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Mirena and Spotting: What Users Say (Page 3)

Reviews for Mirena

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Jea...
  • June 27, 2014

For Birth Control "I had Mirena inserted two years ago, after I had my fourth child. When it was inserted, I did not feel anything at all, I even had to ask the doctor if she was finished, lol. For the first year or so, I had unexpected periods-some short, some long, some heavy, most very, very light. For a short while, I was able to predict when I was going to get my period because my mood swings would go crazy. Now it's been two months that I get less than a day of periods. It is only a little spotting done. I feel good, I have not gained any weight, no pain, no more mood swings. It does not interrupt my sex life with my husband. I would recommend Mirena to anyone."

10 / 10
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  • Kim...
  • April 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I just had Mirena inserted a week ago. I was terrified from reading all of the painful-sounding reviews. But I followed through because I really do not like BC pills. I have to say it was not that bad! I took 4 Advil an hour before. Sure, it was uncomfortable and bad cramping, but it only lasted a few minutes. I had no cramping after the procedure, but cramps later that night, similar to a bad period, which I am used to. Mild cramps every now and then for the rest of the week. Spotting the first two days, but nothing since then. I obviously haven't had it long enough to report side effects but will report back soon. I think everyone responds to IUDs differently, and people like to write their horror stories. So far, so good, hope it continues!"

9 / 10
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  • man...
  • January 28, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got Mirena for 1 year and 3 months to reduce bleeding during periods. It was effective, my cycles were better, but I suffered from a lot of the side effects that made my life terrible. First, I never stopped spotting between periods. I suffered from back pain, uterus cramps, panic attacks, and stress. It really made me feel very sick. I removed it finally. Hope that things go better."

5 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Yet...
  • January 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I got my Mirena in Dec 2014. I was taking the mini pill for years. I get classic migraines and can't take estrogen birth control. I had missed some pills in Sept 2014 and had an ectopic pregnancy. Once my body recovered from that, my doc suggested Mirena. I always read 'horror' stories about it, but after what I just went through, I decided to give it a try. I'm 36, with 3 kids, so not having to worry about birth control for a couple of years is great. The insertion was uncomfortable, level 5, but over and done quick. Spotting about a week. Periods are so light that I barely need a pad. I haven't noticed any weight gain or acne. No issues with sex, and I think my libido has gone up. Thus far, I'm REALLY satisfied and wish I had done it sooner."

10 / 10
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  • Drm...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 20, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena inserted 3 weeks ago to treat horrible periods, which caused anemia. Insertion was no big deal (I've had 5 c-sections). I spotted a few days after insertion, then pretty heavy bleeding for about a week. I've had zero bleeding now for about 5 days and had the best orgasm of my life yesterday. Oh, and I am 52 and still able to get pregnant (no menopause yet). So glad I didn't let the scary stories stop me from getting it. I feel like I got my life back. I hope it stays like this."

10 / 10
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  • joe...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 15, 2013

For Birth Control "I had a Mirena placed 2 years ago for heavy periods. I was 38 at the time, and it had been 16 years since my last child. The doctor said it can be maybe more painful the longer you wait after having children. However, I had no pain with insertion. I had some cramping for a few days, as well as spotting. After 6 months, my period stopped completely. I have no issues with Mirena, from extremely heavy periods to none, and I didn't have to get a hysterectomy. I would recommend it."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • October 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I wanted to write my experience because I was scared to get the Mirena after reading all the horror stories. I'm 37 and have 3 kids. I got the Mirena inserted yesterday on my lunch break, I work at the hospital where my doc's office is. It took less than 10 minutes. There were 3 bad cramps, the second one being the worst but only lasted 30 seconds. I did not cringe, cry, curse, or anything like that. My doc told me when I would feel each cramp. I was back to work 20 minutes later and felt fine all day, spotted a bit but only wore a panty liner. I took 4 Motrin 1 hour prior to insertion and haven't taken any since. I hope this helps because I really do feel some people come on these sites and try to scare you. Good luck to everyone!"

10 / 10
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More FAQ

  • May...
  • April 3, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I just got the Mirena 2 days ago. I was very worried, but it wasn't too bad. I do feel some bloating. I had cramping and some spotting, but the spotting has stopped already. I was able to walk/jog after the insertion. I'll re-post after a few weeks, so far so good."

9 / 10
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  • Nat...
  • November 18, 2014

For Birth Control "I wanted to share my experience with the procedure. I am 19 and never have had kids. When they put in the Mirena, it didn't hurt like many women on the reviews said. It felt like a quick cramp, and then it was all over with. It's been about three days, and so far I have had light cramping about 3 times a day and spotting."

10 / 10
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  • kma...
  • May 12, 2011

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Mirena was inserted in 7/07; I was 38 with two kids. During placement, I felt light cramping for 2 hrs. The doctor explained the uterus naturally tries to expel it with light cramping for up to several days. After the initial 2 hrs in '07, I haven't had any cramping, no spotting, and no PMS. It has tremendously affected my life for the better, as I was completely useless but had no choice but to function for at least 4 days a month during my heaviest flow. I'm a full-time working woman, mother, and wife; there was NO SENSE in suffering like that every month. The doctor was ready to do a partial hysterectomy and decided we would try Mirena instead. My fibroids and cysts have also shrunk. I love Mirena!"

10 / 10
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  • Odd...
  • September 4, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had my Mirena inserted exactly a year ago at the age of 56. Now 57 and still no menopause in sight. In fact, I just got my period today. Granted, it's lighter than it was before Mirena, but out of the last year, I have at least spotted almost every day. June was a good month for me with my first skipped period and no spotting. July, one day of spotting. Went for my Pap smear in August, told my GYN that it looks like maybe this thing is finally working, started spotting that night and never stopped for the entire last month. I give up. I do give Mirena a 7, though, because my periods are lighter, albeit right on time every month, unfortunately. I will keep it inserted as it is now about what I know."

7 / 10
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  • Jul...
  • January 2, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have used Mirena for 12 years so far. The first insertion was very painful; my doctor explained that the cervix can tilt, and that is why it was painful. Mild discomfort for two or three days and very light spotting in the first year or two. From then on, no pain or spotting. Occasionally, I have had light spotting after sex. Subsequent insertions by female doctors were pain-free. Having had incredibly heavy, painful periods of 14 days and longer, using tampons and pads at the same time and still having embarrassing leakage, having a Mirena is wonderful. I was anemic and exhausted most of my time before Mirena. Oral contraception made me emotional, and I felt so unsettled I came off them after a few months. I haven't had PMT or menstrual cycle-associated issues since my sixth month or so with the Mirena. My quality of life improved immediately without the fortnightly worry and pain. There are positive outcomes using a Mirena. I would highly recommend giving this IUD a trial at least."

10 / 10
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  • MSV...
  • March 10, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I originally had Mirena put in 2013; had 6-day-long periods/spotting. The cramps were gone. I started to read upon people mentioning getting a very low dose of estrogen that brought relief. My doctors at the ob-gyn would refuse. A friend was on the Estradiol .5 pills and had switched to the Estradiol Patch and gave me her pills. I took 1/2 every other day (.25) and spotting stopped in 2 weeks! Periods regulated. I was running out, so I visited the Ob Gyns, who again refused to offer me this option! I started taking half of the pill every other day. I did this for 2 more months. I saw a new OB Gyn who gave me the lowest dose of estrogen! In 1 month, I stopped gradually taking it until I became 'normal'. Periods were still coming to this day, and the shortest period I ever had was 3 days. No more spotting, which is what I wanted!"

7 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 27, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Today, I decided on Mirena for help with very heavy and painful periods. With so many negative reviews that scare you into not having the procedure, I wanted to give an honest review and post a positive review. I understand everybody reacts differently to different procedures, but getting the Mirena inserted was NOT anything like 99% of the reviews I read said. It was uncomfortable at the most and for only a matter of seconds. I did take 800 mg of Motrin an hour before. I am 48 and have had one child 23 years ago (vaginal birth). So far, no cramping, and I am spotting a bit. I pray this helps as it is my last option before more evasive procedures."

7 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • June 11, 2013

For Birth Control "I've had Mirena for a little over a year and absolutely love it. I'm in my early 20s and was hesitant to start other forms of birth control because it is hard for me to remember to take pills, and I was worried about the weight gain. I've had no weight gain on Mirena and no extremely noticeable side effects. It was slightly painful to get inserted, and I bled lightly for a few months afterward, but once that stopped, it's been great. I tend to have spotting or a light period for one or two days every couple of months, but that's it. It's great and so convenient."

10 / 10
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  • hfi...
  • December 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I just had the Mirena inserted yesterday. I'm 22 years old with no kids. The procedure was very painful. I felt nauseous afterwards and felt like I was gonna pass out during it. I had major cramping and bleeding for the rest of the day. Today, I only have mild cramping and some spotting. So it seems to be getting better."

8 / 10
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  • Lol...
  • November 3, 2013

For Birth Control "I have had my Mirena in for 2 1/2 weeks. Before that, I was on the pill for many years. I am 36 and have had 2 kids by C-section. My periods have been heavier since I had kids, and I don't want to have any more. I also have slightly high blood pressure. Doc suggested we do Mirena because it is used to treat heavy periods, has no estrogen (which can contribute to high blood pressure), and circulates progesterone only in the uterus rather than systemically. The insertion was...um...awful, but quick. After that, just some cramping for the rest of the day and light spotting. A few days later, I actually woke up with a sex drive!! Haven't had a period yet, but still have occasional cramps. Overall, it has been a good choice so far."

8 / 10
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  • Nge...
  • April 19, 2015

For Birth Control "Well, I've had the Mirena for about 2 months. I'm 22, no kids. I have tried different pills, but I was horrible about remembering. The insertion of the Mirena was really painful. I have had kidney stones, and insertion wasn't quite as bad as that. After 2 days of horrible cramping, it went away. After 3 weeks of spotting/bleeding, I stopped and have not had any period since. I do have cramps sometimes. I have not gained or lost any weight. No hair loss. No changes in acne. The only thing I've noticed is that I now have lots of little fine hairs all over my chin and the side of my face. Way more than before. Not a huge deal, but annoying. My boyfriend cannot feel it at all, and my sex drive is the same. So far, I love it."

9 / 10
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  • Ven...
  • April 14, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have had it since September 2014. I am 40 and have had problems with heavy bleeding, frequent periods, painful cramps, and depression during PMS since age 35. This has been great for relief of all my symptoms. Until my doctor mentioned this, I was looking at having a D & C done. I have had no weight gain, I actually lost 5 pounds. Some spotting in the beginning, but very light periods now. No more depression the week before my period. It was a very positive experience for me."

10 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • August 1, 2013

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had my Mirena inserted in 2009, and I have yet to experience any major issues. Yes, in the beginning, I bled for 3 months with a day or two in between with no bleeding at all, and I had thoughts of getting it removed but never did. It has been very effective, and I am glad I kept it in. I have very light cycles now, where I might spot for about 3 or 4 days, and that's it. I'm relieved that I don't have to worry about unplanned pregnancies, and I do plan to get the new one installed next year prior to my current one expiring."

9 / 10
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  • noe...
  • March 20, 2014

For Birth Control "I am 19, and the obgyn I go to strongly suggested getting Mirena, but after reading the horror stories people post online about it, I was almost too terrified to get it. I finally decided to get it, and it is the BEST form of birth control out there. I didn't even feel them insert it! I've also seen a lot about people talking about the strings stabbing them or their partner. Just ask them not to cut the strings, ask them to tuck them behind your cervix. It works great! The only side effect was the barely mild cramping for a day afterward. I did have light spotting for a month, but I haven't had a period since. If you're thinking about getting it, you definitely should at least try it."

10 / 10
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  • Caz...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 12, 2020

For Birth Control "Had the Mirena fitted in July 2019. I had spotting for 8 weeks, it did lighten my periods for a while, but already having migraines, I started to get auras within 2 weeks of fitting. Persevered for a while, but after about 8 months, hardly had a bleed for 5 weeks, then flooded. Finally got to see my doctor at the hospital after my local one had said it’s still there, another who said it had moved. He offered to put me another one in, but I’m done. I don’t want to go through all that again. It comes with other problems, I also had lots of stomach cramps too."

2 / 10
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  • acn...
  • January 26, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Did not research the Mirena prior to my procedure, so the pain of insertion was a surprise. It felt like someone was scraping the inside of my uterus with a small and very sharp knife. The doctor jokingly said I looked as if someone just beat me up because I was tear-eyed and probably looked very angry. Had it now for two months and have been spotting and cramping every day. I used to have pretty and clear skin. At 51 years old, I feel like a teenager with a bad pimple condition. Have an appointment this Tuesday and decided to have the Mirena removed. I will definitely research the pain of removal and come prepared."

8 / 10
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  • Bee...
  • November 7, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Had Mirena inserted July 2016, have been spotting and bleeding ever since (Nov 2016). Back pain, nausea, cramps, clots, headaches, low moods. Went to doctors who told me to persevere for 6 months and see how it goes, as they cost a lot of money and I can't just have them in and out. Came out feeling more confused, as I don't want the symptoms, and has put a complete stop to my sex life. Was meant to help with heavy periods, not take my life away."

2 / 10
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  • vik...
  • July 8, 2014

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena fitted as nothing else worked for me. I've had 3 babies full term. Can honestly say the insertion didn't hurt, I hardly felt a thing. Had quite bad cramps afterwards and light spotting, but not too bad. Highly recommended to all."

8 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.