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Mirena and Spotting: What Users Say (Page 2)

Reviews for Mirena

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • NYC...
  • September 3, 2014

For Birth Control "Mirena gave me my life back. Ever since I hit puberty at 11 years old, I have had horrible, very heavy, very painful periods. Around 18, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. I would miss school and work, and have to double layer my clothes when I slept, it was horrible. I tried every birth control out there including Seasonique, the NuvaRing, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Depo-Provera, Loestrin, Lybrel, if you name it, I've tried it. Nothing worked. I started having periods that would last for 2-3 weeks. Finally, I tried Mirena, having it put in was painful but bearable. The first 6 weeks I had cramps and spotting. After that, nothing. I get a very light 2-3 day period now and then. No cramps. It's amazing and gave me my life back. I'm so thankful for it!"

10 / 10
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  • Iri...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • June 5, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had my first Mirena in January 2004 after my second child. I kept it for 7 years. My second was put in in 2011. I kept it until 2019. Now, I'm on my third. I can say it was effective even after 5 years. I also only spotted on insertion and then had no period. Until this one, I have had a regular monthly cycle for over a year now. Now, it is usually just lots of spotting for 3 to 5 days, but enough that I wear a panty liner out of precaution. Now, I just passed a huge bloody clot. I have never had that in the 16 years I have used Mirena. Also, insertion wasn't bad the first two times, but the last time, it took 3 tries, and then they called another doctor in to do it. Turns out they may have pushed it through a fibroid. Ouch."

10 / 10
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37 Report
  • Fed...
  • June 9, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have had Mirena for 3 months now, and I have been bleeding EVERY DAY since. They said 3 months of irregular bleeding and spotting, they never said anything about having a permanent light period. I'm so over it...."

2 / 10
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56 Report

See also:

Frequently asked questions

  • A20...
  • February 6, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Got my Mirena about a month or so ago, and the spotting will stop for 3-5 days, then start up again for another 8-10 days. They say it should stop completely after the first 3 months, but has anyone else experienced this, and it did stop?"

6 / 10
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39 Report
  • Aub...
  • February 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I love my IUD for many reasons. A lot of these reviews are just based off of the initial side effects and insertion. While I admit it was mildly painful for the first 24 hours and the spotting lasted 1-2 months, I am now 3 years in, and couldn't be happier. My period is 95% lighter and lasts only an hour, I never get cramps anymore, and I am comforted by the fact that it is so reliable! No weight gain or mood changes, and my skin is still clear. Some people say these cause infertility, but that is not true. IUDs have undergone many, many clinical studies which show that is not the case! Don't let people on here scare you :) If you want the facts, go to a credible source."

10 / 10
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  • Ave...
  • July 3, 2019

For Birth Control "After reading the reviews, I was terrified. Then I got to thinking, most of the time people only volunteer to share their reviews if they have had a negative experience. I am on a weight loss journey, so I was scared I would gain weight on the Mirena, and also, even after having the Paragard two times, I was scared to have the Mirena inserted after reading reviews. Monday, I went in to get the Mirena, my doctor reassured me that less than 5% of women gain weight and that most of the time the weight gain is caused by other factors. The procedure itself was quick. There is a small amount of pressure as the IUD is inserted, but nothing to get worked up about. I have had the IUD in place for four days now and have had minimal spotting and minimal cramping. I will update this in about three months. If you are considering the Mirena, please do not make your choice based on reviews from others. As I stated before, people are quick to complain but rarely reach out to leave positive reviews."

10 / 10
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  • Kim...
  • December 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm on my second Mirena, and I think it's great! The first one I got took a long time to stop spotting. I was frustrated and wanted it out. My doctor's office suggested waiting and giving it a chance. I'm really happy I listened! Each month, it got better. Those beginning days are so far behind me now. I haven't had any problems at all. Definitely worth it!"

9 / 10
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52 Report

More FAQ

  • mom...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 27, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I wanted to share my positive experience with Mirena since there are a lot of negative reviews. All the negative reviews almost scared me off from trying it for myself. All women are different though, and I figured more people who had problems would get online and complain than women who had positive results. I am in my 40s, have 1 child, and have a really bad problem with extremely heavy flooding menstrual periods. It had gotten so bad I was flooding through every 2 hours, and that was affecting my daily life during that week. I had to do something, so I went for it. Insertion was painful but over quickly. I had mild cramping that day and spotting for about a week. After that, I had some discharge for several more weeks that I only noticed when I used the bathroom, and then it stopped. I have had 2 periods now after insertion, and they have been wonderful. I went from flooding to not even needing to wear or use anything! I have not had any side effects or problems. I am so happy that I did not let the negative reviews scare me off! Good luck to all the ladies who give it a try! Hope your experience is as positive as mine has been!"

10 / 10
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  • akk...
  • September 3, 2014

For Birth Control "I got my Mirena almost 6 months ago now, and I absolutely love it. I read so many reviews that made me hesitate to get it - it took me months to decide which birth control to get, but my doctor recommended this, so I trusted her. I have had 1 child previously, 2 years ago now, so I think that helped make my experience smooth. I took some ibuprofen before getting it put in, and there was discomfort, but nothing unbearable. I spotted and had irregular periods for the first 2 months, it was really annoying. Then I spotted occasionally for another two months or so. My periods have stopped completely now, so it was worth it. Also, the cramping was not bad at all. Nothing more than the moderate period pains I used to get. And my partner never notices it."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 23, 2013

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "If I could give the Mirena a 20, I would! I had it inserted in August 2013 for endometriosis, and I have had one period since; and I use the phrase 'period' loosely (I barely bled for around 36 hours. It barely warranted the use of pantyliners). My primary reason for getting it was to keep my endometriosis at bay; it is an estrogen-dependent disease that thrives during your period, so my doctor killed two birds with one stone. My insertion was mildly uncomfortable during the part where they opened my cervix, but my doctor also had me take 800 mg of Ibuprofen an hour before my appointment. The whole insertion process took less than two minutes. I had absolutely no spotting or cramping for three days. Added bonus, my sex drive is through the roof!"

10 / 10
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  • Cri...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 16, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena inserted on November 4th, 2019. Today is January 16th, 2020, I am still spotting. I wasn't even told that I was going to be spotting for that long, only told a month by the nurse that insisted I be put on it. I noticed the cramping last up to a month and a half. I am sick and tired of the bleeding. It seems to stop between 1-3 days and start up again. So I just wear a liner every day. I do notice random pain in my ovaries, but it feels like an uncomfortable pulse, and then it's done. So I am not too worried about that, probably just my lady parts fighting back. I sure hope the bleeding stops soon because I am considering taking it out, up to 6 months of bleeding or spotting is absolutely ridiculous. I think they don't tell you about the spotting/bleeding so we get put on this. My overall experience is positive, I do recommend this product to others, just be forewarned about the bleeding, I can't express this enough."

8 / 10
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31 Report
  • Man...
  • October 17, 2009

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena IUD placed in July of 2007, 6 months after my husband and I had our first baby. My doctor recommended it over the Paragard. When the doctor was placing it, I was extremely uncomfortable. However, I felt back to normal after two days. There was mild spotting for the first couple of weeks, but that stopped. Then my period stopped. In fact, I haven't seen my period since 2007. I haven't felt any different since I had it placed. The only thing that could be a bother about this is the strings, it feels like fishing line. The doctor said the strings would soften over time, and they did within the first year. I love Mirena!"

10 / 10
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71 Report
  • Jar...
  • October 13, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm 46 years old, on my second Mirena, and will be eagerly lining up to have my third fitted next year. During my mid-30s, I began to experience heavy periods to the point they were interfering with my ability to leave the house. My doctor recommended Mirena. It took many months to settle down (4-6 if memory serves), and I was at the point where I wanted it out, but my doctor told me to wait another month, and sure enough, the daily spotting stopped. Mirena has worked wonders for me. I love the freedom and convenience of not having periods."

10 / 10
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54 Report
  • Lal...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 7, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Kyleena put in June 2019, spotted for a few weeks, and then it stopped. Only a small bit of spotting you 7 months after, very rarely, but now all of a sudden, the last week there's spotting and a strange chemical smell. Just now, a huge gush of bright red blood with clots came out. A lot of abdominal pain and tenderness last week also. No idea what it could be. Done a pregnancy test, it was negative."

8 / 10
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30 Report
  • gig...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 28, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was anemic and had very low iron levels and even experienced passing out. I would bleed for 10 days and couldn't control my bleeding, ruining clothes, chairs, beds, mattresses, and sheets, not to mention sleepless nights. I have a uterine fibroid and a few outside the uterus. I still had the Mirena placed even with the fact it may not be successful due to the fibroids. The first 3 months were a lot of spotting, but nothing more than a light day. The 4th month seemed to have a period and spotted the whole month. I waited it out, and I couldn't be happier. It is a wonderful thing. I have read a lot of negative things, but it's all opinions and it's like trying new food, some things you like, some you don't."

10 / 10
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48 Report
  • pra...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I LOVE my Mirena. I had it inserted in January 2019. It ended my heavy periods (I don't get them at all) and PMS with no side effects, just spotting now and again. Insertion was painful but brief. I don't have to worry about remembering anything. It doesn't contain estrogen (I get migraines), and it lasts five years. Wohoo!"

10 / 10
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28 Report
  • Mam...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 10, 2014

For Birth Control "I decided to read the reviews for Mirena after I got it. Wow, am I ever glad I waited! Reviews that stated spotting for months, and painful intercourse would have been enough to put me off for sure. However, I've had a fantastic experience with Mirena so far. Spotted for 1.5 days (not months - DAYS) with only mild cramping. Intercourse after 3 days, and it was as enjoyable, if not more so than before. As I understand, it's better to have had children before using Mirena. I can see why - insertion would likely have been more painful had I not had 1 child. High recommendations, but of course, your doctor will know if Mirena is your best choice. Right down to the tilt of your uterus - there are many factors to take into consideration."

9 / 10
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49 Report
  • Anonymous
  • October 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I just thought I would write a positive review since everyone is so quick to write negative. I had the Mirena IUD inserted, and yes, it was pretty uncomfortable, but that discomfort only lasted for a few seconds and was then over. I have had light spotting for 1.5 weeks, which has now stopped. I have not had any other side effects to date. I know prior to getting it, I read these reviews, and they scared me. I have nothing but positive feedback for this product, and I hope people try it out for themselves instead of going by the reviews. Everyone is different, so take it with a grain of salt."

8 / 10
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29 Report
  • Anonymous
  • April 8, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had the Mirena for 3 months. It has been overwhelmingly positive. I had suffered from very heavy, painful monthly periods, with often breakthrough bleeding during my cycle. As a result, I became anemic and lived my life with no energy and dreading my next cycle. My doctor recommended the Mirena. I didn't give it much hope as I thought nothing could stop the pain and heavy flow. The Mirena did. No pain, no weight gain, no dreading my monthly cycles, and no more anemia. Now all I have is spotting. The spotting was continual when I first had the Mirena, which was a minor annoyance, but as time goes on, the spotting is decreasing. I read many negative reviews before having the Mirena, but for me, it has been fantastic."

9 / 10
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48 Report
  • ora...
  • July 31, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 51. Had it inserted 2 years ago. I never felt a thing. Did not take ibuprofen prior to. It was quick and painless. I bled for a couple of weeks after. Slight cramping for a few days. I do still spot. Nothing major. Gained a few that I can't drop. That's my age too. Not to blame Mirena. Very glad I did it. Should also take me through menopause. Positive experience."

8 / 10
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47 Report
  • Don...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 4, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm so glad I didn't read these reviews before getting the IUD inserted- I would have been terrified! Everyone is saying how it's so painful.... Umm? No. I'd say minor discomfort for a few seconds, and that's it. I've had a little spotting since it was inserted, but nothing crazy."

10 / 10
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39 Report
  • H20...
  • March 22, 2014

For Birth Control "Many horror stories on the web, but here's my positive experience 2 weeks in: - note I never had kids, been on pills for over 15 years with no side effects, but want the most effective and convenient option. - took 800 mg Advil 1.5 hours before. It was a day before my period. - key is finding a very experienced doctor who uses local anesthetics and cervical dilation, which I think really helped. I barely felt anything, similar to a pap. - some cramping afterwards but not bad as I continued with Advil for 2 more days. Spotting once or twice daily but nothing too bad. No side effects at all yet. - everyone's different. Don't be scared off by reviews!"

10 / 10
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41 Report
  • Sar...
  • July 26, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "The Mirena was a really good decision that I made. But getting it inserted was the most painful thing I have ever experienced in my life. The pain was so bad when the doctor was inserting it I thought I was going to pass out. I bled for a few days after it was in, minor spotting but very intense cramps. I got it almost a month ago, and I am just starting to spot a little again now, so assuming this is my period that is normally very extreme due to my blood disease I have and not being able to clot, the Mirena is working well for me."

8 / 10
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45 Report
  • Dom...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 28, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Lots to say about this one. I have focal adenomyosis of the uterus, so it really hurt to get Mirena inserted. I was physically sick immediately after, and I'd like to think my pain threshold is pretty decent considering I live with adeno pains every day. The aim of using Mirena was to try and suppress my pains. Nothing changed in that area, unfortunately, and I ended up with more complications to add to it. My symptoms were constant headaches, brain fog, constant fatigue, moody, weird pains in my legs even though I'm not doing exercise at the moment, always feeling hot and sweaty, night sweats, unable to sleep properly, dry, itchy area down there, constant spotting every single day. The only positive for me was that my periods were lighter, which was outweighed by the fact that I was spotting every day for 5 months. Gave it a good try, and it was not for me! Trying Kyleena next."

1 / 10
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24 Report
  • ccs...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • December 20, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm on my 3rd Mirena and have had no trouble at all over the last 14 years. Highly recommended it to anyone considering using it. Yes, I had spotting for nearly 6 months after the 1st Mirena, but I persevered, and I'm so glad I did. Many of my girlfriends also chose the Mirena over all other forms of birth control. Gone are the heavy periods...thank goodness!"

10 / 10
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22 Report

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