Any one tried the Merena IUD?

CARLA - posted on 02/10/2010

I have the Merena IUD for going on 4 years now and it was the best thing i ever did! My hubby and I have amazing sex/hardcore at times sex and he is non the wiser.

The side effect that i have is no Periods... The hormones in the 5year iud reacts to my body that way, My best friend has the IUD as well and she still has her periods just lighter, you may feel it once you get it during sex but after the 3rd time it will not even faze you. I am all for the iud as I really wanted something that would give me that "guaranteed" time of assurance of not getting pregnant. I havn't had any weird symptoms. I'm defiantly getting another when the time comes :)

Amanda - posted on 02/10/2010

I have had one for a year now. My hormone levels are fairly consistant. I'm having acne issues from the hormones. I don't have a period but I go through the motions of having one. I haven't gained weight on this but I'm struggling to lose what I gained on depo-provera.There is pros and cons because everyone reacts defferently. The insertion hurt bad to me and my partner is above average so he can feel it. I won't take it out unless my doctor advises me to. The pros outweigh the cons for me!

Amy - posted on 02/10/2010

I've had the Mirena and LOVE it! I get very small periods (if any at all) and have had reduced menstrual symptoms - which is great! It was not painful to have inserted - only minimal cramping and some bleeding. The only drawback is that it kills your sex drive.

The minute I had the IUD removed, you can get pregnant. There is no waiting period to get chemicals out of your system. I would TOTALLY recommend the Mirena to anyone looking for an alternative to birth control pills.

Layce - posted on 02/10/2010

I LOVE IT!!!! I've had it in since December! get it! its amazinng! my husband says he cant feel it when we have sex... i spotted for like a month and i've had NOTHINGsince then! its the best choice i ever made... i was really concerned about it before i got it and did a LOT of research... in the end i just told my dr i didnt want it i was to scared... he talked me in to it (he said if he was a woman thats what he would do) so that sold me on it i got it and its the best!!! i did have a mild cramp for my first period... nothing to bad... wasnt enough to take ib profen.. :) get it!

Andrea - posted on 02/10/2010

ok sit down, im going to be truthful. i had it put in and almost instantly i was in pain. i could hardly walk. i had 4 days of work and spent most of it curled up unable to walk. was on major pain killers and the bleeding was worse as well as very painful sex. i ut up with it for 8 months and had it taken out. whilst in hospital 2 months later for a small op they put in another one. so much better. no pain, even during sex but i have to say i still have the bleeding. have put up with that now for 5 months and am now waiting to have the whole lot removed....why waste time mucking about. so its up to you, give it a go. if its painfull get it taken out and see if they can reinsert under a general in theatres. good luck x

Candice - posted on 02/10/2010

I did not get the Merena one I got a copper one. I LOVE IT!!! I have blood clots and Merena increased the chance to get them. The benefits of the copper are no hormones so less side affects. Also the copper one lasts 10 years not just five and since I was unsure as to whether I really wanted another child it was a better option for me. I took it out December 11 and found out in the last part of January I was pregnant. With the hormanal IUD it can cause you to not be able to get pregnant even after it is out. The copper one works from the minute it goes in and stops the minute it come out. I LOVE IT.

Melissa - posted on 02/10/2010

I had Mirena for 18 months. It was great, it didn't hurt or ever feel uncomfortable, but I will say that I didn't have a period for the whole 18 months I had it in. That is part of the reason I wanted it out rather than keeping it for the full 5 years. Also we are trying to have another baby, so got it out for that too. I didn't feel right with my body not having a period at all, even though the doctors said it was common, so for some people it may be a bonus. As far as feeling anything, my husband never had a problem with it. The good thing is, if you decide u don't like it, its not permanent. Well best of luck to you.

Allison - posted on 02/10/2010

I had the IUD for 1 year. My husband never felt the strings. I bleed for about 3 weeks after it was inserted. After I quit bleeding everything was good but in November of last year everything got bad. I had the worst stomach pains. I thought I was having an ectopic pregnancy. I called my dr he said everything was fine. I wasn't convinced but he was a the dr not me so I just didn't worry about it. After that I got real moody almost mad all the time. I didn't want to do anything bc i was in so much pain and so tired bc I couldn't sleep. It was awful my husband and I almost got a divorce bc I stayed so ill. I finally decided that i wanted it out. I called and made an appointment had it taken on on Jan. 26 this year. I had an infection in my uterus and that is why I was feeling so bad. My dr told me that if I wouldn't have come in that it could have killed me. I can't afford to have that as a possibilities so i will never have one again. I feel 10x better now. I have my life back and my husband and I are doing just fine now. I don't want you to think just bc it happened to me that it will happen to you. I just wanted you to know that this is a possibility so keep it in mind and good luck with whatever you choose. Just be careful and do a lot of research and talk to your dr and see if it is something that you need to consider bc it isn't right for everyone.

Sara - posted on 02/10/2010

I dont' think the size of the man has any determination on if he can feel it or not. I believe the string gets softer as it is in you

Jamie - posted on 02/10/2010

I currently have the Merena IUD and love it.I am unable to use any other birth control due to a blood clotting disorder. This is my second time having it and it is the most worry free contraception.It is painless to have it put in and painless to have it removed.I have little to no periods each month,I dont have to worry about taking a pill at the same time everyday or removing it every couple weeks for my period. It is definatly worth a try.

Cons are some say that it causes bad cramps.I do have cramps but they are caused by ovarian cysts. Good Luck



BTW~The first time I had it my hubby felt it and had marks on him from it. The second time I told them to cut as short as they could and we've had no problems.

Sara - posted on 02/10/2010

Hi Colleen I have had the merena for 4 years now and what you hear about the man feeling the string is false. I had some discomfort when I first got it put in for a couple months but no problems since. I also have not had any bleeding since about 6 months after it was put in. I will tell you those first 6 months are not easy though lots of cramping and weird feelings but the following 3 years and 6 months have been alright:) Good luck with your choice

Marie - posted on 02/10/2010

Just had it fitted last week, 2 of my friends have had it fitted & had no problems @ all, I have been experiencing cramps but they say that is normal for 1st couple of weeks, so far no other side effects would definately give it a go & between the 3 of us not a string has been mentioned

Steffi - posted on 02/10/2010

Someone mentioned after my post that I'm negative toward the product without having tried it. True. BUT, after LOTS of research through people who have ACTUALLY used the product, along with SCIENTIFIC AND MEDICAL RESEARCH, I still believe the cons outweight the pros. I have actually spoken with several medical professionals who agree with me. I just wanted to clarify that my reseach included those who HAVE used it, along with scientific and medical research. It sounded like she didn't understand the avenues of research. This has been almost three years ago, so I no longer have my hands on the research/info and am too busy to do it again, but it's out there.

Julie - posted on 02/10/2010

I've got one, alldepends on how big his is for feeling strings !!Much lighter periods, if any- panty liner. Takes about 4 months to reduce. Quits painful when inserted, otherwise all Okperiods

Rothna - posted on 02/10/2010

I was in the same position as you a year ago, i did research and I asked a lot of people about it. And honestly this is the best thing I've done for myself. I had my period the first month, then after that I haven't had it since. This is just one of those things you just have to try it for yourself to find out. And as for the string he's never felt it and I can't feel it. (unless your looking for it)



Hope this helps your decision making.

Carole - posted on 02/10/2010

Hi Colleen,



I actually have the Paraguard IUD (the copper one) so the symptoms and side effects are a bit different, but I will say that things haven't really been "normal" in that area since I got it put in about four months ago. I have cramps frequently and I spot or have a discharge all the time. The doctor cut my strings really short, so my husband can't feel them, and of course it's nice not to have to remember to take a pill anymore, so the positives and negatives equal out, I guess.



I would also mention that I found the insertion very painful, so take some ibuprofen first. Good luck!

Monica - posted on 02/10/2010

I had one for about 5-6 mos and had it removed since i never stopped the spotting/light flow during that entire time. The hormonal side effects weren't as bad for me as the pill, but I definitely noticed. I was prepared to keep the mirena because i didn't get the migraines that come with the pill, but unfortunately had to have it removed. One thing for me - the insertion was problemtic for the nurse. She tried several times and had to call someone else in to do this. It was very uncomfortable and I had lots of cramping and discomfort. The removal was better and only slightly uncomfortable. I know lots of women that have this and love it. Unfortunately, you may not know until you actually try it.

Angela - posted on 02/10/2010

LOVE MINE! It was a Christmas present to my husband (and me, too!). How did I live without this? Spotted for almost two weeks after it was inserted, but that's about it. I laugh at some women complaining about the pain of insertion -- um, it's a bit of a pinch, and cramping, but haven't you gone through labor? This is NOTHING!
My husband and I are so excited that we don't have to "plan" sex or go running for a condom -- spontaneous once again ;)

Ruth - posted on 02/10/2010

ive had the same IUD (coil) as the one youre talking about in for 2 years now, and havent had any problems with it at all apart from the spotting for 2-3 months when it was first out in. havent had a period since but my doc tells me this is fine and my partner has never said he can feel it, although sometimes if we get carried away i can get cramps after sex but nothing too bad! you're body goes back to normal as soon as u have it taken out which is a pro, but i know in the past tehre have been cases of abnormal pregancies due to the coil (cant think of the word but when the baby grows in youre tubes as supposed to your womb) but dont think this happens very often. Definately works at stopping you getting pregnant and if you can start trying for a baby as soon as you have it out its great from my view. And they last up to 5 years without neeeding to be replaced /can be taken out anytime. Works well for me :)

Ruth - posted on 02/10/2010

ive had the same IUD (coil) as the one youre talking about in for 2 years now, and havent had any problems with it at all apart from the spotting for 2-3 months when it was first out in. havent had a period since but my doc tells me this is fine and my partner has never said he can feel it, although sometimes if we get carried away i can get cramps after sex but nothing too bad! you're body goes back to normal as soon as u have it taken out which is a pro, but i know in the past tehre have been cases of abnormal pregancies due to the coil (cant think of the word but when the baby grows in youre tubes as supposed to your womb) but dont think this happens very often. Definately works at stopping you getting pregnant and if you can start trying for a baby as soon as you have it out its great from my view. And they last up to 5 years without neeeding to be replaced /can be taken out anytime. Works well for me :)

Holly - posted on 02/10/2010

I love the Mirena IUD. After having 2 children, I decided to give it a try. I really wanted to get off all the hormones of birth control pills and, it has been a great choice for us. My husband says he can occasionally feel the strings, but it's not very often and he doesn't complain about it at all.

LeeAnn - posted on 02/10/2010

Let me just tell you, I was on the Paragard IUD and got pregnant. The Mirena and Paragard are quite similar, so I'm assuming the same can easily happen with that. Obviously, it's a small percentage of women who get pregnant with an IUD in, same as that of women who can become pregnant on the pill...the difference is, with the pill you still have periods and therefore can have an inkling you might be pregnant if you're late. With Mirena, many women don't have a regular period, so if you do get pregnant you may not know it, which can be quite dangerous. Pregnancy with an IUD in can be put at risk. I was lucky and my pregancy was healthy as was my beautiful baby girl who is now 3 mos. old. I don't mean to discourage you, but I just wanted to put a face to the statistic of pregnancy occuring with an IUD in because sometimes it seems like that would never happen to you...but it does.

Karen - posted on 02/10/2010

I have it .. i got it only a month fter my daughter was born now she is 17 months and I have had no problem with it.. the pros to the IUD is that it really works and the only con to it is that it may shift out of place..

Karen - posted on 02/10/2010

I had a Mirena for approx 7 years with no problems, except when I had it renewed. I have had a hysterectomy since and feel a million dollars. Mind you I have had 4 children and have been through all that!!

Sara - posted on 02/10/2010

Hi, I have got the Mirena Coil, have had it in 4 4 yrs now, have'nt had any problems except wen i had it 1st put in they left the string too long which my partner could feel, wen i went back for my 6week check to see how i was getting on wiv it they cut the string shorter and have had no problems since. For the 1st 6months i had spotting wen my period was due and after that i have had no bleeding at all. I would reccommend it to anyone and i wish i had it put in earlier. I had it put in cause i had very heavy periods and cause i have 4 kids and dont want no more. Good Luck if u decide to have one!

Sara - posted on 02/10/2010

Hi, I have got the Mirena Coil, have had it in 4 4 yrs now, have'nt had any problems except wen i had it 1st put in they left the string too long which my partner could feel, wen i went back for my 6week check to see how i was getting on wiv it they cut the string shorter and have had no problems since. For the 1st 6months i had spotting wen my period was due and after that i have had no bleeding at all. I would reccommend it to anyone and i wish i had it put in earlier. I had it put in cause i had very heavy periods and cause i have 4 kids and dont want no more. Good Luck if u decide to have one!

Krissy - posted on 02/10/2010

I just got the merena taken out. I've had it in for 2 years, w/in those 2 years I have had nothing but problems. It has messed up my hormones so bad that I had to be placed on estrogen fdor 6 months. I decided to get it removed because I started to get pregnancy like sympotms. Plus I had a MRI done recently d/t back pain and they found a tumor on my liver when I went to see a specialist about the tumor he told me all the harmful SE from the merana that they are just now starting to find.. I would seriously think about this decision. If I had it to do again I wouldn't get one.

Kristi - posted on 02/10/2010

Hi. I was on the verge of getting an IUD and did some research on-line and discovered MANY women have had issues with both the Merena and the copper. There were concerns about constant bleeding, acne, bloating, weight gain, depression. It was enough for me to decide not to get one. I know not everyone reacts the same but the sheer number of women that complained about these symptoms was enough for me to decide against one. Good luck!

Amany - posted on 02/10/2010

Hi Colleen.... sorry to tell you that I tried it a few months back and had a bad experience. I had cramping and bleeding for over a month straight.... I finally got it out because I was not happy with it. That being said, it was easy to get in and out. Also, I surveyed several friends who mostly had good experiences - several who liked it so much (because they did not get their periods for many months) that after 5 years, are going to get it again.... When I looked on line, there were many mixed reviews. Anyway, I hope this helps - good luck! Amany

Corrie - posted on 02/10/2010

I have one and am going to have it taken out next month. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I have gained about 30 to 40 pounds, I am tried all the time and my husband says that I have massive mood swings. I have acne like I'm a teenager and cramps that feel like I'm in labor. I have only had 3 periods that whole time I've had it which is a good thing but that is the only good thing. I would def talk to your doctor about all the risks. They do make one that is made out of copper and has no hormones, but it is more expensive then the other. But in my opinion I would stay on the pill. But I wish you the best of luck.

Anne - posted on 02/10/2010

LOVE IT! Have had mine in for almost 4 years after my last child, haven't looked back since. Had a little spotting for a week or so and had 2 mild periods after that. Then nothing, no bleeding, no spotting, no forgetting to take my pills :)

I do know everyone can react differently but I was on the pill for years and much prefer this. Good luck!

Hilary - posted on 02/10/2010

I got mine inserted when my daughter was seven weeks old and now she's ten months and it's been fine. I did spot every day for about a month and a half but that can last up to six months so I guess I was lucky!! Sex was uncomfortable at first and I spotted afterward but that is gone now too. Overall I'm happy with it because I don't have to think about. My doctor's nurse told me not to tell my husband about the strings and he would never notice they were there and so far that has been the case, lol!!

BELINDA - posted on 02/10/2010

YOU CLEARLY GOT A VERY NEGATIVE OPINION OF THE MERENA WITHOUT HAVING ANY EXPERIENCE OF IT AT ALL. GYNECOLOGIST ALL OVER THE WORLD ALSO SHOWS IN RESEARCH THAT THEY ALL HAVE THEIR OWN OPINIONS AND ALL DIFFER FROM OPINION. THANKS TO OUR SCIENTIST AND GYNECOLOGISTS IT GETS BETTER FOR THE MAJORITY OF THE FEMALE POPULATION IN THE WORLD. THIS IS THE 21ST CENTURY.

Krystle - posted on 02/10/2010

I got it shortly after my second child. Mirena was horrible the first 2 months. I bled all the time. I wanted to take it out but then all of a sudden the bleeding was gone, and I was okay. Then I started to get angry for no reason. I was beyond moody that my husband started asking about it. I went to see my gynecologist after 10 months of having it and she said it was the Mirena making me feel that way. She took one look at my disappointed face and said she would take it out. I am on the Nuva Ring now. I have been using it for a year, and I have not gotten pregnant. But I am very sure about taking it out at the same time after three weeks and then replacing after a week. I can't remember everyday but every three weeks is not so bad. Hope this helps.

Steffi - posted on 02/10/2010

I was going to get one, but I did lots of research and talked to lots of people who had it and ultimately decided the cons outweighed the pros. I have not and will not ever get it. In addition to all the physical pain and complications, it's just gross that you have strings inside the whole time, you know they are stopping things from getting flushed out and holding all kinds of germs and stuff on them, gross. Not to mention, not having a period is not normal. God made your body to flush out and stopping the natural flow just doesn't seem normal or healthy. Yeah, sure it would be nice to not have one, but I think in America we always want to go for what is easier, but not necessarily BETTER for us, then end up paying for it in the end. (i.e. shove antibiotics down our throats constantly (sometmes they are good AND needed) and our babies just b/c we don't want to deal with sickness, then wonder why our immune system isn't very strong, etc.)

Joanne - posted on 02/10/2010

dithered about it or years, a coil that is, but thn i had a regular one fitted and my periods were so heavy i ws geting anaemic. I took the plunge and had the merena fited, i was worried about side effects, i didnt even like the pill.....but i have to confess that to start with i id feel a littelike i was taking the pill, but 3 months in, it was he best decision ever!! I have little or no symptoms of my period, including no bleeding to speak of, no other side effects all, and my partner cant feel the strings, they will always cut them shorter if you want them to....

good luck

Alan - posted on 02/10/2010

Look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intrauterin... first, then Google "intrauterine device"

My first girlfriend had one put in while we were together & the strings gave me a sore patch that put me off sex for a week, then she went back & got the strings cut & I didn't feel it again. I didn't know it had strings, so it's not psychosomatic.

Another friend had the "Copper 7" (I think now banned in UK) & it slipped into her fallopian tube - it was removed, but she had further complications later.

My advice - IUD is a good idea & works well, but there are possible problems.
Problems with the hormonal ones seem to be more serious, if rare. Research it first & don't let the doctor give you a dodgy one

Holly - posted on 02/10/2010

Had one before baby and it worked great, a little uncomfortable to insert, but taking advil b4 appt will do the trick. Had no problems besides a little spotting afterwards, and some cramping while uterus adjusted. Haven't gotten it back since birth, so no help there.

Kim - posted on 02/10/2010

I have it and I love it. I feel as though it is a great alternative to birth control pills or other contraception since you do not have to worry about it every day. I have a period maybe every six months and it is just spotting. Sometimes I just get cramps, but otherwise it has been a blessing in my life. I would recommend you try it out and if you do not like it, you can always change back to another form of contraception. I think everyone is different and it will be how your body reacts to the IUD. I have had it for several years now.

Angie - posted on 02/10/2010

I have had mine for over a year an dI love it. No periods, I didn't have spotting at all after the first period. I haven't had any problems with mine.,

Sarah - posted on 02/10/2010

I have heard great things about Mirena. I had one placed last summer at my six-week post partum checkup. My doctor uses it and was very encouraging. Unfortunately mine perforated my uterus (probably upon placement). Within a week I was back at the hospital having laproscopic surgery to remove it. But according to my doctor this is an uncommon side effect and I had other issues that probably contributed.



Now I'm on the Depo shot and hate it! I will not be getting another shot. I would say that the IUD is the best bet for busy moms that know they will not be 100% consistent taking the pill. I really think the benefits outweigh the side effects. And if you are worried about the weight gain, a lot of that is poor decisions on what you are putting into your mouth.

Ingrid - posted on 02/10/2010

I got it installed 6 months ago and I think it's the best thing since sliced bread...never have to remember to take my pill, don't get my periods every month, only light spotting and my hunny has never felt anything at all.

I had a bit of cramping (just as if you're on the first day of your periods) the first couple of days it was put in. What is also great about it, is that you only need to replace it every 5 years. It cost me 365$ to get it, but my work insurance reimboursed me 330$. (it's covered by most health insurance). If you are tired of being on the pill or you just can't take it for health issues, you have nothing to loose by going on Merena.

I wish I had known about this type of contraception method a long time ago...

Libbey - posted on 02/10/2010

My Mom had 4 children due to the wonderful 'accuracy' of NFP.....the only NFP that works is no SEX...not that I am recommending that....

Sandi - posted on 02/10/2010

I am 44 and have had mine for 2 years. I had some awful cramping a couple of times at first, but that subsided and I didn't have a period for more than a year. Now I seem to be leveled out and have normal cycles. They are lighter than before the Merena which is Nice! I have not had any problems with it and it is has done it's job.

Jennifer - posted on 02/10/2010

I have had mine for almost 3 years and I love it! The best decision I ever made!

Dawn - posted on 02/10/2010

hi i opted for the copper IUD as i had previously been on the pill and got moody with the hormones the copper IUD doesnt have hormones. ive had it for nearly a year now it seems to be fine my partner does say he feels it at times and i sometimes get cramp but no moods any more. my period is regular every month. it suits me at the moment.

Dawn - posted on 02/10/2010

hi i opted for the copper IUD as i had previously been on the pill and got moody with the hormones the copper IUD doesnt have hormones. ive had it for nearly a year now it seems to be fine my partner does say he feels it at times and i sometimes get cramp but no moods any more. my period is regular every month. it suits me at the moment.

BELINDA - posted on 02/10/2010

I'V BEEN USING THE MERENA FOR THE LAST 9 YEARS. ONE AFTER MY FIRST BORN AND ANOTHER AFTER MY SENCOND CHILD. IT IS THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD IN MY OPINION. I HAVE HAD NO SIDE EFFECTS, NO PMS, NO MONTHLY PERIODS, ITS WONDERFUL. IT MAKES MY LIFE SO MUCH BETTER. YOU CAN DO WHAT YOU WANT, WHEN YOU WANT. O ! YES, IT DOES NOT MAKE YOU FAT. WHAT YOU PUT IN YOUR MOUTH IS WHAT MAKES YOU FAT.

Libbey - posted on 02/10/2010

I had never had an IUD either, and I knew we wanted to have more kids. My husband did say that sometimes he could feel it, but it wasn't a big deal. I could have had them cut the strings more but I didn't.



I got pregnant the month after I had the IUD taken out. It was also great for periods....I didn't really have them.



The one thing I was not fully prepared for was the cramping and bleeding AFTER it was removed. I am sure it is different for different women, but it was intense for me.



This was a great alternative for me.



good luck with your decision.

Liza - posted on 02/10/2010

Every woman is different. I think you should try it out. I was on it for two years. I might have gained some weight but you should watch what you eat anyhow, lol! I did not get my period which was great but after a while I felt that I needed to release. I felt bloatted all the time. I mean it just gave me a brake for those two years you know. I finally took it out and I do feel better now. I have my monthly period and I lost weight so yeah it affected me a little but it was worth it. As for my bestfriend, she has not been affected at all. Occasionally, the men run into it but it all depends on the positions. Try it:) I mean if its not for you, you can always take it out!