Mirena IUD Experiences

Updated on January 12, 2010
C.M. asks from San Francisco, CA
26 answers

Hi,

I am a mom of a 4 year old and a 10 month old (who I am currently breastfeeding). I am looking to hear about other moms who have chosen to get the Mirena IUD placed. I just got mine placed yesterday. I did some research beforehand, and because of several reasons, I chose the IUD over the minipill (With my oldest daughter, I could not tolerate the minipill). I trust my doctor who helped me through the procedure, and so far, except for some light spotting and minimal cramping, I feel fine. Yesterday I was looking online to see what other women have experienced since having it placed (i.e. a few months from now, a year, etc.) and all I can find are horror stories. Now I'm afraid I didn't think things through and that I have done something horrible to my body. I go back next week to my ob/gyn, and I plan on sharing my fears and concerns. But I don't want to have spent the money on placement for nothing. Your comments and advice are appreciated!

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So What Happened?

Thanks to everyone for the advice and reassurance. I went to my midwife today for a follow up and was able to share my concerns, and she gave me the reassurance I needed. The IUD is still in place, and my midwife assures me that I made a good decision and my body is just going through the adjustment period. I go back in a month just to make sure things are still going well. I am quite relieved and it is thanks to you all. I love Mamasource!

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J.Y.

answers from San Francisco on

hi, i had mine placed in october and for the first 2 months or so had spotting/light bleeding which was quite annoying but now (3 months post placement) i am loving it. no symptoms, i am also breastfeeding still and have yet to have a real period. i am happy with my choice of the IUD. good luck, i think you made a well informed decision:)

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I.T.

answers from Bakersfield on

I had mine implanted 3 months ago. My only complaint is the continued light spotting- for the first two months. (My doctor said some women can take up to a year for their body to become accustomed to it.) I didn't even notice exactly when it stopped but then on Christmas Eve it began again. I thought it was a sort of period, but it is still continuing. Oh! Another thing- It may just be my imagination, but I feel like the discharge smells bad- worse than a regular period. I haven't had any other problems and any cramping was/is extremely light. I'm just hoping the spotting stops soon for good.

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E.C.

answers from Salinas on

I have had mine for just over 3 years and I have had NO problems- I love it...no worries about forgotten pill and only light spotting- no actual period.

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L.E.

answers from San Francisco on

I've had it for almost 2 years with no problems. I say give your body time and see what happens. It took me about 3 months which was a pain but now I'm glad I waited it out and I don't have to worry about anything for another 3 years! Good luck.

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R.M.

answers from Bakersfield on

I've had mine since May. I have a light period but other than that I love it.

J.P.

answers from Stockton on

I LOVED my Mirena IUD - I am pregnant right now, and intend to get another one put in after I have this baby. I had no problems what so ever! I also have a couple of friends who have had them and loved them as well. I think a lot of time the people who have horror stories are people who maybe have some abnormalities in their cervical area and that is when the problem occurs. One friend of mine wanted one and the Dr. told her she couldn't get one for that reason, but who knows how many Dr.'s do it anyways without even warning their patients....that is just my take, if you trust your Dr. then I think you shouldn't worry! Good Luck!

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C.B.

answers from Sacramento on

I agree with Nancy K. below. Women who are happy with their IUDs are out living their lives, not complaining on the internet. For the few hundred complainers, there are thousands of satisfied IUD users. It's already in so try it for a while then make your own decision. Best part is it can be removed if you're unhappy.

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D.B.

answers from San Francisco on

I got a Mirena after the birth of my 1st son. I had absolutely no problems at all. After the first few months I also had the added bonus of not having any periods at all for the 3 1/2 years I had it in. When we were ready to try for our 2nd son, they just removed it and we immediately started trying to get pregnant. I just gave birth to my 2nd son this past June. If I hadn't had my tubes tied at that time, I would have definitely gone back on the Mirena. Every woman is different and every woman's chemistry and body reaction is different, but based on my experience I would most definitely recommend it.

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H.P.

answers from San Francisco on

I have had mine for about 5 years. I go in to have it replaced in a couple of months. I have loved it. I have no more periods, moods are not so much a rollercoaster and i don't have to remember to take anything or use anything. for the first couple of months I had light spotting and irregular periods as my body adjusted to it. After a few months they were gone. Before I decided what to do i had a couple of friends that I talked to about their experience and they loved it.

I have four girls ages 10-4yrs. Very happy with the MIrena, just give it time.

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J.M.

answers from San Francisco on

I have had mine for two years and LOVE IT! Once you get past the beginning cramping and spotting it is wonderful! You don't have to remember to take pills each day or stop the romance to put a condom on. It is a no brainer, which I love with everything else I do on a daily basis. I am not sure what stories you have heard but everyone is different. I know quite a few women who have it as well and they all love it too. That is why I chose it for myself. Plus, I no longer have periods and it never messed with my breast milk supply! Woo Hoo!

Good luck,

Jen

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C.C.

answers from San Francisco on

I just wanted to respond and let you know that I have had my Mirena IUD for 18 months now and have had zero problems. My only complaint would be that my period lasts 7-10 days now. But the entire time it is basically light spotting. There is usually only one or two days that I have a regular flow.

I hope this helps reassure you.

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D.B.

answers from San Francisco on

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Mirena IUD. I am due to go back in this month for my 2nd one (my 5 years is up!) I haven't had a real period in 5 years! Did I say how much I love this!!! I had absolutely no issues with mine and recommend it to all my friends. Those that have theirs love them as much as me! I have one girlfriend on her 2nd too...

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B.M.

answers from Reno on

I wish I could tell you my experience was good, but it wasn't. I had mine in for 3 yrs and finally had it taken out. I had major mood swings, acne and lots of weight gain. I had lost all my baby weight and then some but gained it all back. I've been off it for about a year and am much happier. Luckily I was able to take some of the weight off.
I wish you the best of luck. Only you can decided what's best for you. I'm sure everyone reacts differently to the Mirena

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K.W.

answers from Stockton on

I have a Mirena and have had it almost 2 years (end of the month). I am having mine removed at teh end of the month because I am experienceing some weird bloating that I'm fairly sure is caused by the IUD. Other than that, I've had no problems at all with it. If I weren't so curious about the bloating, I would probably not have it removed. However my husband thinks it also gives me mood swings, but I honestly think that's more him hoping that he can't possibly be in trouble so much :).

Good luck and everyone reacts differently to different medications, hormones, etc.

I would recomend it to my friends, even though I'm having mine removed.

-K.

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L.P.

answers from San Francisco on

I've had mine in for 3 1/2 years and it's been great. Once or twice a year I get a yeast infection, but those are much easier to deal with than newborns :)

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L.M.

answers from San Francisco on

Another success story here. I had one after my first daughter. Took it out when I was ready to conceive number two. Had my second daughter and have been using it for nearly five more years. No problems at all, no periods at all.

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M.D.

answers from San Francisco on

I am happy with mine. I sometimes worry when I don't have a period that I could have gotten pregnant anyway, but that's just paranoia after having had one surprise blessing. Usually I have spotting and a panty liner is sufficient.

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S.L.

answers from San Francisco on

I've had mine three years and I don't get periods at all. I love it! The first few days were hard for me with cramping and such, and then I had irregular (but short) periods for a few months. After that, nothing. At most, I get some of the regular PMS symptoms (sore boobs, crankiness), but even that isn't every month. I read all the horror stories, too, but thought I'd give it a try. I love it...

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N.K.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi Cherith,

I had my Mirena for two years between my first son and getting pregnant with my second. I loved it!

Probably part of the reason you are only seeing horror stories is because most people who have something that works great for them don't often take the time to put up posts saying they are happy with the product.

I also had some spotting but once it was over I had absolutley no complaints. It aloud for spontanious moments with my husband without the concern of an unexpected pregnancy with very few side effects.

Also, I would trust your doctor and unless you start having an issue, just believe that he or she would not steer you wrong. Good luck,

N.

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C.P.

answers from San Francisco on

I had the Mirena placed last year when my son was around 8 months- I can't remember exactly the month but he's 15 1/2 months now. I'm pretty sure I dint want more kids but it's nice to have the option if I change my mind. I just couldn't keep up with pills and I didn't want a lot of hormones.

So fat I think it's great! No backaches, moodiness, migranes etc...My midwife had it between her kids and really liked it. told me it's essentially reversible sterility! The first month I had some heavy cramping and spotting for three months. I don't always get my period, which is a little freaky but not abnormal. I have no cramps and light bleeding when I do get my period. The midwife even left my strings long and offered to trim if they bug me but I don't even feel the strings.

Every form of contraception has pros and cons. I wanted no brainer super safe birth control because I don't want any more babies. If you have concerns you should talk to your OB.
-C.

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J.E.

answers from San Francisco on

I've had mine 2 yrs and I love it. No more periods except light spotting once in a while. Mood swings have decreased too. I'll be 48 when it is time to get a new one, then 5 years later, I'm hoping to be done with needing it altogether.

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M.D.

answers from San Francisco on

I have two girls who are 17 months apart. They are now 2 and almost 3 1/2. I could not deal with the pill either. I got the Mirena IUD in August. So far so good. My periods are so minimal now, I just have to use a panty liner. I have at least 4 friends who have the same IUD and they are good with it as well. Good luck.

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J.T.

answers from Sacramento on

I've had my Mirena IUD for over a year and a half and besides painful cramping when inserted it has been great. During my period I barely spot, which is a great side affect. I don't even know it's there.

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J.A.

answers from Sacramento on

I have had mine for almost 3 years and have had absolutely no problems. It has been great. I barely have a period. Just light spottig every once in a while. It is important to remember that every one reacts differently to different things. What works for one may not work for another. So give it a chance and see how it goes.

Just FYI, I did have a lot of spotting in the beginning, but after the first month that slowed down (to almost nothing 3 years later). My doctor said that was very common and nothing to worry about.

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O.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I got mine after our second child (our mini pill child). My first period lasted about 2 weeks. Just light spotting. Since then no periods! Its been great so far. I was able to "feel" the end of the string thing for a while but its fine now. Don't freak out give it time. You can always take it out.

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W.G.

answers from Fresno on

I got it about 4 months ago while breastfeeding and had no problems but initial cramping when it was put in and a little spotting. It's great. I have 3 other friends who also have it one who has always had issues with birth control side effects and they all are very happy with it. You don't have to do anything to prevent pregnancy, it's fantastic!

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