Experiences with Mirena?

Contributor: Esoterria Esoterria
Hello!

I'm almost-definitely getting a Mirena, and I was just curious about various experiences on it.

I've had Implanon for the last year, and it's not working out for me. I've had crazy long periods, very often (two weeks on, two weeks off sort of thing). It sucks!

So my doctor has recommended that I get the Mirena. She has a ton of experience inserting it, and says that these days serious side effects are very rare. She says the biggest problem I might have is that my uterus might reject it.

I'm thinking it's a great idea for me because it's long-term, has a low dose of hormones, and under Australia's healthcare system, will pretty much cost me about $6. The only thing I'm concerned about is the pain of insertion.

Has anyone experienced really really high levels of pain? I've had pap smears, etc., with no problems, but I haven't had kids. Is it something that painkillers will subdue?
I'm also a little concerned about it having the opposite effect to usual on my menstrual cycle: usually periods are meant to get lighter and more infrequent, but that's meant to happen with Implanon, too, and it totally didn't...

I'm pretty sure I'll get it, but I wanted some more experiences, both good and bad. My doctor's on holidays for a few weeks so I have a while to decide.
03/22/2013
  • Save Extra 50% On Sexobot Attachment
  • Upgrade Your Hands-Free Play!
  • Complete strap-on set for extra 15% off
  • Save 50% On Shower Nozzle With Enema Set
  • Enjoy 50% Off Selected Items
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
All promotions
Contributor: TJtheMadHatter TJtheMadHatter
I've had my Mirena in for two and half years. I'm finally feeling normal. Before I had it put it in, I never had serious cramps. I get them now. For about a year after I had it put in, I would spot for an entire month, but never have a true period. Or I would have a full period for 4 days, then two days of nothing, and then my period would start back up. I don't have periods anymore, but I still get really emotional a couple times a month. I also get cramps at weird times. It's the hormones. Next time, I'm going non-hormonal. I hope it works out for you. I have a son, and we aren't ready for another one right now. The period stuff didn't/doesn't hinder me from anything, it's just really annoying.
03/22/2013
Contributor: Adriana Ravenlust Adriana Ravenlust
There are SO many IUD posts about. Check out the search results: link

I just got mine replaced in December. It was a no brainer. I had no serious issues, and I like not having to think about it. Others haven't been so lucky, and I apparently dealt with the pain of insertion better than everyone ever.

My period always slows way down to spotting. This is kind of annoying but better than heavy bleeding, right?
03/22/2013
Contributor: Msmueller Msmueller
I just had a non hormonal iud (paragard) put in... but I've also had 3 kids... it was just a pinch... uncomfortable but not bad and I didnt really have any cramping afterwards either.
03/22/2013
Contributor: PropertyOfPotter PropertyOfPotter
Insertion really wasn't bad. You might feel mild discomfort, but just take some ibuprofen before your appointment and you shouldn't have any real issue with it.

I'm on my second Mirena, and I will continue using them until either my husband or I decide it's time for a more permanent option.

The biggest thing when I first had them inserted, was the first couple of months, I pretty much bled non-stop. After the first two months, I don't get a period at all. The last time I had a period was in August of 2011. I love that aspect of it!

Aside from the bleeding in the beginning (which is common and normal), I haven't had any side effects. I've been very impressed with this form of birth control and it sounds like a great option for you to at least consider and do some research on.
03/22/2013
Contributor: bog bog
Quote:
Originally posted by Esoterria
Hello!

I'm almost-definitely getting a Mirena, and I was just curious about various experiences on it.

I've had Implanon for the last year, and it's not working out for me. I've had crazy long periods, very often (two ... more
Someone I know experienced internal scarring and serious pain when hers moved inside her. No idea how common that is, but it scared me off it forever.
03/23/2013
Contributor: gothicwhispers gothicwhispers
I loved mine. I had it for two years, and I am a heavy bleeder and have irregular cycles. I never knew it was there, and I had no periods at all (it was great!). I don't know what happened; if my husband and I had too vigorous sex or something, but at one point we were having sex and he was like, "uh, you might want this." and handed me my IUD. 0.0 I never felt it come out or anything; I think he may have pulled on the cord or it got caught or something? Anyway, we wanted to try for a child at that point anyway, but he's infertile, so that's not going to happen. I asked my gyn and he said he had no idea why it came out b/c if your body is going to reject it, it generally happens within the first 6 months. Regardless, I would highly recommend it.

P.S. Make sure your doctor checks via ultrasound in 3-6 months after having it placed to ensure it is in properly. Any good gyn should do this ANYWAY, but just throwing it out there.
03/23/2013
Contributor: Venus A Venus A
I have a Mirena IUD since May of last year. I chose an IUD because of the reduction of pain and high blood loss associated with my 'time of the month.' Also, it didn't have the same side-effects the other two methods had, I had used Avian (pill) and another low dose medication, that both caused migraines.
For the first 6 weeks I did not stop bleeding, but after those 6 weeks I no longer bleed due to my uterus adjusting to Mirena. I would menstruate regularly, more regularly than before, but now has reduced the amount of blood lost considerably since getting Mirena.

I am happy with my Mirena and would recommend it, but only after you talk to your doctor about the suitability of the Mirena IUD for you. Everyone is different, so go with whatever is most comfortable with you (whether IUD, implant, surgery, medication, etc.) and meets your needs.
03/23/2013
Contributor: novanilla novanilla
I have a Paragard, the non-hormonal IUD, and although insertion involved some pinchy feelings, I had 6-12 hours of cramping and then I was fine. Mirena has hormones, so the cramps won't last nearly as long.
03/23/2013