Anyone with Any Advice?

I bled for about 2 months, my doc said that was definitely normal. Now I usually get a lighter period about the time I used to, so my cycle is still there. But sometimes I miss. It freaked me out at first, I even took a pregnancy test (negative). As long as you don't expel it or it doesn't perforate your uterus (both rare, but possible, and usually accompanied by pretty major cramps) the chances of pregnancy are very very slim. To make sure you didn't lose it, you should be able to check and make sure your strings are still there. And yes, like the other poster said, ectopic pregnancy is possible with IUD's, but also rare. All this stuff should have been in the brochure/literature they were supposed to give you when you got it. You can go to their website to read it all. And just watch for signs of pregnancy aside from your missed periods, and if you notice more than one for any length of time, call your OB/Gyn.

I have the Mirena IUD implant as well. The irregular spotting drives me crazy. It has finally started to become a bit more regular, 8 mos. later. I am enjoying the very light periods, lasting only a day or two and no menstrual cramping, pms,etc. I had not thought about the pregnancy issue, but if you are truly concerned a blood test might be the only proof-positive way. Good luck!

Hi C.,
I had the Mirena IUD for two years before having it removed last October to try for #2. Initially, I bled for 3 months, sometimes heavily. All the documentation I read and the doctor also said that this is typical. Eventually it tapered off to where I had a very light period some months and no period at all other months. Although the inconsistency is unnerving, it is VERY unlikely that you would get pregnant with this device in place. But you could use a home pregnancy test like if you didn't have an IUD and the results would show up the same. The other ladies may have tested too early for it to show up on any kind of test. Timing is everything. I hope this helps.

I had my IUD inplanted Jan 2007. I remember the beginning was difficult with bleeding also. I had another huge period when I stopped nursing which was several months later. I think some people take longer to adjust and it may depend on whether you are a heavy bleeder or not to begin with.
I don't know about the pregnancy concern. I would definitely check with your doctor.

YES! I have had that IUD for 9 months and I"m having it removed later this week and having my tubes clamped! In the past 9 months I've had my period more often than not. The longest stretch WITHOUT my period was 16 days, the longest stretch ON my period was 35 days IN A ROW!!!! I've also experienced sharp pains on occasion during sex. I was told it could take up to 6 months for my period to regulate, but bleeding for 35 days is NOT worth it, even though part of the time it was light or just spotting. If the IUD is properly in place it is unlikely (but not impossible) for you to be pregnant, and I would think that a false negative is extremely rare. I have 2 beautiful kids, I'm 43 and I am NOT planning any more babies, so I chose the tubal clamp at the advice of my Doctor (he couldn't believe I put up with the never-ending-period as long as I did) I know some people that have had NO problems with this IUD, and others like me that had to have it removed because of the non-stop period. Depending on how long you've had the IUD, you may want to give it a little more time, or make an appt. and discuss all the other options with your OB/GYN. Good Luck!

I now have my second Mirena IUD. My first experience was great- bled for about 5 weeks on and off, but after it stopped, I only had a period every 3-4 months (very light and only a day or two). I was constantly worried about pregnancy with the first one, but have since relaxed. As far as knowing if you are pregnant, I had an ultrasound once to make sure I wasn't because I heard the same stories about negative tests and I wanted to be sure. With the 2nd Mirena, I'm 5 years older and I've had some different experiences- long, painful periods and cramping between periods.

I too have the mirena IUD. I have had mine for about a month and a half. It's def working as far as preventing me from getting pregnant. When I was due to come on my cycle a couple of days before I had intercourse and started spotting. But I stopped and then when my cycle was due I bled and bled for like 2 weeks straight like you said on and off. And it was never much didn't really notice until I went to pee. But my doctor said that it will be irregular for the first 3 or 4 months and then they should get shorter and might even stop. Good luck

I have the IUD.....the bleeding will ease up..I promise...As for the pregnancy part...i would call ur dr and talk to them.It is nice to finally hear from someone that has had this IUD implanted...let me know what u find out.

I briefly read through the other responses you've recieved thus far and my experience seems to be different than most. I have had the mirena iud since June of last year, approximately 10 weeks after giving birth to my first baby. So here we are 9 months later and I still have periods, cramps, and pms. Yes, my periods have gotten lighter but they are very erratic. Granted I've never had extremely regular periods unless I was on the pill so I suppose that may play a role in how my periods are now. Most months since the iud I seem to be on my period about as much as I am off. I keep telling myself I'm going to give it a little longer and see if anything changes because I really really like the idea of 5 years of birth control without worrying about pills or shots etc.. So basically, if I were you I would would wait it out for a while longer because more than likely things will even out for you however, don't be surprised if they dont. As far as the pregnancy question, I've never had any scares so I think your chances of getting pregnant are pretty minimal but if that is something that you will always be worried about maybe the pill would be a better option for you. I hope this helps!

I had the same bleeding issues, even so badly that every time i would have sex with my husband i would start bleeding again. My doctor put me on a birth control pill for a few weeks and things evened out. for the first time in months my period was only 2 days long!!! Talk to you doctor, see what he/she says.

I had the Mirena IUD implanted in August 2008 after we had our daughter. I recall having period like bleeding for 1-2 months straight before it started to taper off. I still do have spotting every once in a while and I also have ovarian pressure (similar to cramps), but don't bleed monthly like a normal menstral cycle. I'm not real sure about testing for pregnancy. If you are unsure if it is working though I would contact my doctor and have a pregnancy test run to be sure.

I had a Mirena and had an on-again/off-again period for at least six months. I believe that's normal (although completely unpleasant). I'm not sure about pregnancy but did wonder that myself while I had it implanted.
Good luck!
M.
www.nomommybrain.com

I've had a similar experience, but I'm a bit further along. Mine was put in during Oct 08 and I was still nursing. I had minor breakthrough bleeding (sounds like what you are experiencing) and I had already read in teh Mirena brochure that is normal. That lasted about 2 months and then calmed down and I had very little. BUT about a month ago, I started bleeding much more heavily, like the first day of a regular period, and it lasted a week. I thought, "Oh, I guess I now just had a regular period instead of all that little bleeding." OK. And THEN 10 days later, it started AGAIN - heavy just like the last time. It has now bee over 1.5 weeks and it is still going strong. I actually just talked to my OB about it last night, as I see her socially outside of the office. She said that this is the most common reason she takes the Mirenas out. (Not what i wanted to hear.) It is very common. Makes me feel better that nothing is wrong, but I really loved the idea of 5 year birth control and of keeping the hormones in my uterus rather than in my bloodstream, so I am really hoping that it pans out and calms down. she said that for most women, it does calm down after awhile and the bleeding becomes a lot less and a bit more regular, but for some women it doesn't - it just keeps on and on and they end up taking it out. I haven't had "relations" with my hubby in almost a month. Not good!

As far as pregnancy, I wouldn't worry. She also happened to mention that she just had for the very first time one of her patients (who had the Mirena put in) become pregnant. She has been practicing for over 10 years and has TONS of patients and this is the first time. It looks like this woman actually lost hers at some point. They have done both an ultrasound and an MRI (to protect the baby, they need to figure out where that bugger is!) and they cannot find the Mirena anywhere in her body. Their theory is that it expelled at some point and somehow the mother did not notice.

So, no worries. She told me just to check that the string is there after you have a heavy period and you should be fine. Hopefully we will both stop bleeding soon!! :) No worries.

By the way, I saw another person's response about using the natural method. I'm glad it works for her (and I appreciate what she says about chemicals, I agree with her on many levels), but I have to tell you that my OB friend also said "Yes, lots of my patients used that method!" In other words, they became her patients because they got pregnant. :) I wouldn't mind a little "surprise," but it sounds like you are pretty anxious about not getting pregnant. To that end, the Mirena has a higher percentage of keeping us NOT pregnant than any other form of birth control. And it works really well for most women. Good luck!

I had the same problem. I bled almost constantly for the first month or so, had some pain, and worried I was pregnant. Sex became uncomfortable for myself and my husband and I finally had to go to the doctor and have it removed. They told me the it was very unlikely that I would be pregnant (which I wasn't) and told me that I have a retroverted uterus (I had no idea) and that was probably causing the problems. Apparently it has to be implanted backwards and it wasn't. I'd call your doc and have them check everything out.

I have one too and only experienced the bleeding for a month or so. My sister, however, had the same problem and her doctor said it's normal to bleed for up to 6 months! Have you been to the Mirena website? I thought it was very helpful and they may be able to personally answer that question for you.

I got the Mirena in Oct. 2004. I remember I bled for the first 3 months. Not heavy, just annoying. I was concerned and talked to the doctor, but she said it was normal. Since then I rarely get a period and when I do, it is light and only lasts a couple of days.

Hi C.,

I have a Mirena IUD and I had a similar experience with the constant light bleeding/spottng for a few months after it was first put in. It was irregular and rather annoying. But eventually all of that stopped (maybe after 4 months or so, I can't remember exactly when) and now I might go for a couple of months without any bleeding/spotting at all. And when I do, it lasts only a few days and is really light. So hang in there, and the constant bleeding will eventually stop. Of course, if it gets heavier and you have any pain, you should call your doctor.

I'm not sure about testing for pregnancy with it. You can read the info sheet for the product.

http://berlex.bayerhealthcare.com/html/products/pi/mirena...

Good luck!

Kraen

I would call my doctor -- constant bleeding does not sound right. I do not have nor would I get the Mirena or any other IUD, so this is not personal experience. Mirena has a hormone in addition to the regular effect of an IUD, which may be the cause of your bleeding. I don't like IUDs or hormonal birth control, and prefer Natural Family Planning because it can't mess with your system, the way drugs and devices can. Basically, you watch your cycle for signs of fertility and avoid sex (or use condoms, etc.) on the days when you're fertile. I find it very empowering to know my cycle so well, and to be able to avoid pregnancy without resorting to manmade drugs or devices. If you would like more information feel free to email me or you can look up more resources online.

Hi C.,

I don't know much about IUD's except this. I have a friend who recently had one in place and she ended up with an ectopic pregnancy. I hadn't asked her what type it was but another friend asked me to ask her if it was the Mirena IUD because she had someone have the same thing happen to her.

So just be careful with that type!

Wish I could be more helpful!
Best wishes!

T.

I have the Mirena IUD also. For the first two months I bled pretty much straight, then it started on and off. Eventually, it stopped. I had mine put in June 2008, and I haven't had a period since October 2008. Up until that point, my period was not regular though, so that is normal. I wouldn't be worried about being pregnant since the IUD is more effective than having your tubes tied. If, for some reason, it moved and was out of place, it would be painful and you would feel it. I had the same concerns in the beginning....

C., Call your OB/GYN. Not everyone has the same experience with Mirena but you seem to have issues that only your doctor will be able to address. So please call him/her today. Best wishes!!!