who has the mirena

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For those who may be concerned about this, Mirena prevents a fertilized egg from implanting, as opposed to the pill which prevents fertilization in the first place. If you believe life begins at conception/fertilization, you may not wish to continue using this form of birth control.

Jenn - posted on 04/21/2010

I have the mirena in for over 3 years now and have not had any side effects. A loss of sex drive is not uncommon for women after having children so I would not lump that into having a mirena. One of the many reasons I chose to use the mirena over any other BC is because of the extremely low (if any) side effects such as weight gain do to the extremely low level of hormone used. Maybe your concerns are from using the mirena over other BC options but for me, I have not had any of these problems. Really the only thing I can suggest if you are adamant that these changes are due to your BC is to go see your doctor.

Gina - posted on 04/29/2010

I've never used that type of birth control in my life. My daughter is going to be 8yrs old and I'm just getting my sex drive back. It could be just natural hormone problems. You should check with your doctor to see what the problem is.

Maribel - posted on 04/28/2010

OMG! I thought I was the only one who had no sex drive with the Mirena. I talked to the doctor about this and he states that this was all in my head.

Sharon - posted on 04/26/2010

I wasn't that keen on the ethical issues posed by having the copper implant either - that's why I chose Mirena.

Dana - posted on 04/29/2010

Thanks for all the responses ladies. Dana ~WtCoM Moderator

Libby - posted on 04/29/2010

no problems with mirena but i had the same problems caused by glands, i now have underactive thyroyd. its worth the blood test to be sure! otherwise how old are you? hope you get it sorted

Natalie - posted on 04/29/2010

I've had the mirena for 3 years now since having our 2nd child and had a few side effects of heavy periods and irregular periods for the first 6 months. Then went on Yaz Pill also to regulate my hormones. Works for me knowing there's no chance of getting pregnant again. Always do what works for you and ask plenty of questions

Emma - posted on 04/29/2010

I had one fitted about well over a year ago, following an ectopic as I did not want to get pregnant again for a while. I found it the best contraception so far, but it was very painfull on fitting. Had it removed in Dec as wanted to try for another baby. I did experience some pain, which I am still trying to establish if it was my operation or the mirena. The low level hormone seem to help balance me out for a while as my theory was I was lacking in progestorone, but your right about not knowing when your period is I was constantly worrying I was pregnant and doing tests, even though they said it very effective. I have put on over 2 stone over past few years and not sure it Mirena contributed to this. It may be possible it is causing you side effects but you should talk to your healthcare professional about if your concerned

Tracy - posted on 04/28/2010

A friend of mine got it, but had it removed a year or 2 later due to terrible skin problems. She had beautiful clear skin before it but with the Mirena she got acne! Removed Mirena...no more acne.

Victoria - posted on 04/28/2010

I use Mirena and absolutely love it....I'm sorry to hear u are having problems. I have used the copper T in the past but had to get it removed b/c I was having way too many issues w/ it. My 5yr mark will hit this Sep and I will be getting the Mirena again :-) I hope your problems lesson and/or completely go away soon, and if not, hope u end up finding something that will work for u....good luck!

Narelle - posted on 04/28/2010

I had the mirena for 18 months prior to having my kids, and it was the best thing I could have done. I was actually human NOT a hormonal mess (the mirena acts locally not systemically). I actually found it easier to lose weight with the mirena as I was not bloating at period times. I would definately discuss this with your doctor though just incase it is not agreeing with you,.

Amanda - posted on 04/28/2010

I have had the Mirena for almost a year, and I like not having to worry about taking a pill every day is a great relief! I only have one problem, and I am very suprised that when i was reading all these replies, I only saw a couple comments about the strings interfering with intercourse. Almost every time my fiance and I have sex it gives me abdominal pain and the strings hurt him! Does anyone else have this problem?

Glaucia - posted on 04/28/2010

Really? i've had it for 1 year and i love it. Talk to you Gyn.

Amber - posted on 04/28/2010

I've had Mirena for 6 years (I'm on my 2nd one) and I haven't had any problems with it. After I had my first son, I got the copper IUD and I had such bad cramping and heavy periods that lasted about a week, that I had it removed after a year. After I had my 2nd son, I got Mirena and I haven't had any periods, weight gain, or anything. I love it and it works well for me.

Christine - posted on 04/28/2010

I have had mine for a year and half. For the first 6 months I spot bled every day or every other day. VERY frustrating. After the 6 months it stopped and now I have no issues. period does come whenever it wants, but it is always very light and lasts only a few days. This isn't a big problem for me because I was very irregular before I had my daughter.

Tiffany - posted on 04/28/2010

I've only had it for about 16months and I haven't had any problems so far.

Cassie - posted on 04/28/2010

Hi Amanda, Yeh I hear you I had the mirena for six months and it felt like I was pregnant again. Constant mood swings getting bloated my stomach was like I was halfway through a pregnancy, I had sore boobs and they were groing like I can only remember in time of being pregnant. It really scared me my youngest child is eleven this year. I quickly went to see my gyno and had them remove it I have since had a hysterectomy and I never have to worry about any of that again. yes I to had no sex drive and I was getting depressed just the littlest things made me start crying and I felt I had no control over any of my emotions.

Jennifer - posted on 04/28/2010

I've seen a lot of people talking about painful insertion. Most doctors will advise you to take tylonol before going in to recieve the BC. I took extra strength; because it was all I had in the house at the time; and felt nothing. It was basically like a normal pap test.
As far as side effects, it really is about the individual. Some people work great with the pill and others have effects and same with every other BC. I myself have had Mirena in for a little over a year. My periods stopped all together in the beginning and then after about 5 months I started getting very light spotting once every 2 months. I noticed no weight gain but I also have pretty healthy eating habits and while I thought it was affecting my sex drive at first I then realized it was just me being tired after being busy with 2 kids all day. After my son was about 6 months old everything went back to normal in that department and now it's even heightened.
But again, every BC affects different people differently. Just like pregnancy! Haha, so definitely talk to your doctor and see about other options.

Clarinda - posted on 04/28/2010

its is that i had that i felt horrible i had painful heavy periods no sex drive period i tried the copper iud to it did the same thing so i just got my tubes tied i think what cause the problems our bodies know its a foriegn object so it tries to rid the body of it i had my doc take mine out and i felt so much better the first month i got my drive back and i actually lost weight

Anita - posted on 04/28/2010

Will the my sex drive is gone to but did not know why, so it must be me in menopause age.

Samantha - posted on 04/28/2010

i have had my mirena for 2 1/2 years and i havent had any problems with mine (bad reactions that is). i have noticed that my sex drive is hit or miss and i havent been able to loss the baby weight but i also had a c-section so i havnet really thought too much about it being the IUD. it maybe something else thats causing it other than the IUD but always remember no matter what the product is or the mediciation everyone reacts to it differently. i hope it all works out for you!!!

Sarahkaye - posted on 04/28/2010

I have it, too. But the only thing I can relate to is that I can't lose weight. My sister was on it for a few years and had the same problems as you, but nothing changed when she got it taken out. There were other issues going on with her. I would go to the Doc and ask what's going on. She now has the mirena again, and regrets ever getting it taken out.

Charlene - posted on 04/28/2010

Hi Amanda, i have the mirena about 2yrs aswell but luckily i havent had those kinda problems altho i did have low sex drive when i first got it but i mainly suffered from lower back pain on and off for months which i was told some women suffer from but luckily it has settled down !

Teresa - posted on 04/28/2010

Have it, love it!

Brittany - posted on 04/28/2010

I have had mine sine October 13, and I have been having a weight issue but I never thought it was my mirena. I figured since I am a mom now and working full time I really don't have that much free time to exercise. The one thing that I do dislike is my period is longer now. On the pill it was two day flat now it drags on for 5 to 6 days, but ultra lite. Just know that everyones body reacts different, so if you really want to see if the mirena is your problem you'd have to take it out.

Brandi - posted on 04/28/2010

I had it during 2006 and I had it taken out a little less than 6 months after it was put in. I hated it and had all kinds of problems with it. I felt awful all the time and it was really not worth it. My doctor had recommended it to me but we discussed all the problems I was having and we decided to take it out. We ended up deciding to try for a little girl anyway, so it all worked out. 10 months after they took it out my little girl was born!

Allison - posted on 04/28/2010

I love the Mirena. I haven't had a period for over a year now. I always have to watch my weight but with exercising every day and eating properly I have been able to lose about 15 lbs over the last year and a half. As far as sex drive... I am 45 with a 6, 15, and 18 year old. When do I have time for a sex drive?

Joi - posted on 04/28/2010

I had the mirena for 5 years. Had it taken out and did not replace it bc we wanted to have another baby and now have tubes tied. I absolutely LOVED it! I experienced very little weight gain (much less than other bc i have used) and my sex drive actually increased. I wonder if that was because I knew I had almost 100% coverage and no period tho? After I had my tubes tied i acutally half-joked that i wanted it put back in just so i wouldnt have my period. But talk to your Dr if u really think its causing these issues.

Mariana - posted on 04/28/2010

I had it also, and It was causing me problems too, when I had it I experienced a sharp pain on one of my sides, around the sides of my lower abdomen, I had it inserted and 8 months later I found out I was pregnant, it was very shocking to me and to my doctor...I wouldn't recommend it

Adriana - posted on 04/28/2010

I've had it almost 4 years now and I too have experienced very low libido. Don't know if Mirena is the cause. Although I'm in my mid thirties and am anxiously waiting for that ramp up time to hit. My cycle is about 3 weeks which is so annoying and now I have very painful ovulation with no cramping during my period. I do have Endometriosis so I have to have hormones to keep that under control because then my periods were too heavy and long. I will be revisiting having it removed to see if it increases my sex drive in the next couple of months. Good luck to all you ladies. It's amazing the things our bodies have to go through.

Jessica - posted on 04/28/2010

I have the Mirena almost a year and a half. No complications at all.

Molly - posted on 04/28/2010

I also have the Mirena and have zero sex drive. I am a first time mother, 30 years old, my infant is 6 months old, and I have had Mirena for 5 months. My sex drive did decrease during my pregnancy, so I'm not sure if I can attribute it to Mirena or not. http://women.emedtv.com/mirena/mirena-si...
This is a link to some useful info about Mirena. Decreased sex drive was listed as one of the possible side effects, but it didn't tell you what to do about it. I'm going to try to search for an answer, like an herbal pill maybe, if I come up with anything I'll let you know.

Caroline - posted on 04/28/2010

@ Teresa Hough - It does not hurt to have it taken out but then that could be a personal thing. People's perception of pain is different. In my case no pain. It was just like going in for a regular a PAP test.

Annette - posted on 04/28/2010

I didn't have a sex drive before I got mirena. I've had mine for almost 2 years and now I don't have my monthly period. Other than that I haven't noticed any different from the copper IUD I had before.

[deleted account]

i get the depo shot and have those symptoms, so i am actually switching to the mirena ..... we will see how it goes.

Lory - posted on 04/28/2010

Since the mirena does contain small doses of hormones, I'm wondering if those could be messing w/your thyroid.

Sheridan - posted on 04/28/2010

I am American, but my insurance provider did not cover the Mirena nor the insertion. Because of my income, I did not qualify for a reduced rate. You are one of the fortunate ones to live where you do and have the health insurance that covered most of the cost.

[deleted account]

I don't know if it hurt to have it taken out regulally. I was put under the knife and 9 incisions later had it removed. I was asleep the entire time. I'm sure if it hurts to have it vagianlly removed the way in which it is suppost to be.

Teresa - posted on 04/28/2010

Does it hurt to take it out? I am going next Month to do it.

Samantha - posted on 04/28/2010

I've had mine for about 6 months. I've had a regular monthly period until this month. I only spotted. Had some cramping but only last a day or two. Sex drive is still the same. My OBGYN said its normal for the cramps and for my period to be nonexistent. So I would say it just depends on your body.... good luck with what you decide.

Teresa - posted on 04/28/2010

Are you American? If so , the doctor shouldn't charge for insertion! The product cost me $75 dollars after my drug plan deductions. For 5 yrs, that is the cheapest BC!

[deleted account]

HI~
I had mirena for a year and a half. i write this not to scare you, but to inform you. After about a year of having similar problems my doctor and I decided to remove it and see if the symptoms would go away. After going in to remove it, we discovered it was no longer there. Come to find out it traveled through my falopian tubes and out into my abdomen. After much damage I went in for surgery to have it removed. After being in bed for two weeks I finally started to feel better. That was Dec. 10th. And I have to say I haven't felt so good. What happened to me is VERY rare, however can happen. I am now on a new form of birth control and doing wonderful with NO symptoms!

Teresa - posted on 04/28/2010

I haven't had issues with weight, but the first yr. was aweful for my sex drive! My doctor said it was me and not the mirena. I beg to differ! Otherwise I would recommend it to anyone. I have had mine just over 2 yrs.

Christine - posted on 04/28/2010

Good point! I'm sure that the stress has nothing to do with it either. lol I don't know about anyone else but my schedule consists of bonding...school...bonding..school...dr appt....first steps (2X wk) bonding...and did I mention I'm single with no help from the daddy?

[deleted account]

I have no sex drive and weight problems as well but do not take Mirena. Could be most moms?

[deleted account]

I had it for exactly two weeks, and I demanded that my OB take it out. I bled heavily for the two weeks it was in me, and had major cramping. It just didn't feel right, you know? So I had it removed. I do not regret it. Get it out of you!

Kelly - posted on 04/28/2010

I've had the mirena for about a yr now and other than the spotting every so often I haven't had any problems! If anything it seems like my sex drive has gone up instead of down! But that can maybe also have to do with the fact that I haven't had any all year, lol

Christine - posted on 04/28/2010

I have just recently gotten the mirena and I am already having some mixed feelings about it. I know I need to give it some time but just not sure how much? I have no sex drive..havn't stopped bleeding (Dr said that could last up to 6 mo) I wake up with night sweats and I have hot flashes through the day. I'm sure any birth control is going to cause these side effects. I wasn't supposed to be able to have kids so never used birth control. Found out at 36 that someone had mistaken and I have my beautiful Logan! I hope that these side effects go away soon!!

Jo - posted on 04/28/2010

I had one and had it removed due to the side effects - bad skin, weight gain, infections, a general feeling of not being myself and being up and down. I am glad it's gone (6 or so months ago). From a vanity perspective - am back to normal weight and skin, and from a relationship perspective - I am a bit more sane, and definitely more up for sex these days :) bit of a pain to remember to take the pill every day though, and its true that having periods is a pain but, on the whole, I wouldn't recommend the mirena at all. I am maybe going to try the non-hormone one

Brenda - posted on 04/28/2010

I have had it for about 1 and 1/2 years now...no problems so far. Although I had to switch birth control methods 5 times to get the right one. Every woman reacts to every birth control differently. Try Depo Provera....It's a shot every three months.

Kate - posted on 04/28/2010

I've had mine for about 2 years and the biggest problem I've had with it has been weight gain. I had no sex drive for about the first year and a half but that's not an issue anymore.

Darci - posted on 04/28/2010

I had the mirena in for 1 and a half years and it caused major weight gain and horable adominal pains. The doctor tried to argue with me when I told him that it was from the mirena, but I told him he was wrong and to take it out. Now I have problems putting a tampon in. Not that you needed to know that but it is true and it was from that mirena and to top it all off my uterus is starting to protrude. It is falling out. That mirena is a bad thing and the doctors think it is so great. I recomend that you take it out. I am now on the Seasoneqe. It is a three month pill and it is great you only get your period every three months and that is great. It is an everyday pill but I would rather do that then loose my uterus. Hope this helps.

Stacey - posted on 04/28/2010

I've had the mirena since 2005 and haven't had any noticeable side effects. My sex drive is also in the toilet but I've always assumed that was due to having three kids.

[deleted account]

I have had mine in a couple weeks and bleeding ever since!