Advice on Birth Control

Updated on August 15, 2008
J.W. asks from Grapevine, TX
39 answers

I'm thinking about getting a new birth control called Mirena. I have read about it and it seems to be what I'm looking for in a birth control. I'm just a little nervous and I dont know anyone that has it. So if their is anyone out there that knows about Mirena I would love to hear your opinion. Thank you!

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So What Happened?

I want to thank you for all your responses! I do appreciate your opinion. Well all said and done I went with the Nova Ring. I'm at my first month using it and I have had no problem so far. I cant even fill it and it doesn't interfere with sex :) I can have it out for two hours (like sex ever last that long) just in case I guess. I don't have to think about taking a pill on time and thats what I really love! I can even skip a period if I like, who wants a period especially if you have plans at the beach. So there you go I chose the Ring :) Thanks again to all that responded! J.

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M.D.

answers from Dallas on

Just a thought- IUD's do not prevent fertilization only implantation. To prevent the beginning of a life you might consider the NUVA ring. I got mine free by getting samples every two months from my doctor.

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K.C.

answers from Dallas on

I don't know how common this is but several friends of my daughters had the mirena put in and after a while, the uterus grew up over it and it had to be removed. Also, I have heard of weight gain on it after several years.

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B.C.

answers from Wichita Falls on

Have had Mirena for almost two years - LOVE IT! Well, when I think about it, I love it, but I pretty much never think about it. So nice! I know it doesn't work for everyone, but I have had no side effects, no discomfort, no weight gain, no problems. Morally, I want the best possible option too, and I have read that Mirena is more about preventing the fertilization, per the most recent poster before me, so I'm comfortable with that. Good luck & God bless!

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D.S.

answers from Dallas on

I got my Mirena almost 2 years ago. The pain when they insert it is much like a pap smear, but I had an additional reaction. Apparently there is a gland, when mine is pinched, I pass out. This happened both when I was measured for it and when it was inserted.

For the first month or two I would bleed everytime I had intercourse. That went away, and for the most part I don't really have periods anymore. I will spot occasionally, but it isn't on any type of cycle. It might be just for today, and then in two weeks I will spot for 3 days. It is completely sporadic.

My partner did have a problem with it though. He actually got a little cut on a weekend when we were out of town on a "romantic trip." I went back to the doctor, and he checked to make sure it was in place and that everything was ok. The doc just said to be a little less rambunctious. That was over a year ago, and we haven't had the problem again.

I have also gained weight, and it did not even occur to me until now that it could be from the Mirena. When I was on the pill I never gained weight.

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S.S.

answers from Wichita Falls on

I had Mirena for almost a year. It was very effective at preventing pregnancy because I cramped the entire time and sex - both times it happened - was so painful that I cried and my husband felt guilty, so we just didn't touch any more.

I was depressed, hurt more than I had in my life (and I went through labor drug free) - I wouldn't wish that beast on my worst enemy.

S.

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T.S.

answers from Dallas on

i had mirena for 5 months, put it in on my 6 weeks check up. Had mood swings, depression, tired all the time, turned into a b... and i didn't even realize that mirena did it to me untill i got rid of it. I felt like i've got myself back. But the reason to remove it was developing a huge cyst. After that i read all side effects listed on their official site and was surprised to find myself having a lot of them.
well, like my doctor said, 4 of 5 women are happy with it. you never know until you try it. And i have to say that i liked it too, until i found out what it does to my body...
hope my story will help

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W.M.

answers from Dallas on

I loved the Mirena IUD. I tried the 10 year copper one first and it made me break through bleed for months, so I had them take it out and but in the Mirena. I bled a bit initially, but then I didn't have a period for months. Also, I had two c-sections and mine didn't adhere to scar tissue that the one response was worried about. I didn't gain weight and haven't had pain with it. Everyone's bodies are different and will respond to a foreign object in it differently, as well. I recentally had it taken out to have my third child and was pregnant within a couple of months. I like how it gave off progesterone just in the utereus and not your entire system, like the pill. I loved this form of birth control and highly recommend it! Good luck!

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J.W.

answers from Dallas on

LOVE IT! i couldn't do the pills because of the side effects - i have noticed any bad side effects with mirena

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A.M.

answers from Dallas on

I have one and it is the best IUD I have ever had. My periods are very minimal, I don't cramp and, most importantly, I haven't gotten pregnant!

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M.M.

answers from Dallas on

The Mirena is awesome! I am on my second one - going on 6 years. The first 6-9 months I spotted but it finally stopped and I do not have periods. All of the symptoms that go along with my period have dramatically reduced if not gone as well. I am the third longest user of the Mirena in my Dr.'s office. She drills me for information to compare & contrast to her other patients. I have not worried or even thought about getting pregnant since I was 35 (now 40) - that is the best gift I could have ever given myself!

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S.M.

answers from Dallas on

I originally wanted to try and IUD (hate being on the pill because of weight plateau and moodiness). My ob/gyn said I am not a candidate for any type of IUD because of having 3 c-sections, that if you have any type of uterine scarring it's not recommended because it can grow into the scarring. I got on the Nuvaring instead..mood were normal, periods normal and pain free jsut like when I was on the pill and you can take it out up to 3 hours for srx *if* your partner can feel it and you only deal with it once a month.
A friend of mine on my mommy group had her IUD put in a month ago (had her 2nd baby in May) and she just found out she has to have surgery to get it removed because it did what my dr warned might happen to me. Another friend of mine has had it a few months and NO periods at all, no complaints.
Overall it seems like a good option for most people just be sure about the scarring issue if that is something you could have.
Congrats on your new addition : )

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E.L.

answers from Dallas on

Hi J.,
I don't know where you are located but I saw in your bio that you're looking for advice on how to prepare quick, healthy, and easy meals. I teach a class at the Farmers Branch Rec Center called "Healthy Cooking from Scratch." I have three children under the age of 5 so most of the meals are quick and easy too! The classes are held the first 3 Tuesdays of the month from 6:30-8 pm and I think the cost is about $15 per class and generally includes dinner. We'd love to have you join us!

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R.L.

answers from Dallas on

Hi J.

I have the Mirena, it is totally worth it. I just had triplets and we were going to have my tubes tied. But with an emergency c-section, I didn't get to sign consent. So, Mirena it is. My sister, good friend and I all have it. My sister and friend have had there for 5 years and never complained a bit. I have only had mine for 3/4 months. I won't lie...it doesn't feel good when they put it in. Once you get past the first three months it is a life saver...you don't have to remember to take a pill and you can't feel anything. Good Luck, I would recommend it to anyone.

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A.J.

answers from Dallas on

Hi J.,
I had mirena put in after my second child. While everyone's experiences will be different, mine wasn't good at all. Although, based on some things I read online from other people, it wasn't as bad as it could have been. I had my daughter in October and was about 8 lbs from my prepregnancy weight in December, when I had mirena put in. After I had it put in, I not only stopped losing weight, I started gaining weight. I was moody and tired all the time as well. It took me a while to connect this to the Mirena, but when I did I had it taken out immediately. It has been less than 2 months since I had it out and I've lost 11 lbs already. Not to mention, I feel much better emotionally and physically. I used to not be able to drag myself out of bed in the morning...now I get up at 5:30 am to go for a jog!
If you have ever used the pill before, you will want to consider that your experience will be close to that. I never did well on the pill...thought I might do better on this because it was a lower dose and was localized, but that wasn't the case.
A.

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C.B.

answers from Dallas on

I got my IUD 2 1/2 years ago. It was a great birth control choice. LIght or no period. I did seem to have really uncomfortable ovulations though. I would get a lot of pain in the lower stomach. This didn't happen every month I had it but it seem to get worse over time. I just had it removed because the pain was getting pretty bad. We also wanted to start trying for another little one soon. My doctor believed that my IUD was probably pushing again some of my muscles when they would contract during ovulation. That being said it was great, easy birth control and of my other friends with an IUD I was the only one with this type of pain. So I would recommend it and if you have any problems you can always get it removed easily. Hope that is helpful. Good luck!

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L.L.

answers from Dallas on

I have one and so far I like it. I have had it since January and had some cramping for a few days after it was inserted. I still have not had a "regular" period, but from what my Dr told me it can take several months for your body adjust. I have had some off an on "spotting" for some of the months, and then a couple of very light longer periods (a couple of weeks) for some of the months. The flow is MUCH lighter than I ever had before I was on the pill or on the pill. I will say though that if I have another month of the longer periods I am going to go in to check things out. They are getting in the way of my love life!

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A.G.

answers from Dallas on

I love Mirena!!!! I have had it about 2 years now. I started when I was breastfeeding and still haven't had a period since I got pregnant (my son is now 2 years old). Can't feel it, fast to have put in, NO side effects at all for me. No daily/monthly birth control to rememeber on time and no feminine supplies to buy. Saves me $$ too.

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V.F.

answers from Wichita Falls on

I have Mirena, and I love it. Honestly, it hurts a bit when it is inserted; however the pain is quick and worth it. I haven't had a period since I inserted it. I would tell anybody that has had kids already to get it.

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A.B.

answers from Dallas on

I have had Mirena for a year now and love it. I have no periods, no side effects and don't have to think about birth control! I was nervous having it inserted, but it really was no big deal. I had some cramping just after insertion, for about a week and it's been blissful ever since. If you can't tell, I definitely recommend it!

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B.B.

answers from Dallas on

I've had a year and I love it! Light spotting the first 6 weeks, then no period. I don't have to remember to take a pill every day or go get a shot. It's more accurate b/c there is no "common use" like the pill (although nothing is 100%). It's good for up to 5 years. I would recommend it to anyone!

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M.H.

answers from Dallas on

mine perforated my uterus and was floating around in my abdomen. I had to have emergency surgery to have it taken out so it wouldn't puncture my stomach! UGH! The problem was that i have an inverted uterus, so it just went strait through....

My sister and my 2 bestfriends have them, and they have not had any problems at all and love them.....

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H.D.

answers from Dallas on

I have had the Mirena for 2 years and have no problems with it. I enjoy not having to worry about pills, shots, condoms, etc. I am about to have it removed so I can try for my second child but I will definitely get it again after my 2nd. I don't have periods with it. Every few months I will spot for a day but I don't have a typical period. The only down side is that it hurt to get it put in. It was only a few minutes and I would do it again.

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A.S.

answers from Lubbock on

I have the mirena and I love it1I last for 5 years but you can have it taken out at any time and get pregnant.You have a little cramping when it is first inserted but it doesnt last lond and it isnt any worse than period cramping

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W.H.

answers from Dallas on

I've had two IUDs. I love them. They don't interfere with nursing, you can't forget and you don't even know you have one. You also won't have a cycle or it will be very light/short if you do. I have also had no problems getting pregnant again after having it taken out. It has been the best for me. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about them.

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A.M.

answers from Wichita Falls on

Our babies share birthdays!!! I had the Mirena put in at my 6 week check up. It is nice to not worry about taking a pill (which I would probably miss more than take). However, I do spot a lot. Nearly every day since I had it inserted I have had some bleeding. I think that has been the only down fall. Before getting pregnant, I used the Nuva Ring. I really, really liked it, but it is pretty expensive (about $50 per month)and so, that is why I chose the Mirena. Good luck and congratulations on your new baby.

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L.R.

answers from Dallas on

I've read up on mirena a bit and even the website says the aren't sure how it works. That it could be it stops ovulation and or/ it does not allow a fertilized egg to implant. So these are some things to take into consideration when deciding about this type of birth control.

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T.W.

answers from McAllen on

I haven't tried the Mirena but the thought of sticking something into my uterus freaks me out. Someone said on one of the posts that the website for it said they don't even know how it works, I was told that IUD's irritate the uterus, making it unable to keep a baby. I wouldn't want to take any chances of that think moving and sticking in my bladder or anything else, but that's just me. I'm on Micronor which has no estrogen, I don't have any side effects except I have a period once every three months or so. I tried the ring and it made my periods clotty but the Dr. said it was fine, so I'd recommend the ring too. Anyway, that's my opinion for what it's worth. Good luck!

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A.A.

answers from Dallas on

I had a Mirena IUD after the birth of my 3rd angel. It was great for the first 6 months or so...no periods, no side effects. But then I began to have very heavy periods out of nowhere. It turns out my IUD went mia and logdged itself into my uterine wall. So, I had to have it surgically removed. I realize that I am the minority in this scenario, but it is certainly something to consider. You need to know all the pros and cons to make an informed decision. Best of luck to you.

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A.L.

answers from Dallas on

I have had the mirena IUD for over a year now. It's great, much easier than the pill because you never need to worry about it. I experienced mild cramping for about 2 days after it was implanted but since then I have no issues. I would highly recommend it.

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K.S.

answers from Dallas on

Be careful if you are nursing. I do not think you can take this. You didn't mention that you are nursing or not so that is all the advice I have. If you are, and they put you on Jovillette, take it daily or don't have sex for 7 days. The pharmace niglected to tell me this bit of info, and thus we are having baby # 3.

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K.S.

answers from Dallas on

I am hearing that a lot of women love the Mirena IUD and most insurance plans are covering it. On the negative side, several women that experience a continous bleeding and some cramping for up to 6 months.

Recommended for women that have already had children but, some physicians will insert on null gravida using cytotec the evening before.

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S.K.

answers from Dallas on

I LOVE Mirena! I'm on my 3rd one. I've had NO issues at all. The only physical change that I've noticed is that my periods have all but disappeared. That's a bit annoying when you're at the doctor and have to tell him/her when your last period was, but, otherwise, not having a period is AWESOME! In my opinion, this is THE best birth control available. Good Luck!

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A.D.

answers from Dallas on

Hi J., I don't have Mirena because I have fibroids and can't use it but I was on a study panel for Mirena and everyone that was on the panel with me was ready to consider it as an option that they'd not been aware of before. You can go to their website to get a lot of answers, just do a search on Google or Yahoo for Mirena. The cost is pretty average to birth control pills but it's right up front rather than being spread out over 2-3 years.

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S.D.

answers from Dallas on

I am on my second round with Mirena and I love it. No periods, no pms, no weight gain, no problems. It is highly effective and a lot of insurance companies are starting to cover it. Even without the insurance it is economical compared to the pill and it lasts for 5 years. Just got my new one last month and it was pretty painless and took about 10 minutes. I highly recommend this method.

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D.C.

answers from Dallas on

I have had the Mirena IUD for 16 months now and it has been a life saver. I didn't need it for birth control as my husband has had his procedure. However, my cycles were only about 18 days apart and extremely heavy. Over the course of a year, I had become severely anemic. We tried traditional birth control pills. However, I'm almost 40 and also get terrible headaches during the inactive pill. Therefore, I was left with the choice of ablation or the Mirena with its low dose of progesterone. I opted for the Mirena as there was a big chance that ablation wouldn't work for me. I couldn't be happier.

Insertion was uncomfortable. My doctor advised me to take Motrin before going in for insertion. I did and it was still a bit "pinchy". I have a retroverted uterus so insertion was more difficult and a bit more painful. My doctor advised me that I would cramp afterwards and spot for a few days. The nurse pulled me aside and warned me that spotting would last for several weeks. I did cramp for about 18 hours (not bad) and I spotted regularly for 3 1/2 months and then periodically for an additional 2 1/2 months. However, by the 6 month point, the spotting stopped. My periods are now so light that I can get by for my whole period by only wearing a panty liner and some months I skip one altogether. It was a wonderful option for me. Every once in awhile, I'll feel a little pinch where the IUD sits, however, my doctor did an ultrasound to ensure that all was where it should be and it was.

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C.A.

answers from Dallas on

Hi J.,

I'm on my second Mirena and I really really like it. My first one I had about 5 months then decided I wanted one more baby. I had twins then decided I wanted another Mirena. Like another poster, I don't need it for birth control, my husbands had a vasectomy. But, for periods and PMDD I really wanted one. The only thing that was different this second time was I got this one before I had my first period and it hurt a lot more. My doctor had to manually dialate me to insert it and that was a bit painful. It also led to bleeding and spotting for 2 months - which was not enjoyable at all. I've since read a little more about it and I should have waited until I had my first period, that would have helped with the bleeding. Anyway, just a little PSA I wish I'd heard before.

Good luck!
C.

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J.S.

answers from Dallas on

I have had a Mirena for almost 1 year. I like it because I don't have to remember to take a pill or do anything else to prevent pregnancy. (This is good because my brain has gone to mush as a SAHM to two kids!)

I think I've had two or three light periods, with cramping. Usually, I just have spotting or a light, one-day period.

Overall, it's been great for me.

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A.K.

answers from Dallas on

I have read the replies and I would caution you that you think seriously before using Mirena. Google Mirena - and the class action law suit that goes right with it. There are some SERIOUS side effects and while not everyone suffers from them, I do think that you need to make an educated decision for yourself. Are the risks worth the rewards?
http://www.mirena-side-effects.sampasite.com/

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A.

answers from Dallas on

Hi J.,
Just wanted to tell you about my experience ... overall, very good. I've had my Mirena for 2 years. It's uncomfortable when they insert it, but it's over quickly. I had cramping for a couple of hours (not bad), and was fine after that. My only complaint is that studies have shown that women who have the Mirena are more likely to develop intermittent ovarian cysts (they come and go) than women without Mirena. I myself have experienced this, but they did go away on their own. Overall, it's been very worthwhile for me. I don't have to worry about pills or patches or rings, and I think that's pretty terrific! Good luck!

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