Mirena Misery

Hi W.,
Just one more person to let you know that if you can bear to wait it out a little longer, things will probably improve. My first few months I felt sort of like I always had my period, always crampy and uncomfortable and always spotting. Now I don't get my period at all, which is huge for me. Try seeing if you can deal a little longer and if things are starting to go in the right direction. Good luck.

So much wrong advice in these responses. First of all, Mirena is not a copper IUD - it works with localized hormones. If you're experiencing differences in your period, you may want to think about having it out. Your body just may not respond to it well, in which case you should definitely have it removed.
Second, an IUD is not an abortion device. I've seen this woman post this before and it makes me so mad. IUDs make the uterus inhospitable for implantation - that's NOT an abortion. Save your preaching for a different forum.

There are other IUD's I had the same problem and my ob-gyn took me off of the one I was using (sorry I don't remember which one it's been 3yrs) and installed another one. It's been smooth sailing ever since.

Hi, I had the Mirena IUD (copper) installed (ha!) after my son was born about 15 months ago. I noticed intense cramping on first days of period and has extended my bleeding from 3-5 days (before IUD) to 10-14 days. I don't have spotting in between and nothing when I work out. My doctor said sometimes doctors don't put it in correctly and may result in your symptoms. Good luck!

I've had mine in about 15 months now, and things have slowly improved. I have longer periods than I used to, which sounds like what you're describing. I have been willing to put up with it as I had horribly heavy periods before I had it in and they are now lighter and therefore manageable, though longer. I certainly haven't had any cramping since the first 24 hours, so maybe you should have it checked out.
I have also found thinge like PMT and cramping and headaches are better, not worse, with it in.
It does get better with time, but you need to work out whether it is worth it for you. It is a big improvement for me, but that won't be true for everyone.

Hi,
I had a Mirena for just over 5 years. I remember the first year was much as you describe. Just to let you know that it did eventually ease up. My periods eventually were almost non-existent.

I did experience occasional spotting after intercourse. I learned later that this was the result of an irritation from the string which formed a blemish that bled when disturbed. This is not something that everyone experiences and a regular exam can get it sorted.

All of that said, I was very pleased in the end.

Hi W.,

Since your doctor sounds very unhelpful, I would see if you could get a second opinion on the placement of the IUD. I have the Mirena IUD & absolutely love it. I've had maybe 3 periods, if you could call them that, since 2007. Mind you, I had a c-section, so maybe it effects are different for those that have had a vaginal birth. In the end though, I would definitely see if you could get a second opinion. The Mirena is excellent (in my opinion) & I think it may be placed wrong because what you describe is definitely not normal.

Best of luck,
A. S.

W.
if it is so bad having it in no expense should come in the way of removing it. i would hate to lead my life like that. i am on a pill. it has its own downside but i like knowing exactly when i will get my period and when i will be done with it. plus, cramping is non-existing. i say, take it out
good luck