Mirena IUD - San Lorenzo,CA

i had heavy periods for the 1st 2 but im fine now. Maybe try the coper one or maybe its not in right.

dear A.,
i was in the exact same situation as you. My second son is almost one, I am done having kids, my husband will not get a vascetomy and I do not want to go on the pill. I had heard such wonderful things about the Mirena so i got it. This was about a month and a half ago. I bled and bled for two weeeks. i was wearing a tampon each day and thought maybe it was my period but that would make it a week early for my period. I was dizzy one day and then i got this weird mouth thing where my gums were so sensitive and my whole mouth felt on fire. I got it taken out. A couple days later I got my real period so the bleeding was because of the Mirena. My doc said that the bleeding lasted a month but becasue I was dizzy and my mouth was such a mess I just got it taken out. I am bummed becasue I thought it would be perfect but I did not like the side effects. Hope this helps and good luck!!!!!

A.,
Unfortunately I have no advice to give, but would love to hear what others tell you. I have had a Paraguard IUD for the last 3 years and hate it. I spot for a week, then have a horribly heavy and crampy period for a week. I just went to my doctor yesterday and he suggested the Mirena. Please keep me posted.

S.
____@____.com

I'm on round 2 of Mirena use. The first time I had the Mirena put in 2 1/2 years before deciding it was time to get pregnant. When I had it removed, I got pregnant within a month. The second time was about 2 mos after my baby was born (now 17 mos).

The first couple of months are rocky: bleeding almost non-stop, finally tapering off by month 3. The first time implantation was difficult and painful b/c I had some cervical scar tissue. The second implantation was a snap.

In both cases, for the first few months I felt like my body was unpredictable and without the familiarity of my monthly cycle, I was constantly a little anxious. It felt a little like when my periods first started--always wondering, "Am I going to be bleeding now?"

But it is really worth it. Over the years (my husband and I have been together for 17 yrs), we tried pretty much every BC (condoms, diaphragm, many BC pill types, Spermacide foam, Spermacide Gel) and this has the fewest downsides. Most methods were effective, but messy. We had 1 accidental pregnancy (diaphragm/miscarriage).

The Mirena IUD is great in comparison: no remembering, extra low hormones, reduced periods (spotting lasting maybe 3 days), no cramps, no water retention, and no sticky, messy, stinging, stopping to put it in, on, or reduced sensation (although the string can be felt by him if not trimmed enough). But there is a little weight gain maybe 5 lbs, if you aren't really vigilant. And the first few months are weird. You might have irregular periods leading to a little "am I pregnant?" anxiety during the first year. I take a pregnancy test when I worry.

Stay with it at least until 3-4 mos. It may be the best BC you'll ever try.

At 43 I've tried it all. The pill never worked for me because I just couldn't remember to take at exactly the same time every day...such a pain so I tried the Mirena. I too was told 3-4 months but mine was more like 6 months. Now I'm so happy because I only have light bleeding every 28-30 days. Not all bodies are the same so I say give it a couple more months and see if it tapers off. You will be glad you did because it is sooo worth it. In the meantime you should talk to your doc too to see what they advise you. Good luck!

I've had my Mirena in for 18 months now, and I wouldn't want to try anything else. I've had a long history of painful, heavy periods, ruptured ovarian cysts (and nearly died from that), polycystic ovaries, endemetriosis...etc. The list goes on.

Since I have had Mirena in, I've had no problems, apart from some light spotting on and off. Like the other responses, I never know when it's going to start or finish, but compared to what I had in the past, I can live with it. The only other minor problem is that I can't check the strings are in place myself - cue lots of strange bending and stretching....but I can get them checked by the doctor if I feel worried. I would say stick with it for a while. These things take time, and are not for everyone. I am so happy with it! Good luck.

I haven't tried Mirena (though my OBGYN has suggested it; after reading your post I probably won't try it), but I went on the pill to try to regulate my peri-menopausal periods.

It was fine for a few months but then I started bleeding even MORE than usual, and was practically hemorrhaging one day. My body definitely didn't like it so I went off it a few months ago, and my periods became much more normal.

And I agree with Jennifer about the vasectomy. I know guys are wimps but it's really a pretty simple procedure and makes life a lot easier. My husband did it. He didn't like it, but he did it.

I don't have Mirena, but I do have the Paragaurd IUD and I experienced spotting and heavy periods for almost a year before my cycle became regular again. It was really hard not to have it removed because it was so frustrating, but looking back it was well worth it. I love the IUD now, I never have to think about it! Hopefully you'll became regular sooner then I did, but stick with, it will get better!

I have! Yes, I worry that I got mine too early as well because I didn't wait until I had a full cycle so I (still) have no idea when it is which can be frustrating as it's tough to know whether mood swings, ups/downs, etc. are due to my cycle or other factors. I also bled a LOT after I got it and I still spot seemingly randomly, almost 10 months later (though luckily it's never heavy enough to need a panty liner). I'll spot for two days, think it's a "period," stop, then spot 5 days or so later, stop, then nothing for 2 weeks, a month....it's hard to track. I also wonder if my mood swings are due to the release of hormones in the Mirena as I was VERY stable throughout my entire pregnancy, but now sometimes have unpredictable emotional highs and lows. I've kept mine in because, unfortunately, Blue Shield didn't cover IUDs and it cost almost $1000; in essence, I want my money's worth!! However, a friend recommended writing all of this to Bayer, the company that created Mirena, in hopes to bring these issues to their attention and, perhaps, get compensated. I've since discouraged others from getting it; so sorry to hear this is happening to you, too, but you're not alone!

I have the Mirena IUD. I continuously bled for about 3 months after I got it. I even went back to the OB/GYN concerned something was wrong. The bleeding finally stopped and how I barely bleed at all during my menstrual cycle. It will get better!

I would call your doctor and get the placement of the IUD checked, just to be on the safe side. I spotted for the first month or two and then have been having very light periods every month or two since then. I have really be happy with my decision to get it.

Good luck,

Jen

A.,
I don't think that is normal, but I would speak to your OBGYN. I got the Mirena IUD last August 07. I had a heavy period for the first month, and after that, I have spotting every three months or so, for a day. I love it for "ME", it's not for everyone though. I have had NO problems with it. Hope this helps.
K.

I had Mirena also for about a year and hated it, I spotted for like what seemed like 6 months, and then my cycles were never really regular. Also watch your moods, the Dr's say that there isnt enough hormones to effect you mood, but everyone I know that had it myself included were always in emotional breakdowns our husbands and kids were just miserable. My friend and I both had ours removed about 2 weeks apart and its like someone pulled us from the "fog". It was really weird and I have heard these same things from other women as well. I think for me Mirena is a good idea gone bad, but I know everyone is differnt. Good Luck!!!

I have had the Mirena IUD for 4 years now and I love it. During the first 4-6 months I was bleeding off and on with no rhyme or reason, then after about six months I had a period maybe once every couple of months and just spotted a little bit, for the last a least 2 years I have not had a period at all. Also the low dose of pogesterone does not give me the weight gain, mood swings, or other bad effects of the pill. The first few months on it were a pain because of the spotting at any given time, but now that I have no periods it was definilty worth it,and I don't have to worry about taking the pill every day.
If you are spotting really heavy you may want to ask your doctors advice.

A.,

In reading your post, I must add that since the incersion of my Mirena in June, I have experienced similar symptoms; I just thought it was me. I did not bleed much in the begininning, but after the first month or so, I noticed period-like spotting. I found this odd considering I am breast feeding. I experience light bleeding on days when I exert myself a great deal but it's not a period. I will speak with my doctor about this becasue hearing your symptoms, my concerns are growing. I know this was not the advice you requested, but your post prompted me to respond. I would recommend you speak with your OB/GYN, that's where i am going.
- T.

I spotted for 8 months and finally got it removed. I now take the pill and have a period every 3 months. It is a new pill that Kaiser has. It is sooo much better.

Good luck!

A., my experience is similar to yours. I got the Mirena last April, and now, I spot about every month or so. I don't track it carefully, cuz it's really not a big deal, and I wear a panti-liner anyway. If this is your only problem with it, I suggest you give it more time. I no longer hate my family once a mont, don't feel like hiding in my bedroom for a week every month and can enjoy intercourse again without a condom!

I just wanted to tell you my experience with the Mirena IUD. I had it inserted when my son was 10 weeks old (more than enough time by doctor's standards). After feeling some cramps that were extremely painful, I asked my doctor to check it out to see if it was insereted properly. Not only had it moved, but it was all the way up in my pelvis. After two painful attempts to remove it vaginally, it had to be removed surgically. For most people, I've heard nothing but praise for the Mirena. However, had I not gone to the doctor when I did, I could have ended up pregnant far too soon, or worse, I could have ended up with a life-threatening infection. I hope your situation is not like mine, but I would recommend you have your doctor check to make sure that it is in place. Best of luck to you!

Hello!
I'm a monther of 3 (13,11,& 3). I had my Mirena "installed" in July. I had the other IUD years back, but it made me bleed and cramp way too much, so I wanted to try something different. My husband can't even snip his dogs let alone himself. I know I'd forget to take the pill faithfully every night, and I have heard too many horror stories about the new stuff (the patch, depo, norplant). I was sold on the Mirena when I was told by my doctor that it would lessen my period and cramps (I'm a very heavy bleeder and cramper,I usually have to double up (Super Tampon and pad)on my periods). My August period was not as heavy (just a Super Tampon) and I had no cramps. But the weirdest thing happened towards the end of my period... the Mirena came out! It was heavily wrapped in a big clot like membrane. It didn't hurt on the way out or anything! I was walking out of the bathroom and as I was walking, I felt something there, went to the bathroom again, wiped, and there it was!
I had another one put in in September and I spotted a lot in September, almost for 2 weeks! I got a week break before I got my period in October. I'm coming off of it now, and so far things are ok. My period was not heavy and no cramps. We'll see how things go in the months to follow!

Ugh! Why would'nt he get a vasectomy? It's so easy on their body compared to what we would have to go through and how much it would cost. I wish more men would just build a bridge and get over this whole ego thing. Personally, I thought of doing an IUD, but didn't want anything that put hormones in to my body for the cancerous reason. The body's hormonal system is so delicate and we mess with it every day with the foods we eat... I'd talk to him again about the vasectomy. As I told my hubby... vasectomy or condoms for the rest of our lives together! He is choosing to get snipped! LOL

I did have spotting for about 6-10 weeks after I got my Mirena placed but it has been several months and I only have light spotting about once a month! I have been tracking the spotting (it is hardly enough to even wear a tampon for) and it seems to happen every 28-30 days. You might want to ask your provider if it is normal for the bleeding to occur after a day on your feet. Stick with it for a little bit longer, hopefully it will get better. The only issue I have with my Mirena is my husband can feel it sometimes when we have intercourse. Other than that I LOVE IT!!

Hi A.,
This sounds like a pain. I don't have an IUD and am considering having a second child, so my situation is different from your. I wanted to suggest another alternative to hormonal birth control that we're using right now. It's called Vaginal Contraceptive Film and it's a spermicidal film you insert before sex. It's a minor hassle, like any barrier/spermicidal method, but it beats hormones!
When you visit your Dr. you might also ask about having your iron levels checked to make sure you're not anemic.
Take care,
A.

Hi A. -

I had the Mirena inserted back in May. I spotted almost everyday for the first 4 months. It was only last month that the spotting started going away. I am actually going to talk to my doctor next week about removing the Mirena and getting the copper IUD (she actually recommended the copper one instead of mirena). The hormones are making me crazy, and I constantly have headaches. From what I understand and read on the internet, it really depends on how your body reacts to the IUD. If you want to know how it goes let me know and I can tell ya! ____@____.com

A.

I lasted less than a month with my Mirena. I did not have spotting, but the cramping, and I was always aware of it/could feel pressure from it. Would have tried to stick with it to see if my body adjusted, but it really hurt both of us during sex too-so it was snippy-time for hubby.

I had mine for almost 4 months now and been spotting/bleeding pretty much every day. I have to wear a pantie liner/ ultra light tampons. 3 weeks ago I had a cyst pop and it was painful. I feel like I have a period all the time. I try to optimistic about it. My hubby and I barely have sex because I'm ALWAYS seem to be bleeding. I wanted it because I thought it would help w/ my bleeding problems and I have endometriosis which I had a surgery done before I had my kids, and cysts one was a size of a grape fruit which I found out after going to the ER. So after my 4th baby was born my periods started to get out of hand so I went in had U/S, biopsy and other tests done and found nothing. The only thing it is doing is making them less heavy, but with everything else that has been going since the Mirena was put in like weird rapid heart beat/ rate were I can't hardly breath, insomnia sometimes and of course this nonstop bleeding is really starting to take a toll on me and normally I just put up w/ I would really want to give it the benefit of the doubt but I don't know how much longer I can put up with bleeding. Its starting to be a real downer! I don't know what to do anymore and I know if I call they would say its normal or something or do tests which would be more $$ which I don't don't want to do because I spent enough over the summer trying to see if there was anything wrong w/ me. I feel too that I made a mistake, but it does work for some really well and it sucks for people who it doesn't work for and just keep wondering if it will get any better or is it going to get worse as the time goes.