Mirena Extreme Fatigue, High Blood Pressure, Gaining Weight, Trouble Sleeping, First Thought
Posted over a year ago
My Mirena Removal.... So i posted here a few weeks ago after I found this site. I had EVERY side effect listed and was so freaked out that i immediately made an appointment for removal. For those of you reading and wondering what the removal is like.. ... more »
My Mirena Removal....
So i posted here a few weeks ago after I found this site. I had EVERY side effect listed and was so freaked out that i immediately made an appointment for removal.
For those of you reading and wondering what the removal is like..
Well, NOTHING like the insertion. I was so so nervous and it was over before we actually started. The DR was surprised that i was back in his office to have this removed. He then proceeded to do an ultrasound to be sure it was placed properly before removal. And yes, all was OK on the position of it. I explained to him my reasons and he looked at me like he had never heard this before. I honestly can not imagine with all the women he sees that NONE of them have complained. But...as I was getting dressed afterwards, I took a good look in his office. There was Mirena literature ALL over the place. In fact, that was the ONLY thing he was advertising. Not to mention...they made me pay up front with the insertion back in Nivember...billed my insurance and I still have yet to receive my reimbursement. Oh yeah, and that...they charge more than the actual Mirena costs, then they bill your insurance for the price they know they will pay and the DR then makes about $150 profit. Nice.
Ok, back to my side effects post Mirena. The removal was not painful at all. I did spot for about a week- nothing too heavy but it was clotty and def there.
A couple of days after the removal it felt like I was coming out of my skin something terrible. I figured this was my body adjusting to the lack of hormones. I also had some headaches.
It has now been 2 weeks and the spotting has disappeared. I also can see the bloating of my stomach is starting to go away. It looked like I was about 4 mos preggo while I was on it. I also have an increased sex drive. And sleep-- well let me tell you, I have not slept this good in a very long time. I am actually sleeping more than 6 hours now and the night sweats have also discontinued.
I can't believe EVERY time I come to this site and look up Mirena ALL the people that have posted their experience as being negative. Yet, the DR looks at me like I am crazy! I have been seeing him for years and I have never complained about something like this. I really am so happy that I have it out and wish I would have done my research on this prior to insertion (which was one of the most painful things ever!)
So..for those of you out there that are either contemplating having it inserted...I say NO WAY. And for those of you out there that are nervous about the removal or not sure..I SAY YES, DO IT! For our bodies to be reacting this way, it is clear to me that it should not be inside of us. Listen to your bodies...they really do speak to you and let you know when something is not right. Forget about the DR saying it is safe or he has not heard of any of these side effects...YOU be the judge.
Good luck! And I promise it gets better once you get that lil' demon out!
Mona
Mothero4 - 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
Natashalito - 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.
Stomasik - 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
Kkfelicia - 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!
Goldgirl - 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.
Mistresscassie - 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.
M08 - 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? =(
Hunter84 - 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.
Renadjoab - 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!
Tremomma - 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!!
Tootsweet - 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.
Tinyt - 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
Sullenfire - 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.
Toby2000 - 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?
Jillyn_85 - 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!
Toby2000 - 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.
Jaydensmom08 - 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!!
Roadjockies - 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.
Peaches31 - 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.
Jessalynn - 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???
Mom_of_3 - 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.
Monanigro - 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
Monanigro - 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
Hyp - 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
Amberrenee2009 - 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!!!
Kimkayt - 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 -
Sarpak - 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!!!
Jholly - 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.
Cissy - 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!
Amesrigg06 - 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
Three_loves - 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.
Three_loves - 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.
Easondominic - 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
Mdmom21 - 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.
Leehovey - 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!!!
Leehovey - 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!!!
Hjwilson - 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!!!
Sarahsmommy0108 - 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!!!
Dragonfairy08 - 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.
Lola82 - 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!!!
Lola82 - Also, removal was a piece of cake! I was like getting a pap done... Best decision of my life!
Rthanc61 - 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.
Bskruppe - 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!
Hayleesmommy - 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.
Elletee - 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!!
Molliemeds - 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!
Jcsdec86 - 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.
Appellj - 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).
Lhw123 - 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!
Asayaelliott - 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....
Ark41179 - 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.
Skywaywaver - 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.
Pegkeef1 - 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!
Queenamofsouth - 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!
Kalee9 - 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
Monanigro - 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.
Debsthetart - 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!
Traciecarter - 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
Monica0809 - 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.
Ema - 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.
Momof2boyz - 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.
Mikyal - There is nnothing wrong with the Mirena, I have had mine in for almost 4 years now and have had slight symptoms but nothing that other Birth Controls have done. I have tried all types of Birth Control but this is the best one, once its in you don't have to worry about it anymore. I believe all of this Negative stuff is personal opinions and everybodies body is different. I am having mine removed because my son is almost 5 and my husband and I are ready to have another child. Whoever are considering it, I say go for it. Your periods are lite sometimes you don't even get one, no need to worry, its very rare that you will get pregnant with it. Try it for yourself, it was a wonderful experience and as soon as I have this baby, I will get another one.
Sallen1 - I have a hubby and 3 kids. i stared to realize mirena was a problem when my hair began to fall out in chunks. finally, it grew back. the worst part is the constant yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis. the doctor can't find the strings and the piece it's connected to. monday i go in for the ulrasound. the doctor says it's either imbedded in my uterus or it has fallen out. i'm praying for the best.
Juleeanna - So i started reading all these threads about mirena the other night and it all started to make sense! I got my iud in march 09 and just took it out last night (dec.20). I decided to get it after my friend did and it sounded so great. im 21, was 20 at the time and have never had kids. getting the mirena was uncomfortable but not bad, atleast compared to some of you guys. I spotted for quite a while after, like a few months then my periods disappeared except for spotting every once in a while and pretty much constant discharge which was annoying. but i was happy with no periods. I was in my spring term of college and was doing ok. then things just started to get worse and worse, i would sleep all the time and be soo tired that i wouldnt even care about making it to class half the time, i just cared about sleeping or i would be really late. I couldn't concentrate on anything, i'd get really anxious and stressed out and even went to the er for a panic attack. i just felt all cloudy minded and couldnt think straight and had horrible memory, always forgetting things, locking my keys in my car, etc. I ended up screwing up all my classes, term was a total fluke. moved back home to get things together. went to see doctors and they didnt really do much, told me to take some vitamin d and stuff. finally found a good naturopath doctor recently who has been helping me get off prozac since ive been on it about five years and i guess it can kidna make things worse being on it that long. anyways his regiment seemed to help, but still not all the way. just recently i started noticing worse acne, which i only used to have occasional breakouts, now its constant. I now have cellulite all over my legs, which im 21 and pretty active and so these things really have taken a toll on my self esteem and i just feel ugly. sometimes i bleed after sex with my bf and have been really moody lately, wanting to cry for no reason, getting upset over stupid things and etc. Then i came across all these different forums and it blew my mind how many other ppl were going through the same things because of mirena.. .i didnt even suspect it. I didnt have any problem with weight gain really. i actually lost some recently but i do seem more flabby and bloated no matter how much i work out or eat right. well last night i decided i HAD to take it out. I read about other ppl doing it themselves so i went for it cuz i could feel the strings pretty easily and once i got a good grasp it came out easy. I noticed just a tad bit of blood, barely noticeable, but nothing since. I had unprotected sex about 4 days before i took it out so i was a lil worry about sperm surviving but i think its highly unlikely. especially since the mirena was in, but i donno it seems like a lot of women have gotten pregnant while on mirena. i dont know what to think about bc anymore. theyre hard to trust. but im so glad to have it out and cant wait for things to improve. i already think my acne is improving. best of luck to everyone. :)
Momof4cutekids - I agree that the Mirena isn't right for everyone, but I have had it for 2 years with NO side effects. I know others who haven't been able to keep it in, but I also know others who have. It's not fair to say that it's not good for everyone, but it's important to communicate your experience so people are aware of the risks. Thanks!
Antigonerogers - yes yes yes!!! that is exactly how i felt. It would have been three years in febuary i'm getting it removed today. I've been an emotional wreck and don't feel like myself at all. I've been to the doctor for everything else but this because my doctor told me I had to have a consultation first to have it removed.
Inkjunkie - Can I just say Mona, Im in the very SAME boat as you were! I have the severe night sweats, bloating, cramping, especially when working out, Im still spotting and it was inserted LAST Feb! I cannot lose weight to save my life and I keep putting it on, I work out for an hour a day 6 days a week and NOTHING. I too should have read up more, but I mainly had it put in to deal with my heavy bleeding and terrible cramps. I would honestly say that I would rather deal with that, then deal with the side effects of having the Mirena IUD. Read up if you're thinking about them...I sure wish I had!
Erin
Karen429 - I have had my mirena for 5 years and have been having these same symptoms. I never realized they could be related. Went to have it removed today and scar tissue has formed around the strings. One of the strings broke when the dr. tried to remove it. It felt like he was pulling my uterus out with it. He decided to try again under sedation at a later date. I can't wait to get that thing out of me and hopefully start feeling better.
Lor39 - I had it inserted in June 2009 because I have endometriosis on my Uretur, which I only have one kidney remaining, so surgery was not possible to remove it. Doctor told me it would fix it, but it got worse. The first 6 weeks were a nightmare, then it got worse, because the pain was all over and never went away, lower back pain, bloating to the point I could not put on a pair of jeans, 25 lbs weigh gain in 6 months, headaches, crying all the time, foggy head, unable to sleep properly. Nightmare I tell you. I told my doctor over and over that it was the IUD causing these problems...no response, I finally went to the emergency room this morning, and the Doctor recommended immediate removal. I am hoping that in the next few weeks I start to feel better.
Felecia - I got my Mirena put in on 01/4/10. That crap hurt like hell because I have what the docotr called cervixalstenois. The first week was ok I expected some sotting and brown like discharge, but then came the blaoting and eating everything that was not nailed down. And yes! I look like I anfour months pregnant already. I cannot take the off and on spotting and cramping. I have not been able to have sex yet because the spotting always come the day I am about to get my "groove" on, thus it does not allow for spontaneity. I am usually a sex machine with my partner, but this is most definitely cramping my style majorly. I cant wear thongs without being concerned if I am going to mess up my clothing with the spotting. My doctor did not tell me about the length of time of spotting and the irregular periods would last two or more months!?. I am ready to take my this thing out now and take my chances with maybe missing a pill. This is already just not worth it. I am going to give it until 03/2010 and if things don't change, this baby is coming out, no discussion. Its just not worth my happiness.
Alishaa77 - I got my mirena about a year and a half ago. About 5 months ago I started to feel tired. It started one day and didn't go away. I would have to take a nap every single day because I was so tired. I went to the doctor and got every test they could think of, all results were negative. I hadn't been this tired since I was last pregnant and so I looked up getting pregnant with a Mirena. I saw so many people who were tired like I was and were not pregnant. I realized that my Mirena was making me exhausted! I got my Mirena removed about a month and a half ago and I am starting to feel better. I don't need my daily nap anymore and I am starting to feel normal. It has been so horrible feeling like som! I don't recommend getting a mirena, it is not worth it!
Missyvt - I had the 'demon' Mirena inserted in October. Since then I've had increased anxiety and moodiness, gained 10 pounds (my diet and exercise has NOT changed), acne on my neck and back, bloating, massive nausea (missed 3 days of work), and the WORST is HAIR LOSS. It was subtle at first and I asked my hairdresser if she noticed a difference in my hair or if I had maybe damaged it with styling and she said it was normal and no breakage. But then it took a turn and I could just run my hand through it and out would come 15 strands. I have NEVER experienced hair loss like this before, not even after 2 births and 2 breast-fed babies were weened. It's unbelievable and depressing and I'm really really MAD.
I'm actually wearing a hat at my desk AT WORK for the first time in my career because it is thinning so bad along my forehead hair line.
I'm having Mirena removed tomorrow morning and I swear if my Dr tries to say one thing to me about keeping it I will GO OFF in a way he has NEVER seen before.
If you are considering this PLEASE THINK TWICE.
I have used Tri-Sprintec and Othro-trycyclene for 16 years and never ever experienced any of the nasty side effects that this demon has provided.
Jennaloo - Hi all! I had my IUD (Mirena) inserted in October of 2008. I decided to get an IUD because of the convenience factor. I wouldn't need to take a pill everyday or change a ring every 3-4 weeks. I have not had any children - therefor the insertion of it was said to be a little bit more painful... it was very painful. I actually almost passed out- I got all clammy, pale, and shaky. I usually have a high tolerance for pain. I bled on and off for the next 5-6 months. My periods finally subsided after that. After a year of having the IUD, I had gained 27lbs & had completely lost my sex drive (poor husband). I called my OB to ask her about all of the side effects of the Mirena and asked her to schedule me for an appointment. When I went to see her, she asked me to step on the scale - yep, 27 lbs heavier. I told her I had not changed my diet or exercise routines and if anything, they had improved since I had gotten married that year. She also wanted to do full blood work- when the results came back I was shocked (keep in mind the year I had my IUD inserted, my blood work was completely normal)... My progesterone levels were fine, my body was vitamin D deficient (enough for her to prescribe me 50,000 units/twice a week), my blood sugar/glucose levels were high (so she prescribed glucophage), I was low in potassium (even though I eat a lot of bananas), and my kidneys were producing slightly more creatine than normal. I asked her if she thought these effects could be a result of the IUD and she said no. Since then I've done a ton of research (forums, FDA, etc) and have found several of you with the same side effects.
I workout 3-4 times a week although lately it has been very disheartening because no matter what I do, I can't lose the weight. Sure, it will fluctuate 3-4 lbs here and there, but it never stays off!
After much deliberation and research, I've scheduled an appointment to get the damn thing removed tomorrow morning. I'm listening to my body on this one! I just have this feeling that I really need to get it removed. I don't want to take drugs to coverup underlying issues due to the IUD. I'm very excited to get it out - and will keep you all posted!
Egutz07 - I just had my IUD removed and it sure wasn't painful. But man can I tell you the side effects were horrible when I had it inserted. I had bloating, joints pain, nausea, gain 20 pounds, back pain, loss of sleep, sore breast, acne (which I had never had but only of course in my teenager years), lots and lots of dizziness..Ughh!
It got to me so bad so I had it removed also because I wanted to have another baby. Now that I have it removed, I sleep better. Just want to know if there is another site to see what are the chances of me getting pregnant besides having Faith! Good luck to everyone. I WILL NOT USE IT AGAIN..
Thanks..
Sillyme - OMG I thought it was me just feeling funky I got the MIRENA about 2 years ago and I thought it worked fine but now after reading your comment it all my nuasea, crankyness, hair loss, lack of sex drive. It because of that little darn thing. I had mine removed two day ago, Let me tell i have a river running through me right now I hope it goes away soon. My reason was because we are trying to have another baby I hope I wont have a hard time. I won't be getting it agian next time.
Puccini - I had my Mirena removed two weeks ago after experiencing anxiety attacks, pains in my lower back, stiff shoulders & neck, break outs, dizzy, numb lower legs at night...the list goes on. The removal was a piece of cake. I asked my doctor what to expect after it is out. She said, "some spotting". Two days later, I had "some spotting" followed by a rush of blood that was endless. It was like I was shot. I never saw so much blood. When I thought I was past the worse, I was bleeding heavily with huge clots which lasted 6 days. Ladies be prepared, after laying down your body collects these clots and when you stand up to start your day, they will come flying out...I had about 10 come out one night on my way to the bathroom...I was so light headed. Not sure if it was the blood coming out that caused the light headedness or my fear of blood but either way, it wasn't pretty. I am still bleeding but the clots are far between now, seems to be like a normal period now. I would never put my body through that again!!!
Puccini - I do have to say...my body is getting back to normal. The day I had it removed, I was a new person. My positive attitude is back, my head is clear...I only had Mirena for about 10 months...I have lost all of the weight that I gained. Just be prepared once you get it removed, it isn't fun, but it is worth it.
Angelrayne_7 - I had the IUD put in after have my twins in 2005. I got it because I have 5 kids and am happy with only 5. So I thought this would be the best option. Man was I wrong. Of course I didn't get pregnact but through out the last 2 years I have had side effects from hell. Weight gain, sleep lose, memory lose, mood swings, numbness and pain in my legs and yes this list goes on and on.
Finally after my dr putting me on pill after pill for depression, anxiety, weight lose and nothing working I started researching online. I found I was not the only one who had these symtpoms. I called my dr and asked him if it could be from the Myrena he said no. I started wondering if maybe I was just losing my mind. But after reading everything and him putting me on a depression pill that messed me up I decided to call my ob and have the iud removed. He argued with me stating that these symptoms could be the cause of anything but I stood strong.
I am not kidding when I say 2 days after getting this removed I started feeling WAY better! The down fall was that I did start heavy bleeding 3 days later with clotting,cramping, started having headaches and also mood swings. But that can all be blamed on the hormone drop. now 2 weeks later and I am feeling amazing. I have more energy, am losing weight, and just over all a better person to be around. I am so happy I got this removed and my kids are also. I would NEVER recommend the Iud.
Mirenaisthedevil - Holy.Shit. I'm sorry for cussing but I just need to express what I feel right now.
I got the devil inserted about Ten days ago... First of all worst pain of my life getting it inserted.. Talk about intense!
I literally can't sleep right now because of the pain . I've been having the worst cramps I have ever had. It feels like someone is constantly kicking my uterus. :(
Tylenol does nothing to help my pain.
And I have turned into a monster . I am so moody it's ridiculous .
I'm always on the verge of crying or yelling.
Sex is horrible . My boyfriend can feel the strings and it literally
hurt him and he felt so weird and is terrified of even
having sex with me anymore ! Lol :(
I am constantly bleeding and it's driving me to a breaking point.
My boyfriend said "mood swings.. Constantly being poked during sex .. I think that's how the birth control works . It makes you not want to have sex." haha. He's right!
Man I just can't wait to get this little shit removed..
I cant wait to be myself again . The worst decision of my life to get
Mirena. I am so glad that removal isn't painful..
I just can't stop crying right now because this birth control literally
makes me feel like I'm dying. This pain is unbearable. I'm a monsterous bitch. I gained a few pounds. I wanna eat the entire world lol
ughhhh I need this out now :(!!!!
Thanks everyone for sharing stories ,
made me feel better
Mirenaisthedevil - Holy.Shit. I'm sorry for cussing but I just need to express what I feel right now.
I got the devil inserted about Ten days ago... First of all worst pain of my life getting it inserted.. Talk about intense!
I literally can't sleep right now because of the pain . I've been having the worst cramps I have ever had. It feels like someone is constantly kicking my uterus. :(
Tylenol does nothing to help my pain.
And I have turned into a monster . I am so moody it's ridiculous .
I'm always on the verge of crying or yelling.
Sex is horrible . My boyfriend can feel the strings and it literally
hurt him and he felt so weird and is terrified of even
having sex with me anymore ! Lol :(
I am constantly bleeding and it's driving me to a breaking point.
My boyfriend said "mood swings.. Constantly being poked during sex .. I think that's how the birth control works . It makes you not want to have sex." haha. He's right!
Man I just can't wait to get this little shit removed..
I cant wait to be myself again . The worst decision of my life to get
Mirena. I am so glad that removal isn't painful..
I just can't stop crying right now because this birth control literally
makes me feel like I'm dying. This pain is unbearable. I'm a monsterous bitch. I gained a few pounds. I wanna eat the entire world lol
ughhhh I need this out now :(!!!!
Thanks everyone for sharing stories ,
made me feel better
Showmestate - Thank you so much for that peice of inspiration! I too, have the same issues going on with my body and plan to have my mirena removed next month.. I truely hope everything gets back to normal.. I've had my mirena for 2 years and it's seems like I have not been myself since! So, once again I say, thank you! And I wasn't sure if I should have it removed and now after hearing your story... I most def will do it! Thanks again!
Dls - DITTO! DITTO! DITTO! I agree with almost every post here. I've had my Mirena for almost 5 years now. I've had all the symptoms listed above. I've gained about 35 pounds and I'm not an overeater. I thought all my problems were digestive until I read these comments, and they are all so true. I've never stopped spotting. I have to constantly wear a panty liner. My abdomen feels like someone has reached inside, grabbed a fist full and is twisting and tearing me apart. I hope my doctors office is open on Saturday, because I'm going tomorrow and insist that she remove it. And did I mention that the weight gain and loss of desire ruined my relationship?
Jmbrooks - I cried when I read this! And am so happy there are strong confident women out there sharing their stories. This DEMON is coming out in about an hour. I got it inserted 11/19/09, being told this was one of the greatest things out there for women (by my female gyno). No periods, 5 yrs, no pills, etc etc. Sounds great if you can deal with not getting out of bed, cystic acne all over my chin, swollen feet and hands, a puffy face, insane cramping, heart palpitations oh yea and feeling like you've lost control of yourself. I went to the DR. had my thyroid checked for hypothyroidism (as some of these symptoms are similar). Thyroid is fine It all of a sudden clicked, OMG, just before thanksgiving I turned into an angry, swollen, mean, depressed, foggy mess. What changed in November??? MIRENA!!!
My boyfriend is on business for the next two weeks and we are both hoping the old me will be back in town by then. What an incredible man, to stick with Mirena and I, but it is time to let her go, that evil thing!
I'll post again to let you know what happens.
I eat organically, work out very regularly (sometimes 6x/week!) And I'm still gaining weight
Velvetlaura - wow.. is all I have to say. I also had the mirena inserted in June 2008. I also have a very high tolerance for pain and this insertion was sooooo painful. I started sweating profusely, felt cold/clammy, and felt like I was going to pass out.
21 Months later I finally made the decision to have it removed.. THE BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE. After reading all your post and going to other forums and reading theirs, I finally understood that it was the damn mirena that was causing all these similiar symptoms over the past 21 months: the weight gain, the "fog", the never ending spotting, the period that was lighter but lasted 10 days, the general tired feeling, the lack of sex drive, etc etc etc..
I am more than relieved that it is gone.. ALWAYS listen to your body ladies.. don't let anyone.. even a DR. make decisions for you.
The removal was a cake walk and now I am on day 3 post removal. I already feel better. I spotted for 3 days and this morning I woke up to a huge amount of blood and clots. I hope this doesn't last long. I just want the old me back..
To whoever is reading this and considering removal of the beast.. I say do it! The sooner the better.
Take care all you lovely ladies.
Klee05 - i got mirena put in a little over a year ago which was horrible horrible... it hurt so bad but my husband and i are wanting another baby so i was looking on here about removing it and if its painful. well what i have been reading is everyone hates it and has sooo many symptoms.. which is weird. i got it put in and had not a single symptom. i have had barely no periods at all and i actually lost weight! so i dont know if i just got lucky or what?? but im scared to get it taken out!
Kerri
Doctorslie - Hi i wish I had read this before getting the demon in me I has the paragard before for around 5 years
Doctorslie - Continue... after the paragard I use the patch wish gave me few issues and I did become pregnant after that I wanted the paragard back i knew it work with no side effect but my Doctor explain to me How much better Mirena was the side effect were none and that it will take less getting just to and bla bla bla Well I had some disconfort but nothing major at insertion but My problems started 2 week after I started of having night sweats, lack of energy, sleepiness I could sleep 12 hrs if i could I blame it on the New baby nope after complaining and complaining and the doctor blaming it on everything else, I keep a dairy Finally on st Patricks day I had it remove but not as easy as i have read here I have to be put out since the minera aka demon had perforated my uterus as well created and infection from hell Im in such of bad pain, And was told by the doc and nurses o you will be running after this no problems JA HAHA in bed with the worst cramps ever, As an Advise pull it out, And I wonder how much money this person made authorizing this product to be use in women all over the world !!
Murphy86 - I'm a bit frustrated with Mirena as well. I had it inserted on November 25th 2009, after my second child. I was ok at first, now I'm starting to have some of the crazy side effects. So far it seems to work at preventing pregnancy, since I've gotten pregnant on both Depo and Yaz. I am tired a lot, very moody (I'm also bi-polar and take meds), my craps are horrible, I feel nauseous at various times during the month generally when I'm supposed to be having a period, I can't think straight, I feel like I'm constantly in a daze, my lower back hurts, I mean the list goes and goes.I'm wondering if maybe it's just taking a lot more time for my body to get settled with it than I was told? I don't want to have it removed, I can't trust anything else really...can't have anymore kids right now but I do want another one or two in a couple of years. I'm not really sure what to do, any un-biased help would be appreciated.
Neonflutterbies - I am going to get mine out soon since I have medicaid again.but Ive been pregnant on the patch pill and ring so Im worried.IUD is the only thing that worked for me but I to have bloating,pain,and increased of the cycts my body already loves to give me lol.but after a yr the hardness of the string went away and finally stopped stabbing me and my husband so for those out there wondering yes it does stop and the string does get softer with time.I havnt had a period since ive been on it sep maybe 2 short ones 7-8 months into having it and so all in all it is an ok for of birth control minus the side effects and pain its putting me in.Ill be getting back on the depo shot which for those out there i think it 100% WONDERFUL!and once i know medicaid is going to end again(the reason i got the IUD the 1st time after i had my daughter) ill probablly get the IUD again.only this time im going to try the bubble shopped one the has 2 strings my friend got it and says it amazing and is non hormonal.i dont know the name of it off the top of my head.but i wont be getting mirana again!thats for sure!
Dinag - everthing i read here with this posting is the same exact experience. i also want to add that my dr too after so many years of seeing him, looked at me after the 3rd month of the mirena insertion and he had denied anything i had complained about. after almost a year, i knew for sure that i had not been myself and the fatigue was so extreme, i thought i some sickness that i developed and i wasnt sure what it was. i must say removing it was the best thing i ever did, and the doctors are denying all of these symtoms because they are probably trying to promote this awful product. if everyone just does some research before the insertion i believe they will change their mind. almost every single woman who had this product inserted also basically felt all of the same type of side effects. i am feeling alot less bloated and am sleeping better, the heachaches are starting to go away and im eating the same way hopefully will lose some weight that i had gained due to the iud.
Patty15 - I just had my babygurl jan 30 2010 I'am so so happy i read diz cuz i just got it done 3 dayz ago and sum iz hurtn me and i did'nt even bleed till diz day i stll have had bleeding yet but iam going 2 call in the morning 2 get diz devil out of me iam getn fat and i cnt even fit my pantz no more i got 2 get diz out of me now iz hurtz so bad there something pokeing me dowm there i just got 2 get diz out now i had sex with my boyfriend and something wuz pokeing him and now he don't want 2 have sex wit me till i get it out. 2 every1 dat wantz 2 get it.DON'T. PLZ DON'T ITZ 4 YOUR OWN GOOD..
Fluffyboots - Hi All
I'm 48 no kids, live in the UK. I had my Mirena fitted last June 2009 due to heavy periods and fibroids.Up to then I had no problems with pre-menopause my periods were bang on time. The first 3 months I bled constantly and was in pain since then nothing apart from something which was like a mild period.BUT!!!!!Terrible side effects.,
I have put on probably about 20lb I am working out 4 times a week kickboxing etc but cannot lose any weight. I have a stomach that looks as if I am pregnant no sex drive but the worst thing is terrible mood swings and depression never had this before. I literally have eben suicidal and my partner is so worried.
Last year about the time I had the Mirena my mum was v sick with canver and I was under pressure at work. In Nov I went sick with extremely high blood pressure. It was strange asI had had high bp before but nothing like this. Then I started to have so many bowel problems and ended up having a colonoscopy and have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and an inflamed rectum AND BOWEL. I didnt think-could there be a link??The doctors and consultants saiud no way it was just stress in my life.
I went back to my gynaecologist( I have private healthcare here in the UK so work pay for all my Mirena etc. She said" oh so many women have initial problems stick with it!
I have stuck with it so far and am happy about the lack of periods but all these sinister things happening to my body,,no thanks..I am now scared of having it out because of the crash but am going to get an appt.
There is definitely some conspiracy with this because why are so many women having a horrendous time?It is also very lucrative for the doctors I saw the bill for my op( I had to have it in under general anaesthetic as I have a curved cervix) and it probably was around £1000-$1000!!!Thank god I wasnt paying!!
Moten72 - I agree. i have had the mirena for almost ayear now. I went to my doctor to make an appointment for removal. This Mirena has caused me to lose almost of of my hair, I have gained twenty pounds that I can not lose, on top of that i went from being a sex mananic with my husband to never wanting sex at all. My poor husband says my moods swings are awful and he is afraid to come home sometimes. I can not remember the last time I was happy for more than 15min. I'm not the smae happy freaky healthy person i used to be. I care about nothing these dayz this drug is not for everyone. I think Dr. are wrong not to tell you the truth.
Nana11 - I had mirena for 21/2yrs.I had the same symtoms bloating wt gain(20lb)I look like am 4mths pregnant no sex drive mood swings (am always screaming at my kids).I had it removed on 4/14 o problems and am still bleeding lightly.I feel so much better already.
Carolyn3644 - I am so sorry we have all had to go through this problem. I ahve had all of these symptoms too. i had the Mirena iud inserted in March of 2009, inserton was not painful for me but I felt horrible for months after. I remember that after about three mnths of having it I no longer felt like myself. Moody, constant on/off bleeding and I just in general felt weird, bad ace (never had acne in my life besides when preg w my son), My mom told me to have the iud taken out, however my doctor told me it would past and to hold off a bit longer. I think I just started to get used to how I felt but in the past two months I have literally felt like I was losing my mind. i am a mother of three great children and I was snapping at them for the most ridiculous things, i would get really really angry for no reason, severe backaches and abdominal pain, constant headaches that wouldn't go away with pain medicine, extremly tired, very foggy, severe memory loss, I have felt like i don;t even know who I am anymore, crying all of the time, feeling unloved, depressed and really down on myself. ( i have always been an optimist and couldn't find good in anything) I can't live like this o have 3 great children a supportive husband (that I am sure has thought of leaving me because I have become so crazy) he is a great father and all in all I ave a great life wuth normal problems but mothing at all that could possibly make me depressed and feel as though my head is going to explode. so finally I called yesterday to make an appt. to have this removed and my yearly. Couldn't get an appt. until May 11. I really felt that I was going to lose my mind if I had to keep this evil object in my body any longer and took it out myself. I promise instant relief, I am waiting for "the crash" but once I am through taht I look forward to being myself again!!!!! My family desrves a mom and wife that is happy and I need to get back to myself!~!!! I don't recommend others doing this b/c of the possibilities of it being in wrong and hurting yourself!! i seriously couldn't take teh feeling for any longer> i just figured if it didnt hurt i would pull the strings and honestly it was easier than taking a tampon out (just a bit challenging to grasp the strings). I will tell you I did not gain weight but can not get rid of the last 5lbs even though I exercise and I was very bloated). hoping that these lbs will now come off!!!!!!!!!!! i also want to tell you all that I filled out an online fda 3500 to make my issues with this horrible thing know, i urge anyone with these side effects to do the same!!!! they were truly life changing mentally/physically and did add stress to my family life!!! i understand that some women do not have these effects and love this IUD which is fine, but had I been warned that there were serious harmful,emotionally/physically painful side effects I would have never got this inserted in the first place. We should be warned of the truth and then make a decision from there, maybe w/ enough complaints the fda will research it and our issues will be heard. from what i am reading the doctors will not report the claims of side effects b/c there is to much $ for them to b made, im sure they get a great kick back for the Mirena drug company hence all of the literature in the waiting rooms and patients rooms thjat urge women to use mirena!!!!!! If uou google fda 3500 form it will come up go to that website and look for the online form!!! good luck to all of you and hope soon we will be feeling better and our lives will get back on track!!!!!!!!!!!
Tabithaa - Do you loose weight after you remove mirena? If yes how long after? I went to get it removed today but to my surprise the strings got lost and now I have to get surgery on thursday to get it removed. They tried to grab it out but no luck so they have to put me under. If you ever think about getting this bc don't it will almost kill you and if your lucky you'll just go crazy.
Setottse - I just had it removed yesterday. Didnt hurt at all. The bleeding post removal cant be worse than the bleeding while it was in. That thing is the little devil. It was a horrible experience. I am a healthy, active person. This thing was making me anxious and feel sick. I had to have a trans vaginal ultrasound - again a very anxiety experience. I totally lost my sex drive. I had my period and all the PMS that goes along with for months at a time. I wear black underwear eveyday cause i swear, i spot every single day. The topper was the case of Thrush I got the weekend prior to having it removed. My doctor was shocked at all the side effects i was reporting. She truely had/has no idea this is happening to women. I had it inserted a few months after my daughter was born. I dont think my body was fully recovered and back to normal from having the baby. I dont think it was the right time to insert the little devil. I gave it a year, it got bad, had it taken out and am thinking of doing a detox. I want all traces of that miserable thing out of my body. If you are experiencing strange things and think it may be from the mirena, it probably is and you should have it removed. Some people just cant handle it
Deetroyp - I agree with the fact that the removal isn't bad at all, it took like 2 seconds and it was out. I had mine in for 4 1/2 years and i had every side effect possible. I gained 37 pounds in 4 yrs. and can not lose it no matter what diet or excerise I do. I also had the night sweats, not sleeping very well, fatique, no sex drive at all, swollen ankles and feet every day. I am really looking forward to not having this in and looking forward to the new me. Deanna
Deetroyp - also I have had acne really bad and nothing helps to get rid of it. The belly looking pregnant I can totally relate, I have taken pregancy tests because of this and I had no periods just spotting and no warning. I am hoping I dont get all of the side effects of having it removed and I hope the spotting that i have right now will end.
Lyn6556 - I got Mirena in April '09. Insertion was OK, not terrible. I absolutely am experiencing the weight gain and acne. My main concern with Mirena is the fact that I haven't stopped bleeding/spotting since the day I got it put in. The doc keeps saying every few months when I talk to him that I can wait it out or have it removed,. I'm on the fence,. I am nursing and I need low hormone birth control. I would like to stick with the Mirena but I am SOOO sick of the non-stop spotting and bleeding. Has anyone here had a similar experience, and did it ever stop?
Lisalawless - Hi All,
Im 25 years old from Ireland and only got the mirena in last November, but it has changed my life and NOT for the better. I had very bad bleeding with my periods since I was 13 so when the doctor told me about this I thought it would be a god send.....it wasn't. I have acne like a teenage on my face, back and chest. I have gained so much weight and haven't changed my lifestyle or diet but the weight seems to be all around my stomach and it looks like I am four months pregnant which has caused me to do test which are all negative. I haven't had my period at all since Jan 2010 and the stomach cramps wake me up at night, but the worst thing of all is the mood swings I go through three different emotions in the space of an hour no kidding my fiance is like what the hell??!! I dont have my mirena in that long but I cant take these side effects anymore so I have made an app to get it removed next week. The sooner the better, if only I had found this site before I got the mirena!!
Oh and Lyn the poster above yes I had non stop bleeding for 5/6 weeks and then it did stop but I havent got my period since!!!
Ang27ela - I have had my IUD for 5yrs!! This is the yr to take it out.. Come to think of it I haven't really had any bad side effects but the horrible different mood changes. I have had more bloating in the past 2 months then in the whole 5 yrs.... I haven't really had a period at all within the 5yrs. Shortly after I had the IUD inserted, my string was pushed up into my uterus!! Even at every doctors apt for a yrly pap they never checked it to be sure everything was still in the correct place... I am a lil nervous because how would you know if you were pregnant, I know there is that 1% chance that it could happen... Also while having the IUD I had to have a cyst removed in 2008 and with that surgery they had to remove my right ovary!!! I was shocked and still hoped that everything would be okay with the position of the IUD!!! Now because I owe $ to my doctor because of insurance reasons they won't even take it out until payments have been consecutive on the account!! So now I am looking for a different doctor. My doctor don't even insert IUD's anymore, they only remove!!! Not only that my husband and I were intamite the other night and he said he felt something move!!! WTH is that??? I also had bright red bleeding!!! No discomfort tho!!! The IUD has been good to me, no weight gain, no other bad side effects but I really would like things to go back the way they were before I got it and I really wanna have another child... Thanks for everyone's postings I have so been searching for some answers!!!!
Lancaster_mom - MY MIRENA EXPERIENCE. im 27, i have 2 children. i had my mirena put in 1/08 shortly after i had my second son. THE GOOD, i didnt gain any weight (actually lost baby weight easily) or become emotionally unstable like i had on depo provera. i dont have to remember to take a pill (thats how i got pregnant the 2nd time) and lasts for such a long time with little effort. although i did have bleeding 3 weeks out of a month for the first 5 months it was VERY light bleeding and ive only had occasional signs of a period since.
THE BAD, i have developed acne for the first time in my life, on my face, my jaw line by my ears, around my hairline, my back and some on my chest. ive become constipated and have pains when i do finally go to the restroom. i feel bloated. my hair has become thin and fragile. my sex drive has gone down some and its difficult to climax at all. INSOMNIA, i rarely become tired before 2am sometimes 3 or 4am. i truly believe most of these problems can be avoided by good diet and exercise but i have always been moderately active and have maintained strict natural healthy eating habits, ive never had any of these issues until the insertion of mirena.
THE UGLY, over these past couple months ive been having VERY severe pains in my uterine area without warning or reason. strong enough to bring me to the floor. during this time if my husband and i had sex id have bright red bleeding for the next few days afterwards. my ob ordered an internal ultrasound and it turned out i developed a cyst on my ovary that had eventually ruptured explaining my pain and bleeding and that it may have been caused by the mirena.
ive decided to have it removed today and have my tubes tied shortly after. even though id love to be pregnant again in a couple years my health is too important to me and my family to risk using hormonal birth control methods any longer. my husband and i have always had an interest in adoption and are even more excited to look into this and give a child a better life.
NOT EVERYONE IS THE SAME, for many women im sure they have zero complications with mirena but im POSITIVE that there are plenty going through the same things ive written if not worse. i really loved mine at first and i wish it hadnt turned out this way but i need to pay attention to my bodys needs and warning signs. so good riddance my mirena of almost 2.5 years.
i will update with my post-mirena removal story soon enough. im extremely curious to see how things change once its gone! i hope this was helpful for some of you!
Hhw3002 - OMG night sweats, yes I had those too. I just got mine out today and the gratification was INSTANT! Bad news....the Mirena is for me.
Melbell - I have had Mirena for almost a year and a half now. The first time I returned to the doctors to have the Mirena checked. I complained of pain and uncomfortableness. She said there was nothing out of place and that my body wasn't creatng enough estrogen. I have had some side effects that come and go. I'm planning on having Mirena removed as soon as I can. My doctor will not have an opening for almost a month. I'm seeking the help of another doctor. I feel that it is unnatural to not have a period. I wonder what happenes to all the eggs that are not released. Please do research before having this device put in.
Griffinkellykay - I am so glad to have read everyone's postings. I had Mirena for two and half years and over that time I experienced no periods, acne, chin and excess facial hair. I was EXTREMELY moody and at time I would get incredibly angry for no reason. I visited my OBGYN numerous times about all of these issues and she assured me that it wasn't related to Mirena. She sent me to different doctors i.e. dermatologist and counselor for my "depression". I have NEVER in my life had depression issues or a pimple and all of a sudden I had all of these horrible things happening to me and my doctor promising it had nothing to do with it. I was BLOATED all the time and at times it was painful. I am only a size four and work out every day so I didn't experience weight gain but I looked four months pregnant. Finally got it out after contemplating it for so long and I couldn't be happier. I got paraguard inserted and two weeks later still haven't had a period. Is this normal? My doc said I should start two days after removal. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Musical_oblivion - It is so wonderful to know that it's not all in my head! I'm 23 years old and had my Mirena inserted in April of 2007, two months after my daughter was born. I had lost nearly all of my pregnancy weight right after she was born, but after the Mirena was inserted, gained it all back and then some. I eat fairly healthy, am constantly on my feet, and have tried about 20 different diets and diet pills, all to no avail. I will say that I did not experience a drop in sex drive, which is a plus. However, my mood swings have been insane--so much so, that my doctor recently put me on an anti-depressant and sleeping pill. I'm also on a prescription anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxers for my back spasms...which developed in the past three years. I have enjoyed the lack of a period. After the initial insertion in 2007, I had a bit of cramping and experienced spotting pretty constantly for a few months. After that though, my periods stopped altogether. I hope to become pregnant again soon (hopefully within a few months *fingers crossed*) after the removal, which should occur in the next couple of weeks. Wish me luck! :)
Shmacme - Well that may be you but mine is missing. Had ultrasound still missing, had internal scan found it. But now I need a specialist to get it out and have to wait all summer until removal. Now i am so scarred about it piercing something. I have been so sick and in so much pain for about a year and a half had it 2 years. But when i asked if my problems was from mirena was told mirena can't be it. But if you look online at the booklet sent to the doctors it said ALL the symptoms ppl are talking about. Yet the booklet sent to patients only says the most complicating problems ex. pregnancy, expullsion and it piercing organs. Why the hell is that. If i had gotten the same booklet as the doctors i would have known to get the darn thing out. Instead I have been sick for ages and in so much pain that I have been in bed since Nov its now June. In and out of doc's office but still she didn't check the stupid mirena. On top of all that my BF started cheating on me because he got poked ( by what he called a pin) but when i asked the doctor she said men can't possibly feel it. Like an idiot i beleaved her called him a lier we had a big huge fight i got hurt and the relationship ended. I HATE IT Would never recommend it to anyone i like but i have a few ppl i hate that i would love to shove it in. Like the maker of this thing LMAO.
Kforeman3 - I have to disagree with this last posting. I am a mother of three children and chose mirena for my birth control. Other than the initial pain of insertion, I have had absolutely NO problems for three years. Not to say that everyone's experience will be the same, obviously there are side effects; and some people will not be able to live happily with one. I have had no weight gain, nor any hormone related problems, I felt completely normal. When I have to get this removed, I will definitely get another. Women's bodies are not created the same. Some do well with what others cannot. This is one birth control I'm glad I tried. There's no forgetting to take your pill or shot or whatever, it's already there for you, worry free. I recommend this to all of my girlfriends who aren't trying to get pregnant again, or at least for awhile :)
Nickiekh - I am sooo glad I found your post!! I had the mirena for 2 years... and it was the worst 2 years of my life!! I gained 15 pounds, I was moody, I had horrible cramps, and about every 2 months I would bleed for a month straight!! I went to my doctor last October, and he put me on some hormones pills and told me that the only side effect that I was having that could be related to the mirena was the bleeding!! I was in shock!! After I did some more research online and found almost no positive stories on the mirena I went back and told him I WANT IT REMOVED!! It is a foreign object in my body, and im done with it!! He also looked at me like I was crazy. And he to had Mirena literature all throughout the exam room!! I am sooo glad I had this removed and glad that people are getting the word out there that this thing is BAD!! I wish you the best, and thanks for sharing your story.
Spacey603 - I have had some up and down experience with the Mirena. I'll say the first year was awesome! Insertion was pretty easy, a little cramping after but I didn't even know my Dr. had put it in till he was done :) I had a couple months of spotting and some cramping but nothing major, then no periods! yay! Second year I started noticing some stuff but never blamed the Mirena. Weight gain, bloating in the tummy area, moodier, I also developed Roseca (sp?) and random body aches. I mostly blamed age. Now into year three and I started developing full blown Mirena hate! I look 6 months pregnant, have been on a weight loss plan for a year, very faithful, and the weight wont budge!!! I have a constant pain in my stomach. I have had tests ran to check my gallbladder and other organs and they are all fine. I have been having sleeping problems and I was a person known for my love of sleeping. My sex drive is GONE! That is pretty wierd for me too. And not to get too graphic but more than just my drive being gone, I can't enjoy it. I started doing research and found that all these symptoms that have snuck up on me happen to alot of women who have Mirena. I'm getting it out in a week. Like I said, at first it was great! All this snuck up on me and I didn't put two and two together for a long time. IF you get it, just keep your eyes open :) I think some women are just more sensitive than others and some women may build up a sensitivity to it over time. I know women who have had no problems. I'm not taking any chances. I'm tired of feeling like crap. It's coming out.
Sw757 - I'm so glad to find all these posts. I had my mirena inserted on June 2 and I had it removed today. I didn't even make a full month. I wanted to like it. I started having headaches almost immediately. And that fuzzy brain that some woman talk about -- I had that big time and I don't think I even realized how bad till this afternoon when the fog started listening. My hair started falling out and may face started breaking out in week 3. I just couldn't take another day.
I started feeling better almost immediately and by tonight I'm so glad I had it removed. I have to say that for me the insertion was almost easier than the removal. I've had some cramping today and I had to come home a take a nap but other than that I already feel 100% better.
I'm sure with 800,000 women using the mirena, this must work for some women, just not for me.
Mom_to_a_cutie - Like with every birth control or any medicine they all don't agree with everyone. I have had my Mirena for 4 1/2 years. Up until last year it was GREAT. Then all of a sudden I started getting sick. I had tests done and I had to have my gallbladder removed. But upon finding this out they told me I had cysts growing on my left ovary. They told me it was from the Mirena. So I have been putting up wit hthis for a year. I go tomorrow to have it removed. I am not looking forward to it but it had to come out. UI am hoping my problems will go away after tomorrow. I have night sweats, headaches, bloating, fatigue. I also have really bad pain after sex. so good luck to me tomorrow, LOL.
Beans_mom - I am so glad that I found this site & after reading SO MANY comments, I wanted to share my story also.
I got mine 2 months after my daughter was born (Aug 2006). No big deal on insertion, and shortly after stopped having periods (for almost 4 YEARS!). Now, don't get me wrong, I loved the not having to remember the pill & can get lost in the "throws of passion". Except then about 2008 I started having migraines, noticed abdominal pains (like cramping, but no period), & stopped wanting to have sex, like NEVER wanting to have sex; I would rather do dishes, read a book, or ANYTHING else, besides make love to my husband! I did some testing & found that my hormones were TOTALLY out of wack! I did a detox program & started supplements a couple months later, which helped SO MUCH...but then the "normal feeling" wore off again 4-5 months later.
[I had Norplant (which isn't very popular anymore, and I know why!) in 1999. This was my first BC, since I was 18 and didn't want the responsibility and stress of remembering to take the pill. In year 3-4 of having the Norplant I started having migraines & was even hospitalized for ovarian cysts.]
Now about the time I started feeling bad again last year, I realized this was about how I was feeling when I had the Norplant in. I did some research & found they are the same MEDICATION/HORMONE crap in both of these! If I would've done more research (like we all thought after going through all this) I would've discovered it was the same & would NEVER have got it in the first place.
I got my "demon" removed last week & am feeling better already! And get this...my OB/GYN tried to get me to keep it in! And even told me that it doesn't "cause cysts, but doesn't prevent them either". She said I can keep it in (since I basically pre-paid for 5 years & am just wasting a year) and explore ways to control my migraines & cysts. I told her NO Thanks, and just remove it! My sex drive is back! ! ! ! I have only had sex once, due to some cramping & spotting, but actually WANTED to have sex a couple times! I haven't lost my weight yet, but am going to do another detox in 2 weeks (after my daughter's b-day) & that will help a lot!
I know we are all different & react differently to medications. But if you are having any side-effects and even SUSPECT it could be your "demon", then GET IT OUT! Don't wait! And GOOD LUCK!
Amanda
Wrknmom - OMG!! Too funny that you call the Mirena the" little torture device" I have had it in for about a yr. I have loved not having much of a period I am 50 and still bleeding heavily. My doc says I am nowhere near menopause. He also says that there is no way the Mirena is the cause of my mood swings. I feel so terrible I have been losing it with my daughter, thank god I am divorced because if he was living under the same roof I would probably be in jail for murder!! UNBELIVEABLE mood swings....I am now trying anti-depressants...to see if it helps as based on what doc says it couldn't be the Mirena
Has anyone out there actually got confirmation from their doc that Mirena could be the cause of their issues?
Thanks so much for the info. I really feel like emotionally I am an unfit mother...
Violetwroy - I had mirena inserted three months ago. The insertion was the most painful experience I've ever had. I almost fainted... and I had EXTREME cramping for over 2 weeks. My doctor told me it was going to be a really simple and comfortable procedure to which I could take a few tylenol after and I'd be fine. He was wrong!!! I have been bleeding since the insertion and it has not stopped. I have no sex drive and cannot stop eating - I feel extremely bloated all the time!!!
However, not having to worry about taking a pill everyday is definately an advantage... Not ready to take mine out yet - we'll see what happens in the near future. Just glad to know that it won't be like the insertion!!
Messyrabbit - WOW!! Reading all this scares me. I have been on the pill got pregno with my first kid. Which we love soo much. Then tryed the patch didn't like that cause they keep falling off or peeling off from the cotton of my cloths. Then got pregno with my second kid. After that went with the mirena. I have had it for 3yrs. now and hate it. I just have been stalling going to the doc. to get it out. I am 25 and scared to death reading all of these messages. I have all the systems everyone else has the headaches, weight gain, mood swings, and even the worst thing is that I have this horible pain down their and my husband gets this sore on him after we have intercourse. It's horbile I am going to get this darn thing out of me ASAP. I am so scared of what they would tell me though I have had surgery already for cyst's on my ovary so ya I have been from hell and back again. Thanks so much everyone for making my decision for getting it out.
Knotablonde - I had mirena inserted in March after my February misscarriage. I have had many horrible side effects. I have gained about 30 pounds, have horrible headaches almost daily, decreased sex drive, painful sex and random bleeding. Although my period has almost dissapeared, i have horrible cramping at least twice a day. The cons definately outweigh the pros!
Knotablonde - Also, thanks for reassuring me about the removal. I was hoping it wasnt as painful as the insertion.(Slight cramping huh?) I plan to have it removed next month and try to have a baby, wish me luck!
Christindestani - Hey ya'll, here's my update! I had mine removed yesterday 8/2/10! Yeayaya woooohooo! The removal ( mine had no strings and was too far up, so I had to have a procedure to get it out) wasnt too bad! It was only a 10 minute thing once they actually set me up. I had an IV and they gave me a sedative in the IV that didnt totally knock me out but I felt no pain. they inserted some sort of extra small camera (I didnt know this, it's just what they told me, I was close to knocked out) and went in vaginally and removed it. She showed it to me and I waited for about 15 minutes before they stuff wore down a bit before I left. It didnt hurt, I cramped and was a little sore and still a little sore now but nothing major. Lite bleeding right now and the nurse said I could do a 7 day cleanse to help clear out any toxins. I got yasmin birth control pill and I feel fine. I take the GNC multivitamin along with fish oil to keep my mind clear and B-12 (1500 strength) for energy. I feel grrreeeaaattt and I already lost 1 pound, prob water weight. I'll keep posted!
Comommy2007 - I am 29 and was pushed in to using the mirana. Two months into my pregnancy my husband was laid off and we lost our health insurance. So I had to go on medicaid. After having my daughter that was the only BC that offered. They were very convincing. So my life has been upside down for 2 1\2 years. Thank you all for the info. I couldn't figure out what was going on with my body. The DR's (yes more then one) keep telling me it was my body changing from having a baby. For the last two and a half years i have suffered from head aches, crippling back pains, no sex drive, acne, sharp pain in my stomach, and worst of all I have put on 30 pound. I work out four times a week and my diet consists of 1200 cal. S o the weight gain was unexplained. Until now! And on top of that the not sleeping and the night sweats, I'm a walking zombie!! I am seeing a new doctor next week for removal.
Da_rae85 - I got my mirena put in feb. 2010. I did some research, and it seemed convenient, especially with me being in the army. I'm getting ready to deploy this year, and me and my bf didn't want to chance me getting pregnant before deployment. My physical fitness hasn't changed at all, and I eat good about 90% of the time.
I started feeling weird about having mirena, and was getting paranoid about having it in. I went back to the dr in march. She told me that it was working for me and I just need to give it some time. The nerves will go away, I just need to wait a few more weeks. I asked her if I could just switch bc. She then told me that if I payed for it out of pocket, it would have cost me $600. I got pissed and said whatever, and waited.
I wasn't having too many problems, until about the end of april. Anytime I had sex, I would cramp for about 3 hours afterwards. It was torturous. My bf was even complaining to me about how I never want to have sex anymore, and that "no wonder the bc works, cause you just never want to do anything". I explained to him that it was hurting me, and then I started looking up side effects. I wasn't expecting so much pain.
Eventually, I would just be working and the cramps would get worse. I would have sharp pains, like someone was stabbing me and couldn't even walk or move when they hit me. I still suffer from the sharp cramps. They just seem to be getting worse.
I went to the field about a month ago, I just got back a week ago. During the first week of being in the field, I was on my period. I've never had a period like this one before, I could tell there was something wrong. I went to my aid station and they told me they can treat any vaginal problems, I'd have to go to the hospital. I called the hospital, and they told me they couldn't do anything with me being in the field. I just suffered through it, but it was bad.
Now that I'm back, I still have the bad cramps, my period has been lightening up a bit, but the cramps are still unbearable. I have so many of the side effects, it's not even funny, I'm even part of that "UNLUCKY 5%" as far as the side effects go. I'll be calling tomorrow to try and get this taken out again. The sad part, is there's only that one doctor who puts them in and takes them out.
If you're trying to get the mirena, it hurts getting put in, just look at all your options before deciding, and prepare yourself, that you could have the worst side effects. If you don't have the side effects, I'm glad it works for you, but I highly encourage that those still doing research, pay close attention to the side effects of any bc.
Aimee0219 - Thank you so much for posting this! I was soooo worried about getting mine removed, after the awful experience of having it placed (about 6 months ago). It has been the worst 6 months of my life, and i felt like i was losing my mind. i have never been this moody, crabby, and bloated! Not to mention the lack of sex drive. All of these issues are killing my marriage, which has always been great. I felt so relieved reading that so many other women felt like they looked 4 months pregnant- that is exactly what i have been saying. I try to diet and work out, but i hardly have the energy, given the lack of sleep. The acne is terrible, I havent broken out like this since i was 13. I've had so much cramping, all month, as well as periods that last 12-14 days, every month! So much for not having a period anymore, like my doctor told me. Oh, well, it will be over soon. I cant wait to get back to normal again!
PS- Anyone else have hair loss with this?? Mine has been falling out in clumps! Not sure if its related or just a coincidence???
Smooning - holy cow! I have the "demon"- ive had it for several months. My side effects include:
-lower back pain
-bloated belly - look pregnant
-acne on back and neck- never had before - really gross!!!
-increased appitite - @ my "supposed" period im so hungry
-gained 15 pounds
-INCREASED- Sex drive...diffrent from the other comments...
-very emotional-
the process to place in body was very painfull and agreed a pain killer from doctor prior may help. I am making an appointment to have removed, i was very nervous about the pain and side effects of removal! still worried but not sure if i can stand the above side effects much longer.
My husband said from day one it was wierd...he wanted to know where does the period go? Well the period now becomes, pimple, pain, tears....its your body leaking in another way! Sounds gross but i know the side effects are my bodies way of "bleeding" out!
I have noticed people without children seem to have better luck with this.
My friend tried the one without hormones and she lost sex drive and broke out on face only.
Good Luck to all and do whats best for you!
Mirenahater2 - I'm sure Mirena is just great for some women, but I HATE IT.
I got the Mirena inserted around a year ago, perhaps 2 months after giving birth to my son, on the strong-strong-STRONG recommendation of my ob/gyn. It was VERY painful... I was prepared for it to hurt, though, so I'd taken a prescription pain-killer left over from my c/s, but it still hurt worse than anything. For the next day and a half, the cramps were so severe i was sick in bed, and I am not the "sick in bed" type.
Now, I have not had a single period for the last year, just some spotting from time to time... but I have PMS symptoms like 60-70% of the time: I feel crabby, tired, headachy, bloated, etc. ALL THE TIME. Also, my sex drive is virtually non-existent, I quickly gained back the 20 pounds I'd lost after having the baby, sex is somewhat uncomfortable (cramping afterward/during), and I have cramps from time to time.
I never thought I'd miss my period but I do! At least then, I knew when I was going to feel bad! The lack of predictability is a big drawback to Mirena, I think.
I'm getting mine taken out tomorrow for $200 (that part really bites, let me tell you!) I'm going to try the FemCap. Has anyone tried it? It sounds loads better for those of us who get side effects from hormonal BC methods.
Mirenahater2 - if you don't have insurance or $$$ to pay for removal, check with your local health department or planned parenthood, as both of these are fantastic resources for women. Not only is there often less of a wait to get booked, it's much less expensive than private doctors (the health dept, may be free, since they generally use a sliding scale for services).
PS-- i just got mine removed today, and i'm happy to report that it did not hurt at all! It was no worse than a pap and took just a minute. The nurse who did the removal said it was coming out on its' own, and she thought that might explain the pain/cramping i'd experienced. She said she'd never heard of someone having bad side effects, but she was very respectful of my decision and the reasoning behind it.
Candykane75 - Just had my Mirena IUD removed yesterday 8/25/10 and immediately the headaches were gone, my mood felt a lot more positive and today 8/26/10 I feel sooo much less bloated and a lot happier! I hate Mirena. I had the Norplant for 5 years with absolutely no side effects so my Dr told me that Mirena was the same thing just in IUD form. WRONG. In one years time, I gained 25 lbs, am a grouch to be around, mood swings are crazy, depressed and very upset about the weight gain. I can already feel the difference in my body. I am so glad to have gotten this thing out. Taking it was so simple. I did not feel a thing, and it was over in 10 seconds. I highly recommend if you are thinking about getting this thing out, do it. You will not regret the choice
Harrisrp37 - I had the Mirena inserted about 5 yrs ago and the only problem I had in the beginning was the abdominal pain when I started to cycle(so painful). My periods were lighter and I only go about 3 or so days each month, not to mention that I sometimes only have to use a panty liner because it's so light at times. I must admit that my stomach is pretty bloated but did not think it had anything to do with the Mirena, just thought after exercising, this is the gift my baby left me. I'm ready to have it removed but didn't realize how costly it would be(and that's with insurance), so maybe I'll take the other ladies advice and try a planned parenthood or health dept. I would like to have it replaced but now I wonder if the side effects will be worse the 2nd time around since I didn't have many the 1st go round.. Now I'm worried. Anyways good luck to those on whatever decision you make.
Exhausted1 - Mirena is a nightmare. There are a couple of posts on here praising Mirena and I am glad it worked for you, but DO NOT imply that all the other posts should be disregarded. I got the Mirena in the beginning of July 09. Since then (over 2 months) I have had non-stop bleeding, VERY HEAVY at times- never just spotting. I was put on a low dose pill which I had an allergic reaction to after a solid month of bleeding on the Mirena. It did not work. I have been more fatigued than I have ever been in my life and almost passed out several times. I have been afraid to drive. Couldn't even turn the key one day because I was so tired. I was started on a progesterone based pill to stop the bleeding because I was anemic- go figure. After 6 days of taking the pill the bleeding began to stop. Less than 9 days later it returned EXTREMELY HEAVY. Clots the size of a hand. I slept 18 hours one day and literally couldn't get off the couch. I am not a big meat eater, especially not red meat and I have been craving nothing but red meat. Apparently due to the anemia. I finally called the doctor to demand it be removed. I have been in contact constantly with the doctor, and the nursing staff and basically made to feel like I am being unreasonable and not being "patient". I would like to know the definition of patience. Headaches began upon the return of the bleeding along with extreme fatigue. Before getting this nightmare I was walking 4-5 miles 6 days a week. Now I can't even drive to the grocery store to stock up on the feminine products. Called my doctor once again on Monday. I was crying uncontrollably and begging them to get this thing out of me. They only said they'd call me back. I was NEVER told it was possible to bleed CONSTANTLY for months after insertion. I was told there would be irregular bleeding and/or spotting for 6 weeks. I called the manufacturer. The manufacturer took my complaint and implied that it was not normal, especially because of the clots, and said that if the doctor would not remove it to go to the ER. I finally talked to the nurse again and she got my in two days later. She was HORRIBLY unsympathetic and kind of rude. I told her that if they did not get me in to get this horrible thing out of me this week, I would get it removed in the ER. I was discouraged very adamently not to do that and finally told that the ER would not do it. They finally got me in for yesterday. Imagine my surprise when they said my BP was 190/167. I don't have high BP. I thought my extreme fatigue was caused by lack of blood in my system due to the constant heavy bleeding, but maybe it was the stroke I am about to have. If that weren't bad enough, they couldn't remove it because they can't find it. It was there less than a month ago when they checked. Ultrasound couldn't find it.
Think very hard before getting this. You certainly could be one of the people that get this and have no problems, but had I been even remotely informed about anything I have went through- I would have made much better choices. But, honestly, it was pretty difficult for me to find the negative stuff. All the sites my browser pulls up are sites that sing its praises. Be careful.
Aimee0219 - UPDATE: I got mine removed about 2 weeks ago, and since then almost all of the terrible side effects are gone. I am not moody, cranky and tired all the time anymore. I am sleeping better, and the cramps were gone immediately. It was such a relief! And I was so nervous about it hurting when it came out, but honestly, i worried for nothing. It was less uncomfortable than a pap!!! It literally took 1 second and it was over! I am sooo glad to have it out! However, my belly is still bloated, im hoping that will go away soon, and the worst part is that i am having the worst bleeding since removal. Not cramping though, just thick, dark stuff coming out. Nasty, i know. Im not sure if this is typical or not, so i am doing some research on that now. Good luck with it if you get one!!
Blanca90 - i had my iud inserted on june of 07' and bled for the first 2 months then after i stopped getting them complitly. i decided to remove it in aug of 09' to try to get pregnant....ever since then i have irregular periods ill stop having periods for1-2 months then they come and last 3 weeks the longest i went bleeding was last december for that whole month.. in the biging of this month i bled for 2 dys a week past and i bled another day and that stopped and a couple days later i startedbleeding again and im still bleeding heavily....
i really regret getting the mirena iud in the first place....
Annamarie1611 - I was just wondering if anyone that has had problems with Mirena had problems with other forms of birth control?
Ndneuhart - I've had mine for nearly two weeks & called today to have it taken out. On day three I had the worst headache I've ever experienced and the headaches persisited at a more manageable level since until this evening, it's back with a vengeance. I've also had spotting, cramping, lower back pain, nausea and bloating. Two other things I noticed were vision disturbances (like my vision was "vibrating", and a racing heart. Not sure if these two are related to the Mirena, but they're not something I usually experience, especially the vision thing. That was wierd.
What upset me the most was when I called to make an appointment have it taken out, I was told they'd have to check if my insurance would cover removal & they would call me back I was so desperate to have it taken out that I called my insurance myself, found out that it was covered, and I called my drs office to let them know. Well, they still would not give me an appointment, they told me they would call me after they spoke with my insurance. Finally I got a call this afternoon (still not sure if it was a nurse I spoke to or what) and she proceeded to ask me why I wanted it removed. Strange, I thought, (none of her business, really), but I described my symptoms, and that I expected some of them, but was just not comfortable with how my body was reacting and also that I was not comfortable anymore with the fact that I was also still breastfeeding my 9-week old daughter after reading that the hormone is passed through breastmilk (my dr had said it was "compatible with breastfeeding" when I asked her about it when I had it inserted). SO - this is where it gets good - she tells me that the headaches were not related to the Mirena (despite the fact that the Mirena pamphlet directly from their website lists it as a possible side effect), that I should really have that checked out by my PCP. And that Mirena was an "expensive piece of equipment", not to be discarded lightly after only two weeks of use.
I have NEVER been spoken to like that from a healthcare professional. It really upset me and I related to her that I was feeling very pressured to keep something that I DID NOT WANT anymore and I want to respect my body. I don't remember much of the conversation after that I was so shocked at how the call was going. I do remember she asked me what side effects my dr. described when she inserted it, and I do remember when the dr. "pitched" it to me, she said that it was good for 5 years, my periods would get lighter or stop alltogether, it had a high success rate, and that there was a rare possibility that it would puncture my uterus. She did NOT give me any literature, explain to me how to check the strings, and was not advised to take any pain meds prior to insertion.
So now I'm still waiting on a call on if insurance will cover it (despite the fact that I allready told them it was covered) before they would make an appointment. I am wondering if I should find another provider in my network that will remove this stupid thing ASAP without giving me a guilt trip.
Do your research. I wish I had.
Jodieloulou - I have been trying to figure out why i have ben having all of these symptoms and i am so glad now i know why!! I am soo moody and getting huge.. Going from 130 to 150 seems like alot to me. I just cant wait to get this out of me on friday :)) I cant stand the way my moods change and for me i have always still had my period.. and hair loss and cramps that i know are cyst on my ovaries. I just hope i didnt ruin my chances of having another baby.. i would be heartbroken. This was the worst decision of my life and i am just thank ful my boyfriend didnt walk out on me with the way i have treating him. I sometimes feel like i cannot control this and it is terrible!!!! I would never recomend getting this torture done... Dont do it!! It might be fine at first just like mine was but i regret this so much now, it has really ruined me.. for right now i hope but i cant wait till friday to get it out!!!!! I will keep you posted :)
Erinmri - Thank you for your comments on your removal. I am interested to know if you had the D&C to get it out finally, and how your recovery has been. I have had mine in since Feb.2008, and couldn't pinpoint the cause of my annoying symptoms since I researched the side effects, also the physicians seem to blow me off whenever I discuss leg cramps, bloating, dizzyness, and an overall sick feeling that I have had several MRI's and blood labs taken for , and they can't seem to find the problem either. I went to the GYN today to get a routine exam and asked him to remove it, and he looked at me like I was nuts, and when he tried to find the strings they weren't there. Now I am scheduled for a transvaginal ultrasound to find it's location so it can be surgically removed. I am really scared, and wish they could have taken it out today. I am eager to hear how you are feeling now?
Alliarnett - Good Luck Jodieloulou I went today and mine has decended to the top of my cervix and the obgyn cant find the string have to go back next friday and try another technique to find the string if it cannot be found they have to knock me out and do a DNC, Deffinately not what I expected to have done all for A IUD It's Crazy
Mamaof4peanuts - hey erin, i was just reading some stories here and saw that ur message is fairly new. I have had mirena since march 2008 and am considering getting mine taken out. its been over three years and im tired of not feeling myself. the side effects i have are not as extreme as they were when i first got the mirena. at first i felt like a psycho-monster and had to get on anit-depressants for a little while but after the 2nd yr i felt a little more like myself but not quite. i just want to be myself again completely. Luckily, i did just have my yearly check-up and they said my strings were in place. I read that urs r not in place. the reason why im commenting to u is because ive had a couple of D&C before. it is not fun and it is painful. basically they have to start labor in ur uterus. it is labor. but they can give u a nice big shot of muscle relaxer. they put u to sleep and do what they have to do. then u wake up with tremendous blood flow & clots(well, i had two miscarriages so the blood might've been from that) for about two weeks. the discomfort in ur uterus and vaginal area is the same as if u had a vaginal birth. but then ur fine. i hate shots so that was the scariest part for me but if u dont mind shots then you'll be alright. dont be afraid of what'll happen to ur uterus after that- i went on to have 4 healthy children. sadly, after 7 years and almost 3 years on mirena we are heading for a divorce. hope i could give u information that is helpful. hope all goes alright. cant wait to have my mind back.
Mominnc2 - I have had Mirena for a total of 8 years now. I never really even thought my pure misery was due to the "Demon" as some refer to it. My Dr. hasn't ever mentioned it could beand my boyfriend calls me crazy or old. I'm only 31!
I have Extreme fatigue, leg & joint (shoulders, knees, hips) pain, breast tenderness, moodiness, constant discharge, depression, some lower back pain, constipation, acne on my chest, under my chin , back of my neck.
I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism about 3 years ago, it's like my Thyroid has almost quit working, and now Lymphodema (lower legs and ankles), NO sex drive, don't even want to be touched or kissed. I usually take a nap whenever i can, any day I can. My kids even mention this to me ,which makes me feel like a bad mom. My boyfriend gets mad, he thinks i dont' want to have sex with him, but he just doesn't understand that I have NO INTEREST at all.
Last week I went to my Dr. to see what is wrong with me. He even checked my heart because I thought that could be it with the leg swelling and fatigue. He ended up saying he thinks I'm mildly depressed. Wow, this is crazy. I was crying in the Dr. office, i said there has to be something that is making me fell this way...I'm not crazy. He had even asked me if I still had the Mirena, but didn't even mention it could be the possible cause.
I got the IUD right after i gave birth to my 2nd son, he's 8 1/2 now. I was taking a bath this weekend and it just hit me. what if it's this THING inside me, making me feel this way. So, i started googling. And i found so many websited and so many other women who have the same issues as me! My feelings are real!
I've been suffering fo so long, I could just cry. I feel that if this is my problem, it has caused me so much distress and pain, It has taken away time and happiness in my life that i cannot get back. time with my kids...I think I've had this thing longer than most people I've seen that have posted...And i cannot even remember the last time i had a period. I was still breastfeeding when i got it, so it was probably minimal at first because of that. It seems unnatural...now that I really think about it. But when you have so many people tell you it's no risk, you believe them.
So, I have an appointment to have it taken out on Wednesday. I dont' care if the insurance pays or not, it's worth it. I do not know if this is the real issue or not, but at least i can know. It may not be the answer, but I will know soon enough. I feel for all of you that have these same symptoms...it is not fair that we are not even told about the risks and are treated as complainers or crazies for what we know is real pain and suffering.
I'll keep you posted on the outcome Wed and the follow-up of how it goes aftewards.
Thank you ladies...
Sherry
Privvy1971 - I had that little beastie taken out today. I took about 800 mgs of an OTC pain reliever about 1 hour before my appointment, and other than a little quick pinch and a cramp I barely felt the removal.
I had the Mirena in on 10/24/10, and by Mid November I had WICKED mood swings, nausea, hot flashes, insomnia, eczema breakouts, vaginal itching, and the stomach bloating/weight gain. No acne problems praise God!
I was blessed in that my OBGYN had no problem with me getting it taken out, and she admitted that while side affects are rare, I was in the "lucky" 2 percent of the population who will not react well to the device. I feel bad for you all whose doctors were not as compassionate or straight forward. She did not dispute my symptoms, she just said they were rare.
i have an ablation scheduled for next week, and was kind of wondering how long it is going to be before my moods will be back to normal. So are my people at work :)
Oh, if you have a history of depression or mood disorder, you should be cautious before using Mirena or any oral medication that has the same hormone in it. Found that out by a physician as well (AFTER THE FACT).
Mominnc2 - I did it. I had it taken out on Wednesday. My Dr. didn't give me too much of a hard time about it, but was very concerned about what i will do for B.C. now. At this point, there isn't a lot of threat of getting pregnant , when i don't even want to be touched! But, i do have to figure out something...Just not yet. I want to get my body straightened out first. Some people have recommended accupuncture to balance out the hormones, I may try that. All the symptoms i was seeing my family Dr. for and she said she hadn't heard the Mirean causing them. But she did say she had heard a lot of women complain they have no libido. She wants me to keep her updated on how I feel. She seems more medically interested, than genuinely concerned about me however.
The removal was quite easy, a little uncomfortable, but expected. Just a little yank, and out it came, into the trash can! I had some cramping for about 15-20 minutes and I felt a little lightheaded , which was unexpected. I did feel a sense of peace come over me, like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. It's like you always knew there was something there, even though you can't feel it....weird.
Yesterday i had some spotting, but no heavy bleeding. And today, nothing. I haven't had a peroid in about 8 years, so i'm sure it will really suck when the time comes! Today is Friday and this afternoon I have started to feel very tired, but i comes and goes in waves. Overall, my mental state is better, probably just because i know it's out and I have this hope I can return to normal soon. But I swear, it seems like i can't focus or SEE today. My vision has been worsening the last couple of years, but today I just can see anything...! I can't type, and feel like I could just fall over, or crawl under my desk and take a brief nap. I do feel like some of that bloated feeling has went away already. And my breasts do not hurt hardly at all today. Hoping i shrink allover, soon! Get rid of that 20lbs I've packed on over 8 years.
I'm not sure yet how this has affected my body, but if any of my symptoms go away, we'll know. If the joint pain and leg swelling would be the first to go, that would be great. I'm also going to have my thyroid levels checked in about 6 months, just to see if it gets better. I had a Bilateral hip X-ray on Tuesday, and there is some mild degeneration there, but "nothing major". Yeah, to the Dr's it's nothing major. I'm only 31 for goodness sake!
So, all is looking up now. I'll keep posting and I hope everyone is feeling fine! It's nice to share with women who know what I'm talking about and BELIEVE me...
Mindy19302 - Mindy_4rm_mississippi-well im very sorry to read you guy's responses but i love the mirena! I think is the best thing 4 me im bad with pills plus im very fertile... i have three kids 1 child came with the pills and 1 came with the shot. I had bad side effects with the patch. on the other hand i have always weighed 125 to 135 my whole life now im up to 160 but it was distributed well lol i love the extra bra size seeing as i didnt have much to begin with and my period was always so so heavy now i may use 3 tampods a month i adore this thing so i guess everybody just have to find something for your body u never know until u try, an its worth a shot your body might thank u for it wink wink and good luck ladies
Jodielou - Update* Remember when i posted a couple weeks ago and i was soo excited to have my mirena taken out? well i went and they could not locate the iud in my uterus and tried telling me it fell out!!!!!! I know it did not fall out, i know my body and can tell it is still in there, so now i have to get x-rays to see where it has moved to. This is terrible, i am always having major tummy and back pains and i am really scared now that this has ruined my chances of having another baby :( I am only 20 and i hate that i have messed my body up this much just to prevent a baby that i would love to have.. Mirena is terrible and i am just hoping after surgery i can feel better.
Laloka13 - Thanks, for the heads up. I been thinking of the decision for months now but by reading all this it is the end and will schedule an appt to have it removed. I though it was just me going nuts, but I will schedule an appt to have it removed. Thank god, I found this website.
Mominnc2 - It has been about a week and a half since removal, and I'm already feeling somewhat better. I'm glad I made the decision....Maybe things will go back to normal. I had a blood panel done the day before i had the Mirena removed and it came back with my liver enzymes were elevated and I have a vitamin D deficiency...I go back in month to see if it goes back to normal. I'm amazed at what this thing has done to my body. It's crazy.
I didn't have 1 nap this weekend and I went out and played in the snow with my kids, that is something I haven't felt like doing for a long time. Just never have the energy.
Looking UP!
Sherry
Erinmri - Thanks Mama,
I am currently awaiting my removal date, the ultrasound proved that it was still in place even though the string must have detached? Anyway I will send a response as soon as it's been out awhile and let you know if these horrible side effects dissipate. I can't wait to get my life back! ~Erin
Sdavi101 - Thank you for posting this! I have had the mirena for 3 1/2 years now. I had it put in a few months after my daughter was born and at the time thought it was the best thing out there. pre-mirena I had an incredibly healthy sex drive and a very intimate sexual relationship with my husband. I now have a NON_EXISTANT sex drive.. I never even thought it might be due to the iud until i started looking up other things about it. First off, I recently began bleeding after intercourse (the little bit we do manage to have) and this was very concerning for me. My husband has never been rough with me and I couldnt figure out why I would bleed after sex. I also have went from a size 1 to a size 9 with no change in diet or excercise! I have tried and tried and nothing seems to help me loss the weight. Finally, I have began feeling sharp pain where the iud is. It hurts sometimes when I move and when my husband and I use certain sex positions.I cannot believe it took me this long to figure out what was going on with me! I am very happy to say that I am going today to have it removed! I can't wait to get my old self back :)
Eg84 - EG-I had the Mirena removed today and I must say that I waked out of the Dr.s office feeling lighter. I was on it for 5 full years and had every darn symptom mentioned on here. I had horrible cramps that felt more like contractions so many times, I thought I was going to give bith to an invisible baby. I was an emotional reck for 3 years with depression, heart pelps, acne, cramps, loss of hair in clumps, but no periods....so not worth the trade off. I never put two and two in my head that it was caused by the little palm size "T" in me but after reading all this im convinced. I only gained like 10 pounds and that was only recently in this past year but I have been very very tired for the past 2 years and was put on xanax and sleep aids. The removal consisted of one bad cramp and several small ones but just take some IBF's before you have it removed it truly helps. I am nervous as to what BC I should start now because I don't want to have another baby yet so I will def be researching my other options a lot better then before. However I am looking forward to getting myself back because this person that i have become in the last 5 years has not been me!!!! Good luck to all of you that are still suffering and to those that choose this as a method of BC!!
Ksc77 - THANK YOU!!!! To everyone that has posted on this site. I got the IUD about 3 months ago and immediately felt a discrease in sex drive, very moody, and not sleeping well. I shortly noticed the bloating. We went back and forth on whether or not to have it removed. We finally made an appt to. I was scared to death and found this site this morning. I had the IUD removed today and it was painless. One little cramp and nothing else so far. I'm so glad women can share their experiences, good or bad, so that a person knows what to expect. And it's comforting to know I'm not nuts and these symptoms were due to the IUD.
Inga - Hello all
I had my Mirena 'removed' after 5 years. I was menopausal but didn't want to take the pill and didn't want to risk pregnancy. I had my two children much earlier in my life so I think I was a prime candidate for Mirena. My doctor did advise that Mirenas should only be inserted in women who have had children.
To get to the point, I noticed discharge and discomfort about 6 months after the 'removal'
After an ultrasound and an attempt by my GP to remove the 'broken piece' of the Mirena ( yes it broke on removal apparently) he gave up and sent me to a specialist.
I had a D&C yesterday and am feeling well. My OBGYN said she had never heard of a breakage before and would contact the manufacturers.
I must admit I am thinking of doing that myself!
I am not a litigious person but this has cost me in dollars and distress.
Has anyone had this experience?
By the way my doc is keeping the 'piece' and I am hoping will allow me to copy and attach the report if/when I write to the manufacturer Bayer
Tarren - Hi Mona, I am just reading your post and I just got my IUD removed a month ago. I have gained 10 pounds and have no idea why and I am so bloated. What detoxes did you do and is there anything you can tell me to help get this weight off?
Thank you,
Tarren
Tlsmartlubbe - Hi All. I have had the Mirena in for over 3.5years now. For the first 2 years everything was absolutely perfect, but for the past 18 months, I have gained so much weight, my nice new bra's I was given at my hen night haven't been used, I have been placed on anti-depressants, had my thyroid checked out, am absolutely exhausted all the time, my stomach is exceptionally bloated (and yes, it does look like I am 4 months pergnant) and still get my periods (not really an issue for me). In the words of my beautician... "You look swollen..."
I was rather thin when we got married almost 2 years ago (stress and exercise), but my husband cannot believe how FAT and obese I have gotten since we got married...I have gained over 30 lbs. Thunder thighs and no waist is not what he married...
I am having my Mirena taken out next week Monday (17th January 2011) and getting the normal UID placed as we are going to try for a baby at the end of the year and I don't want any "funny stuff" in my system.
I do believe the Mirena is an excellent Birth Control device and have been very happy with it, but perhaps its just not meant to be in the system for longer than 3 years...
I'll just wait and see how things go and if I lose all this weight soon after removing the Mirena, then I'll know that it wasn't my metabolism...
Good luck to all.
That_girl - that_girl..... - - - I had the Mirena for a little over a month...and every waking moment was TERRIBLE!!!!!!!!!! I felt like I was going crazyyyy. I had the worst migraines. I felt like I was on pins and needles all the time. Felt like I was going to pass out at any given point in time. I felt like my world was a 'fog' as I read above...like a blur. I felt as though my heart was beating out of my chest. Couldnt sleep. Extremely bloated and my thighs looked like cottage cheese from retaining water. Then when it was time to start my period it burned and itched and was so raw downstairs and then I got this odd pink discharge that looked like cottage cheese with food coloring in it. It was the worst experience of my life so far. Plus I had cramps and stuff all the time as well. Ughhh I hated it. But luckily I just got it out finalllly on tuesday. I instantly started to feel better. The headaches have let up and I havent felt so relaxed in such a long time. Not to mention the odd burning and such is practically gone now. And sleeping has been heavenly. So I totally agree that thing is a little 'demon' and I'm so glad I got it out. I would neverrr recommend it to anyone. I have been watching my best friend suffer from it the last 6 months. She refuses to get it out though. But she has gained weight and everything else as well. Its tearing her life apart. It's just bad all around.
Murphy86 - The best Detox, is natural. Which means, eating mostly greens for two weeks. It sucks, but it works. I did it, and my body feels so much better! I had my Mirena removed as well though. It took more than a month for my body to get back in order. I currently have Paragard, and feel better than ever with birth control. feel free to message me with any questions :)
Tarren - Is Paragard a birth control? Thank you for responding. :) Can you tell me what exactly you did for the detox? I'm so out of whack. :(
K05 - MIRENA is a NIGHTMARE. i had mine inserted 5/08 and immediately had issues with it. i felt like i was pregnant for MONTHS... nausea, moody, cramps, headaches, bloating... every doctor i called said "that's normal. Your body will get used to it.. it'll take a couple weeks." well... it's 1/11 now and i am NOT used to it. i am getting it removed in 2 weeks.... i have had these strange aches and pains, ( i thought i was losing my mind before i read this and saw i was not the only one!) pain in my ovaries and cramps, horrible lower back pain, acne that i've never had in my life... and this INSANE weight gain. ok... so the pluses.. my sex drive was NOT affected in ANY way! i'm DEF not pregnant, so it's done the job, and i haven't had my period since, ohh, with in the HOUR i had it inserted!.. yeahh... i think it's kind of weird... but i actually enjoy that part! Anyway, I have a question. About 2 weeks before I am 'supposed' to get my 'period' I am INSANELY B****Y.. like I can't even handle myself. Yeah, I def PMS without Mirena, but this is BAD.. also, i want to eat EVERYTHING in sight, and then for the next 2 weeks i cant even LOOK at food. Here's what really freaks me out tho.... for some reason before i get my "period that never shows" my heart feels funny... i get palpitations, flutters. it's very strange... I've been to the dr. and they can't find any cardiac issues. I'm wondering if anyone else has or has had these issues? Please let me know. thnx :0)
Murphy86 - I actually went on the South Beach Diet, and followed their two week all natural detox plan. it's a wonderful diet, great for all types of health issues, and easy to do provided you have the 'want' to succeed.
Bishy - I am removing Mirena tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am quite excited about it. Here are the problems I started having after its insertion:
- Continous spotting had to wear a panty liner all the time, very annoying, anytime anywhere it can happen
- Sleeping problems, I cannot sleep!!! I wake up 6 times during the night and cant get back to sleep, the quality of sleep is BAD
_ Itching, I have horrible itching before and after spotting, I cured for yeast infections 3 times but no relief
- Bad temper, I just feel angry all the time. I am famous for being very patient and now I can hit you if I see you ;)
- Headaches, I am having headaches
- Acne, my face is acne garden
- Bloating, its quite embarrassing
- And las but not the least my big tummy, I look pregnant.
I will prefer to get pregnant then keep this thing in my body, I hope removal will be easy on me :(
Erinmri - Hi mamaof4peanuts, I finally had the short procedure and had the device removed on 1/11/11, and had spotting for a couple days, then my full cycle kicked in too. It is a week later as of now, and I am finally ending my cycle. I had cramping , but the motrin helped alot. Now it seems that I am extremely exhausted in the mornings and oversleeping when my alarm goes off . LOL Maybe I wasn't getting the sleep I needed for those three years, and now when I do sleep, I just want to stay in bed. I know its probably too early to tell if I lost any of the other symptoms, but one thing I noticed was the belly bloat after I eat now is finally gone! I am a christian and was doing a Daniel fast for the first two weeks of January, so with eliminating sugar, dairy and meats from my system , helped me to lose 11 lbs, and gave me a kick start on my weight loss goals after the Mirena was removed until now the 21st. The hormones are probably still in my system tho, and I believe that is what is causing the fainting feeling I get at the end of the day around my cycle. I will let you know if things improve for me in a few months. Thanks for your reply, it helped :)
Taraandalexia - i got the mirena put in 3 years ago after having two kids. its the best thing i have ever done! i havent had any of these side effects people are talking about. i dont have periods or cramps and no weight gain! everybody's body is different but i also have at least 4 friends who love it as well! i thinks its the way to go for birth control!
Ofgod - Hello, I have had the mirenas since 01/2010, I was excited however around august my hair started falling out so bad, in continued until today, i felt depressed, had headaches, did not want to be around my husband, always felt irritated...I am getting it removed as soon as possible, I had a ultrasound yesterday prior to the removal. I cannot wait to get read of it. If anyone experience hair loss and had it removed, how long did it take for your hair to grow back?
Joeyj - I have had the Mirena for 9 years (5 years, then 4 years). I had it removed 3 days ago. I am now 44years old. I remember, initially, not enjoying the 6 months of on/off bleeding, but then my periods disappeared. I enjoyed having my Merina so much that I went for another one after 5 years (age 40). Well, since I turned 40, I have gained weight (35 pounds) and just started to feel less energy, less enthusiasm....I have 3 children and a high energy job and just felt I could be better. I started working real hard to lose weight....real hard. In 5 months, I have lost 15 pounds (slow....) and I decided to have the Merina removed. The actual removal was almost painless for me and no lasting effects from the removal. I have spotting still....I feel good. I am hopeful that I get my energy back, keep losing the weight, etc. My dh had a vastectomy so that I do not have to worry about bc.
Crazymommy - crazymommy- I have had mirena since October 2010 and almost immediately wanted it removed. The nurses told me that some women couldn't stand the thought of having something inside of them and came back to get it taken out. I thought that was crazy and just knew it would be right for me..... Boy was I wrong!!! I am not sure those nurses were telling the whole truth. It has nothing to do with something being inside of me, the problem is what this thing inside of me is doing to my body and mind! I had headeaches immediately and thought that it was because I was dehydrated (how stupid)! Then I became moody and had very little patience with my children, not to mention how crazy my period has become! I spot whenever with no warning so I have to constantly wear panty liners or at least keep them on me. If that is not bad enough I have had SEVERE ACNE all over my chin and jaw line, even around my hairline and chest but the worst is the acne on my back!!!! I used to have a few breakouts around my time of the month but nothing like this, it is constant and makes me feel gross and self concious!!!! I do not even want to wear some of my strappy clothes or go out without make up on. I am really going crazy here... Oh yeah and dont let me forget that I have noticed extra hair falling out in the shower, nothing huge but more than usual. I cannot seem to sleep very well but am tired most of the time and with 3 kids this is just unacceptable. I do know 4 other people that have mirena and all of them have at least 1 minimal side effect but nothing they find serious enough to get it removed. I have an appt. to get mine removed tomorrow morning.... Hopefully my body, skin, and mind will all go back to normal. Now I need to find a new means of birth control that will not make me crazy! Good luck to everyone trying to make this difficult decision!
Jadamommyof1 - i have had mirena for 2 years and love it. it does cause headaches and bloating. i am getting it removed this thursday so we can have another baby. i would like to know what it feels like when the dr is taking it out? im a little nervous about that. Help??
Traciemomof2 - TracieMomOf2- Ladies, I am so glad to have stumbled on this site. I am pondering donating eggs and was told Mirena had to be removed immediately as those of you who have it know...cycles are not regular at all. I have had Mirena in since 06/08 after the birth of my 2nd child and had nothing but horror stories with almost every other contraception on the market (including nuvaring which I was on when I conceived my 2nd child). Since I have had Mirena, I have had no bleeding although I get bloated and cramps, I gained about 15 pds, have been constanltly tired, backpain, loss of sex drive (though I finally got mine back after 1 yr.) and my husband complains of being stuck by a needle during intercourse (after I've had my strings trimmed 3x). After reading everyones experiences, I am eager to have mine removed, however I am fearful of getting pregnant...I am as fertile as the garden of eden! Would anyone recommend another birth control that is effective but will not cause me to be crazy, overweight, or have severe acne? Hopefully I will not have an issue with having this thing removed now that the strings have been trimmed so much. I can't imagine the pain to be much worse than the after intercourse cramps or the pain associated with some sexual positions I have experienced while on Mirena though. Thank you ladies for sharing your experiences and being more honest than I have found OBGYN's to be on the subject.
Murphy86 - Yes! I have the same fertile problem, it's a curse and a blessing :P I would recommend Paragard. It is non-hormonal iud, without the issues :) I've had mine almost a year now, after having Mirena removed and haven't had one problem. The thing about the strings, yours are most likely too short. They need to be left a little long, so they can settle themselves around your cervix, where they wont hurt you or your partner.The only negative thing I can say about it, is when I have my period everymonth the bleeding is a little heavier and I cramp more. But that's why they make Midol right? :) Here is a link to the paragard site so you can do your own research [link removed] Enjoy!
Breezybree - Brezzy_ Hi everyone i really enjoyed reading your stories on the mirena well i had da mirena for three years now but i suppose to b seein a doc soon to get it removed because me and my husband is planning on having a child i haven't had any extreme problems wit my mirena only alot of weight gain i weight about 130pds before i got my mirena now i weigh 200pds and i also have a lil pain while having sex but i mean who dnt have a lil pain while having sex dnt mean its the mirena dats causing it but other than that things have been good after i have a a baby i think um gonna get it put back in I recommend the mirena its safe and accurate...
Dmksmile - I am very relieved to have stumbled on this site, I am 40 years old and have had Mirena about 2 years, honestly thought it was the greatest invention on earth as I hadn't had any side effects until recently. I was always around 140 lbs, and now I am 180 lbs, everyone was telling me it was because I was 40 and my metabolism was slowing down, no matter what I did I couldn't get the weight off, now I am experiencing fatigue, night sweats, and TERRIBLE hot flashes during the day. I have recently went to the doctor to have some labs drawn to check my hormone levels, as I think I'm a bit young to be experiencing menopausal symptoms. Doctor thinks I am in early menopause, don't know for sure but I believe that Mirena is the blame, and have had it removed. Still experiencing the hot flashes but am feeling somewhat back to normal. Wish I had did some research before having this inserted. I hear Paraguard is great!
Bellavita510 - i have hads mine for 5 yrs and have an appt. for removal in 2 weeks, i had no problems until after a yr of having it put in never thought the mirena could be the culprit, until looking into removal info !!!!! wow, am i surprised, so pay attention to what is going on with your body i've had all bad side effects except the hair loss!!! feel fat , ugly, old and miserable!!!! i hope not for your sake but symptoms may rise down the road, wish i had a heads up 4 yrs ago or even before getting it! good luck!
Andrea77 - I just had the Mirena removed a few days ago. Well before the actually removal I went to the DR office twice so they can attempt to remove. DR's tried both times to "fish" out the IUD and to no avail, they could not. So I got a sonogram done to locate exact position and remove it. Well that did not happen as well. I was told I need to be put to sleep so the can remove with out the procedure being painful for me. I went in last Friday and to my surprise when I awoke, I had to incisions in my belly and what was supposed to be a 30 min procedure, I ended up being under for two hours. at some point the IUD pierced my uteran wall and made it's way to my abdomen. I have never heard of such a thing and googled such a procedure and nothing. I have had terrible mood swings thinking it was me, I hope they improve.
thanks,
Criggy - After having a Mirena for 7 years I began to wonder if that could be the reason I couldn't loose wait whether I tried or not. It was as if my body was fighting me all the time. I had the mirena removed in November, In Dec I had a heavy period (about 10 days) Jan and Feb have been 'normal' a couple of days. the real change in me is that I with a sensible diet and some exercise lost 20lbs in 8 weeks and do not feel as if I am at war with myself anymore, me and myself seem to be working in harmony together. My advice to anyone is if you feel the mirena is casuing you problems don't hesitate to get it removed I haven't looked back and feel very positive about my future. fitter and healthier and much much happier.
Gred - I had Mirena put in after having my Son in Nov of 08... I have had lower back pain... thought it was from the Epidural. I have had trouble with my memory, feeling foggy, hair lose (thank god I have tons of it), 30 lbs weight gain, frequent pimples and an old ankle injury has stayed swollen...I just thought I was getting old... lol Very low sex drive, tired and trouble waking up... I thought that was from being a mom. I just had my IUD removed today because... since July of this year I have had problems with painful intercourse and vaginal cyst and was tired of having to have them drained which is painful and gross... I did realize however that this was a side effect of the IUD but had no idea that all my other problems were related to the IUD as well! shocking... The removal was not that painful however, I am having some cramping. Looking forward to see if all my other problems go away as well.
Gred - Just realize that the yellowing of my eyes is also linked to the Mirena.... which if medication is not stopped, could cause LIVER FAILURE!!! THANK GOD I TOOK IT OUT YESTERDAY!!! I hope I don't have liver damage and the color of my eyes go back to normal over the next several months.
Rcowgill - I had Mirena put in after my 4th child about 5 months ago. I first started with the heart palpitations and headaches. Went to the doctor and she said just to give it some time for my body to get used to it so I did. a couple months later I feel worse and my mind is cloudy and can't even think straight every single day. Then then the past few weeks I have been having pain in my heart like someone is squeezing it and last night it got worse and the left side of my face got numb I swore I was having a heart attack. I went to the ER and they ran a bunch of tests and still they came out normal but I sure didn't feel normal. The Dr. said it could be related to anxiety which I NEVER experience in the past and was always able to handle my stress levels. I have an appointment this week to have it removed along with going over my ultra sound for pelvic pain I was having which I also believe was due to the Mirena. Plus I am sick of the Doctors saying it's not the Mirena! IT IS the Mirena, I should know my body the way I felt prior to getting it right?!
Dmacomber - Aloha Sherry, I was wondering how you are doing since the removal of IUD. I just got my 2nd one not knowing that all the symptoms I have are IUD related. I am 46 now and I am concerned about birth control but willing to get this thing out. Just wanted to know how you are doing since you had it for 8 years and I am going on 5.5yrs since I got new one in December. Thank you. Denise
Addiet - I have had the Mirena since May of 2008. I had spotting for the first two months and then my periods went back to normal. I have a period every month and it last for about three days it is also very light. I did not have any side effects. I stumbled across this website because my husband and I are wanting to have another baby and I was wondering what the procedure was all about and how bad it would hurt considering the insertion hurt really bad and had me in bed for two days. Thank goodness that everyone says it's not so bad. Interestingly enough the last few months I have been loosing my hair, have had bad acne, night sweats and, hot flashes.I am only 28 and far from "the change". The doctor said this was all stress related. I now think that it is the Mirena. Even if it has been three years could these side effects just start now? If anyone has any input I would love to hear it. Can I become pregnant as soon as it is removed or will it take awhile. I hope I didn't make a terrible mistake with this mirena.
Addiet - I most certainly agree. I am terrible with pills and would've become pregnant without the Mirena. I can't tell that it is there and like that my periods are short and light. I'm only removing it because we want another baby. I will be getting another one inserted after our baby is born.
Tiff8117 - I'm so glad I read this non horror story...I've read so much on the mirena crash that I dunno if I'm more scared getting it taken out or leaving it in! Ive experience a horrible emotional rollercoaster while on mirena. It has gotten worse since my 11 month mark of having it in, so tmrw I get it removed! Thank God(I hope...lol)! I've had occular migraines multiple times a day almost daily, zero sex drive, difficulty orgasming, light sensitivity, profuse sweating, extreme anxiety(almost paranoia), depression over nothing in particular, and did I forget to mention that lovely rollercoaster? Yeah, about that...literally one minute I'm great, next minute I'm scared to death of nothing in particular(huge adrenaline rushes constantly throughout the day), then I'm sad over nothing also, then I'm so happy I could skip for joy...then I'm back at square one. It's nuts! It's like constant PMS!!! I really hope this iud is the root of this rollercoaster, I will keep u informed hopefully also. I'm really excited to get rid of this lower left backache, the dizziness, the uterine bulge n this no energy also! I hope they put a warning label w these side effects on it, as this is ridiculous what we are going through without warning n they just keep denying it all. Good luck everyone :)
Mominnc2 - Hi ladies. I thought I'd give an update post-removal. I am a new person. I had forgot what it was like to be happy and normal. My life has changed since I took tht thing out. It's been almost 6 months now I think. It has taken some time to balance to return, but I cannot even describe the difference. The fog has lifted, I even feel like I can think better and make better decisions. I had my liver checked again and it's taking some time to get back down to normal, but it is better. My pain has almost stopped completely. My body feels slimmer, less bloated and the weight I was holding in weird places is going away. I have so much energy now! I have a prescription for the pill, but have made a decision that I will not be taking anymore birth control. Just a personal choice, i don't want anything else in my body that doesn't belong.
I'm sure Mirena is good for some people, but for those who it is not, it's BAD. I wish there were more warnings about the symptoms so women can be more informed and make better choices about their bodies. I do feel like i was robbed of joy in my life by this drug, with my kids and in other aspects of my life. But I'm moving on, letting go and enjoying myself now.
Sherry
Deannap - I just inserted my mirena this morning at 945 and once she put it in i was in pain! i was sweating and felt sick to my stomach! I have never had a baby and i was wondering if all of these side affects will come 10x worst for me! I'm so scared! i just lost weight and i don't plan on gaining it all back! i'm 19 going on 20 in march, currently in college studying dental hygiene. I just want to finish school and live my life until im ready to settle down. I recently took out my implanon after 3 years because my mom wanted to be sure i was safe. (even though i was still a virgin) Did i make the wrong choice using Mirena?
Sheypositve - Ive had the mirena 4.5 years and its been hell, I like many of you thought it was me and my everyday life stresss... I HAVE GAINED 35LBS AND HAVE NO DESIRE FOR SEX AT ALL, I EAT ALL THE TIME , I HAVE NO AMBITION LIKE I USE TO, I am currently cheking into weight loss surgery and I AM GETTING MIRENA REMOVED ON THE 18TH, BUT PLAN ON SEEING IF I CAN GET MY DATE PUSHED UP. I WANT MY LIFE BEACK I WILL BE 30 THIS YEAR AND IVE LET ALMOST FIVE YEARS GO DOWN THE DRAIN!!!!!!!!
Mommieof2 - mommyof2. I had my IUD inserted 1-19-2011, I have had nothing but problems!!!. Constant migrains, my hair falls out in clumps. Before insertion I had lost all my baby weight. Seven months later I have gained 30 pounds and weigh more now then when I delivered my baby in Dec 2010. Depression, anxiety, my breast leak as if I'm lactating, I look like I'm seven months pregnant and absolutly no sex drive and tired all the time. My moods are so severe they have affected my marriage and my husband and I are now separated. My IUD comes out tomorrow and i look forward to regaining my peace of mind back, my body back and my husband back!!! Do not let the doctors intemidate you. you are paying them if you want it out tell them to take it out. I will never put my body and family thru this again. Good luck ladies may you find the peace you need to live your life healthy and happy.
Momof42011 - I had my IUD inserted 1/26/11. Almost immediately I had so much aggression and rage I scared myself and my family. My doctor told me he could prescribe something for it. I asked for it to be taken out, I was told the symptoms would go away. I started a boot camp weight loss class and only managed to gain pounds and inches. My stomach was so bloated I looked perpetually pregnant. I had headaches, back pain, joint pain, anxiety, insomnia and acne. I have since had it taken out and instantly felt better. Within days the bloating began to go away. I have already lost weight. A nurse told me that it is the way your body reacts to being pregnant. I gained a lot of weight when pregnant and the IUD tricked my body into believing it was pregnant and I had all of the same symptoms. He thought that perhaps I could have tolerated it if I were younger (I'm 38). I already feel better and think for my health and sanity, removal was the only option. For those that it works well for, consider yourself lucky
Stephymarie83 - I am scheduled for removal tomorrow at 11am, I have gained 30 pounds in the 6 months this has been inside me, have had headaches (which I historically only get when I have a serious medical condition, which hasn't happened in 7 years!), and have had weird joint pain in my fingers. When I was waking up in the morning, my fingers would be swollen, hurt and would be clammy. I have had no change in diet and honestly didn't even think anything about it until last Thursday evening I was lying in bed and thought, all of this started shortly after the Mirena was inserted! I have to say as a birth control though, I love it, I love not having to take a pill! Insertion was *PAINFUL* for me, and I've had two children vaginally! I have also experienced HORRIBLE bloating, and like many others on this site, I have looked five months pregnant for months. I have gone up THREE dress sizes. I have also been experiencing nausea with my periods for several months. I have never been able to feel the strings, so I am concerned that the GYN is going to tell me the Mirena has migrated. I am SO READY for this appointment tomorrow afternoon. I hope all goes well and removal is a breeze. I will post an update tomorrow evening! :0)
Stephymarie83 - I had Mirena removed about 7 hours ago and the removal was much easier than anticipated! The pressure of the speculum was more noticeable than the removal itself, it literally was only one second of pressure and was less painful than having the speculum inserted. My GYN did some blood work because she wants to check my thyroid due to the weight gain. I got the feeling that she wanted me to keep it in, but she didn't push the issue, probably because I was adamant that it was coming out! Ha ha! I actually felt a little sick to stomach afterwards, but I was feeling sick to my stomach all weekend too (that was another side effect I have experienced since having Mirena inserted, that I would become sick to my stomach during my period). I have lost some tissue thus far, but not too much blood and certainly nothing more than what I was bleeding before. It seems a lot of women did not experience the heavy bleeding until a couple days after removal, so I intend to update the next couple days. So far so good, just feeling tired and that is probably from relief that the removal procedure went so well! :0)
Stephymarie83 - Okie dokie, this morning I woke up without the swelling in my hands and knuckles, and I slept better than I have in months. Maybe some of that was mental, because I had been stressing about the removal, I don't know, all I know is I woke up happy and before my alarm and that hasn't happened in months. However, literally at 2pm, so 25 hours after removal, I started bleeding and passing clots-not big clots, but several of them at once. I intend to post again at least tomorrow so you can see how the removal went for me for a couple days after. Oh yeah, after lunch today, it seemed like my food digested correctly--I don't know how to explain this other than to say that another side effect I was having was that it felt like food was not digesting properly. My midsection always felt very heavy. At any rate, lunch today was not that way. So far, I am excited and thankful I had it removed. Also this afternoon, I started experiencing some cramping too, so we will see what the evening and morning bring. :0)
Stephymarie83 - Today was a bit worse than the other days. I have been horribly sick to my stomach, not actually vomiting though, all day long. If I'm not lying down then I am sick to my stomach. I called my gyno to see if she could prescribe something bc I have only eaten once since yesterday, due to the nausea but she wasn't available and their office was closing. So today has pretty much gone like this, if I am lying down, that's when the horrible cramps kick in. If I am doing anything other than lying down, the nausea kicks in. I have been bleeding more today, bright red blood, not in alarming amounts though, but I also haven't been drinking much either. I took the day off work to rest. My body feels much better, but I am just worn out, if that makes any sense. I feel like I could sleep for hours on end. I have had pretty bad headaches all day long today too. I am hoping she will prescribe me something first thing tomorrow. I'll post again tomorrow. Oh and I have been sleeping very good--which I was NOT doing while the Mirena was inserted. Talk to you tomorrow :0)
Stephymarie83 - The last couple days have been about the same, still horrible headaches and horrible horrible nausea. I called my gyno and she said that the nausea "can be normal"...what?! After she sat and told me that there would be no side effects from taking it out (lucky for me, I came across this site and REALLY knew what to expect). I have been bleeding off and on, literally for most of the day no bleeding at all but when I am bleeding it is bright red and the clots are noticeably bigger than normal. She did say that my thyroid test came back abnormal so I am going back a week from Monday to have the labs re-drawn. I will try to remember to post again after I get my normal cycle period next month (I was on my cycle when I had the Mirena removed this month) and will also let you know if the thyroid does come back abnormal again. I am SO thankful I found this site before I had Mirena removed so I really knew what to expect. :0)
Stephymarie83 - Thought I would go ahead and post again....today is one week since I've had Mirena removed and my emotions and hormones are definitely all over the place, lol.....but at least I'm recognizing it, right? LOL I am very much looking forward to my body readjusting to life without hormones and to have all this behind me!
Stephymarie83 - A couple last updates, it has been two weeks since the Mirena was removed. I'm starting to have bad cramps again, so I'm thinking my next menstrual cycle will be "interesting" to say the least. I am terribly terribly sick, probably has nothing to do with having it removed, or maybe my body just got run down with the stress, but am very sick. I will post once my thyroid results come back and again after my next cycle--it will be my first cycle post-removal!
Deebaby - OMG this thing is horrible!! If I had known it was so difficult to find a doctor that would take this thing out I would have never had it put in. I am 20 years old and the mother of 1. Ever since I have had the mirena in I've had infection after infection. I have been on the phone for the past two day trying to make an appointment to have this thing removed and no body will do it. I keep getting, "We didnt put it in so we cant take it out." or "we dont take your insurance" And the insurance company says we only cover you if your having it removed for a medical reason. This is a nightmare, I have mood swings, bad acne, painful cramps, disgusting discharge w/ smell, and I know alot of people are saying they have weight gain but I cant seem to gain weight for anything I just keep loosing and my Fiance is looking at me like Im about to fall out and die. My recommendation is DO NOT USE MIRENA!!!!!!! If you need birth control I would go with something that you can willingly stop at anytime that YOU would like. MIRENA IS NOT IT!!!!!!!
Deebaby - OMG this thing is horrible!! If I had known it was so difficult to find a doctor that would take this thing out I would have never had it put in. I am 20 years old and the mother of 1. Ever since I have had the mirena in I've had infection after infection. I have been on the phone for the past two day trying to make an appointment to have this thing removed and no body will do it. I keep getting, "We didnt put it in so we cant take it out." or "we dont take your insurance" And the insurance company says we only cover you if your having it removed for a medical reason. This is a nightmare, I have mood swings, bad acne, painful cramps, disgusting discharge w/ smell, and I know alot of people are saying they have weight gain but I cant seem to gain weight for anything I just keep loosing and my Fiance is looking at me like Im about to fall out and die. My recommendation is DO NOT USE MIRENA!!!!!!! If you need birth control I would go with something that you can willingly stop at anytime that YOU would like. MIRENA IS NOT IT!!!!!!!
Stephymarie83 - My thyroid results, after having them re-drawn because they came back abnormal the first time, so I went back to have them re-drawn two weeks after removal, came back normal. That's the good news. The other news is that I have finally gotten my first post-Mirena menstrual cycle and it has been a doosy and it's only day one! I normally don't complain about cramps, they are just a fact of life, but the cramps I have had since my period started this morning have been the strongest cramps I've ever had with my period. I had to take 1500mg of OTC Tylenol to calm them down, then, because I had taken so much Tylenol, got sick to my stomach and shaky! LOL I haven't been bleeding as much as I thought I would be, so at least that is good, but I'm also having some slight back pain with the cramps as well. I had some discomfort that last few days and thought that was all of the cramping I was going to have, but was wrong. I have decided, that after 2 children, I am having the Adiana procedure done in 4 weeks. I'm excited about that (it's a variance of tubal ligation). If anything gets worse or better, unexpectedly, I'll post again. Oh and I will say that Monday morning, about two days prior to my first post-Mirena period, I had a HUGE hormone spike, LOL, I found myself excessively upset at a situation that probably didn't warrant it, lol......just glad I have the Mirena out!
Stephymarie83 - My thyroid results, after having them re-drawn because they came back abnormal the first time, so I went back to have them re-drawn two weeks after removal, came back normal. That's the good news. The other news is that I have finally gotten my first post-Mirena menstrual cycle and it has been a doosy and it's only day one! I normally don't complain about cramps, they are just a fact of life, but the cramps I have had since my period started this morning have been the strongest cramps I've ever had with my period. I had to take 1500mg of OTC Tylenol to calm them down, then, because I had taken so much Tylenol, got sick to my stomach and shaky! LOL I haven't been bleeding as much as I thought I would be, so at least that is good, but I'm also having some slight back pain with the cramps as well. I had some discomfort that last few days and thought that was all of the cramping I was going to have, but was wrong. I have decided, that after 2 children, I am having the Adiana procedure done in 4 weeks. I'm excited about that (it's a variance of tubal ligation). If anything gets worse or better, unexpectedly, I'll post again. Oh and I will say that Monday morning, about two days prior to my first post-Mirena period, I had a HUGE hormone spike, LOL, I found myself excessively upset at a situation that probably didn't warrant it, lol......just glad I have the Mirena out!
Tiff8117 - I am 3 months post mirena n I am prego...my Dr decided to put me on a hormonal cleanse where I don't eat food w hormones n I stay off birth control...well my bf told me he couldn't hv kids, so I figured I was safe...obviously I wasn't...LOL anyways I'm only 8 weeks along..so a month after it was out, I got prego...I've never been so fertile in my life! My depression stopped bout a week or two after it was out, my anxiety went away for the most part...took almost two months...n I hv hair again on my head ...LOL I also don't hv issues w facial hair anymore n my first period was decent...nothing to complain about..although my cramps weren't the funnest...my second n third period were heavier...n July was my last period even tho I had it taken out in June....LOL so yes, I had three periods in a months span...LOL aside from that, I'm very glad I got it taken out..I feel a ton better... even if I am unexpectedly knocked up.;-) I def recommend anyone even contemplating getting it removed or if u hv a single doubt...GET IT OUT....there's way more side effects then the drs want u to know..bc the study before was not thorough n wasn't long enough. A medicine should be studied n tested a lot longer then a year...if that...in my personal opinion. I'm very grateful to hv the Mirena out.
Stephymarie83 - Hey everyone! Thought I would post again, the thyroid results (take #2) came back normal, last week, I went in for the Adiana sterilization procedure, but they discovered a lot of tissue and this, in all of their doctorly glory, allowed them to diagnose me with heavy periods--I honestly didn't think heavy periods were a problem, and I am still blaming the Mirena for the change in my periods! After the Mirena was introduced to my body, that's when I started having the horrible cramping and heavy periods....I digressed...okay, so they weren't able to do the Adiana due to the tissue, so I am being admitted to the hospital tomorrow for ablation and then they are going to attempt to do the Adiana right afterwards and if they can't, then they are going to do a classic tubal ligation. I will keep you posted after I get home tomorrow! It's outpatient, even though they are going to sedate me, but they did say that I had to take the next day off work. I am still having pain and horrible horrible bloating from the Adiana attempt last week-they pumped some fluid into me to try to clear the tissue out of their way, so they are saying that is why I am so bloated.....I hope everyone is doing well out there! :0)
Elletee - Hey - just wanted to say best of luck on the procedure and please take care of yourself...you've been through a lot....hang in there...let us know how you do...
Stephymarie83 - Thank you for your well wishes, it's strange that those words from you, a complete stranger, were so welcome and comforting to me, but they really were! When I got there yesterday, they let me know they would be doing a few additional procedures, they ended up doing the ablation, DNC, hysteroscopy, something else I forget what it was, and they WERE able to get the Adiana done, so I didn't have to have the classic tubal, where they make the small incision in your belly button. The procedure itself took about an hour. I woke up as they were locking the wheels on my bed when I was in the recovery room, sat straight up, and bent over in the WORST PAIN OF MY LIFE. I have had two children, vaginally, a septoplasty and a major jaw surgery where the doc broke both of my jaws to reset them (to correct an overbite), of all of that, the jaw surgery was the worst pain of my life, and the pain I had when I woke up yesterday after having this done was WORSE than the jaw surgery. I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, and was doubled over and moaning. They did doses of narcotics in my IV and nothing touched the pain for over 40 minutes, they went to talk to the doctor about it and she said that with the ablation it can sometimes cause internal spasms and that was probably what was causing the severe and intense pain I had. The pain was constant right above my pubic hair line, all the way across from left ovary to right ovary, and then I would get burning at my left ovary that would come and go and burning in the center that would come and go, on top of the constant PAIN. They sent me home with a prescription for percocet and told me to rotate between that and ibuprofen, but since I was still in immense pain when I got home, I doubled up on the percocet and ibuprofen (and zofran because I wasnt able to eat all day and they wanted me to take that with dinner, since my belly would prob get upset the first time I ate). Since then, I have been staying on top of the pain with pain medication around the clock. I'm taking the pain meds about every 4 hours, and right around the 3.5 hour mark, I can feel cramping and the burning comes and goes but on a much more tolerable level now. I'm off work today (STRONGLY recommend you take the next day off of work). As far as the procedures though, I would still go through it all again. Now that I'm on top of the pain with the meds, it's much MUCH more tolerable. I have had very little bleeding, which has surprised me. When I have urinated though, it reminds me of urinating right after I had my children, (vaginal deliveries), the doc said there may be some watery discharge, so when I think I'm done urinating, some of this watery discharge comes out, but I can't feel it in my bladder. Don't worry about being incontinent or anything like that, but you will be able to understand what I mean if you have the watery discharge, I haven't noticed it in my pad, only when I put pressure when I am urinating do I notice the discharge. Oh and here is another crazy statement, somehow, and this is probably all just mental, lol, but I feel "cleaner" and "lighter" in my stomach now....how crazy is that!!!! I had a LOT of bloating after they attempted the Adiana in the office last week, and all of the bloating is gone and my insides just feel cleaner....I don't know how to explain it! I know it sounds crazy!! LOL. I'm not quite at 24 hours post procedure, so I'll post again tonight and a few more times in the next couple weeks. I hope all of you are doing well :0)
Stephymarie83 - I just wanted to make it clear that I'm not saying any of this to scare anyone, I just was not mentally prepared for the pain that I experienced, and I would have wanted to prepare mentally for it, so I am hoping this helps you! If anyone is considering having their Mirena taken out, I would def do it (I had mine taken out a couple months ago after only having it in for 6 months), and if you are SURE you are done having children, I would def recommend the Adiana. Even with the ablation (it will make periods much lighter by making the lining of the uterus thinner, if it even grows back after the ablation burns the lining of the uterus), and the pain from the internal spasms, I would absolutely still go through all of this again. And I know I sounds crazy about the "clean" feeling in my abdomen, but I don't know how else to describe it other than feeling clean and light, lol, and i love this feeling, esp after all the horrible bloating I had when Mirena was in and when they tried to do the Adiana last week. If you have any questions, don't be shy, I'm here to help as much as I can, this website has helped me through my ordeal the last couple months so much, so helping you all is the least I can do :0)
Mominnc2 - I was wondering if anyone has experienced lower leg edema (swelling) and leg/muscle pain after the Mirena was removed???
Poppysmummy - For everyone here...THANK YOU! I have had my mirena for almost 2 years. I have been moody, exhausted and had zero sex drive. I am a nurse - and I blew off these symptoms thining it was working full time with a baby at home...seems I may have been mistaken! Sadly I am going to have to have mine removed under anesthesia as it is embedded very close to my cervix. My poor new gyn (not the one who inserted) tried twice including my 45 minute office (read no sedation) hysteroscopy today. I work in clinicl trials so I know how to file complaints with the FDA and I am giving seriousl consideration to doing this. If anyone else would be interested in this avenue please email me. My name is Jo Kennedy, my email is joannerobken@gmail.com
Aspesi3852 - aspesi3852- Hello Im writing because I have the same symptoms bloating, extreme weight gain and now I even have acne around my hair line.I know you're suppose to have it removed after 5 years but I haven't had insurance till recently and it will be 6 years that I've had it in. I feel like my symptoms have worsened. Could it be because I've had it in for to long? Someone please HELP!!!! Good luck everyone!!!
Merrygirl - i had mine for 32 hours. it was horrible. i cried all the time and had tingling in my hands, feet and legs. i wish i would have known about this before, my doctor said it was the best thing and that his patients love it. when i went to take it out he said he didn't think the symptoms i had were from it, but from anxiety. i don't agree with him, i had never felt so sick in my life. it doesn't hurt at all to take it out and today i feel 90% better.
Leftonroadwaynaked - I TAKE OXYCODIN AND IBPROFIN AND I AM STILL IN PAIN! If you are considering
it think twice, there are lawsuits against this device because it is defective beyond all of these emails. I think one day the Mirena will be better designed. It helps with bleeding, and stablizing hormonal issues for some, but I never had pain like this. Is the pain verses bleeding worth it? NO. It is not predictible. I always feel like I may need an emergency room. Meaning I cant walk. It usually goes away but it is sharp
killer pain like someone is stabing my uturus. I just got ultrasound and the NEW doctor and old doctor was going to take it out, but said on monday. It has been a disaster and the pain meds are difficult for these people to explain but it is real pain. They said everything looks ok, from ER doctor's to three others. But why am I having
med-harsh pain? I wish the Mirena didnt cause pain because then I would have no complaints. Too bad for the makers of Bayer who tried to make the Mirena. I am seeing many complaints about this device everywhere I go. 1 percent of the 99 emails complain about it, and now I hear and see clasee action lawsuits popping up. Disappointed, Good Luck. I think the pill is better that this. What was I thinking? To have steel and cooper in your uterus, spitting out hormones? I pray I get this out safely. Please pray for me. I want children and this can puncture your uterus and make you infertile for life. I dont think they understand this device well enough before its release. I wonder how many normal woman are playing Russian roulette with this time bomb called a mirena-this is a curse.
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