Spotting and Cramping with Mirena IUD

Updated on February 04, 2010
K.S. asks from Chicago, IL
14 answers

Hi Ladies,
I had the Mirena IUD put in a week ago and have experienced some spotting and cramping. It happened the first two days and then again today. I know that this is normal for a while and am not concerned about it, but I was wondering how long this might go on. If you have one, when did these side effects stop for you? Are you still happy with your IUD?
Thanks!

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So What Happened?

Thanks to everyone who responded. It's good to see that so many others experienced the same thing and it's nice to have an idea how long it will last. The side effects are not too bad and I'm sure I can deal with them for a couple of weeks-6 months. I still think the ease of use and the idea of light or no periods make it worth it for sure. I had my babies 18 months apart and with two under age two, I need to be sure another one won't arrive until (or if) we're ready!

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S.M.

answers from Chicago on

I see a lot of people have had similar mild cramping - mine was so bad that I had the thing removed after a few months. I am talking cramps and bleeding just about every day for about 3 months. I had some other symptoms as well - irrational anger, paranoia and some other things that subsided after I had it removed, I am in the small percentage, I know - but if you are in that small percentage too - I wanted you to know you are not alone.

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S.E.

answers from Cleveland on

Ugh, hopefully you aren't as unlucky as I was.....I spotted and cramped (slightly) for 36 days!! BUT, once it was over it was great. Hardly had any periods, and when I did they were so light!! It can be a pain at first, but its worth it.

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S.H.

answers from Huntsville on

I've had my Mirena for almost 4 years now. The only pain I remember was from the day it was inserted. It may have lasted a couple days. Must not have been too bad if I can't remember it! haha

Other than that, it's been great! I do still have a period every month, but it's EXTREMELY light! Hardly any pain at all. And it does it's job.. I still only have 1 child! LOL

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S.R.

answers from Dallas on

I got mine put in about 3 months ago. I cramped for about 2 weeks, spotted constantly for about 2 months (slightly heavier around the time I was due for a period, but not nearly as heavy as my usual flow) and still spot a tiny bit almost every day, but it's decreasing. Friends told me to be prepared for a 3 month adjustment. I'm happy with it though. Not pregnant and no other unpleasant side effects. Apparently if you hang in through this first adjustment phase, when you get it swapped for a new one in 5 years, your body doesn't do the same thing again because it is already used to the IUD.

If you have fever, or are in severe pain, make sure you call your doctor right away.

S.
SAHM of 3

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L.B.

answers from Chicago on

This s completely normal. I bled for 3 weeks after getting it. I'm happy with it because my periods are soo light. Sometimes they are 2-3 weeks apart, sometimes they are 3 months apart. I never know what I'm going to get. I do get moody sometimes and take St. John's Wort which helps but overall I'm happy.

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J.W.

answers from Chicago on

I got my Mirena in October. I had spotting and cramping every day for 2 months. Now I only have spotting every once in awhile. It's totally random and it only lasts for one day, maybe a couple of times a month. The only other symptom I have is vaginal dryness. Especially bothersome during inercourse, but I'm still very happy with the iud overall. I've only had it for 4 months, so I hope it just gets better from here. Hope this helps!

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A.S.

answers from Chicago on

I am coming up on having mine for a year, and it is wonderful. I believe my cramping and spotting were gone within a week.

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T.O.

answers from Chicago on

Hi,
I have the paraguard, but had similar side effects. I would say the cramping was on and off for about 2 weeks. The spotting (on and off) lasted probably for 5 months. Then it stopped and I have had no problems. My periods are a little heavier and about 2 days longer, but it was well worth it. The first few weeks/months I considered taking it out b/c I was annoyed with the spotting, but I'm glad I waited it out. Good Luck.

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C.T.

answers from Chicago on

Hi, I have had mine for about 6 years (I am on my second one) I did not cramp. But I am sorry to say I spotted for the first year! However since then, I rarely even get my period and I completely love that I do not have to think about it. The second time I got it inserted I did not spot or cramp. To me compared to what else is out there it has by far been the best choice. Good luck!

P.H.

answers from Dallas on

HI K.,
I had the Mirena IUD placed a year ago. I had mild cramping with spotting for 2 days, and then just spotting for about a week. I've gained about 20lbs since I had the IUD placed and am considering taking it out to hopefully lose the weight. I've tried dieting and it has been very difficult to get much weight off. Other than the possible side effect of weight gain, I've had no problems. Good luck!

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K.A.

answers from Chicago on

I still spot and cramp but it has gotten better. I love it. I am interested in the one comment you received regarding dryness, I thought that was my hormones/aging I'm not sure.

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T.Z.

answers from Chicago on

I have had my Mirena for 2 1/2 years and yes i did have some spotting for up to 6 months after I first got and and a little cramping like you in the beginning and possibly even up to a month after when it was time to get your period, there was slight cramping but it wasn't painful.
I love mine it's so convenient and you almost forget about it. I haven't had a period that whole time expect for the spotting at first and maybe here and there but I haven't had to buy pads in a long time so it's a huge money saver too.

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K.M.

answers from Chicago on

I got the Mirena about 5 months ago. I had cramping the first month and spotting the first few months. The spotting was consistent for the first month or two then gradually lightened up. Like you, I was starting to wonder whether it was worth it. However, I'm happy to say the spotting has now completely stopped and my periods are getting lighter each month. I'm happy with the Mirena now that I've gotten past the annoying side effects of the first few months.

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R.B.

answers from Chicago on

I got the Mirena put in right before Thanksgiving and had the cramping last for a 2 weeks or so and then the spotting lasted a total of 6-8 weeks. Now I have nothing and don't know when or if anything else will ever show up (which I'm ok with!). A friend of mine has had a Mirena for 5 years and only gets her period once a year and even then, it's really light spotting for a day or two. Hope this helps!

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