Lets talk Mirena IUD

[ryer]

The good the bad and the ugly.

This looks like it's one of my options (not as a contraceptive). I'd appreciate any feedback, thoughts or opinions.

Thanks,

[Melanie B]

My gynecologist swears by it.......

[starstruck]

got it, love it, no issues. It also stopped my period, so for me that's a good thing! I have had it for 4.5 yrs so I will likely get another one.

Getting it inserted isn't a lot of fun, but it was quick.

[ItsKim]

I got it after I had my boys because of extremely heavy, extremely painful periods.

My periods used to be so bad that I would literally be in bed in agony and throwing up from the pain for the first day or 2. My OB/GYN convinced me to try the Mirena and it was GREAT! After the first couple of months I barely even had a period and got no cramping at all. I had mine for almost 5 years. I haven't gotten it replaced yet, but am not experiencing the pain and heaviness I used to have before it now, so I may not get it again. If I start getting really bad cramps again though, I will get it without hesitation.

Getting it put in was no problem at all for me, I didn't need any painkillers or anything, though I know several people who said it was very painful when they had it put in.

It's pretty expensive and most drug plans won't cover it. My OB/GYN even wrote a letter to my carrier specifically stating it was for medical purposes and not birth control, and they still wouldn't cover any portion of it. It ended up costing me around $350 out of pocket. Totally worth it though!

[onceinvic]

Most gynecologists are now saying 7 years rather than 5 years before replacement. Makes it an even better option!

[Nola]

love mine...bye bye heavy periods

I don't even really notice whne I had mine put in, so I would say that it's different for everybody. I found that mine didn't really kick in until maybe 2 months after it was inserted, other than that it is as expected

And my gyno wrote me a note which I provided with receipt to my extended health. They rejected it initailly but then I resent them the note and explained this is not being used as a contraceptive and furthermore my dh had had a vasectomy and they did cover it which I was happy about because yes, it is expensive

[Fierce]

Loved mine sooo much. No period, so convenient, etc...but it gave me horrible acne. I finally had to get it removed because it was so hard on my skin. It's only been out for a month and my skin is so much clearer. That said, I have been prone to acne before so for many people it might not be an issue. Sadly for me it was. I loved not having periods!!!!

[applepie]

I had one for about 11 months. I did like it for the fact I had no periods, and I didn't have to worry about taking contraception.
But.
Mine shifted and pierced my uterus. Resulted in surgery to remove the thing.
Now, I would never want one in me ever again.
I realise that I am the 1% or whatever it is that has a bad experience with it, but just so that you know that it can go wrong - and then causes a whole heap of problems with your body when it does

[Harrison]

I loved loved loved my and have had 3 over the years, the first 2 removed to have children and the 3rd one wasn't very effective as birth control because we have baby #3.

[ecofilly]

I just had mine removed after 2.5 years...it felt weird to not have a period at all after that long. I never knew if my mood was because of a hormonal peek or shift, or if I was just emotionally overreacting for some random other thing that was bothering me. It wasn't a major problem at all (I'm not bitchy and up and down, only little shifts would make me wonder). I also found it sort of leveled out my sex drive -it wasn't drastic but noticeable enough.

I do know a handful of friends who had punctures or tears, as well as husbands who could feel them during intercourse, and the strings (?) detaching. These are real issues.

Good luck with whatever works for you.

[Deb M]

I have one too and love it!! The first couple of months I didn't like it but then everything settled down.

IDuring my period I would often changr clothes twice to three times a day and even sleeping on towels at bedtime to now using a panty shield.

So great!

[CBP]

I'm one of the tiny percent that conceived a child ( my dd ) while the merina was in place. They delivered her and then removed it. It didn't work for me .

[syla]

I have been interested in IUDs as well, but for contraception. I am hesitant about them due to the stories of piercing and tears... they sound more common than 1%

[2plus2]

Be realistic if you go this route. I know there are a ton of people that have an incredible experience but those that have bad experience, tend to have very bad experiences. I was in the latter group. Turns out I had a sensitivity to the hormones even though I never reacted to BC pills before, not a fun way to find out. I had multiple cysts, constant pain and the odor was absolutely disgusting. I needed freezing and nearly a 90 minute procedure to have it removed. I wouldn't wish my experience on my worst enemy. If you go this route, I really hope you have a more positive experience! Good luck with your decision.

[Tamji]

I've had mine for almost 4.5yrs. Love it. FYI - apparently the 5yrs is a guideline, and for some women it needs to be replaced earlier - this is the only "problem" I've had with it.