I am 37 years old, have 3 beautiful children and we are done having children. My husband had a vasectomy so I no longer needed to worry about birth control options, however I suffer from horribly long, heavy periods each month. I was hoping to have an endometrial ablasion process done to solve my issues but with my last c-section I had a tear in my uterus so my OBGYN opted to be cautious and not allow me to have this procedure. One option we talked about is the Mirena IUD. Even though I really didn't want to use this since it is still a contraceptive I am running out of options to have a normal life style during my heavy period. I have been taking Lysteda during my periods only which has helped but not enough.
Anyone on the Mirena IUD? What are your experiences? Do you like it? What are the pros, cons or any side effects?
Anyone else suffer from heavy periods and what have you done for them that has been successful?
Thanks!
I have had mine for 5 years, gained a lot of weight, no periods, no sex drive until here lately, very moody and this is not me at all! Time to get it out and I'm going with another option, not ready to have another child yet.
I had it put in after my last child, couldn't lose the baby weight no matter what I did, finally started losing after 3 1/2 years, lost 40lbs, then had it replaced at the 5yr mark, and gained 30lbs within 6 months. Finally had it taken out. It was great for managing my periods, but gaining 30lbs when I had *just* lost 40 and was actively trying to lose the last 5lbs was a deal breaker for me. It also made me REALLY angry, moody, irritable and just plain mean. I actually look back on those years and feel bad for my family, that's how bad I was. Should have had it removed YEARS before I actually did. I just didn't realize what it was doing to me at the time.
So, no, not a great fit for me. Hated it, actually.
I had the issues you describe (minus the uteran tear) and did the ablation, which unfortunately for me was not successful. I'm 35 now and had a hysterectomy 1 1/2 years ago. I still have my ovaries so didn't go into early menopause. It was a great decision for me. My doctor said that when it affects your daily life, its time to do something. If the IUD works for you great, for me the hysterectomy has been great.
Good luck!
I have a Mirena for birth control. I have had mine for almost five years and I am getting a new one in a few weeks, when my current one expires.
I LOVE it. I had some spotting on and off after insertion and then again after weaning. For most of the time I did not have any periods or bleeding, maybe very light spotting every couple of months. Lately (last 6 months) I have been getting a few "heavier" periods as the expiration time nears. Nothing compared to my regular pre-baby periods though...
I have not had any of the side effects I used to have on the pill - I am very happy with it.
I got one 6 months ago for the same reason you are considering one. My hubby had a vasectomy too so I have it solely to eliminate my period ( fingers crossed). I had a lot of spotting that gradually got lighter and lighter. Had to use panty liners only for the majority of the time. I stopped spotting completely about 1 to 2 months ago, BUT, I just got my period on Friday! Full on period (though the flow was not as heavy), got cramps, moody, tender breasts, the whole nine yards. Super Bummed!!!
However, that being said I have been very happy with it. If I only have 1 or 2 periods a year I guess I'd call that a success.
I've had the Mirena for four years and am going to have it removed this coming Thursday. I've been trying to lose weight, and am not have a lot of luck, Also ive been spotting every day for the past two months and having sharp pains....OUT it goes!
I love the Mirena and am using my second one. It works on my PMDD fabulously all around. I spot a teensy bit *maybe* twice a year. It's only enough to wipe on toilet paper and wonder, "Huh, is that my twice annual period?"
I have had it for over two years. I really haven't had any negative side effects. I spotted really bad for a while, which is normal, but that will eventually go away. My period still isn't regular. I didn't have one for 6 months after I got it, now sometimes I might get a light one every month or might not have one for 2 months or so. Slightly inconvenient, but nothing near as bad as the 7 day periods I was having before I got it where I was doubled over in pain. I have been on pills when I was younger, tried Nuvaring, this is the best thing I've had. I would definitely do it again if faced with the choice. Just remember that everyone's body reacts differently. Some people are going to love it, and some will hate it. Just make the decision based on your own feelings, not theirs. Good Luck:)
After my son was born I got the Mirena IUD for birth control. Love it...the first day I was "crampy"...since then, no side effects. I didn't get my period the first year...I now get it VERY light (just spotting) about one a month. Definitely recommend it.
I'm on my second one and I really like it. The first three months are a little wonky and you should expect to have erratic cycles. But after that my period was so beyond light that I didn't really need anything. This may be a little TMI, but basically when I wiped I'd notice a little something, but it never actually came out. Then a few months later they stopped completely. I honestly have no idea when I last had a period and it's kind of awesome. I would definitely consider it.
I had side effects similar to Kristin C. I had my Mirena put in 6 weeks after my son was born and immediately started gaining weight. I was so proud that I only gained 2 pounds during my pregnancy but once I had the Mirena put in, I started gaining, and now at the 4 year mark I am 40 pounds heavier. I still had a period for over a year after insertion, but once they stopped I have not had any, and maybe a smear once or twice a year. Next year when my 5 years is up I think I'm going to get the Essure procedure, since we are done with kids.
Mirena has been great for me for heavy periods. I had very light spotting for several months after it was put in (very very light, but also daily). That was annoying. But once the spotting stopped, it's been really good. Periods are very light and only a few days long - if I even get it. I would recommend that you give it a try - and don't get to annoyed at the spotting after it goes in, that will stop.
I don't have the Mirena. I had a hysterectomy when my son was a year old.
Long story.
However, all the younger women I work with have it. They are very happy with it. They all say that their periods are very light and pretty much just a bit of spotting. They've all "cycled up" as women who are so close to each other will tend to do, but they are all pretty happy.
I hear about Mirena all the time. I don't know of anyone yet who has been sorry to have it.
I have no personal, physical experience to go on, but I work with some awesome chicas who have no regrets.
Best wishes.
