any moms use/using the Mirena birth control?

Amber - posted on 05/13/2010

Okie dokie....I have had the pill, the patch, Nuva Ring and now the Mirena. I have 5 boys so I've tried it all. So I will explain how they worked for me based on what some other people have posted as well as your question.

The patch was great except for people like myself who have been diagnosed with migraines. The patch dumps a large amount of hormones into your blood stream within the first day of putting it on. This dump of hormones can make it easier for migraines to flare up. The patch also puts you at a higher risk for blood clotting because of the dump of hormones. That can lead to stroke or pulmonary embolism.

The NuvaRing was next. The thought of it is great. Just insert it and forget it for 3 weeks until you take it out to have a period. It doesn't have the dump of hormones and you don't have to remember to take it daily at the same time. Only draw back is that if you don't push that sucker as close to your cervix as humanly possible you run the risk of getting pregnant. And if you've got extremely small short fingers like myself, it will be extremely difficult. It actually came out a couple times which obviously isn't great. But you just wash it off and reinsert it. But I did get pregnant with it because it wasn't as close enough to my cervix as needed and unfortunately had a miscarriage.

After that I picked an IUD, the Mirena. I chose the non-hormonal 5 year one (migraines & extra hormones don't mix well) so that's why Mirena. I did not get a numbing medication upon insertion or a shot to numb it either. And it did hurt for me but more than a period cramp. I am not sure if she pinched me or what she did when she put it in but it hurt so bad that I almost passed out and I've had kids without an epidural so this hurt. That and the combination of people that have been diagnosed with migraines are apparently more prone to passing out during the insertion (at least that is what the Midwife said after the procedure). They will have you come back within a few weeks after the insertion to check the strings to make sure they're in the right place. The strings will end up wrapping around your cervix, which is where they need to be. And yes you can feel the strings for the first few days, but after they wrap around the cervix you won't feel them. They had actually poked me a couple times inside as well as my hubby until they wrapped around, but it didn't hurt me as much as it was uncomfortable. I had cramping for the first day or so. I had a period for the first few months and then they disappeared. About 7 months after I got my Mirena I did get a uterine infection (no explanation other than my body wasn't sure about the IUD) but they gave me a very large syrup thick shot and some strong antibiotics. And because the Mirena is non-hormonal you won't have to worry about antibiotics affecting the effectiveness or having to use backup methods. I have had mine for almost 2 years now though. Besides what sounded terrible I really do love it. When it comes to making sure I do not get pregnant it does it's job. I had a couple times of break through bleeding but that was due to stress from having my appendix taken out. It is wonderful not having a period though and not getting pregnant. The chances of the Mirena going through the uterine wall or causing any other major problems are actually very low. And in most cases perforation was caused during insertion not after wards from just having it in. The percentage is less than a ten of a percent though.

Just make sure that the OB or Midwife putting the Mirena in has experience with this procedure before. I would ask around for someone that has the most experience or has that special "touch" of being gentle about putting it in. If you're afraid to ask the Dr's just ask the nurses, they will tell you their opinion usually. I hope this helps and best of luck to you.

Stefanie - posted on 05/13/2010

The placement didn't hurt at all. I think it is the best ever!

Cheryl - posted on 05/13/2010

I HAVE HAD MINE A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AND REALLY LIKE IT. IT WASNT PAINFUL TO GET CRAMPING BUT IF YOU HAVE A KID TRUST ME ITS NOT BAD AT ALL LOL. I LIKE IT BECAUSE I DONT HAVE THE SIDE EFFECTS THAT COME ALONG WITH BC PILLS AND NO PERIOD WHICH IS NICE.. I SAY GO FOR IT..

Latisha - posted on 05/13/2010

if you think about it all forms of birth control have pretty scary side effects, just look and you'll find them. so they all have their own risks. i went on the mirena right after my last baby was born and i loved it, except for the fact that i didn't know when i was going to get my period (since i'm not regular off of the pill), but my periods were lighter and sometimes i didn't even get it. but with the pain of having it put in, i had it put in a my 6 week postpartum check-up so i couldn't really tell you because they say it's easier to put in then since your cervix is still soft. but it did feel like it pinched a little coming out. but other than all of that i loved being on it, and so did the other ppl that i know who had/have it as well. i hope this helps

Jeanette - posted on 05/13/2010

i was going to use mirena but since i have postpartum depression my doctor said it could make it worse, so if anyone is dealing with postpartum depression and wants to use mirena they probably won't want to put it in at least not right away. My doctor said in a few months I could probably have it put in. I have the NuvaRing now and so far I haven't had any problems with it

Mindy - posted on 05/13/2010

I have had mine for almost two years. It is the best thing I have ever done for birth control. I had a copper IUD in the past and this was ok but my periods were very long (like 11 days) and hurt all the time. I got the Mirena this time and it is soooooooooooo much better. It really does lighten your periods and about 6 months after having it, it eliminated my period completely (doc said it happens to about 1 in 4 women) I have some light spotting occasionally but nothing major. I won't lie it hurt like heck when he put it in. (much worse than the copper one) And I am not sure the reasoning on that but it is worth the few minutes of pain. The side effects are ones that are very uncommon, I wouldn't worry about it going through the wall of the uterus. Rarely happens but they have to list it if it's a possibility. I will NEVER use anything else! Hope this helps.

Sharon - posted on 05/13/2010

its the best thing ever for me. i have tried the pill and fell pregnant with that. if i take the higher doses it makes my body turn inside out. the rods in your arm makes me feel mad. this has been perfect and i had no pain. although it does drives me nuts not having periods as it can make me feel a little drained at that time of the month and nothing happens and i at times get slight cramps. but nothing huge its just reminding me my body is stil ticking over as a female. its a great choice for alot of us girls......its kind of a freedom.

Clare - posted on 05/13/2010

Hi....I had this put in a week ago......i would be lieing if I said it didn't hurt but my uterus tips backwards so this is the reason why it was a bit painful for me. The pain was like mild period pains so only needed to take paracetamol. Was fine the next day.

Monica - posted on 05/13/2010

Hi Kia, I have it now since 2008. Love it. Had some discomfort early on, but got it checked and everything was normal. They say it shifts around until it finds that perfect position. They are only concern that the string is not too long which might indicate some issues. I've not had any problems. And, I rarely have a cycle.

Amy - posted on 05/12/2010

I had it for a couple of months, then had it removed. Honestly, I'm not a fan, but then it really didn't work for me. I've had friends who have it and rave about it, but my experience was constant bleeding for the time I had it in and almost constant cramping. I keep my cycles under control with the pill by skipping the placebos with my doctor's consent.

Good luck whatever you decide!

Monica - posted on 05/12/2010

I love it. i'm on my second one. been using it for 7 years. it only feels like a cramp for 3 minutes while it's being placed. not a huge deal. only takes 5 minutes to put in and lasts 5 years. i've had no problems with it at all. my periods are very very light if any at all, and it has never failed. :) Do it. you will be glad you did!

Paola - posted on 05/12/2010

I had endless problems with my mirena. Had little discomfort when it was inserted. Thought all was going great but then I started developing acne, My migraines got worse - they say that it actually helps most people with migraines. I just felt physically unwell. Had it in for about a year. I then decided to have it removed and had the Nova T inserted. I feel and look so much better. I think it either agrees with you or it doesn't.

Teresa - posted on 05/12/2010

I had the Mirena coil and I remember getting cramps when it was put in. It was a little uncomfortable having it put in but nothing that lasted. They advised I take some pain killers before having it done so that the cramps wouldn't be as bad. You have to check for the string after you have a period, if you have one, other than that you can forget about it till you want it taking out again or until your five years are up. I think it is much better than the pill and any problems that may happen when having it inserted are so rare I wouldn't worry about them. Good luck with whatever you decide to do :)

Adrienne - posted on 05/12/2010

i use it...currently..and as with any non-natural treatment for anything there's the potential for complications and/or pain...there's always risks. i personally only had mild cramping for a few days after the placement. i've had it two years and haven't had a period in all that time.

Rebecca - posted on 05/12/2010

hello kia, i had one put in about a month ago, and the doctor put me asleep, so no it didn't hurt, i have had absolutely no problems with it. i would recommend it.

Jessica - posted on 05/12/2010

on it for more than a year now. im not gonna lie... it hurt a lot going in but i had a c-section 10 weeks early and never dilated so that could have made it worse. i went home that day took a percoset and a nap. when i woke up i was groovy. since then i have had no problems at all. it is great to not have to worry about birth control now!!!

Benna - posted on 05/12/2010

I did this and it was HORRIBLE, don't I say DONT do it!! It doesn't really hurt putting in, you bleed and bleed and bleed it sucks after its in, I mean for weeks. You never feel fresh. No wonder they say its birth control you dont feel like having sex, at all I mean at all. I was using condoms and the pull out method for umm... like 15 years and was getting tired of the scare each month. So I decided to try it. It was horrible. I went from a fun loving gal to severely depressed. I didnt want to do anything or I didn't care about anything either. If you google Mirena and depression or weight gain you will find a ton of information. Read it first before having it put in. You wont do it after you read the hundreds of blogs, its horrible and not worth the risk. I will tell anyone and everyone its not a good thing . The doctors don't tell you everything its PATIENT BEWARE. I have 3 daughters and don't want more children. So hopefully I can convince my hubby to get snipped. Please read information not just what the dr gives you. Read blogs that other women have gone thru and you will decide on another method. Also weight gain stinks! There are so many cons, its to many to keep going. PLEASE DONT DO IT!!

Angela - posted on 05/12/2010

I've had my Mirena for almost 3 years now and have not had one problem with it. I got it after I had my 2nd son and after researching other types of birth control I found this one to be the best fit for me. There was a little discomfort when placing it, but it wasn't at all unbearable. I highly rec the mirena :)

Colleen - posted on 05/12/2010

Everyone seems to have good comments regarding the Mirena. I've got to say that this is the perfect form of contraception for those who aren't sure wether they want to have children again but are too young to have their tubes tied. My only complaint is that I have had weight gain of 8 kilos. My period stopped after the 1st few months and I was 100% Happy until I put myself on the scales. Obviousley this doesn't happen to everyone but make sure you read through the side effects thoroughly and that you're OK if you happen to get any of the symptoms.
Also, I was informed that there is no chance of Mirena pushing through the Uterus wall. They are such a small device, certainly not what they use to be.

Gina - posted on 05/12/2010

It's very effective,i had mine 4years ago. Out of sight out of mind!
It's great to have and it does not hurt as long as your body doesn't reject it which will happen in the first week after placement. worry free with of course yearly check up to check up and make sure you feel the string often,your partner will never know it's there unless you tell him,,,lol
Wow, great way to have some peace if mind!

Annie - posted on 05/12/2010

Please don't use it, one of my dearest girls friend had really bad side effects, she had to go to emergency room, and she will have problem to get pregnant... Please don't use it.....

Benita - posted on 05/12/2010

the mirean is painless and harmless obviously when inserted correctly. it is a wonderful device which has definitely helped me especially during menstruation. the mirena has lessened my flow and although it may be a few days longer in length, the flow is magically able to be coped with especially what would normally be a heavy flow day. i recommend it to anyone. it can be pulled out by mistake (ive heard this, it hasnt happened to me personally) but i would definitley say go for it, your life will feel much better with it than without it......

Heather - posted on 05/12/2010

thank you all. I recently decided to get on birth control. My decision was paragard. which is like mirena however has no hormones, so not much weight gain. Which for me is great I went from a size 14 to a 6 and want to lose more.

Brittany - posted on 05/12/2010

I had mirena put in last year. I liked it at first because I basically had no period except some spotting every few months. But after a few months, I got really moody, had horrible headaches, and gained almost 30 pounds. It was horrible. I regretted getting it after that, so I had it removed and got Paragard. I like it a lot more because there are no hormones, and it lasts for a lot longer. It causes your periods to be heavier and a little longer than normal, but I don't mind that at all because at least I'm not stressing about maybe being pregnant.
It just depends on your body though. Everyone is different, so you could be completely fine with Mirena.

Megan - posted on 05/12/2010

All of everyones input is very useful. I'm getting mine put in next month. I cant take the pill because I am forgetful and that was how I got pregnant with my little girl. The pill is just to much of a risk for a forgetful woman.

Linda - posted on 05/12/2010

Hi, I went to my Gyno to ask for the mirena and he said you need to think about it because their is a chance you can still get pg and the baby will grow in your tube..
So knowing me and my luck I decided it wasn't for me..
Good luck on what ever u deside

Brigette - posted on 05/12/2010

I had a bad experience so I can't recommend it. I'm one of the small percentage of people this happens to, but it did happen so I'm letting you know.

I chose Mirena after my second was born. I had no problems with it for 14 months. Then I got pregnant with it in. I lost the pregnancy around 6 weeks - right when I found out, but apparently too late to take the IUD out because the IUD was pushed out/fell out at that time. Miscarriages are painful, but this was just awful. My OB took it the rest of the way out. Luckily, I wasn't punctured by the IUD and my body was able to do everything naturally (no D&C). But I was in so much pain for about 2 weeks after everything.

I read all of the details and I thought all of those small percentage things would never apply to me, but they did so I will never, ever use an IUD of any type again.

Holly - posted on 05/12/2010

i have a mirena in, it works like a wonder but dont get it if you do not have a steady partner because if you get an infection you will end up in the a&e... other then that perfect, no problems with it..

DeeAnn - posted on 05/12/2010

Love it! Your Dr. can numb you before placement, otherwise it can hurt a bit.

Dana - posted on 05/12/2010

You can take a motrin before your appt. to ease any discomfort... but I did not have any discomfort. It kind of felt like a regular pap. Also, I have had mine in for almost 3 years now and in that time, I have probably had 3 periods, if you can call them that. barely any bleeding whatsoever. I love the Mirena. I would highly recommend it. I had to switch from the pill because after my second child was born, I was forgetting to take my pill for a few days at a time!! I have never had any problem to speak of. Just one person's opinion... Good luck!

TAMARA - posted on 05/12/2010

I loved the Mirena when I had it inserted ,like many of the moms posting there was the initial discomfort along with the continuos period for the first few months. After that it was smooth sailing. I enjoyed the freedom it provided me and my husband, particularly not worrying about taking a pill every day. When i had it removed i became pregnant shortly there after. I than opted for a more permanent method of birth control. If i could i would have the Mirena inserted again.

Randee - posted on 05/12/2010

it only hurts when they clamp the cervix to measure and place the mirena then there is slight bleeding and then its done it didnt hurt much for me

Yvette - posted on 05/12/2010

I have had the Mirena for almost 4 years and love it. I like the fact that I don't have to worry whether I have missed a pill. It does hurt upon placement and for a few days after but it is so worth it. Once in place, you just have to check it once a month to make sure it is still in place. I would check with my doctor and see if they think it is right for you. If you don't want to have kids for a while, it is worth it. My mom also had an IUD after she had my brother 30 years ago. The Mirena is different than the one she had but she is mainly how I learned about the IUD.

Jessica - posted on 05/12/2010

i have it. actually got it new years eve (it sucked, it caused me to start my period) So far that i know of I have not had any problems or got pregnant from it (which is a good thing because i am in college) it does cause your period to be irregular and sometimes almost non existant( skip a few months) but i was able to get it put in and pretty much forget about it. it didnt really hurt ( just a few pinches and cramps and that was about it)

well mine lasts for 10 years and doesnt have hormones in it,(diffeebt form of it)

i hope this helps

Shannon - posted on 05/12/2010

I have had mine for about 18 months, I got it six weeks after the birth of my second daughter. I love it, little discomfort when it was inplanted but since then nothing. All the women I know have it and and love it. It is awesome!!

Marie - posted on 05/12/2010

I just got one in January. I was quite painful the day it was put in, then an irritating pain the first week. For me, it has been five months and I am in no pain and it has really reduced the length and flow of....Flow. I would recommend it! Just make sure that you don't have to drive after getting it put in and you have someone to help and support you the first day. Good luck!

Rhonda - posted on 05/12/2010

i've had mine for a year and a half and love the fact that i have no periods! i still get the "pms" symptoms, but not the period part. it was a little uncomfortable going in (about the way it feels when you're getting a pap), but it's quick. take some tylenol or ibuprofen before you go in and that should take care of the mild cramping. i had to have mine removed/replaced a month after because it was "hurting" my husband. the removal was quick and painless. i do know someone who had to have surgery because it did go through the wall, but i still went and had mine done. I LOVE IT!!!!! :D

Bernadette - posted on 05/12/2010

When I went to work with my Father at his laboratory, as he was a pathologist who cut up biopsies, I saw a burst appendix with an IUD on it. I assume you are talking about an IUD. The second was also surgically removed as it contained a dead baby that formed around it. Then at playgroup a lady complained about stroke like symptoms fromone of these. That is enough to scare me off putting foreign objects into my body that have hormones that muck around with your natural hormones in your body. It is too late once it goes wrong on you. You could try looking at fertility care who are medical professionals who will teach you to take care of your fertility without having a baby. Natural methods are the best with no unknown long term affects.

Tracy - posted on 05/12/2010

I have had my mirena iud in place for three years now. It is wonderful if u r not planning on any more children for a long time. It does hurt at first for about a week, but is worth it! Jus make sure that u r really not wanting any more children for five years cause they r not cheap to have removed.

Karen - posted on 05/12/2010

I had it for 4 years, then had it removed and got pregnant instantly (which was the goal). I had no complications, there was little discomfort going in, minor cramping initially, but had no period for the entire time, which was great! I highly recommend this birth control to all my friends and family well worth it!! Good luck to you!!!!!!

Catherine - posted on 05/12/2010

I'm just wondering how the strings can be cut short enough to 'not bother' your partner but long enough for you to feel with your fingers? That just does not make sense to me. I am considering getting a Mirena inserted too... Does it have to be done at a particular stage of your cycle? One comment mentioned it being done during menstruation!

Shannon - posted on 05/12/2010

I have one and I LOVE it. It was just a little uncomfortable to place and the strings take a couple of weeks to soften up so they a just a little pokey. Other than that, I have had mine for over a year. No fuss, no mess. My periods are still irregular and a bit longer than usually and I had some spotting but that may have been from breastfeeding. Anyway, I can't take the pill because of blood clotting issues and this has been a great solution.

--Shan

Liz - posted on 05/12/2010

It did hurt during the placement, but just as uncomfortable as a pelvic exam. I hated it. I could always feel the strings hanging down. I always had cramps and was just uncomfortable having it in. I had it removed after 9 months. Got pregnant 2 months later.

Machelle - posted on 05/12/2010

Hi I just got my second one put in. I love this have not had any problem with it. I love the no period what a blessing that is.....I would defintly recomend it.

Ashleigh - posted on 05/12/2010

My placement was rather painless. just a twinge like a faint pinch and that was it I had also just given birth 6wks prior so that may have made a difference with that. Otherwise its not real painful and I love mine. I've had mine now 2yrs almost. (be 2yrs in july). I've not heard of it attaching to the uterus wall as much as I've heard of it falling out of which are ALL rare. Just ask your dr his/her opinion and what the rate of issues or such is with ones he/shes put in. Like how many patients has he/she had come back with problems. I LOVE not having periods. Mine is the 5yr Mirena.



BTW the 10yr is NOT Mirena that is Paraguard (the copper one). Just so ya know :) or anyone else.

Elizabeth - posted on 05/12/2010

I have had it for a year and LOVE it! I wouldn't have any other ever again. It was very uncomfortable when I got mine but it was also at my first postpartum appointment so think it's possible for someone who didn't just give birth it would be bearable. I do not menstruate like "normal" some occasional spotting but virtually gone. I am one that has never had any negative effects and have and would recommend it to anyone. Good luck!

Karen - posted on 05/12/2010

I had one in for several years. After 6 months, I didn't have a period at all, but also never in the mood and my husband said I had scary mood swings. When I finally had it removed, I suffered severe blood loss for several weeks and ended up in the ER because I was soaking through a pad every hour. I would definitely not recommend it or else never take it out...

Gabriela - posted on 05/12/2010

Ive had the mirena for 4yrs now and haven't had any problems with it. When I take it out next year I'm gonna get it again besides not getting a period every month and occasional cramping its been GREAT!!!!

Lauren - posted on 05/12/2010

I got Mirena when my second daughter was 6 weeks old. I bled for nearly another month. I was breastfeeding at the time and had no problems. I have had it for a year now. I didn't have a period at all when I was nursing, but now that I am done I spot for 7-10 days each month. Kind of annoying, but I just weaned her 3 months ago.

Alicia - posted on 05/12/2010

Also mine is a 10 year.