Mirena and Spotting: What Users Say (Page 5)

• 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."

• Mom...
• September 21, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 48 years old and have been on the IUD now for 5 months to treat extremely heavy periods. Before getting the IUD, my blood pressure dropped to 90/60, 118 lbs, ferritin levels 6, and because of it, I had two iron infusions, and suffered from migraines and heart palpitations. The IUD was inserted with general anesthesia because the doctor wanted to do a D&C and clean my uterus out. The lining was very thick. I had very heavy hemorrhagic periods going into the IUD. First month, awful bleeding all the time with painful cramps. I had to take tranexamic acid during my period to reduce bleeding. Second month, bleeding and spotting all month long. I couldn’t go without a pad. Painful cramps. I wanted the IUD out, but kept with it. Third month, bleeding is still heavy, spotting all the time. Fourth month, periods are getting lighter but spotting all the time. Fifth month, period is definitely lighter and lighter spotting."

• For...
• August 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 25 years old and have never been pregnant. Due to having migraines with aura, I needed an estrogen-free form of BC. I was on Depo Provera ('the shot') for 1.5 years and hated it. I gained 20 lb without changing my diet, spotted for a year straight with no breaks, and was an overall mess. Mirena was the obvious choice for me. Insertion was not fun ("

• Mag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena inserted about 8 weeks ago. Main reason was to improve heavy flooding periods and ease peri-menopause symptoms. I feel fantastic, more energy and motivation (I was day sleeping a lot). But I have been having spotting/brown discharge or bleeding for 36 days out of 54. It's driving me insane and affecting my intimacy with my partner. I will give it more time because the positives are worth it so far. But if this bleeding, spotting doesn't settle by 6 months, I will seriously consider removal."

• col...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm a 21-year-old college student, and I recently had my Mirena inserted for the first time. I was terrified from all the reviews I read beforehand, so I felt the need to share my experience. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen an hour before I saw my gynecologist, nonetheless, the insertion process was like getting a pap smear, only much, much worse since I've never had my cervix dilated before. Don't let this hinder you from getting it, it only lasted me 1-2 minutes, and being worry-free for the next five years is 100% worth the short-lived pain. Had it inserted Friday, and by Sunday, I was good as new. No pain, no spotting! And it's been this way for the last month :)"

• Lor...
• February 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I was considering changing over to the implant because the insertion process sounds easier, but after reading those reviews... I think I'll stick to my Mirena. All in all, I love my Mirena. It will be 4 years this month since I've had it. I haven't had a period in over 3 years. Occasional spotting. Rare cramps. I haven't noticed any mood changes or acne or anything else people are reporting. My bf has never noticed when we have sex, and there is no discomfort for me before or after. The only thing I would say was not very pleasant about the Mirena is the insertion. Probably the most painful thing I've ever experienced thus far (32 years old, never been pregnant/given birth). Lasts a sec, though. All in all, highly recommend :)"

• mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 18, and I've had the Mirena for about 6 months. I wanted to try a new form of birth control because I always forgot to take the pill, and I spotted really badly with the Nuvaring. I took painkillers about an hour before the insertion of my IUD. On a scale of 1-10, the pain was probably a 3. It's uncomfortable more than anything. There was some pressure, a slight pinch followed by a little cramping, but the pain was very mild. My doctor said that light spotting and cramping is expected for about 6 months, but I haven't experienced any of that. I went to soccer practice that day and felt 100% fine. 6 months later, I haven't had any noticeable side effects! I haven't had a period either. 10/10 would recommend."

• Kla...
• November 30, 2014

For Birth Control "I chose Mirena after having my fourth child. I was spotting lightly for 6 weeks and almost wanted to take it out, but I waited and the spotting passed. I had that Mirena for a full five years and only had two periods on it. I removed the Mirena and waited for three months to have it replaced. The insertion was just a tiny pinch, no pain really, and lasted about 30 seconds. I had some very light spotting this second time around, maybe a drop of blood during the first day and no bleeding afterwards to my surprise since. My doctor suggested I will probably not have any periods again. I highly recommend this wonder product. It is a miracle product. I never had any side effects from it."

• She...
• July 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I received the Mirena in 2012 with slight pain and cramping for 3 days. It was well worth it because I never had another cycle, cramps, or mood swings during the duration of having the Mirena. 2017 arrived and it was time to replace my Mirena, but my insurance would not pay for a new one due to my provider changing. The cost was going to be $900.00 for removal and re-insertion. I did a lot of research and decided that I would keep my Mirena in for a few more years. I didn't want to switch to a cheaper BC and risk having a cycle again. I didn't want to pay for another Mirena because I wanted children in about 2 years. My Mirena was removed in May 2019 with no complications. I had the slightest spotting for a day. My cycle took 7 weeks before it resumed, and it was like I remembered it 7 years ago. I hope to have another Mirena put in after I have a child, it has been the best BC on the market for me."

• Mic...
• December 4, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on the Mirena for eight months now, and I have never been happier. I had my period once four months later, it was so light I only needed a pad. The insertion was painful, but it lasted no more than a minute. I had cramping for two days and spotting for less than a month. I will use Mirena as birth control until I'm ready to have kids, and when I'm done having children, I will get right back on it. I love it!"

• Anonymous
• March 3, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was on Mirena for a year and a half and just had it removed. I am 46 years old and have had four children. I have not needed birth control for over 20 years. Last year, I got remarried after being single for a couple of years. After researching, I had Mirena put in. I have had continuous spotting and unpredictable blood clots the entire time I had it. Although my periods became very light, it became impossible to predict when I would bleed. I would always bleed during sex. I have never felt so out of control of my body and actually fearful of how much I will bleed during sex. The doctor kept telling me to give it time. I finally insisted it be removed. It has been out for almost one month now, and my body is still adjusting. I have not had a regular period yet and am still spotting daily. Want my body back."

• KDu...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I am on my 2nd Mirena. I am 36 years old, no kids, and never want kids. The insertion was very painful, but tolerable. I did tear up a little from the pain, and I took deep breaths to help get through it. I love the Mirena. I did not gain weight from it, however, I am a runner. No acne, no abdominal pain. I am spotting brown, but that's normal after insertion for the first couple of weeks. I did not get my period the first time around, so I am hoping for the same this time. Not having a period for 5 years is amazing. This alone is worth the uncomfortable pain during insertion. Take 800 mg of ibuprofen 1 hour before, it helps a little bit. But you still feel it, it feels like the most painful cramping you can ever imagine. Ugh. Ps. #never been in labor."

• Sab...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 24, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have had the Mirena in for over a year and a half now and have gained 10 lbs. Before, my periods were heavy and cramps sucked. Within 3 months, I noticed my periods were getting lighter. At 6 months, I stopped having periods but still had light spotting during what would be my period week. The spotting only lasted about 3 days. Now I am constantly spotting, light and heavy, and PMS terribly. Currently, I have been spotting for 15 days in a row with some discomfort. I have made my appointment to get it removed."

• Min...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2024

For Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "When I first had Mirena, I got it under a general. I spotted the first 3 days, then okay. Had a 3-week period 13 days later, then spotting on and off, and no period now for 4 weeks. I have non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia, so not sure if that's because of that I'm not bleeding, or I'm in menopause. I'm 49, or whether Mirena has stopped. I also have 3 fibroids. Otherwise, I'm great."

• ver...
• October 13, 2013

For Birth Control "I recently had my second Mirena inserted. I had my first one for 6 years. I had a little bit of spotting for the last year or so, perhaps due to the hormones reducing. I had gained almost 60 pounds since my first insertion. But it was gradual, and I never attributed it to the Mirena. I recently went on a low-carb diet...started exercising, and voila, 40 lbs lost in a 3-month period! I guess it wasn't the Mirena after all. When I got my second one inserted, I gained 5 lbs of water overnight and bloated something fierce. I began to worry, what if I start to gain again? Well, I gave it 2 weeks, I'm down on the scale lower than ever! I'm a happy Mirena user."

• Hyr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 11, 2015

For Birth Control "I definitely recommend the Mirena as an option for birth control. I decided to get it my senior year in high school because I have goals to achieve, and I did not want any babies stopping that. I started off with pills, but I realized my lifestyle did not fit that. If you do not want to worry about taking a pill on time EVERY DAY, and worry about the possibilities of you becoming pregnant, get the Mirena. It didn't hurt much, and now all I'm doing is spotting. Take this from a teenager, it DOES work."

• Mot...
• July 17, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the Mirena placed yesterday. I was literally so nervous going in because I work at a gynecologist office and I know a lot of people don't handle insertion very well. My doctor talked me through the entire process. First, the tenaculum, which is an instrument to hold your cervix in place, she told me to cough as she was clamping it, and I didn't even feel it go on. Then she used a 'sound' to measure where she needed to insert the IUD. The sound felt very crampy and quite a bit of pressure, but was not unbearable. As soon as she was finished measuring, she inserted the IUD and cut the strings. I literally didn't even know the IUD was in because I didn't feel anything. I have only had a little bit of spotting when I use the restroom. Knowing this is good for 5 years and I don't have to remember to take it every day, I would get it all over again. Such an easy process, and I got myself worked up for something I barely felt. In my opinion, the speculum hurt worse than the entire procedure."

• Rev...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the Mirena for almost a year. The doctor I had was amazing and explained it perfectly. Worse pain for about one second and a break, and then even worse pain for about 1 more second. You can seriously count to 1, and it's over. I am someone that got extreme cramps before, and my cramping was bad the first three months. I spotted and cramped and hated it! But my boyfriend (a doctor) told me to give it three months, then decide, so I did! And I'm very happy I did. My only concern is I've gained 45 lbs since the insertion. I'm not sure at this point why? Four months now, I have changed my diet and work with a personal trainer 3-5 times a week. Fingers crossed I get my body back!!"

• rsp...
• February 13, 2010

For Birth Control "I got the Mirena last year a few days before Thanksgiving, and I bled (first heavy, then light spotting) all the way until New Year's Day, 2010. My cycle renewed itself the 2nd week in January, and now, mid-February, I'm still spotting. I've spent more dollars than usual for sanitary stuff, and this really disrupted my sex life. My husband deploys overseas for work and gets to come home every 6 months, he was home last month, and the bleeding threw in a monkey wrench. I hate it. I'm always tired and moody."

• Sar...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 25, 2023

For Birth Control "I am on my second round with the Mirena. Got one put in right after having my sweet girl, and I am on my second Mirena. I am 9 years into the Mirena being introduced to me as birth control. My first Mirena worked amazingly, and I had very little issues with it. Now this second round. The first year was normal, some spotting, and cramps were a little worse during my cycle, but no pregnancies and no periods for the most part. I am now 4 years into my second round, and it has not been great. I bleed randomly for days, not so heavy to need a tampon, but enough for a panty liner at least. My cramps are FAR worse than they have ever been during my cycle, and my breasts are always full and tender. My moods change very quickly, and it’s more frequent these days. I find myself taking pregnancy tests due to the confusion of the symptoms."

• RL1...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 15, 2023

For Birth Control "I am a 20-year-old female, no kids. I had extremely heavy periods soaking maxi pads every 1-2 hours, which made me very uncomfortable to go out of my house and had irregular periods. I had my IUD inserted in December of 2020 at 18 years old. Pain from insertion was about 6/10, but manageable, I think it was more uncomfortable than painful due to the pressure feeling of being inserted. I spotted for a couple of days with some cramping. Having had my IUD inserted over 2 years ago, I would say I love it. I don’t bleed as much, sometimes I don’t even get my periods every month, which I was told could happen, so still having irregular periods, but I don’t mind it. I didn’t gain weight or lose weight, my skin didn’t change either. I recommend Mirena to all of my friends but also let them know everyone’s body reacts to it differently. So I would say give it a try before you discard it as an option."

• Hay...
• March 12, 2016

For Birth Control "Just got the Mirena inserted yesterday, and after reading a lot of negative reviews, I thought I would share my experience. I was scared of the insertion procedure after reading so many terrible reviews about it being the worst pain ever, so I'm hoping this puts a lot of ladies' minds at ease. I did have a moment of 'oh my god' pain when the doctor was measuring my uterus. This was due to the fact that I have a 'tipped back' uterus. Not a big deal, the doctor told me. That pain lasted ~10-20 seconds. It was a strange crampy/stabby/pinchy pain that I have never experienced before. Afterwards, though, I have had minimal mild cramps and barely any spotting and have gotten on with life. Will try to update in 3 months."

• Fru...
• March 5, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 40 with 4 kids. I had my tubes tied but have experienced week-long heavy clotting periods for a year. So my gyn talked me into the Mirena IUD. She told me I would have no periods after the 6 months mark. Well, I have had it now 9 months, and I haven't stopped bleeding. I would have maybe one week of spotting and then back to full-blown heavy bleeding. It's awful!!! I have been bleeding heavily for 3 weeks now with clots and changing a super tampon every hour. Getting this IUD taken out!!!!! Hate it! My fiancé and I have gotten used to the mess of trying to have a normal sex life with all this bleeding, but it sucks!!!!!"

• Div...
• February 6, 2014

For Birth Control "I am 20 years old, and I had my Mirena inserted a month ago. To me personally, the insertion was extremely painful. It was unlike any other painful cramp I have ever felt before, but the pain did not last for too long, and after it was inserted, I was fine and didn't really cramp much after. That being said, I have had no children and did not take my Advil as advised by the nurse prior to my appointment. Other than that, I have only had light spotting, and it has made my period lighter. Mirena is supposed to decrease your sex drive, but honestly, it has increased mine, and my partner and I love it! I hope it stays this way and the bleeding/spotting stops soon!"