Non Oral Birth Control- Mirena?

Lina - posted on 09/15/2010

I just had mine removed almost a year now, there was no real side effects for me from the time I started it until it came out 5 years later. It's just weird having a period again. I'm planning on having a new one done. We have 2 kids and that's good for us. We thought that we wanted more and decided that 2 was plenty. If your still thinking about it, I would do it. Not having to worry about bc for 5 years is great. Good luck and Congrats on the new baby.

Julie - posted on 09/15/2010

I had problems with it... It slipped and caused pain, I couldn't sit , stand, laydown, put my shoes on ect... also I had complaints from the BF about him getting "poked" .. according to the OBGY this is because it had slipped. I am awefule about taking pills .. If you don;t want to have kids for atleast 56 years there is another method out called Implanon... It is similar to the norplant... I had it done and it is great.... It 's the size of a match stick and is inserted in the flabby area of the upper arm.. WARNING if you are squemish you may want to not read the rest of this ... or if you decide this is a good thing you may want to take a good friend with you when you get it done.... It's almost like a pearcing.. they use a large gauge needs to insert it.. they do numb that part of your arm with a local ansthetic first... Your upper arm does bruise and turns all kinds of colors ect... but you have to think... Is looking like caryola used me for experemental colors in thier lab for 2 weeks better than having another baby ... * yucky part done*
If you have Kaiser It does not cost you anything other than your co pay. I'm thinking B.C for 5 years for 25.00 is was better than the amount of money it would cost you to get the pill or shots ...or even 18 + years of a child sounds like a pretty good idea... IF you have any ?'s about it let me know...

Amy - posted on 09/15/2010

I have it and so do a good chunk of my friends. Women who have and haven't had children. Other than the spotting being annoying and a little bit of cramping, not really much to complain about. You're good for 5 years, and you don't have to worry about taking a pill every day. I love it! Go to www.mirena-us.com for more information though.

Venus - posted on 09/15/2010

I had the Mirena, the hormonal one will lessen your period, if your irregular you will stay that way, they non hormonal one with is the IUC will not affect your period at all. The Mirena(IUD) is 5 yrs and the IUC(copper one) is 10 yrs. I did feel discomfort with the IUD and friends of mine who have had the IUC felt that their cramps hurt a lot more.

India - posted on 09/15/2010

i'm not sure about the mirena, but personally, i just got the implanon a few weeks ago. I did some birth control shopping arround also and i have heard some weird stories about the mirena. i would encourage you to get the implanon instead....

Michelle - posted on 09/15/2010

My husband & I had unexplained infertility for over 2 years after long term pill usage. When we finally conceived our son, we thought he was a God send, and didn't think twice about stopping bc after he was 8mo old, when he stopped nursing. After two years of trying, it wouldn't happen again NOT trying right? WRONG! When he was 14 mo, I noticed that I was late and BAM, pregnant again. Our second son was born 22 1/2mo after the first. Life was CRAZY, so I decided on the Mirena because I didn't want to forget to take a pill, or forget to get my rx refilled, or forget to make an appointment for it. I wanted something carefree, something I didn't have to think about, and something that would be the easiest for me to maintain.
Heres some of my pros & cons I've experienced:
Cons-
They say it all over the website, and the Dr will tell you too, that if you do get pregnant with the Mirena, you are more likely to have a tubal pregnancy. MAKE SURE YOU TEST even if you don't think you are. (I'll get to more on why I say that later.) And for the first few MONTHS, expect spotting/constant light period. Your body will recognize it as a foreign object, and the "period" is your bodies way of trying to get rid of it. It wasn't painful, but I won't lie and say that I didn't get any cramps. There were some times when I would, and they would be about as rough as period cramps. Sometimes, you might feel it poking you, which can be a little uncomfortable. And checking your strings can be a pain, but you must do it once a month. After several months of not being able to reach them myself, I just made the DH do it for me. He laughs, but at lease his fingers are longer than mine and we can get the job done faster. Also, I found that I am slightly more hormonal than without it, but less than when I was pregnant. I tear up on stupid things. My anger will flare far too easily. And that can sometimes make for an unhappy husband.
Now for the PROS-
NO PREGNANCY for up to 5 YEARS! With kids that are 22 1/2 months apart, we know that we will not be trying again until, maybe, if the sun and moon line up just right, the youngest is 3... I think it will make things easier then. After the initial annoying almost constant spotting, you will slacken off to a light spotting every 4-6 weeks. Thats right, no REAL period! For me, I've had mine for over a year, and the past almost 9 months haven't had a period. I just buy a few of the cheap tests from the dollar store and have them in my bathroom. I test the 1st of the month, every month, right before the hubby checks my strings. (LoL, its just like paying bills, there is a set day for it!) You wont experience the other side effects of the pill, like weight gain, bloating, or facial hair changes because the hormones are localized. And, because it is localized, its PREFERRED over the pill at preventing pregnancy while nursing. I didn't experience any changes in my milk production when I got mine, and nursed my son for about 6 months with it in without any difficulties.
GOOD LUCK! HTH!

Tiffany - posted on 09/15/2010

i actually have it now! it's been almost 2 yrs since i had my son and this mirena is wonderful. for most people you don't have to worry about a period. it last for 5yrs. no worries about if you took your pill on time or if you forgot to take your pill the day before. i can diffenetly say that i haven't had a pregancey scare in a yr. good luck on your choice,

Jen - posted on 09/15/2010

I had my son on December 15, 2009 and Mirena was recommended to me. When he was a couple of months old, I decided to give it a try. It is expensive, but it is definitely worth it. Having it put in only took a couple of minutes and did not hurt at all. Best of all, since I had it put in, I have had minimal bleeding (basically just spotting). I would highly recommend this method if you don't want have to remember taking birth control on a regular basis.

Elizabeth - posted on 09/15/2010

I've had Mirena for about 6 months now. I have 2 children and i could never remember to take oral birth control. The only problem I've had with mirena is really bad back pain. It was so bad when i first got it that i could hardly move. It got better after my first period. The doctor said it's normal and should go away. The only time i get back pain now is when I'm about to start my period, even if i don't actually start. Other then that I've liked it. I didn't have pain when it was inserted but had cramps after wards. Like everyone else said every side effect is different for every person.

Johnna - posted on 09/15/2010

I got mirena about 8 weeks after my daughter was born, I have had it for almost 2 years now and really like it. My period is nonexistant now (which is awesome!), but it took over a year for that to happen. It is definately a perk for this birth-control, but I have friends who still cramp really bad and bleed alot (and they have been on it for 3 to 4 years), so i think it just depends on the patient. It is a great birth control though and a good choice if you do not want to worry about the pill. It lasts 5 years, but you can get it taken out any time.

Shauneen - posted on 09/14/2010

Its the best! I hae had no problems at all and just been for a check and got a big thumbs up! My daughter is 18 months now and i was able to breastfeed and eerything. It is painful to insert but the rewards are worth it. Good luck.

Emma - posted on 09/14/2010

Hi. I had a Mirena put in when my son was 3mths old. It has be fabulous! It was a quick and easy insertion, bled for a couple of days and now I never have to remember my pill again! I haven't had any problems, no hormonal effects or strange bleeding. I do get a period every few months, but it is light and doesn't last very long at all. So much easier when you have kids, and it can stay in up to 5 years before needing to be replaced. From my personal experience I recommend it no end. But do remember that every woman is different.

Marian - posted on 09/14/2010

I have had the Mirena for four years, so one more year and it has to be replaced. I have had no problems with this IUD. No cycles, NO cramps(mine where horrible before IUD), No pregnancies, No bleeding. Absolutely the best form of birth control. My kids are 19 months apart so this was my only choice too. As a single mother I will have it taken out and but back in ASAP. Doesnt hurt and half the time I forget its there.

Crystal - posted on 09/14/2010

I have two boys, under 2. My oldest will be 2 the end of NOV while my youngest is 4 months...I knew I couldnt do anything else but mirena. I have only had it in for a month or so but I cant feel a thing and I love that I dont have to worry about taking a pill everyday or worry about weight gain that comes with depovera or things like that...I think it is a great method, but I guess it depends on your situation so talk to your doctor. I know it didn't work for my sister because she was prone to getting cysts really easily and got them while on mirena

Elizabeth - posted on 09/14/2010

I am not to sure about the Mirena but I would recommend checking in to the IMPLANON. This is a great form of birthcontrol, I have been on it for 2 years now and am still not pregnant. This may seem like nothing but even my OB calls me fertial mertal (my speeling is not the best.) I had 3 kids in a row, not even 12 months apart, aug 2003 june 2004 and may 2005 and he had me on the shot but i find that after i had another baby which came after being on the shot for 2 yrs, I got the IMPLANON and i love it and I feel great it is a option that u should look into if you want.

Rebecca - posted on 09/14/2010

I have the mirena. I have not experienced any problems with it. I've had it in for over 1 year now. I like that I don't have to remember to take anything.

Toni - posted on 09/14/2010

I got mine when my son was 8 weeks old, and I hate it I am getting it taken out at the end of this month so I can get a tubal ligation done. I have been on the Depo shot, and multiple pills and have had the worst side effects with this one. I feel it every time my hubby and I have sex. I bleed on and off all month. My hair fell out for the 1st 4 months I had it in, bad acne and mood swings. It effects everyone different so you might not have anything that I had.

Maribridgett - posted on 09/14/2010

I have Paragard which is similar to Mirena but without the hormones. Since there are no hormones (uses copper coils instead) in it, it will not affect your periods in any way. I and my doctor felt it was the better option for both me and my daughter since I was breastfeeding. It's wonderful! I would strongly recommend it if you are planning to wait a few years to have another baby. The other good thing about Paragard is that it's good for up to 10 years instead of Mirena's 5.

Carrie - posted on 09/14/2010

I have had mine for 2 months so far and have had no problems with it. I still breastfeed too.

Brittany - posted on 09/14/2010

Hey! I have an 18 month old little girl and I have had Mirena since she was 6 weeks old and I love it. I have not had any problems with it and it is so much easier than trying to remember to take a pill. Problems with mirena just depend on the person. My best friend had it and hated it. Her body was rejecting it so by the time her doctor took it out it was already pushing itself out. It may just be something to talk with your doctor about.

Emma - posted on 09/14/2010

hey there,
i've never had a mirena, but i do get an injection every 3 months, and i don't get a period at all, i've never had any trouble with it, except for a sore arm for a day or so after.

Amanda - posted on 09/14/2010

I had the horrid thing as I would call it in for a little over 2 years and never had a perion and had horrible cramping and finally got it removed. It made the lining of my uterus so thin that the doc said that I probably would never have another period again, but i would'nt siggest getting it! I have had the Implannon in for about 2 weekks now and have had no side effects other than brusing frin the needle. Iove it so far!

Jessica - posted on 09/13/2010

I have the Mirena, and I am very happy with it. But, you need to look at all of the side effects. I haven't had any of the side effects, but birth control works different for everyone. I still get a period every month, most of the time, sometimes it's light but sometimes, if I don't have one one month but do the next, it's really heavy.

Danielle - posted on 09/13/2010

If you do decide to use Mirena, it IS safe while breastfeeding.

Danielle - posted on 09/13/2010

I tried it and hated it. Constant spotting and cramping. I decided to go back to depo (which I had used before). I would def NOT recommend Mirena.

Jameeka - posted on 09/13/2010

I use mirena and I haven't had any problems with it. Aside from the initial pain from the insertion and the spotting, mirena is really hassle-free to me. Plus, it lasts for 5 years which is a plus. But everyone is different, so what may work in one person, may not work in you. Talk it over with your gynecologist and think about what's best for you.

Tiffany - posted on 09/13/2010

I had the mirena put in July 2009 after my 2 child was born in May 2009 and I had to have it removed March 2010 because I found out that I was pregnant with our 3rd child. When my new doctor went to pull it out it was not that hard to do because it was not were it should be she opened me as there it sat. I thought it was going to last a lot longer than that. I hate the Mirena and I would not recomend it to anyone.

Tanya - posted on 09/13/2010

The Mirena worked great for me after my first. I'm planning on having it again after I have my second which is due in April. I didn't find much discomfort with the insertion, and they can also perscribe a cervix softener so that it is felt even less (I didn't have the perscription). It is perfectly safe to breastfeed with it inserted because it has progesteron, not estrogen, and so it does not interfere at all. I breastfed my first for 13 months with it, and I had no problems. And after about 10 months my periods started lengthening to about 6 weeks, instead of 28 days, and they usually were very light. Hope that helps!

Lisa - posted on 09/13/2010

I have been nursing my son since he was born, and had Mirena inserted at 8w postpartum. He hasn't had any issues nor has there been any issues with my milk staying up to par.

Lisa - posted on 09/13/2010

My husband and I decided on Mirena when I got pregnant unexpectedly on the Pill. I have had Mirena for 4 months and love it. Had some spotting for the first three months, but now I am period free. This is different for everyone though. I love it, and if we decide in the next 5 years to have another child we can. If we decide that we are done with one, I will get another in 5 years. It was the best decision for us, but make sure it is the right one for you.

Lyndrea - posted on 09/13/2010

I have had Mirena for 2 and a half years now, and for the most part, its great, i have had a few issues, just today i had a large ovarian cyst drained that was caused by my Mirena, it caused me quite a bit of pain for awhile, but the procedure to get it taken care of was quick and mostly painless, i will definitely have Mirena inserted again after i have my next child, which wont be for a couple years yet

Katie - posted on 09/13/2010

It seems a lot of these ladys like the mirena and havent had any problems, I on the other hand had a bad reaction 4 days after it was put in i started having cysts which i have never had before i had so much pain every day for about a month sraight with bleeding the got heavier every day. i went in and they told me that yes the mirena can cause cysts and most the time they go away on there own. I guess everyone is different but it was the most painful thing i have ever experienced including labor and i went to 7cm w out medication.

Gina - posted on 09/13/2010

I am also looking into getting mirena, im two weeks postpartum. I am a little nervous but im sick of being on oral birth control. I have been on one type or another since i was 13 for very heavy periods and PMDD. So im trying to find something else and i refuse to get the Depo shot. I can only hope it works out for me.

Chauntelle - posted on 09/13/2010

I have had the mirena for about 2 1/2 years and the only problem I ever have w/ it is the cramping, which could also be my endometriosis that runs in my family. I dont have any complaints about Mirena, it has done great for me in helping to not have any more kids until the 5 years is up.. My son is 2 1/2 now and I dont think I could handle another one til he is close to being in school all day lol. I check mine every so often just at the fact that they say there is a possibility of it moving.. Its been in the same place from day one, so I think I am good to go if I didnt want to check it.. There are ups and downs to it and everyone has their opinions, but I dont mind it.. My cramps were way worse before, so I think between having a child and having the mirena and NOT having periods anymore, its totally worth it!!! Hope this helps!!!

Jennifer - posted on 09/13/2010

I have loved the Mirena! I've never had problems with it. My body accepted it well. And best of all, I don't get periods! I've heard a lot of stories from women that have had many issues with it. Unfortunately, it's something you have to try and if it works with you great and if it doesn't......well maybe the Nuvaring or something like that?

Brijitte - posted on 09/13/2010

I got this placed in a year after my first child. I love it. I don't have to worry about anything now. I did bleed for a long time after it was like the blood you have after giving birth. I think if you get it you should get it as soon as they let you after giving birth.

Ana - posted on 09/13/2010

Ive had mine for 11 months now and I love it!....I dont have to worry about taking anything daily or having 3 month appointments for the depo. I dont feel it whatsoever. I did have minimal bleeding the first 2-3 months I had it but know i hardly ever get my period and when i do its very very light!...I get away with only having to wear pantiliners. Mirena has worked great for me so far ! :)

Lesley - posted on 09/13/2010

MIRENA IS THE BEST BIRTH CONTROL TO GET EXP. IF YOUR A BUSY MOTHER AND NOT THINKING ABOUT TAKING A PILL EVER SINGLE DAY... DEF. 100% FOR THIS PRODUCT... AND CONGRATS!!!

Victoria - posted on 09/13/2010

i just got my iud copper inserted in me like mmm a week ago and no problem yet, my ob gyn recommends that mommies who dont wanna have kids for a while and u get it for 10 years, no hormones or non of that bad stuff comes with this iud. and u can have it taken out when ever ur ready

Alison - posted on 09/13/2010

i have the Mirena and i absolutely hate it! It gives me a lot of Yeast infections and every month i bleed for 8 days. The only reason why i still have it because i'm very bad at remembering my pills and i dont have cramps..other than that the infections drive me nuts...i'm busy discussing with my ob-gyn what to do now...:S

Sarah - posted on 09/13/2010

i love it but be prepared for a few months of not felling yourself, it takes a little while for your body to adjust to having it!! i had a fever for the first week but am so glad i stuck it out!!!

Julie - posted on 09/13/2010

I went with paragard it's exactly like mirena without the hormones, which is great because I've been trying to lose weight after having my son and birth control with hormones makes it very difficult for me. Paragard is good for 10 years but my doctor recommended replacing it every 5.

Connie - posted on 09/13/2010

Only problem i have had was some abdominal pain. other than that its been wonderful!

Shannon - posted on 09/13/2010

i love it!!!!! go for it have had no problems at all

Sarah - posted on 09/12/2010

i had cramps so bad after they put it in. i felt like i was swollen all the time i had it taken out!

Kristen - posted on 09/12/2010

I actually used this for 3 years before my husband and I had children. I loved it and cannot say enough good things about it! If I got a period it was only lite spotting, I never had any PMS symptoms, and I never had to think about it. The only problem that I had was that I would get breakouts around my chin that cleared up as soon as I got it removed. After having it removed my husband and I waited about three months before getting pregnant on the first try! I would absolutely recommend the Mirena!

Shelley - posted on 09/12/2010

I also used Implanon, and liked it while I kept it in. You can keep it in for 3 years, and it doesn't get lost in your body, because it is implanted in your skin between your dermis and epidermis, so your body just builds a little protective capsule around it and it stays put. I gained maybe 10lbs. while I was on it. It's a progesterone birth control, not estrogen, and suspends your periods for the most part. I never had to use more than a pantyliner while I was on it. Lots of information on their website if you Google or Bing Implanon. It's pretty safe to use while breast feeding as well. It takes like 100 days of nursing for the baby to get one day's dose of progesterone, so I thought that was pretty tiny.

Christina - posted on 09/12/2010

hi my name is christina. i have one daughter age 10 and i chose not to have any more kids. i have been on the mirena for 3 in a half years and love it. it has not caused me any problems. its good for 5 yrs. its quick and easy and if u choose within 5 yrs to have more then it can come right out. ur doctor can do it in there office in 2 mins. i wish this was around 10 yrs ago but i luv my daughter so maybe i dont. good luck

Samantha - posted on 09/12/2010

Im getting the Mirena on Tuesday, its suppose to be good. My friend had it and she really liked it.

Jenna - posted on 09/12/2010

I never had Mirena, but I did have the non-hormonal counterpart, Paragard. I absolutely hated it. It caused my periods to be extremely unbearable - they were longer than usual, super heavy, and extremely painful. My IUD even caused dizziness that I have not experienced before or since having it removed. But all the pain and dizziness aside, it worked wonders as a bc method. I never had to worry about talking a pill and I conceived 2 months after having it removed.