I had Mirena inserted one week ago and there was some minimal cra...

I have had Mirena since July 2007 and, like you, had very minimal pain, cramping and light spotting.

I have since started having some side effects beginning at about 3 mos after insertion. I started having slight acne on my forehead, a constant headache, neck ache, and hearing my pulse in my left ear. I asked my doctor if this could be because of the Mirena, but she said it was unrealated. I was diagnosed with TMJ and told I should manage my stress, and that has seemed to help, along with trips to a chiropractor. I started using a topical over-the-counter solution for the acne and it has since cleared up. I re-read the information I was given at the time of insertion and decided that these were indeed Mirena side-effects, but since they were not very serious and easily manageable, I decided to keep it.

After reading all of the posts here, I realize that I have been having way more side effects than I even knew existed. Some other side effects that I have been having that I never even thought were side effects are an increased vaginal discharge, a constant bloated feeling, not ever feeling i've had enough sleep, a feeling of being overwhelmed and put-out by my children, and a huge loss of patience that usually results in me blowing-up at my husband.

Yet, even after all the negative side effects, I still plan to keep my Mirena. I think that never having to worry about birth control for 4 more years is worth it. And now that I know the cause of my unexplained malaise, I think I can snap myself out of it (which is what I have to do every morning when I want to stay in bed, or get annoyed by my children or husband). At least now I don't have to beat myself up or feel guilty about it; I can remind myself it's the hormones, cool down, take a minute, change my behavior and move on.

And I have also had positive side effects as well. I LOVE not having my period! I only get about 2 days of VERY light spotting (if you can even call it that) every 6 weeks or so. It's not even enough to stop my husband, who has a very strong libido, but wouldn't touch me with a 10 ft pole when I was on my period! I think that my libido has actually gone up now that I don't have to worry about unwanted pregnancy.

Bottom line is that for me, the benefits outweigh the negative side effects in that they aren't too serious and are manageable. At first I got a little scarred after finding this site, but now I feel glad that if I ever develop more serious side effects I will know right away what they are from and can have it removed asap.

I hope this was helpful. Even if you do get some negative side effects, they can be mild and don't have to ruin your life. It seems that some of the women had Mirena removed after such a short period of time, they didn't really give it a fair shot. All the infromation I was given explained to me that there would be cramping, spotting, or heavy bleeding anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months after insertion, followed by lighter, shorter periods or no period at all. At least that's how I understood it. Also some women who have never had children had Mirena... all the information I read stated that women who have never had children are not good candidates. Their doctor never should have recommended Mirena for them.

Thank you so much for your feedback. I was really concerned when some of the ladies stated they had decreased sex drive because my husbad and I have a very active and healthy relationship. I think sometimes when we go on the sites we can easily be overwelmed by the numerous responces and like you if I was easy to scare I would have gone back and had my Mirena removed, but I believe in giving things a chance so I will consider myself blessed if my side effects remain minimal. Again thank you for your honesty.

Hi i had mine fitted 7 weeks ago a bit of a lumpy ride at first, but last few weeks no bleeding, no discharge, just a few stomach pains, just hoping i get no more periods now lol

I have had the Mirena coil coming up to 5 years- It comes out in three months. I have not had children, and previously had heavy periods, and the doctor let me have it once I had satisfied her that, at thirty-seven, I did not want children. I have loved having almost no period for five years- though I do experience small cramp like symptoms some months, but less than and not as long as, I did before. I have had no side effects, and would highly recommend it to anyone in my age bracket - I am sad to hear that some have had problems, I just wanted to let people know its definately not all doom and gloom! Luci