making it all up. Don’t let them change your mind. You know your body!"

• Mon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Depo-Provera for about 10 years on and off. Too long, according to my new OBGYN, and he suggested Mirena since I am not ready to cut the ties, just in case I decide to have children in the future, lol. I have a 13 and 10-year-old, lol.... But after insertion, I had cramping and mild bleeding for 2 days. I have not had any bleeding since then. It has been almost a month! The side effects I am experiencing are breast tenderness and increased libido. The shot killed that, lol. I love it so far, and I am very happy."

• Anonymous
• December 26, 2012

For Birth Control "I have had the Mirena for over four years now, it's due to come out August 2013, and I have had a lot more downs than I do ups from it. I have had longer periods, actually, they have lasted up to 14 days. I have experienced some bloating, not much though, and my sex drive is low. The most irritating thing would be my pelvic pains I have on and off from it. The one good thing I can say about it is it's a very simple procedure, and once in, you don't have to worry about taking a pill every day."

• no...
• May 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I had decided to get Mirena as I am horrible at remembering to take pills. I have never had children, and they aren't in my plans. At age 34, I had it inserted, and it hurt more than I thought it would. It reduced my period frequency and the amount, but it completely killed my sex drive, which, now, 2 years later, is still nonexistent. I felt depressed soon afterward, and it never went away. I gained 20 pounds, which is odd as I eat well most of the time and go jogging with my boyfriend. Even he is now convinced that my lack of a sex drive, weight gain, and inability to lose weight is a side effect of the Mirena. I just made an appointment to have it removed and plan to next just get my tubes tied."

• Jen...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the Mirena inserted in January 2015 and will be getting it removed soon as it is only good for up to 5 years. Here are my thoughts on this IUD. PROS: - No pregnancy. - No periods for the last 4 years. - No acne. - No weight gain. CONS: - No sex drive at all. - Insertion was 9/10 on the pain scale. - Partners can feel strings during intercourse. - Spotting occasionally for the first year. - Can worsen symptoms of mental illness."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on the Mirena for 4 months, and I have never been so disappointed. I NEVER had acne in my life, maybe one pimple every couple of months. Now my entire face is broken out, and even on a perfect skin regimen, I am a pizza face. I have NEVER not had a sex drive. GONE! I love my boyfriend so much, but I have NO desire anymore, and that is NOT like me at all. The few good things were... I didn't gain weight. I felt like myself. It did its job (or so I would assume). Just like with any birth control, you have to try it yourself and see how it works for you."

• Kik...
• January 9, 2016

For Birth Control "Had Mirena since March 2015, after my baby. Since then, I have had no sex drive, and despite all my efforts, I can't lose weight. Starting to think this is the issue, thinking about going to gyn to be removed. I still have horrible cramping and mps. Finally, no period, but the trade-off is not good."

• Cb2...
• January 20, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Let's see here... first of all, I wouldn't even give Mirena a 1, but 0 isn't an option. I had it for 2 long, excruciating, miserable months to help with my heavy periods. I lost my sex drive completely, bled the entire time. Had terrible back and pelvic pain, mood swings, nonstop migraines, extreme hunger, no energy at all, severe depression, and if that's not enough, anxiety and panic attacks. I would absolutely not recommend this to anyone at all. So terrible. Think twice before you have this placed."

• min...
• August 3, 2016

For Birth Control "Had Mirena put in at 6 weeks postpartum check-up as directed by the doctor. Had lots of bleeding for 10 months. Abdominal pain was present, talked to the doctor, said my body had to adjust. Then came the bloating, it came and went along with the pain. Intercourse was painful, not too pleasant sometimes. Had 3 UTIs while I had it in. My skin was in the most beautiful state before I started and dramatically changed. My face became very oily and developed acne. My hair began to fall more than usual, shedding. I had to go to the doctor because I couldn't feel it. She ran an ultrasound, the strings were flipped. I had gained 30 lbs those 2 years. Right after I had it in, even though I breastfed for the life it was in. Once I had it removed, all is getting better."

• jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have suffered from incredibly heavy periods since having my two kids (I'm 38). After having the Mirena inserted (which hurt, but was quick and no worse than labor pain), I spotted for approx 3 months. During this time, I also experienced some depression, a drop in sex drive (which my doctor insisted is not related), breast tenderness, and subtle weight gain. It's now been 5 months. I've decided to have it removed. The spotting has stopped, aside from after sex- not so sexy; I am having fairly regular cramping, which I can only liken to the feeling of an ovarian cyst. I've never carried weight around my middle; I'm a very active runner with a healthy diet, but I swear this thing has given me a very doughy tummy. I just want it gone."

• Woo...
• July 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I had my Mirena inserted September 2011, background info: I'm in my twenties and have 1 partner, and I have not had any children. My doctor wanted me to try the NuvaRing first, but I said I'd like the Mirena for ease of use. The insertion was uncomfortable, and I had some cramping that day, but nothing you can't handle! :) Overall, I like the Mirena. I have spotting off and on, but I only need a panty liner when it happens. No acne or weight gain. I do have a decrease in libido, and I find that if I have an orgasm, it is painful as I get cramps after (maybe that increases my decreased desire? Due to expectant pain...). I'll be keeping in the Mirena for another year to make it to the 5-year point, but I'll be removing it then."

• Anonymous
• September 28, 2012

For Birth Control "I received Mirena at 8 weeks post, October 2011. I just had it removed a week ago. I was not bleeding when I had it in because I was nursing, I knew that I would have some spotting with the Mirena for a few weeks, not a big deal. Well, I went to the doctor 6 months post-insertion, my doctor had quit the practice, so I had to see a different one, expressed my concerns about still spotting, I was spotting about 25 days a month, and she wouldn't take it out, said it should stop. It was horrible! I spotted the entire time, I had absolutely no libido, my poor husband. I went back to my regular doctor, and he removed it last week, and I feel great! And my sex drive is back fast and furious!!"

• Han...
• May 20, 2015

For Birth Control "Ok, I had mine inserted six weeks after my daughter was born, Nov 2012. When it was inserted, it hurt like heck. I had some cramping and bleeding, nothing bad, though. I loved it until Easter 2013. I had one breast swell, it was a small cyst. And no period for six months. Well, of course, I didn't think it was my Mirena. Then my period suddenly came back. I have suffered a miscarriage. I have been so moody, cramps, awful cramps, low sex drive, my poor husband, breast swelling and tenderness again, cysts on both ovaries, hair loss, depression. I'm getting this thing yanked as soon as possible and going back on the pill. I hate it! Do not recommend for anyone!"

• Son...
• September 16, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Ugh, I wish I had found these reviews before I had it. I'm so angry I had it because I was having two-week periods, heavy each month. I've now had this six weeks, haven't stopped bleeding once. I'm cramping badly, gained 10 pounds, tired all the time, irritable, skin looks horrible with acne, and no end to the bleeding. It's horrible. My sex drive is gone, and I'm usually very sexual. After reading this, I am not sure I want to keep it in because the doctor keeps saying give it time, but most people here say even after six months it's the same. So I've swapped a bad problem for a much worse one! Ugh, so frustrated. I'm 46, so they won't give me the pill, so this seemed the next best choice! I wish the doctor could be more honest or informed about so many people having."

• UGH...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 12, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena IUD inserted in January 2016 due to heavy periods. With the IUD, my periods were lighter but lasted 2 weeks. My moods changed severely, and I had cramping every day during my 2-week periods. I have developed acne cysts on my face, sex had become painful, and I began to bleed after sex. I had become miserable. Four days ago, I had my IUD removed. The string had coiled, and my doctor had great difficulty getting it out. Since its removal, I started with very light spotting. I am on day four, and I have heavy bleeding, and I am passing HUGE clots. I am experiencing gushing, which causes me to fill up pads within an hour. I'm dizzy, have no energy, bloated, and have a constant headache. NEVER AGAIN!!!"