Mirena and Spotting: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• Anonymous
• January 13, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm 16 years old with no kids. The insertion of the Mirena was very painful, and I mean so painful that I teared up and felt very dizzy after. I have used birth control pills in the past for heavy bleeding and cramping, but I got breakthrough bleeding. The first day of getting it inserted was probably the worst day, now I'm just spotting! But I do recommend this device to other teens/women who have heavy periods!"

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I first decided on Mirena because I was terrible with taking my pills on time. I was in nursing school, and with my schedule all over the place, I was non-compliant. I finally decided on Mirena, even though I had read some horrifying reviews. On the day of insertion, I had mild pain, similar to PMS. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen and felt just fine. I had light spotting for 2-3 days after. Just enough for a liner, not a pad. It has been 2 years now, and I absolutely love it. My boyfriend has never complained of feeling the strings. I have had some 'pressure' during intercourse, but nothing unbearable. I definitely recommend this, just remember, there is no protection against STIs, so get tested! Hope this helps!"

• jen...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 27, 2014

For Birth Control "Overall, this was very effective, with no issues to note other than those described as common side effects. I had no weight gain, no mood changes, no spotting, was regular like clockwork after the initial few weeks after insertion. Granted, it isn't pleasant to have fitted, but it is much less uncomfortable to have removed (like removing a tampon really). In the UK (I am English), the cost of birth control and follow-up care is free on the NHS. I had the Mirena for the full five years and only experienced a premenstrual facial spot and three days of mild tummy bloating prior to each predictable and very light two-day bleed. This is my full and honest experience."

• Bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 6, 2013

For Birth Control "I was really frightened to get Mirena after reading some of the awful reviews. However, it has been a good experience so far. I have had it for about a week. I was told about the spotting, and I have only had a little one day. I had absolutely no stomach cramping after a couple of hours after it was put in, but you must take about 5 Aleve before and after. The worst part was when they put it in. It wasn't bad until they dilated my cervix, and let me say, if that's what childbirth feels like, I'm scared. That lasted for about 45 seconds, and then was over. Overall, I've had a pretty good experience. Everyone is different, but I am amazed at how little side effects I've had."

• har...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2014

For Birth Control "I love Mirena more than any other birth control method. Had it put in 3 months after my daughter was born. There was slight pain with insertion, but my cervix had fully closed by that time. I had light spotting that day and nothing since. I am also breastfeeding, so that might be why I am not bleeding like others. I have had no mood swings, acne, or weight gain. I do have a master's in pharmacology, and from an education background, I can say most of those side effects people complain about are from your body adjusting from having a baby in you and then out of you. The amount of hormone transfer from the uterus site to outside the body is minimal, that is why it is safe for breastfeeding mothers."

• Lex...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 2, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got my Mirena last September, and I bled for 3 weeks. My doctor trimmed my cord, then I didn’t bleed but for every 2 months. It’s now November, and I haven’t had a period since February. However, this morning I am spotting just a little bit, no cramps or anything. Overall, I love it."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 13, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have always controlled my periods and the heaviness of them with the pill. When the pill no longer worked to control my heavy bleeding and huge clots, the Mirena was suggested to try, otherwise, I would need a hysterectomy. I have to say the Mirena is the best thing I have ever done. I wish I had done it years earlier. Once inserted, I had a light period every second week for about 6 weeks. Then nothing, no period at all. I do get slight spotting maybe every 3 months. Honestly, this is the best thing for my health. I feel so much better, no more pain, heavy bleeding, clots, or anemia, and I have much more energy."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 13, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I read the horror stories, but this was my last hope, so I went for it. I wish I had done this 30 years ago, it has changed my life. PMT/PMS has calmed down, there is spotting, but that clears up, and I barely notice when having a period. I thought I could feel it for the first week or so, but any discomfort was short-lived. Over the last 30 years, I have passed out and vomited at work, at train stations, public toilets, swimming pools, friends' houses, etc. Missed weddings, birthdays, holidays, and other special/fun occasions. This has changed everything. I haven't had any children and was advised the fitting would be more painful. It wasn't pleasant, I felt sick, hot, and very ill, but for only 40/50 seconds - this is bearable. At least give it a try, there is nothing to lose, it can always be removed. I hope this helps someone."

• lee...
• March 11, 2009

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena inserted in April '08 to control heavy bleeding from adenomyosis. My doctor had recommended it 2 years prior, and I balked at getting it because of 'horror' stories I read. Now I wish I had given it a try when she first recommended it. It has been great. I had some light spotting the first 2 months, then no period for a couple of months. I had a very light period in February. It has changed my life. I have put on some additional weight, approximately 8 pounds since I had it put in, but I already was struggling with weight, so I don't know if it is from that or from middle age. Working on that now with exercise and diet. I am very happy with it. I have my life back each month instead of being afraid to leave the house because of heavy bleeding."

• hop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2022

For Birth Control "I’ve only had Mirena in for about 3 weeks, so things could change, but honestly this has been the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m 24, no children, and have been on birth control for 11 years. I’ve tried all sorts of different brand pills as well as the shot, and every single one was terrible and made me feel terrible. I gained an insane amount of weight, horrible mood swings, bloating, everything. So far, Mirena has been the opposite. I am so much less bloated, I never feel tired or lethargic anymore, my skin is in the best condition it’s ever been in, and my mood is stable. With that being said, insertion was the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. I am covered in tattoos and piercings, and I screamed and cried during the procedure and sat on the bed trying to catch my breath for another 5 afterwards. The cramps were absolutely debilitating the first two days. But after that, hardly any spotting or cramps so far. I’m glad I got this despite the reviews!"

• 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."

• Jus...
• September 24, 2016

For Birth Control "I got my Mirena placed today, and while time will tell what happens, my insertion experience was nothing like the majority of reviews I've read. I am 31 years old and have 2 daughters, the youngest being 19 months. I had absolutely no problem with insertion. I share because I saw so many posts about pain and cramps, and while everyone is different, it's not that scary. I will follow up, but I will say this was nothing more than a pap to me. Moms, I feel great, happy, and I'm not gushing like I've heard happens. It's been most of the day, and I'm barely spotting. Much luck, be safe, but don't be turned off by everything you read ☺"

• 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!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had Mirena for over a month (inserted 7 weeks ago). I was worried about insertion, but honestly did not feel a thing. I spotted for about a month, 10 of those days I needed more than a panty liner. Since then, spotting has stopped and husband cannot feel strings at all."

• She...
• December 18, 2016

For Birth Control "Wasn't too bad to insert. First 3 months I had continuous spotting. Period stopped after 3 months. At first, it felt fine. Developed GAD and anxiety disorders half a year in and started crying for no reason at everything and had to see a therapist twice. I thought it was just me going crazy until a year passed and I got my period all of a sudden. My monthly periods then would last 10-12 days and hurt like hell. Cramping was UNBEARABLE. I never cramped on BC pills or off BC pills, but all the time on Mirena. I was depressed, tired, gained 10 lb, and was always hungry, anxious 24/7, and sensitive to every little thing. Removed my IUD after a year and a half of use and switched back to BC. VERY disappointed with this-I had such high hopes."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 26, 2015

For Birth Control "OK, so pretty much a few days out of each month I would spot very light, no cramps. For the first 6 months. The first two months I was kind of heavy, but it would subside really quickly. After that, some months I wouldn't even spot at all. The procedure hurt a little, but that was to be expected. Overall, I'm happy with it. Barely any cramps."

• Bri...
• April 16, 2013

For Birth Control "I am 23, and I have had Mirena for the past 5 years. It was placed in a month after my son was born, and I now have gotten it removed and a new one inserted! I LOVED it the first time. I occasionally spotted, but rarely more than 1 day. The reinsertion was a different discomfort than what I experienced the first time. I have had A LOT of cramping, even in my legs. Hopefully it doesn't last."

• jja...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2020

"So far, so good with Mirena. I do not really have pains. I did sort of stop having regular periods. The first month was so bad though...bleeding every day and spotting every time I thought it was finally over. So far, it's my second month, and I do not have a period, but I have like brown-colored blood, which I am assuming is just my uterus getting rid of old blood. Pain was moderate at first, but not so much now. Honestly, it did feel as if the bleeding would never end, but it did stop. Just have a little patience and monitor yourself to make sure that there is nothing abnormal from how your body is changing. Keep in mind that the body has to adjust to the higher hormonal dose that this IUD provides. Just hang in there and be positive!"

• EmN...
• March 12, 2016

For Birth Control "Only recently got Mirena inserted, but wanted to write a review to help calm the nerves of women reading negative reviews. I'll update as well a few months from now. Before I got this inserted, I fell down the rabbit hole of reading reviews and scared myself almost to the point that I was going to cancel. I'm glad I didn't. I'm 27 with no kids and do not plan on having any. The insertion hurt, but only for about 10 seconds, the rest felt like a Pap smear. Took 5 minutes total. Currently having some spotting and cramps, but nothing I can't handle. I'm so excited to not have to worry about pregnancy for the next 5 years and feel empowered by my choice to prevent this! And thanks to Obama Care, mine was totally free! Do it!"

• Rob...
• November 5, 2013

For Birth Control "I had my Mirena IUD put in 7 weeks ago, and I am loving it. I am 20, never had any children and don't want any for a while. I had it put in by my gyno; they used a local anesthesia on my cervix (which was by far the worst part of having it inserted due to my serious fear of needles). The pain of having it inserted was somewhere between extreme discomfort and mildly painful, so overall not near as bad as I had expected. I passed out after the insertion, probably due to my anxiety over the needle, and was in a lot of pain for the rest of the day and threw up twice. The next morning, I felt completely normal. As far as side effects go, I have had spotting before and after my period and a lighter flow than normal. I definitely recommend Mirena!"

• Lca...
• July 25, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena placed December 26th, 2018. I have fibroids and the world's heaviest period. I was told this was going to help lighten, if not make my period go away, and shrink my fibroids naturally. In the last 7 months, I have had my period almost completely straight through the 7 months. It’s still very painful, the bleeding is lighter, yes, but it is NOT worth it if I am continually bleeding for months. The time when I would normally not be on it, I am spotting thick brown discharge. I’ve been told this is normal. As for the fibroids, they are still the same size. Just to add onto this, I have gained a ton of weight (I workout with a trainer every day), so this is very frustrating, and I have small acne hormonal bumps around my chin. I can’t wait to have this thing removed. This is a complete nightmare, I don’t recommend this to anyone."

• Col...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 18, 2015

For Birth Control "I wanted to write a review because before I got my IUD, I did a lot of research and want to reciprocate for others. The IUD is the greatest decision I've ever made for my health. I personally found the insertion experience completely fine. It was mildly uncomfortable for about 30 seconds while my doctor inserted it, but I took a deep breath and was fine. I had a little bit of spotting right after. Over the following three weeks, I had a mixture of light to moderate/heavy bleeding every day. This wasn't great, but it seems like a minor inconvenience compared to the years of benefits I will get from it. Over the past 6 months that I've had it, I have had light, irregular periods. I am getting them less frequently. Mirena's great. Get it!"

• Anonymous
• August 22, 2009

For Birth Control "I've had Mirena for 4 years and 7 months now. I had it inserted a few months after having my daughter. I've tried many different forms of birth control (the pill, the ring, and the patch, which is what I was on when I got pregnant) and have found this to be the best. My experience has been wonderful. For the first couple of months, I spotted irregularly, but after that, my periods stopped altogether. Also, the debilitating cramps that used to be so painful my doctor actually prescribed prescription-strength Aleve (naproxen) no longer exist. I've recommended Mirena to all of my friends, though many were unable to try Mirena because their doctors would not prescribe it to anyone who has not had children. They reasoned it would be too difficult and painful to insert. I'm surprised to see so many women on here that have had the Mirena without having children."

• Sil...
• January 28, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have had the Mirena implanted to help fight the uterine cancer stage 1, grade 1. I was told that I would just have abnormal bleeding for a few days. Also, that the periods would become lighter and shorter, then eventually, I wouldn’t have any more periods. That wasn’t the case at all, I had gained weight, major mood swings, and heavy spotting every single day. I’ve had it implanted 6 months ago, and I still have heavy bleeding. I still have to make sure I carry spare pads since I randomly bleed heavily. I’m at my wit's end, I keep being told that I just need to push through this time since it will get better. I honestly don’t feel like it will and really wish I was more informed of the other side effects before agreeing to having it implanted since I don’t feel like my old self."