My Mirena Removal.... So i posted here a few weeks ago after I f...

I REALLY THANK YOU FOR POSTING YOUR EXPERIENCES. i AM GOING TO HAVE MINE REMOVED TODAY BECUZ MY HUSBAND AND I WANT TO HAVE ANOTHER BABY ASAP. I WAS REALLY NERVOUS ABOUT THE REMOVAL BUT NOW I FEEL BETTER. SOME OF THE THINGS YOU MENTIONED ALSO PERTAINED TO ME. SINCE IVE HAVE THE MIRENA IN. MY BELLY HAS BEEN REALLY BLOATED. I DIDNT EVEN SEE THE CONNECTION UNTIL I STARTED READING THINGS ON THE NET. I ALSO GAINED WEIGHT THAT I COULDNT GET RID OF. I REALLY HOPE THE MIRENA HASNT MESSED UP MY SYSTEM FOR PREGNANCY IVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM CONCEVING BUT MY FEAR IS THAT I WILL THIS TIME. THE MIRENA DOES WORK AS A BC BUT THE PROBLEMS ARE THE EFFECTS DURING AND AFTER SOME OF WHICH U DONT EVEN RELIZE WAS CAUSED BY IT. IM HAPPY IM GETTIN RID OF IT

I am glad that I read this, because obviously I'm searching here for some answers and found your comment. I have wondered why I have gained so much weight and why I looked 4 months pregnant. I have had pain and discomfort and unusual bleeding and long periods. sex hasn't been the same either which is extremley abnormal for me. I can't wait to get it out. lol the "demon". I'm relieved to know that it's not that painful to remove. Thank God.

Thank you both for your replies and experiences. I am so glad to hear you both are getting it OUT! Just to touch on my "Post Experiences with Mirena" as it has been quite a few months...
I had Mirena taken out and IMMEDIATELY felt better! Also, my cycle returned to normal within the first month or so. So those of you that are wanting to get pregnant right away, my experience suggests that your body goes back to normal pretty quickly. The thing that I did notice-- it took a bit for my body to get back to its' normal weight. I really feel that the hormones were still floating through my body- so perhaps take a few months to make sure it is completely out of your system. I did a DETOX a couple months after because in a strange way, I knew it was still in my body. I must say- it was supposed to be a "mild" detox but my body extracted a lot of "junk." I did the detox again the month after and it was NOTHING like the first one. And..since the 2 detoxes, I have finally noticed my bloated belly beginning to get back to normal and the weight beginning to come off.
Good luck and thanks for sharing!
Mona

I had my Mirena inserted about 3 weeks ago and have had EVERY side effect that I have read on these sites. I wish I had done more research prior to having this thing inserted too, plus I'm an experienced RN who thought she did do enough research!!! Apparently not. I am bloated, have horrible low back pain, abdominal cramping and a headache that will not go away. This has been the most miserable 3 weeks physically for me. Plus I'm tired all the time, have hot flashes and feel like I'm in a fog and unable to concentrate. I cannot wait to have this thing removed!!! I'm calling my doctor today and I'll be sure to let you know how it goes. But thanks for posting about the removal because my insertion was a nightmare. I passed out and it was the most painful thing I've ever experienced!!!!!

Sarah

I got the Mirena inserted on June 24th. My doctor told me that I would not gain weight and the side effects were minimal. I was a size 4-6 (three months ago) and now I am a size 10-12. I doubled my exercise and eating healthy and still have gained 10-12 pounds. My breasts hurt so bad, it hurts to even wear a bra. I never had acne in my life and am now breaking out like a teenager. I had a brownish dishcarge for the first two months and then nothing. I still have not gotten a period. I can't stand being in my own skin! I've always known my body and now have no clue what's going on!

I am getting the Mirena taken out tomorrow and it can't come soon enough!

I have had my IUD in for 2 years now and have NEVER had a single complaint about it. My period last month consisted of 1 tampon. I have been very please with it. Some things are just not meant for everyone, but I had told all of my friends that this is that way to go. No worries in the back of my mind like: did i take my pill today. follow what your doctors have to say because they are the trained professionals and know what they are talking about. I am having mine removed in a week just because I want another child, but I am having one put back in after my pregnancy. Good luck to all of you debating on what to do.

Thanks so much for posting this. I'm getting my Mirena removed today after having it in for about 1.5 years. The first couple months it was awesome then things started going downhill from there. Bloating and horrid weight gain. I lost 20 lbs and was almost back to my pre-baby body before I had the Mirena put in and I'm gained it all back and then some, and this is with eating much healthier and double the exercise. I'm constantly tired, headaches, dizzy, and no sex drive, when I do have sex drive the sex is unbearably painful and I've gone up two bra sizes! My doctor said to just wait it out, nothing was wrong, it must be in my mind that the Mirena does not cause these symptoms. The only good thing to come out of this is that I haven't had my period since the second month it was put in but it's not worth it to me.

I'm going to a different doctor who actually listens to me and getting this "demon" taken out this afternoon. I was afraid at first (I've read some horror stories relating to removal of this thing) and this really helped to solidify my decision to go ahead and get it done. I can't wait to have my life back.

I wish I had done more research before I went to the Dr. 2 months ago and put it in. My weight is the same, but I feel more tired, sleepy and I have cramps after sex. So, I went to the Dr to take it out, and she didn't find it. so, I got and ultrasound. Still waiting for the results. I know it is inside of me, but I don't know where. Now, I am scare!! I don't want to think in how painful will be to removed it and if I will have problems to have kids because of it. Does anyone had problems after Mirena has been removed? =(

I have had my Mirena for almost a year now, and have had no complications with it. I BARELY have a period, and have had no negative side effects. I think that the reason everyone seems to have a negative response is because when people are pissed, they tell EVERYONE about it! When people are fine, they don't bother. That is why there is so much negative stuff about Mirena. I love it, and would definitly do it again.

I HATE MIRENA. I have had tendonitis for five months - in my right leg. At first, it did not occur to me that it may have been from the iud. I have had two mris, had physical therapy and been to several specialists and no one could figure out what was wrong with me. Then, the pain started radiating to my back. Finally, I saw on one web site, for mirena, that tendonitis was a possible side effect. When I went to remove the mirena, it was embedded in my uterus. I had to have a procedure done and the strings actually separated from the iud and were shredded to bits. It has only been a little more than 24 hours since it was removed, but my pain level is less today than it has been for months. I urge anyone with any weird pain on mirena to get rid of it. By the way, my ob also feels that mirena could not be responsible for leg pain - I hope he is wrong. So far so good!

I have had Mirena for 1 year right now and am considering getting it removed.
The first few months were HELL - i went to a second doctor for their opinnion and she leveled with me that the time it takes for the uterine wall to shed varies for all women and can take months (something the inserting doctor didnt tell me)
Also the insertion was incredibly painful - I would suggest asking your doctor for perscription pain medication for the insertion.
I have had NO weight gain or any bad side effects, maybe a little acne (very little) but other wise my period symptoms and cramps have virtually dissappeared.
I would keep it - but it has ruined my sex life - I went back twice to get the string trimmed (which I now read may make it harder to get out) and can still feel it during intercourse.
We went into getting this as a great foolproof method of birth control but my "little friend" likes to poke him or make me cramp and positions we loved before are painful for me now.
This is my only complaint but is a deal breaker as the whole point of this was to have dependable contraception with my partner.
I have my one year appointment next week, maybe I will get it taken out...now I am scared about the string being too short.
If this comes out I am considering trying the nuva ring...or at least doing all of my research.
Good luck every one.

I want to say thanks for the advise. I was leary about getting it put in after my second son was born back in 3/07 instead of getting tubes tied. I'm actually going in next month to get out. i have been non stop dreading the pain and bleeding afterwards but thats fine now. I have had the same symptoms. Headaches, cramping on one side , weight going down but not stomach. Sucks!! Thanks for letting me read your article and glad everything is going good for you too!!

i had mirena inserted 7 weeks after having my daughter. it didnt hurt to be put in. but i also had the side effects. I had gain 30 lbs since having it in amd can't lose it all i could do was maintain it. i had been reasearching on other womens experiences and they all say the same thing. i then decided to take it out. i got it taken out on monday and i have already lost two lbs i havnt even been exercising or dieting . i was so suprised to see that. i also am bleeding not to much but its def there. i have cramps that are sooo bad. the last time i had cramps like this was in high school. but i have been getting more sleep and wake up easy. i used to be so drained and i just thought thats what came with being a mother. but i feel so energized. i say for those thinking about getting it. dont unless you want to mess your body up and have to pay to do it. its only been a few days and i am so excited to see whats in my future of going back to normal. i will post on my recovery from this horrible mirena.

I had the mirena put in almost four months ago and have had weight gain and mood swings...after a 15 day period and alot of pain I had it removed a couple of days ago...I felt free right away...now I am starting to bleed like a pig...what`s with that?...I just finished a 15 day period this shouldn`t be happening....does anyone have any answers to that...should I be worried?

tinyt

Ive had mirena in for 8 months now, and want it OUT. It seemed OK at first. I had periods for the first 4 months. I would get nauseated right before they started, but not bad. I figured I could deal with that side effect. Then, my periods stopped. I thought that would be nice because what woman likes having their period, right? Then, my hair started falling out in chunks...... so much fell out in the front it looked like my son had cut chunk of hair out. Its finally growing back now, but every now and then in the shower it starts to come out. The worst (yes, there's worse then my hair!) is the side ache Ive had. Its been persisting for at least 3 months now. I called my doctors office after it had persisted for about a month, and they told me to go to the ER to have the IUD checked. i did. They said it was in place, and nothing was wrong. They looked at me like I was crazy and told me to go home and rest and take some advil... The pain hasn't gone away. Some days its o.k, others are so bad I can barely make it up the stairs. Around the same time as the pain started, I began getting headaches almost daily. I'm taking advil at least 4 to 5 days a week for my side ache or headache... And to make matters worse, Ive had leg problems since I was a child, and since Ive had the IUD, they have gotten to the point where I have leg aches daily. I'm calling my doctor tomorrow to request to have it removed. I cant keep going on like this. Every time i call, they act like I have no idea what i'm talking about, and treat me like I should just keep the IUD in. I cant take anymore of it. I'm so uncomfortable all the time, and just want to be myself again. My sex drive has gone from 10 (before the IUD) to 0.... And believe it or not, I would much rather have a period monthly then deal with the side effects that mirena has given me! Its not worth it in my opinion.

I got the mirena in 08/08, it has been nothing but problems, i have been on my period since i got it. EVERYDAY since August, also lower back pain it horrible, i am a very active person & cant take the back pain anymore. Everytime I lift something or run my period gets heavier, i have called the doc 4-5 times now & they always tell me oh, thats normal, I am going in next week for a check up & maybe have it removed, I have not had a child, he told that does not matter, But when I had it inserted He had to shave my cervix because is was so narrow, Very painfull. I am trying to decide what to do?????????? please any input would be nice, I hear people talk about detox? what is that?

I've had my mirena in since 06/06 and I LOVE it! I have actually managed to lose 60 pounds since then! For the first 18 month after insertion I had very mild spotting one day a month, and since then have had no signs of a period whatsoever! My only complaint is the PMS that I have! I turn into a complete psycho during the week before my "supposed" period. It seems to only be psychological side efftects, no cramping or anything like that. Prior to having it inserted I had no symptoms of PMS at all! I will however be getting my IUD out in about a month to try for another baby! I can't wait!

I wonder if it makes a difference if you have had a baby? I just need it to stop, that is why I got it in the first place.

I cannot believe what I'm reading! I had Mirena inserted about 3 months ago and have been pretty much on my period ever since! I have had maybe 5 days out of the past 3 months with no bleeding. Sometimes it's heavy like a real period, sometimes just spotting, but all the time ANNOYING! I have had horrible cramps almost every day. My lower back has been hurting quite a bit as well. The insertion was definitely not fun and felt pretty much like contractions. I'm having mine removed tomorrow and can't wait! I've also put on quite a bit of weight and still look pregnant!! My son was born in May and I weight more now than when I was 10 months pregnant!!! I'm sure some women have great experiences with Mirena, however you do have to consider the fact that you're putting a foreign object into your body. If you have any pain, something isn't right. I would rather go back to taking a pill everyday than to keep dealing with this horrible thing. Good luck to everyone :) I wish we had all done more research before having this "demon" inserted!!

Ok, I thought I was just imagining things. I swear I've gained about 10 pounds since I had it placed, and I look pregnant even when I work out. It is really a pain. Not to mention I have serious cravings as if I were pregnant. I'm fatigued, irritable, and me...the person who always wants sex...never wants it. PLUS I feel sick most of the day! My doctor told me that it was the BEST thing out there, and that the side effects were minimal. They don't seem so minimal to me. Good to know someone else has felt as crappy as I do, just so I know i'm not crazy.

Hello all, today I went to have my IUD removed (Mirena) only to find out it can not. I was told that they could not find the strings but that would not be a problem it could still be removed. I had an ultrasound done and it appears to be in place. Well... needless to say after poking and prying around inside me with lots of pain, I still have the damn thing. I was told that I will need to be put to sleep and have a D&C to remove it. I am so upset right now. This was suppose to be a simple in office procedure and now it has turn to be a big pain in the ass while not exactly the ass. I am currently waiting for a phone call for them to tell when they will be able to schedule the procedure. So now what? I guess I just sit back and wait.... which I do not feel is fair to me. This is in me and there is nothing I can do about it. I have had it in now for two and a half years it's time to go.

I had a mirena put in a little less than a week ago and am in serious pain still. I am devoted to yoga and had to leave a class tonight because the pain was so intense. I am a huge advocate of not taking pain medication and feel like I can only function with 800 mg of ibuprofen 3x a day. Is this normal???

I had my Mirena removed a week and a half ago when I had my tubal done. My stomach is noticably smaller now. I have had HORRIBLE mood swings though. The reason I decided to have it removed: Acne (didn't find this in research before having it put in), growing a beard and mustache, but the deciding factor was the horrific backaches I started having the morning after intercourse. Also when I read about so many women feeling "in a fog", I went ah-ha - that's my problem.
I am glad to have had it removed and have a hormone-free method of birth control now. I am looking forward to trying to loose some weight and get healthier so I can manage my other health problems.

I had put up my original post back in March of this year, but have still been receiving updates on others experiences. I wanted to give everyone an update that is interested in hearing-- 9 mos later.

The weight was slow to come off for me in the middle section. I did loose some right away, but I experienced the bloating for a few months after. I did a couple detoxes and that really seemed to help. I am not a Doctor, but I feel that the hormones that are in the Mirena were still in my body a bit and needed a little more assistance to cleanse out of my system. So for those of you having it removed, perhaps consider doing a light detox of sorts to kick start your body (clean out your liver, etc)

My sex drive came back quickly, the fog disappeared almost instantly, my moodiness was gone, my acne cleared up in days. Basically all the things I had listed in my first post as my bad side effects from the "demon" were corrected as soon as I had it removed!

Side note: the Doctor thought I was crazy and insisted that this was a "great" alternative to birth control pills and that these symptoms I had were NOT from Mirena. I had previously been on birth control pills for many years and never had side effects close to this! We know our bodies...!

And last but not least, my period is finally normal. It took a couple months for it to be "really" normal on the calendar, but not long.

So if anyone is reading this and you are about to take it out due to these side effects, know that they do go away. For anyone reading this and is looking into having it inserted, please do some research (here is a great place to start) outside of Mirena's website. Some people are fortunate not to have all these side effects, but to take the chance that you may one to experience even half of them is frightening.

Cheers!
Mona

I was glad to finally see a post on life after Mirena removal!! I had it inserted two years ago after my second boy was born. I had lost most my weight and now twenty five pounds are back on and stuck like glue. I eat pretty healthy and excersice regulary and still its five pounds down and back up again!! I am bloated all the time, I have never gotten so many headaches in my life and I am so impatient-even though I am on zoloft- I feel bad for my boys, that is not the kind of mom they deserve!! I have been battling with the idea of having it removed, your post shed much light. I don't know what to use next as I am very sensitive-apparently-to any hormone. I can't do pills and hate condoms, any suggestions? I definately thank you for your informaton!!

Hi-
I did post one earlier message a while back with my experience of having it removed-- maybe look at that also. I personally would HIGHLY recommend having it removed due to my experience with it. I myself am on Effexor and that did not seem to work while it was inserted either.

I am also VERY sensitive to any pills of sorts- be it hormones or even Excedrin (makes me want to fly out the roof!). I had tried several Birth Control pills with various side effects. The one that worked best for me was NECON ( i think that is the name and may be the generic name?) It is a progestin based pill that works differently from Estrogen (which is what 99% of the pills use). I thought that Mirena would be "OK" since it also uses that same hormone, but for whatever reason...the hormone being delivered specifically into your abdomen had a different effect on me. Another option would be to put in an IUD (i think they call them Copper?) that does not have ANY hormones. This just acts as a barrier preventing pregnancy without hormones added. The Doctor told me that this IUD can possibly bring on heavier periods- which is why I opted not to try that one. After Mirena, I did not want to even chance it!

I really noticed a HUGE difference when it went in and when it came out! It took a while for me to put it all together that all the side effects were from Mirena and once I found this website, I was BLOWN away by how many other people experienced the same things!

Keep me posted! And good luck!
Mona

I had Mirena inserted a month ago due to the high recommendation from my doctor and it seems to meet my needs and requirements. It turned to be a terrible experience, I had all kinds of negative side effects including mood swing, back pain, headaches, dizziness, tired all the time, I almost passed out at a X'mas party, good thing my husband was right next to me. My period bleeding lasted for more than 10 days, I couldn't function properly since I was always moody and tired and in pain.

I just had Mirena removed yesterday, all the problems were gone immediately, feeling great to be able to think straight, I even went for a workout afterward, and had a good night sleep. I'm still bleeding thought, my body is probably trying to adjust. My doctor said that I'm the second person out of hundreds of her patients that has such negative experience, she had it inserted twice herself but no problems at all.

Mirena might work for some people but it is not for everyone, the key is to listen to your body and trust your instinct, remove it immediately if it doesn't feel right.

Here's an interesting article about Mirema:

The Mirena (IUC) is it Dangerous

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/963318/the_mirena_iuc_is_it_dangerous.html?cat=5

Hoi

i had the Mirena iud for about one and half years and when i first got it in i blead for about 4 months. My doctor said it was normal. After the bleeding was over i never had a period after that. Which the doctor also said was normal. After a while i felt more depressed and anxous all the time. My moods were here and there. I constantly had ovarian pain. I got symptoms that related to a diabetic and actually started passing out. I started reading some of the posts on the internet and decided to get my mirena taken out. I got it taken out yesterday. 01-05-2009. I am just now starting to spot and hope all my symptoms go away. My doctor also looked at me and said he has never had anyone complain about the mirena. But I agree one hundred percent to listen to your body!!!

I have had the Mirena in for 6 weeks, and really want to have it removed, namely because of the constant period, I know its the uterus shedding, but its just annoying and getting old fast! The night sweats are horrific, I have unexplained fevers, and the stomach cramping is ridiculous - I was on the fence about it until I talked to a friend who said she had a constant period for 9 months! That kind of did it for me.... I'm calling the doctor today - unfortunately, she's a real advocate, so this conversation should be great - and this site is great, by the way -

Amazing to read all this information. I too had a Mirena inserted for about a year but had it removed a week ago. My husband has said all along that he thought the Mirena was responsible for my loss of libido but I didn't really believe him as at that stage I was enjoying not having periods.

However, over the past year I have put on 10 kgs, felt really bloated (look 5 months pregnant), have gone up two bra sizes, am always tired and seem to pick up more viruses than I once did. My sex drive is basically zero and I'm now convinced that the Mirena is probably to blame for most/all of these things!

Having the Mirena removed didn't hurt and I've been bleeding on and off for the past week - thankfully not too heavy. I am feeling very teary and emotional today (probably the withdrawal of the Progesterone from my system) and still feeling tired. Hopefully I will feel 100% soon. The good news is that I don't feel nearly as bloated and I've lost 1.5kg this week already without trying. I'm praying my sex drive returns soon too as if the Mirena is responsible for that, then it is also responsible for putting a huge strain on my marriage over the past 12 months!

Keep posting your responses so that others don't have to go through all this!!!

I have had my iud now for a little of four and half years now. I have definitely had a lot of ups and downs. After having my child I was having a hard time finding a birth control that work with me because my periods have been all over the place since I was a teenager. I had terrible cramps the second day that I will never forget about. It took about 8 months for my body to adjust and then I stopped having a period for a little over a year. I had light spotting sometimes after sex. I did begin to have a light periods after awhile and now I have a light period ever two weeks. It has been that way for over a year now. I have dealt with it because I have been waiting on my husband to be ready for a second child and I didn't want to start on pills again after taking them since the age of 16. Sometimes my periods are nothing and I go on like normal but other times I feel awful. Not bleeding, a pantyliner is all I need, but I am bloated, tired, really moody, and sick to my stomach. Since I had the iud it seems like I have no control my emotions or mood and I did talk my doctor about it. I do tend to be a emotional person anyway. To a point, I guess I have let my my doctor guilt me into keeping my iud. I have to say I have loved my iud but hated it too. Like anything else, an iud is going to have side affects. I guess you have decide what you are willing to put up with. Although, it is time for mine to come out. I am tired of having a period every 2 weeks.

I had my Mirena taken out today after having it in for just over three years. When the doctor suggested the Mirena three years ago, I was in a vulnerable position and pretty much prepared to agree to anything. I wish now I'd done some research first. I have PCOS and at the time of inserting it I thought it would help, but the doctor this morning said that it had probably been making it worse. Since having the mirena inserted I've had the side affects mentioned above and more (weight gain, bloating, loss of libido which has caused massive upset in my relationship, depression, headaches, constant thrush, pain with intercourse, feeling grubby, you name it I had it). All this time I thought it was me that was the problem, instead it was the demon Mirena. I'm looking forward to returning to normal (and to stop being soooo miserable - I've been a right cow the last few years!) It was all well and good not having periods, but for the sake of my sanity and weight I'd rather not bother!

This is the craziest thing.....I have read all of the blogs here. I had Mirena placed in Febuary 2008. Although it hurt really bad and I bled, it was ok for a while. I had 6 pounds left to lose to reach my pre-pregnancy weight when I got Mirena. A year later I have gained 20 pounds, havent had sex w/ my husband in over 6 months (completly NO sex drive) and I have had tendonitis in my shoulder since early October. The doctor wanted to give me a shot of cortizone in my shoulder and I was like no way, I will put up w/ the pain... however, I couldnt think of one reason why I would evan have tendonitis. I have been very withdrawn and depressed at times.... cramps, hot flashes and night sweats. Finally in November after reading some info on Mirena I decided to have the damn thing removed! I made the appointment. My Dr said that weight gain and all of the other stuff was not related to the Mirena, but that she would take it out anyway. When i arrived at the appointment, she went in and couldnt find it.....after digging around quite painfully for several minutes. I was sent in for an ultrasound and it showed that it was in the proper place. My dr told me that there had been rare cases of the IUD traveling into women's abdominal cavity! So we made an appointment for day surgery to have it removed so that I coulod be under anesthestic.... then my new insurance company denied the request saying they dont cover the removal of contraception IUD'S!! (my old insurance was Humana, my current insurance is Blue Cross), so there I was w/ no way to have it taken out w/out coming up w/ about $3800.00 up front! I askedthe dr to try to do it in the office and give me some medicine that would be me loopy, and she agreed. I had it taken out on Monday of this week. She had to numb my uterus w/ a VERY large needle and then use an instrument that is normally used in a D&C! Finally she found it and removed it. I have been bleeding pretty bad for the last three days, but am so thankful it is out! Ladies, I say dont ever have something like this placed inside of you, your body was not made for this.. stick w/ the pill!

I wish I had found this website last March. I had my mirena inserted 03/07 after my first child. I knew the bleeding after was normal, but a year later I am tired all the time, I can't lose my baby weight, I am moody, and my sex drive has gone down to little to none. Sometimes it even hurts to have intercourse and my husband sometimes feels it. I am going in today 02/10/09 to have it removed. Does anyone know how soon you can start the pill after having it removed?? I was so afraid it was going to hurt getting it removed but after reading everyones testimonies I am relieved. I hope my doc doesn't look at me like Im crazy. The mirena website should really have a blog that people can post their experiences.

Ames

I had it inserted 03/08 not 07...

I had my Mirena in for about a week. My doctor suggested it as I am not planning on having another child for at least a couple of years. Before insertion, I had a bad feeling about it, but I went ahead with the procedure. The evening of insertion I had head heavy bleeding and cramps that did not stop for 7 days straight. After researching several forums on Mirena I decided to have it removed. The doctor did NOT want to take it out, but I firmly told her that it was not for me and that I did not want to use it as my method of birth control. DO NOT EVER let a doctor dictate what you do with your body!!! If you want it out- get it taken out!!!

I'm so worried about the birth defects that can happen if you get pregnant right away after the removal of the IUD. I have an appointment to have mine removed in may and then me and my husband are going to try after a 3 month waiting period. The only reason we want to wait is to make sure the hormone is out of my system. But im still really worried about getting pregnant before the 3 month mark. What should I do?? Im so worried. I honestly just want a healthy baby.

I'm so worried about the birth defects that can happen if you get pregnant right away after the removal of the IUD. I have an appointment to have mine removed in may and then me and my husband are going to try after a 3 month waiting period. The only reason we want to wait is to make sure the hormone is out of my system. But im still really worried about getting pregnant before the 3 month mark. What should I do?? Im so worried. I honestly just want a healthy baby.

IM SO HAPPY I READ ABOUT YOUR TIME WITH THAT "DEMON" THE MIRENA.....IM GOING TO GET MINE OUT TODAY.....I HAVE TOO MUCH GAS AND I LOOK PREGNANT TOO.....MY STOMACH WAS FLAT BEFORE I GOT IT AND NOW I LOOK LIKE IM 7 MONTHS PREGNANT....I WAS WORKING OUT BUT WAS NOT LOSING ANYTHING.....AND IM ALWAYS SNACKING ON JUNK FOOD......I HAVE THE WORST CRAMPS,HEADACHES,AND BODY ACHES TOO...MY HUBBY SAID I'VE BEEN VERY EVIL AND MOODY TOO....I AM SO NERVOUS ABOUT GETTING IT TAKING OUT BUT MY BODY CAN NOT GO THROUGH THIS MUCH LONGER......BE BLESSED

Im convinced. Im getting this damn thing out even if it hurts worse than when it was put in. I am sitting here on the couch with my feet up with a heating pad on my stomach. I think I must have a cyst I have this sharp throbbing pain on my right side. I have had the Mirena since October, 2008 and have hated it the entire time. I dont have periods that is the only positive thing. Once it was placed I imediatly regreted it. They told me I could go back to work, ya freakin right. I have had two kids and that pain was much more worth it. I have an ever present swollen abdomen, no sex drive or pleasure during it (my poor husband) and acne in the wrongest of places. I also have two girlfriends who had their Mirena placed within weeks of mine and they are both having similar issues, one of which is married to a Dr. I can honetly say, I should have trusted my instincts. Good luck to you all.

I am going in an hour to have Mirena removed after about 2.5 years (inserted 9/14/06. I have not had children so when I had it inserted the pain was horrible! I could barely walk myself to the car and I spent a day in bed. After that I thought everything was great. I haven't had a period since. But then I got the acne. I developed mild adult acne in college but had it well controlled before the IUD. After the IUD I have developped sever acne, rosacea, and horrible back acne. It's soo embarassing, I won't even wear tank tops anymore, and I have avoided social situations.

I also have had mild cramps every single day. Sometimes they are severe, but every day I have some. I basically feel like I am pregnant or on the rag everyday, even though I don't bleed. I also noticed the bloating (I have a spare tire hanging over my belt for the first time in my life), and the mental fog.

I didn't realize it could be the Mirena until an aesthetician told me thats what she thought was causing my skin problems. Since then I have done so much research and found sites like this. I can't wait to get it out, but I am nervous about finding a new birth control.

I will keep you updated about how thge removal goes. Good luck to all!!!

I am going in an hour to have Mirena removed after about 2.5 years (inserted 9/14/06. I have not had children so when I had it inserted the pain was horrible! I could barely walk myself to the car and I spent a day in bed. After that I thought everything was great. I haven't had a period since. But then I got the acne. I developed mild adult acne in college but had it well controlled before the IUD. After the IUD I have developped sever acne, rosacea, and horrible back acne. It's soo embarassing, I won't even wear tank tops anymore, and I have avoided social situations.

I also have had mild cramps every single day. Sometimes they are severe, but every day I have some. I basically feel like I am pregnant or on the rag everyday, even though I don't bleed. I also noticed the bloating (I have a spare tire hanging over my belt for the first time in my life), and the mental fog.

I didn't realize it could be the Mirena until an aesthetician told me thats what she thought was causing my skin problems. Since then I have done so much research and found sites like this. I can't wait to get it out, but I am nervous about finding a new birth control.

I will keep you updated about how thge removal goes. Good luck to all!!!

I have had Mirena for 9 months & I'm getting it removed in a week...I am bloated - feel & look 4 months pregnant, have gained about 10 pounds - this is the heaviest I have EVER been & I'm a size 2/4, have headaches, facial & back acne - my dermatologist referred me to a hormone dr. to see if I had an androgen disorder - he concluded it's the Mirena b/c my blood work came back normal, anxiety, jittery feeling, swelling in my hands, extremely tired, low sex drive & just not feeling myself...I cannot WAIT to get this thing removed!!! It seems like the symptoms progressively got worse over the last couple of months. I also have a friend who is having the same issues & having hers removed - I feel terrible, b/c I recommended Mirena to her!!!

I had my mirena inserted in Feb 08 after my daughter was born. It was very painful and took the dr two tries because my body kept pushing the first one out. I had AF when it was inserted and never again since then. I thought it was great at first. I loved the idea of feeling more in control of when I would have more children.

At first the only side effect I noticed was an occasional sharp abdominal pain. However, as time progressed I began feeling worse and worse, and it has only been in the last month or so that I realized it was related to the iud. First of all, despite increased exercise and a far healthier diet, I managed to somehow gain about 30 pounds. I also had no energy, had aches and pains ALL over ALL the time, including bad headaches almost everyday. I lost my ability to concentrate, felt like I was constantly in a fog, was depressed, and totally lost my sex drive.

After about 9 months or so of having it in, I also began getting all the pregnancy symptoms... lots of bloating, sore breasts, cravings, I could smell everything, etc... and without a period, it's impossible to know when I have something to be concerned about, or if it's just a side effect. Luckily, I never got pregnant with it, because the thought of getting pregnant with the iud in is a scary one, and considering I'm typically VERY fertile, it says something for it that it worked so well.

I felt, however, like I completely lost control of my body. I finally went in to see my obgyn three days ago. She seemed very suprised that I wanted it out (even though the nurse said she hears those complaints all the time with Mirena), but I told her I felt like my body was all out of whack, so she removed it. It was extremely quick and I didn't even feel her remove it. I have already gotten my first AF in over a year and my body is beginning to feel normal again. Ladies, I'm sure this works better for some than others, but PLEASE do your research before you make the decision to try this, and if the fear of having it removed is keeping you from removing it, remember even if it does hurt you will feel much better later!!!

I have scheduled my appointment to remove my Mirena after 5 yrs. I had my 2 children but didn't feel ready to make a permanent choice. Before children I had tried lots of kinds of BC pills & the shot given 4 times a year. I had weight gain & acne so severely with each form. Thus, my DR. suggested the Mirena claiming there would be NO hormonal side effects. I researched it at home, on their website, and decided to proceed. THEY ARE WRONG!! I had worked really hard after having my 2nd child to lose back down to 118 (from Oct to Feb) Five years later, I weigh 148 lbs. 30 LBS in 5 yrs despite dieting & exercise. My stomach is really the only big thing about me. I can extend it to the size I was when 5/6 months pregnant. This problem is in addition to the horrible outbreaks of acne on my back & face (of course the shot made it worse) All of these problems pale in comparison with the out of control monsterous PMS I have every month. I feel I should be caged during this week. I have no patience with my children or my poor husband. Lucky for us both, I didn't lose my sex drive. I've also suffered from the no energy & in a fog side effect.
The plus side, light to absent periods. I'm dreading having them again like a normal woman. BUT, if I can lose these 30 lbs, it will be worth it!
I first started researching the removal process, and was led to this sight. I had no idea I could blame so many of these on the IUD. My Dr. has always dismissed the notion it was anything less than good BC. I'm looking forward to trying to recover my before-IUD body for good!!

JDB

I have been thinking for a while to have the mIrena removed. After reading this and all the things that I have gone through since Sept 22 when it was placed in. I want it out. I have had bad headaches, acne i have not had before, bloating stomache, gas, dizziness, leg pain for no darn reason, and nausea. I went to the Er and the Dr they thought it was my gallbladder. But after reading this I now know what could be the main problem. I am 25 and have 3 kids and want 1 more. I thought that the mirena was the thing for me. I bleed from the time my baby was born until 2 weeks into Jan. My midwife who delivered my baby and placed the mirena also told me that was normal. My body was telling me it was not normal. I had a feeling that I should have went with taking the pill everyday than this. I though it would make my life easier, especially during the summer if I didnt have a period. I have tried the shot that was a gimmic. I gained so much weight on it I looked like I was carring 5 babies. I lost so much weight with my last baby that I have put back on with mirena. They also do not tell you that it increases you appetite and need for sweets. I have had my blood checked so many times to see if I was diabetic its not funny. Something has to give. Women should not be put through this. I bet a man invented it like they invented the bra. Men love for women to be in pain I guess. Mine will be oming out here very soon. I am so glad that I found this.

I had Mirena for 2 years. The first year I gained 10 lbs and my NP told me it was because of what I was eating, which was a lie. I eat very healthy. So I waited it out for another year... And 10 more lbs later. I'm so glad to have this thing out, you have no idea! It's only been out for 3 days but everyone noticed that my mood has changed and I'm not as hungry as I was before. We'll see how the next month goes. I'm just so glad that I don't feel like I'm pregnant anymore! It was like being pregnant for 2 whole years!!!

Also, removal was a piece of cake! I was like getting a pap done... Best decision of my life!

I wish I had done my research before getting the Mirena IUD put in. I am 48 years old and have 3 grown children. For the last 10 or so years my periods have been VERY heavy and very embarrassing as leaking was a severe problem every time I had to leave the house during the first 2 days of it. I finally went to a doctor about it and he recommended the Mirena after determining nothing was really wrong. He hyped it up as the best thing to happen for women since the dishwasher but failed to tell me any of the side effects.

Well, it's been 4 months and I'm going Tuesday to have it removed. Among the side effects that I was experiencing, such as the extreme fatigue and constant spotting, I gained about 25 more pounds (on top of the 50 I already was overweight by) and feel that I will continue to gain because I'm finding my clothes are getting 'smaller' everyday. I've had to increase my jean size twice already. This is really upsetting me because I already was carrying around 50 pounds too much before I got the Mirena. But this weight was at least steady. I hadn't really gain any more for years until last December when I decided to try the Mirena. Then when my husband started getting on me for gaining more weight, I was crushed and thought I better do something about it. The first thought I had was to check and see if there was anybody having this problem because of the IUD. Well, imagine my relief to see page after page of complaints because of this thing.

I thought at first that I must just be starting to go down hill because I'm getting older. I became extremely exhausted, sweating all the time over the smallest of activities, trouble sleeping, in a constant 'fog', and rapidly gaining weight. PLUS, the only help I got with my period was that it became very light and spotty, but stretched out over 3 weeks! That sucks as much as 2 days of extremely heavy bleeding. Well, I can't afford to keep gaining weight as I already have high blood pressure and am in danger of developing diabetes so,...it's coming out. I gave it a shot. Just wish I knew the down side before doing this. I know there are some women that have nothing but great things to say about it and good for them. But as for me, I won't be recommending it to anyone.

I have had almost all of these negative symptoms of Mirena. I never felt comfortable with it in, I had it inserted the end of October 08, and was in excruciating pain - I couldn't walk, started bleeding like a hemophiliac, took hydrocodone for the pain, on top of the 3 extra strength tylenol I took before the appointment and had to lay down on the examination 'bed' for 2 1/2 hours, until the doctor made me move and walked me to a back room where I laid on a couch for another hour before I felt okay enough to drive the 3 miles home! The doctor checked everything, and Mirena was inserted correctly although she says I could have had such pain because I have not had a child before and did not go during my cycle, which makes insertion easier. I was home for the next two days missing classes which I pay $60,000 a year for (so trust me, I NEVER MISS CLASS!!) in unbelievable pain. I thought this was a sign that it should have been taken out but I have tried almost every other birth control method and thought the pain for the first month or so would be worth the worry-free 5 years to come! I had to take 9-12 motrin every day for the first 1-1 1/2 months just to function because the cramps were so bad. I bled for the first 3 months, non stop.... I am spending every last dime on school and have budgeted myself to the EXTREME! - its hard to afford all those pads and tampons!! Moving forward, I still get cramps everyday - one of the perks to me choosing Mirena was a reduction in my cramps because they were really bad to begin with, so how does having bad cramps everyday compare to just having bad cramps 4 days a month?!?!? also... periods that last 2 1/2 weeks after having Mirena for 6 months doesnt work for me either. Like some of the other posts I read, I would notice an odor every once in a while after I got out of the shower, and ONLY after I got out of the shower. I have never had an infection before and kinda knew the symptoms but was not totally sure and never contacted my doctor because I thought it was nothing. Another bad side effect - my super kinky and crazy bedroom sessions have turned into a blah of 2 ridiculously boring positions, any other way would cut my boo up like CRAZY! at first I thought that was his excuse for doing it the way he wanted to, but I could actually see the 'pokes' on him because of the strings. So, I made an appointment on Monday to get Mirena taken out Tuesday (yesterday) because of all the symptoms. I was reading a few posts that Mirena does not hurt to take out but I was still reallllly nervous, because of the horrible experience I had last time! I tried taking 2 extra strength tylenol to prepare for the pain and dropped a few pills on the floor by accident because I was shaking so much from nerves! I had the doctor explain exactly what she was going to do and we discussed another BC method, and she explained to me that my symptoms are 'normal' for Mirena and I was told about them before hand.... Anyone who would tell me 'your cramps are going to get worse, your going to get them everyday, you won't stop bleeding for the first 3 months, your period is going to be 2 1/2 weeks long, AND to top it off, you are going to cut up your boo's member'....would NOT have convinced me that Mirena is a good choice! So anyway, the removal was EXTREMELY easy! I was so shocked, I felt nothing, if I could compare it to something, it would to taking a tampon out. I also had a BV infection, the doctor said she had to look at it under the scope to be sure, but it was nothing to worry about! I told her about all the posts I read about other women saying the same thing and wanted to know if it were linked to Mirena, 'of course not!' (Yeah, Right!)... but its gone and I feel wonderful! As of yesterday morning, I thought I was getting my period because the cramps were so bad, today I felt nothing! The first time in 6 months I did not have cramps and went for a 7 mile jog today with no cramps before or after (also, for the first time in 6 months!!). So to sum up this novel, I am SO happy to have Mirena taken out and side effects of other BC are NOTHING compared to the past 6 months of my life! good luck to all you other women!

I JUST HAD MY IUD TAKEN OUT A WEEK AGO ( AFTER HAVING IT IN FOR THREE YEARS ) AND IT HAS BEEN PURE HELL. NOT EVEN THREE DAYS AFTER HAVING IT OUT I HAVE BEEN SICK AS A DOG. I WAKE UP FROM A DEAD SLEEP AND START SHAKING FROM HEAD TO TOE, MY STOMACH HURTS SO BAD I FEEL LIKE I COULD VOMIT EVERYWHERE, MY HEAD HURTS, AND I FEEL SO BAD, ITS ALMOST LIKE I HAVE THE FLU BUT IT DOESN'T HAPPEN ON A DAY TO DAY BASES. WHEN I FIRST HAD IT PUT IN I WAS SICK AS A DOG FOR A WEEK, I HAD PAIN IN MY ABDOMEN FOR THREE MONTHS, I HAD A REGULAR PERIOD EVERY MONTH ( AND I HAD THE ONE WITH THE HORMONE IN IT THAT IS SUPPOSE TO STOP YOUR PERIOD ) I ALSO GAINED 50 LBS WHILE ON IT. THE WORST THING ABOUT ALL THIS IS THAT MY DOCTOR KEPT TELLING ME THAT IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE IUD. I WILL SAY THAT THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE WAS NOT ALL THAT BAD BUT THE BEGINNING AND THE END ARE THE WORST OF IT ALL. I AM PRAYING THAT THIS WILL ALL GO AWAY AND THAT MY BODY WILL GO BACK TO NORMAL. AND I SAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE PLANNING TO GET THE IUD, YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GO BY OTHER PEOPLES EXPERIENCES BECAUSE YOUR BODY IS DIFFERENT, AND YES WE ALL REACT DIFFERENTLY, THE ONLY THING I SAY IS THAT IF YOU HAVE BAD NERVES OR GET A NERVOUS STOMACH, I WOULD THINK TWICE AND DO YOUR RESEARCH FIRST. I DID NOT DO MY RESEARCH AND ALTHOUGH IT DOES WORK IT IS A PAINFUL AND AGGRAVATING LITTLE S*** AND I DON'T THINK I AM GOING TO HAVE IT DONE AGAIN. WE ARE NOT PLANNING ON HAVING ANYMORE KIDS AND I AM NOT TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS, SO IF IT HAPPENS THAN ITS MENT TO BE THAT WE HAVE ANOTHER BABY. I WISH YOU ALL GOOD LUCK ON YOUR DECISION AND MAYBE IT WILL WORK OUT BETTER FOR YOU.

To be honest... I LOVE Mirena. My doctor was very up front with me about the side effects and even told me that he will not take it out because of side effects until I had been on it for over 3 months. He warned me about the constant bleeding, cramping, nausia, headaches, backaches, chills, sexual disturbences, and every other horrid side effect I experienced. But he also told me that once Mirena has been in for 3 months the side effects will calm down and eventually go away completely.

I have been on Mirena for 7 months now and love it. I have very very light peroids which is mostly like spotting. I have a slight twinge of a cramp on my left side that comes and goes throughout the month but they are better then my horrid cramps that lasted hours if not days. My complexion has cleared up and my sex drive is right where I need it to be. Yes, my fiancee can feel the strings of the Mirena, but he says it doesn't bother him and that it makes him feel better because he knows it's in place and doing it's job. If someone is having issues with the strings I suggest having them cut shorter, it's a simple procedure and an outpatient procedure.

I guess what I am saying is do your research on Mirena before you try it. Make sure you get opinions from people who have had it, your doctor and research on the internet. I was in the same place most of you women are and hated it at first. Now I don't think I could live without it, it's worry free birth control.

First - let me say I'm happy to have found this site and feel vindicated - I'm not crazy - and my body and mind have been affected for the past year since I had the Mirena inserted.

I am a vegetarian and I run at least 3 miles 6 days per week and eat very healthfully. From three weeks post-insertion, I have had unexplained frustration and depression, severe fatigue, weight gain and a general feeling of pregnancy - right down to the abdomenal "pooch" when I stand sideways in the mirror! Last summer, I was a size 2 - this year I'm straining to get into my size 5 shorts and FORGET about the bikini!

After taking my second home preg test - because I swore I was pg - I did research and found sites like this! I called my OB/GYN last week and begged for the soonest appt - which was weeks away - I called to see if there were cancellations and they can fit me in today - not one moment too soon!

I'm glad that some women have had success with this method - on paper - and in the literature provided by the manufacturer - it seems wonderful - but everything is not for everyone and that's why we need to pay attention to our bodies and be our own advocates.

Remember: those who are most often providing education to our physicians these days are those who make the medications/devices!

Be a knowledgeable consumer and most of all NEVER stay with a physician who does not listen to you and take your symptoms seriously!

Looking forward to post-Mirena PEACE!!

Oh my goodness, I am getting mine out next week. I am so happy to hear that I may lose some of the 45 pounds I have gained over the past year from this thing. I have not changed my eating or exercise habits, if anything eating less and exercising more and I continue to gain weight. I have gone from a 2 to a 12 in less than a year. Thank goodness getting it out will help. My doctor also told me that my weight gain could not be from the Mirena! go figure!

I came on just to see how the removal is. Hopefully it is nothing to worried about like I've heard on here. I have had my Mirena for over 3 years now and it is awesome! I have not had a period at all since it was put it, don't have to worry about remembering birth control, I am just real happy with it all except when it was put in. That did hurt, but only for a minute.

I just had the Mirena put in a couple of days ago. Horribly painful experience, but by the end of the first day I felt okay. My stomach bloated the first and second day but now it's back to normal and everything feels fine. I was on the pill for 12 years, and the progesterone in the Mirena is way less than what I was getting in the pill (not to mention all the estrogen I won't be ingesting anymore), so I'm hoping this will actually be an improvement over the pill symptoms. Does anyone have experience with long-term pill usage and then switching to Mirena? I was on Triphasil (generic name Trivora).

I can't tell you how glad I am that I had this thing removed- and that I was able to confirm via other women's experiences that what I had been experiencing was related to the Mirena. Removal was not a problem at all- barely noticed it! What I found interesting is when I said I had been experiencing side effects with it that I could no longer tolerate, my doctor's office said "ok" and didn't ask about the SEs! (They too had Mirena literature everywhere.) And as a side note - I didn't want the Mirena. I wanted the copper T and they talked me into the Mirena. Geez!!! I'm not doing that again! So thanks to all those who shared your experiences and validated what I knew to be true- mirena was causing me all sorts of problems, weight gain, nervousness, pain, headaches, palpitations, glucose tolerance problems... I even had swelling of my face and throat!

I had my mirena for a little over 3 years. Ihave four children and my husband and I wanted "worry free" birth control. For the first year it was great, besides the last 5lbs of baby weight that I needed to lose would not come off no matter what. Then about a year and a half in I began getting irregular bleeding, having two very mild periods per month. I also noticed I had put on 10 more lbs., could not sleep, and always snacking. Not to mention I never wanted to have sex because I felt like I was always on my period and feeling gross. My husband began calling me "mood swing" because I was like an emotional roller coaster. It was not until the the end of my second year I began getting these awful side effects...nausea, extremely tender breast, cramps, 10 more lbs, dizziness, acne, migranes, and finally one day I thought I was having a stoke because the entire left side of my face drooped down accompanied with excruciating pain (this lasted for 10 days with no answers from doctors why this happened). It was not until I began researching Mirena side effects that I found this website and several similar. Although my doctor was nonchalant in saying that Mirena "could" have caused all my symptoms I know 4 days post removal that it "was" the cause. Removal was a challenge because the doctor could not find the strings but it still did not hurt as bad as insertion. For 2 years I walked around looking 3-4 months pregnant along with all my other symptoms and now almost overnight the bloating has subsided. I have cramps and bleeding after removal but just knowing that Mirena is no longer a part of me I can get some peace. Good Luck to all....

I have had my mirena for about a month and a half now. Right away, I started to notice my skin was breaking out more than it had...not too bad, but worse. I had taken accutane as a teenager to control my bad acne back then and it had been great since...Then I noticed the scale creeping up. I eat normally and spin at least 2-4 times a week and my stomach looks like I am 4 months pregnant. I also noticed that I would get a little crampy after sex and was way more emotional than I had been in the past. I have an appointment next Friday with my dr. I hope she can remove it that day...It cannot be soon enough. My only concern about removal is the fact that in the interim before I can start the pill again...even being careful anything can happen. We will just have to be extra careful I guess. I am really glad to know that I am not imagining these things.

I had the Mirena put in in mid-December 2008, and had it removed June 29 2009.
I am hypothyroid with a 1 year old and 3 year old so I thought that being horribly exhausted was just a given. But my thyroid meds are up so high, as much as they were when I was pregnant, and I have read that bc can interfere with thyroid absorption. For my health's sake, I had to try this to see if I can get my thyroid levels back on track.
Other side effects: losing clumps of hair every day - even worse than when you have the post-partum hair loss. I started developing migraines about once a month. I am a horrible bitch to be around. I admit it freely. I don't my kids to remember a mother this way and I want to be able to enjoy them instead of feeling I need to yell at them all the time. I tried very hard to change my eating habits and exercise more at the beginning of the year. I lost a few pounds but it came back. I too also have the belly (which was not flat at all) but it was really bothering me recently. It seems to have receded a bit already.
I was going to start Ortho Tri Cyclen tomorrow (Sunday) seeing as how I did bleed a few days after removal (my heaviest bleeding ever, just under post-partum bleeding) but I think I want to wait a month to get this out of my system.
Removal was a snap. Please don't be worried, it did not hurt AT ALL. Well, maybe a bit, but nothing to complain about. Insertion did hurt, where I had to do labor breathing through it.
Dr. asked why I wanted it removed and I told her the thyroid reason. I couldn't tell her that I had read on the internet the scores and scores of bad side effects. She said she was fine with taking it out, so I didn't have to fight with her.
I am just worried about returning fertility as I had hoped to become a gestational surrogate early next year and would like to assure any potential parents that I am fertile. I guess we'll see when AF shows up again.

Well Ladies, I took it out myself! I could not stand it one second longer! I had it placed in Nov. '06, so all in all, had it about 2.5yrs. It was fine at first, and the lack of periods was kinda nice...but intercourse was often painful and would cause me to bleed, every single time. I didn't realize it, but now I see that it killed my libido. I had to pretty much force myself to have relations with my husband, and even then I did not enjoy it. Then the headaches began, every single month... almost exactly mid-cycle. Before mirena, I could count on one hand the times I had a headache, so it was definetly from the IUD/hormones. I always felt crampy, bloated, looked pregnant, no amount of exercise would drop the weight, MOODY (infact, a total B sometimes). It was the moodiness that broke the camels back. Sometimes I felt like I was not myself... I would be angry or upset for no reason, but knew logically that I shouldn't get this angry over the little things, however, I just couldn't reign in the anger. So, June 30th I did a little research and took it out myself. I don't really recommend anyone try this. I've had 2 copper IUDs removed before (those worked ok, no funky side effects - but did have heavier periods and some cramping every month, and sex was sometimes painful) So, I kinda knew how it was done. IMMEDIATLY after, as in the next day, I had more energy and my sex drive went through the roof. My husband and I are in shock at the difference. It went from zero to 10 (I'll spare you the details!) I did have some bleeding for a couple of days, and on July 6th got a "real" period. My energy level also went through the roof. Now, I run 5 miles three times a week... no way would I have done that before. The foggy feeling is gone, and although I just had a headache today, it was much milder than the ones I had before (which would last sometimes two to three days!) I think my hormones are still working their way back to normal, and I really believe it takes a few months before your system clears itself up... but I have really noticed a difference this past month. The B is gone... and the nice Mommy is back. Now the struggle is figuring out contraception that doesn't have all these side effects. As for me, I need to be hormone free! :-) Some women can handle it, but this one cannot. (I had done the pill while newlywed... and also turned into a total B... I ended up pregnant shortly after, but if I had stayed on the pill, I would have ended up divorced!) Hopefully I can convince my hubby to get a vasectomy, but deep down I'm not sure I really want to do that either. I have 3 kids, am only 33... and think maybe, just maybe, I may want another little bundle. (I know, I'm crazy!! but I've been dreaming of babies lately) As for the weight, I did not budge the whole time I was on the mirena, and as of now, it has not budged! (even though I eat healthy and have been exercising very consistantly for a month) I feel good, have more energy and really hope once the hormones work themselves out, it will start coming off. By the way, the first period is VERY heavy... even a little scary because it was so heavy, but I think it will work itself back to a pre-mirena normal after a while. Also, I have an appt next week with my gyno for my yearly exam and will have to admit to her what I did (which will not go over well, I'm sure!)

oops, sorry, it was May 30th that I took it out... not June.

i totally agree... get it removed... i had side effects for a while, and i just thought that i was over reacting. i had ALOT of pain during intercourse, and no one should have to suffer during intercourse. i would even bleed after intercourse sometimes. it sucked. also, after reading this post, i have to agree that i have slept alot better, and i have felt that i was bloated with the mirena... a huge thing for me was also the following, which was a big deal to me as far as conraceptives... i felt that the mirena took my womanhood away.. i am not sure why.. i felt that it was really intrusive, and i cannot tell you how relieved i felt after it was out, and just as stated above, it was out in a matter of seconds... there are other less-intrusive methods of birth control.. i suggest that you stay in control ladies-dont let a piece of plastic have such a terrible impact on your life....

i am considering having mirena removed ASAP.... It was inserted in Dec. 08. I have only had the insertion bleeding, and then NOTHING AT ALL SINCE~ of course I have taken some HPT's and not preggo. But I am a mess. Gained 20 lbs, ( even while taking some meds for weight loss, lost 30 lbs B4 mirena, now to have gained 20 back) :(
Acne, irritable to where I cannot stand myself~, bloated, HEADACHES, night sweats, insomnia, just plain a MESS!

My major question is for those who have had it removed.... does insurance cover removal? I think my ins. paid for most of the insertion, but curious about removal. At this point, I dont care how much it costs, I just am done feeling this way!

Mirena...Sucha dissapointment. I am not a mother, i was pregnant and that didnt' work out. Doc suggested mirena and i bit...The first 6 months i was excited, did the job it was supposed to at least...Then towards the end of the year i noticed my clothes not fitting right...Everything was tighter...When i would gain weight before it was only to my muffin tops and stomach...Now I am a couple sizes thicker and an ass that came totally out of nowhere...I can look in the mirror and decide that i look good but I FEEL UNHEALTHY, bloated, It was a chore to paint my toenails or lift and carry heavy objects...i had to buy all new summer clothes i went from size 4 - 7, 135 -140lbs to straight up 11, 150lbs !! No fluxuation...If one more person tells me its my age (22) or my eating habits i will flip...When i first read the testomonies i was relieved i called and scheduled an appointment for removal, i was 152..a half week later at my appointment i was 156 1/2...ENOUGH...I envy the girls that had Zero side effects, this would have been my favorite thing...I have always been in control of body so i believe removal was the best thing...:) thanks (oh by the way so we are clear, WEIGHT GAIN was my main concern, but i also suffered from, ACNE -unusal places like my jaw line and it was extremely painful and sore, LOW SELF ESTEEM- i have always been a confident happy person very comfortable with my body and weight, when i had my IUD people told me of my obsession with my weight gain and i knew how annoying i was being, DEPRESSION- i think was an effect on how i was feeling about my body,MOOD SWINGS, and also ZERO SEX DRIVE- i am fortunate that my boyfriend loves me the way he does becasue i wouldnt have blamed him for leaving me...He told me several times that sex was nothing more than a chore to me and i had never desired it...He was right poor boy...I hope you all the best of luck...

I am so incredibly happy to have found this site! I'm in practically the same boat as everyone else it seems. I had Mirena inserted 6 weeks ago and have had ZERO sex drive ever since (hubby and I were up to 2-3x/week previously). He's so patient and supportive, and I typically give in to him b/c I know he really needs it. But when I do, it is SO uncomfortable. Then HE feels bad b/c he knows that it's painful for me, and we end up stopping. My hubby (who's a doctor) mentioned that he wasn't surprised about my constant hunger while having been on Mirena. This IUD releases progesterone and, anytime your body is in a progesterone-rich environment (like when you're pregnant), you have increased feelings of hunger. I eat right (no fast food, no sodas, only poultry/fish, etc.), and I exercise 3-4x/week. I WAS in great shape (last year, I won Best in Swimsuit during a state Mrs. America pageant). But I've noticed that I've managed to add on a nice coating of fat all over my body. After 6 weeks, I've already gained 8 pounds. I don't need this contraption messing with my desire for my husband, or blowing me up to the size of...whatever. My appt to have it removed is tomorrow. It was VERY painful to have it inserted (I have no kids, so my cervix is super tight), and hubby's coming along with me to the removal appt for support in case it's painful again. My gyn who did the insertion acted like it was totally bizarre for the insertion to hurt. AND she assured me that Mirena doesn't cause weight gain. That's where they try to reel us in, ladies. True, Mirena itself may not cause the weight gain, but the progesterone in Mirena makes you want to eat all day long, which results in weight gain (or at least that's my story). I can't wait to be back to my old self. Because I've always been athletic, I like my body the way it is and I've never in my life been overweight - and I'm not about to start now. Good riddens! God bless us all!

Hi ladies I have the mirena also and I had my mirena removed yesterday and i never felt better I thought that I was the only one who experienced these problems I have gained 20 lbs and I felt like I was pregnant I have bad acne and experienced low sex drive reading your stories helped me realize I did the right thing thank you guys for the post

I saw some of you asked about insurance covering removal--- my visit was No Charge and it took about 2 seconds for removal. Mind you- it took about 30 minutes (which felt like 30 hours from the pain since my cervix was smaller since I have no children) having it inserted.

I put up a posting quite a while back and still receive updates from others. I am AMAZED that so many people have so many of the side effects I experienced. I don't understand how the Dr's can really look at us and say we are eating too much, depressed, etc etc when we as women know our bodies.

I have had mine out now for about 1.5 years. It took a handful of months for ALL the side effects to go away. The insomnia, acne, lack of sex drive, migraines, fogginess left immediately. The weight/bloating was a little slower to come off but it did. What helped me the most was doing a detox to rid the hormones from my body and then in no time I was back to normal. My periods became normal in no time also.

I'm asking for all the advice I can get right now!

About five years ago I had a procedure done due to endometriosis (spelling). After the procedure my doctor told me she didn't think I could ever bare children due to the severity. I got pregnant in august of 2008 and I have a healthy little girl. At my six week check-up my doctor and I discussed that mirena was my best option considering I have no medical insurance (I've tried to get it through the state). I went ahead with it and have been in agonizing pain ever since. I went back to the doctor due to sever cramping to the point I couldn't walk. They told me that my doctor should have looked at my medical chart and known that mirena is terrible for someone who has endometriosis. She said she could remove it but it would cost me $500 on top of the $300 cash I had to pay to be seen. I didn't have the money and I still don't. I have researched on how it is removed and am contemplating on trying to remove it myself. Has anyone tried this or has advice on how I can do this. I have to get it out! I feel like my stomach is ripping apart everyday and I just want to feel normal again.

I have had my Mirena for just about 13 months. The first 2-3 months seemed fine.
I have gained 30lbs in this time. I am now pre-diabetic & am having transient hypertension =( due to the weight gain. I had spotting for about the first 6 months. After that I began to randomly get lower left side abdominl pain, I was sent for an ultrasound & the tech never checked my ovaries =/ but my doctor said "oh the scan shows your IUD is still in your uterus". My man is less attracted to the rounder me, which means less sex & less time close to each other. Needless to say our relationship is suffering. I have often had the cloudy mind, back aches, skin breakouts, random pains down there, lower abdominal pain & so much spotting & bleeding that I wonder if having cervical polyps in the past wasn't a kinder option.
NO ONE EVER INFORMED ME OF WHAT I WAS GOING THROUGH WAS COMMON PLACE!
At least I found this site, all be it a little late, but thankfully I know I am not "broken" or "mad".
And yes I have felt the frustration of having doctors listen to me when I say something is not right about this thing in my body!
If they are there to serve our health they should genuinely listen to what we have to say!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD THE MIRENA OUT? I HAD MINE INSERTED MARCH 9, 2009, AT FIRST IT WAS GREAT NO PERIODS HELL ANY WOMAN CAN GO WITH OUT THAT LOL, BUT THEN I STARTED GETTING NAUSEATED, DIZZY, DISCHARGE, SMELL, LOSS OF HAIR, WEIGHT GAIN, STARTED EATING MORE, NO SEX DRIVE, ALL THE SYMPTOMS OF BEING PREGNANT.... SO I DECIDED TO HAVE IT REMOVED ON JULY 27TH AND THEY ALSO DID A PREGNANCY TEST TO BE SURE I WASN'T PREGANT BUT ALL THEY DID WAS THE HOME PREGANCY TEST AND WE ALL KNOW THEY DON'T ALWAYS WORK LOL..... THE PAIN WASN'T BAD GETTING IT REMOVED AT ALL AND I SPOTTED FOR A WEEK OR SO AND HAD HEADACHES, BACKACHES, AND I STILL FEEL LIKE I'M PREGNANT, BUT A WEEK AND A HALF AGO MY STOMACH BETWEEN MY RIBS STARTED HURTING AND THEN IT WORKED ITSELF DOWN TO MY LOWER PART OF MY STOMACH BY MY HIPS AND I CAN'T EVEN HAVE SEX CAUSE IT DOES HURT MY STOMACH AS WELL, I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON SO I WAS HOPING THAT MAYBE SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPENED TO YOU AND IT WENT AWAY LOL... PLEASE LET ME KNOW ASAP, I'M GOING CRAZY TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHY I'M HURTING....
SEPT. 8, 2009

I just had mine removed after almost two years. Between the weight gain/inability to lose weight, chronic constipation, bloating and occasional headaches, I decided to take it out and see if the symptoms improve. Removal was easy, but three days later I started bleeding. HEAVY. Today I was cramping/bleeding so bad I was in tears. Not sure if this is the same for everyone, just wanted to say be prepared. I'm hoping this will be over soon.

I have been having non-stop headache and high blood pressure, bloating, no interest in sex ( always avoiding it b’cos it takes me forever to get there), mood swing since I had my mirena inserted in may 09. I decided to get it removed today and my doctor said she will not place me on any pill until one year. Has anyone had this experience before. The only option I have now is condoms. I am hoping to get my life back.

All I can say is WOW!!! I had my Mirena put in June 09. I am really surprised at all the women saying how painful the insertion was to them. I must have a really good doc, because she numbed me before she put it in so I did not feel a thing. The biggest problem I had was I was very dizzy afterwards and had to stay in her office awhile. Then the bleeding came. I think it lasted about three weeks. I was really questioning my decision. I called the doc and she told me to wait it out it would get better and it did.
My periods actually started getting lighter. As far as sex goes, it actually started to feel better. I thought this is a great thing. In August a tumor was disovered on my left kidney. About the same time I started having severe pain in my lower back especially on the left side. So I was blaming the tumor. The other symptoms started to happen. I was having headaches, dizziness, and nausea as well as the back pain. I had the tumor removed in October that turned out to be cancer. Thank God I am now cancer free!! But the symptoms did not go away - they got worse. They got so bad I could not function. I started taking the pain meds they gave me for after my surgery (that I did not have to take because of the surgery) for some relief. So my husband started doing some research online and came across this site as well as others with oll of these women complaining abou the same things. So I decided to call my doc - knowing she would tell me the mirena has nothing to do with it. But I gave her my whole story and she did not hesitate to remove it for me even though she does not think it is the merina. I had it removed last week. The removal was very easy-no pain. She told me to cough and it was out. A couple of days later I started bleeding - very heavy and with alot of large clots. I am assuming this is normal. The bleeding is slowing down, but I do have a question. Has anyone else had a problem with itching after removal? I am itching all over - bad, especially my back, arms and legs. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated and good luck to everyone. Hoping this is going to solve all of my issues.