Mirena Birth Control - Orland Park,IL

I'm not thrilled with it. It works, but I still get random spotting each month, which to me is more annoying than just getting my period on a regular basis -- at least I could predict that. I've had it for 4 months. I'm giving it 6 mos total and if things haven't changed, I'll have it removed. Good luck!

I too had to go with Paraguard because of reactions to birth control hormones. I have never had any side effects, no spotting or cramping. I think it's a wonderful option! Too bad IUD's have such a bad rap.

It's more effective than the pill (99.9%) & once it's in it's good for 5 years. As with any form of birth control there are good & bad results. Most of the people I know love it, but a few people have had bad experiences. If you've been on the pill before & had no bad side effects then the Mirena is a good option. Find out if it's covered by your insurance & then talk to your Dr.

the Mirena is great for some but not for others. I had my inserted in begining of the year . I have not had my peroid in that time . i think its great but one thing i hate is the cramping i get every other week. it is hell. And another thing is my husband feels it when we have intercourse depending on the position. i only hate the cramps other then that it good. But everybody is diffrent. GOOD LUCK

I love it. I had my daughter in 2006 and got it right after. It is doing its job and I don't even realize it is there. I have light periods, on time, every month. The only problem I had is that when I first got it I spotted for about four months straight. It stopped when my body regulated. No problems since.

As a birth control it's great. With insertion you just felt a little bit of cramping, not much pain at all. I did spot for around six months (sometimes up to two weeks at a time), which was a HUGE pain in the butt, but now I barely get my period. THe only other things that may or may not be related is that I was quite moody for a long time and my sex drive is not what it used to be (I still enjoy it, but I could take it or leave it). The Dr. said that could just be dealing with the stresses of being a parent or because of Mirena, but there's no way really to tell without taking it out. Without Mirena I get horrible periods, cramping & PMS, so I didn't want to go that route. It's been three years, so I guess I'll find out in two.

Overall, I would go for it.

Good luck!

I have a ParaGard IUD in. Which is the same without hormones. It is fantastic. Had to put up with a bunch the first 6 weeks, but definitely worth it. The clinic I went to did a number of tests and exams before they would put it in. they have to make sure you don't have any STD's or vaginal issues. Have to have it put in when you have your period, so it just makes cramping a little more uncomfortable. There is a painful part to having it put it that I wish someone would have told me about. At one point they use a clamp on you vagina to make sure the iud stays in place. It's like a hard pinch on your most sensitive of area's. Almost put me through the roof. But it only lasts 30 seconds. I didn't spot long and in fact my period cramping is half as painful. I didn't take the anti-biotics like I should have and ended up with an infection. So, just remember to take it easy and take care of yourself. But other then that, it's terrific. Haven't thought about it since. And a Mirena has hormones so it might even be easier.

I have it, i just got about six weeks ago, so i would say that it takes awhile to get used to because i feel like i can feel it, and the spotting is annoying, there is spotting after i work out, and after sex, and and so some cramping but the doc. assures me it will go away. in a couple more weeks.

I had Mirena put in after researching pros and cons and talking to the nurses at my OB/GYN. I decided it would be the easiest BC for me. I had been on the mini-pill for several months(same hormones as Mirena)and had no problem. The insertion wasn't bad, just a little cramping. I cramped for about 4-5 hrs. afterward but it wasn't too bad. My side affects started about 2 hrs. after insertion. They included: headache, pain down my legs (on and off), and bleeding. The next few days I had: joint pain/aching, dizziness, fatigue, moodiness, weird discharge, bloating, nausea, nervousness, pain behind my eyes, bad pains during sex. Then the acne started. I have never had an acne problem in my life. My legs were covered with acne. I had my Mirena removed and I would say it took about 2 weeks to rid my body of the side effects of this horrible device. I would not recommend it to anyone. I know a lot of people have gained a lot of weight with it too. You asked for pros too: 99.9% affective against pregnancy. I never felt like having sex anyway with this thing in. I wish I had opted for the paraguard to begin with. I know there are people who do fine with the Mirena, but there is absolutely no way to know how it is going to affect you until you get it put in. It's an experiment I wish I hadn't done!

You should fully weigh the facts and see if it's right for you. I thought mine was great until they went to take it out and it was gone. I had to have surgery because it was outside by my left ovary. I could feel it when I bent and twisted. Now I have two small scars from surgery. I found out later that because I have a tipped uteras I should not have had one put in but my dr never said anything about it.

I have been on the mirena 2 yrs. What I love is I dont have to remember to do anything. I also no longer have like a full period I spot a little but all people are differnt. They put mine in when I was on my period because apparently you are dilated more then. They use ultrasound to check position.It is suppose to be the most effective borth control. As a mother of 4 I appreciate that.
Good Luck with your decision.
A.

I believe you are talking about the 5/10 yr internal birth control, right? If so I have the 5yr and it has prevented any pregnancy however I have had alot of side effects. Huge back cramping for the first 4 months, and sicker than a dog if I had any alcholic beverages. currently I think it has had a huge roll in my lack of sexual drive. I am having it removed in Jan after 3yrs b/c I want to see if my sex drive and mood changes. Just an FYI it could be great for you but just be aware of what you body and mind are doing.

So worth it, I don't even know when I have my period anymore. My insurance covered it, so look into it. The first couple months I had heavier cramps during my period and was uncomfortable with light crampy-type pain the week before and after. It went away quick and so worth it. I've had Mirena for over a year now and it has made life so much simpler. As far as weight gain...I weigh less now than I did taking the pill BEFORE having any kids.
Oh yeah, and my OB/GYN uses it herself...

J.,

If you want worry free birth control, little to no periods and no maintenance for 5 years, then Mirena is right for you! I had mine put in about a year ago. It was a little uncomfortable, but nothing major. It worked until we decided to try for another one. I had it taken out (insurance paid for insertion and removal) and had a two week period! After that, I went back to my normal periods and have not had a problem. Still not pregnant yet, but that is due to other reasons. I loved it, and when we have #2, I will go back and get another one. After a few months, you don't have a period anymore and that, besides the not getting pregnant part, is the best thing! Good luck with your research and I hope this helps.