I am at the end of my 4th year with the Mirena and except for the first three months of on and off cramping I have have a wonderful experience - no weight gain, excellent sex drive. I have been very glad to not worry about pregnancy. However....here it is, I have been having unexplained itching for the last year and my doctor cannot figure it out. I have also been having heavy hair growth on my chin and lip...I am 39 years old. I plan on having it removed to see it the itching ends. I have been grateful to have it because I hate condoms and cannot take the pill. I think each person needs to weight the benefits and side effects. Thanks for all of your honesty :)