The Mirena IUD is a small object that is inserted through the cervix and placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. A small string hangs down from the IUD into the upper part of the vagina. Mirena is not noticeable during intercourse and can last 1-10 years. IUD’s affect the movements of eggs and sperm to prevent fertilization and also change the lining of the uterus and prevent implantation. It is 99.2-99.9% effective as other types of birth control. Mirena IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
Inserting a Mirena IUD will involve a visit to a healthcare professional. To prevent infection, clinics require women to have check-ups prior to insertion. This can include a full medical, pelvic, and breast exam, with a Pap smear, STI check, and pregnancy test. If anything unusual is found, it is addressed before the IUD is inserted. Upon insertion, Mirena is effective immediately.
How is Mirena IUD inserted?
Mirena is usually inserted during your menstrual period when the cervix is slightly open and pregnancy is least likely to occur. However, it may be inserted at any time. Insertion takes about 5-15 minutes with most women feeling cramps during and after the procedure.
How do I know Mirena is still in place?
Keep track of your IUD by checking its strings. You can feel for the string by putting a finger into your vagina. It is recommended that women check their Mirena IUD after each period. A shorter than normal string can be a warning sign of an embedded IUD. Missing strings may mean that the IUD was expelled. If the string is missing, call the clinic and use a backup birth control type.
If you miss your period while on using Mirena, you may want to take a pregnancy test. If you have any concerns about your IUD, call the clinic where it was inserted. The longer Mirena remains in place, the less likely it is that the uterus will reject the IUD and expel it.
How do I remove Mirena IUD?
Mirena can be removed at any time and the procedure is quicker and easier than insertion. If it is removed near ovulation, a woman may become pregnant from recent intercourse before IUD removal.
Who should not use Mirena?
Every woman is different, therefore Mirena is not recommended for all women. Due to the risk of serious health problems, women with the following conditions should not use IUDs:
- Recent or repeated pelvic infection
- Known or suspected pregnancy
- Severe cervicitis (inflammation of the uterine cervix)
- Salpingitis (inflammation of a fallopian or eustachian tube)
- Malignant lesions in the genital tract
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- HIV/AIDS
- History of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy resulting from gestation elsewhere than in the uterus)
- History of Toxic Shock Syndrome
- Physical inability to check IUD
IUDs are not recommended for women who are at risk for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, have lower immune response, abnormal pap smear, heart disease, anemia, a history of severe menstrual cramping and heavy flow, or previous problems with a Mirena IUD.
- Women with a history of breast cancer cannot use the Mirena IUD.
- Women with diabetes should be monitored carefully if they use the Mirena IUD.
- Breastfeeding women should be aware the synthetic hormone in the Mirena IUD will be passed to the baby in her breast milk.
Are there any health risks?
Contracting any vaginal infections while using an IUD can increase the risk of developing a serious pelvic infection. This can result in a loss of fertility. For this reason, women need to assess their own risk for infection. If you have multiple partners or if your partner has multiple partners, your chance of infection is much higher.
The uterine wall may be perforated or pierced during insertion of the Mirena IUD. Over time, an IUD may become embedded in the uterine wall which carries a risk of surgery and/or infertility. An embedded IUD is still effective, but it can be painful and may need to be removed.
If a woman becomes pregnant while using Mirena IUD, it is highly recommended that she have it removed, whether or not she wants to carry the pregnancy to term. An IUD increases the risk of having a miscarriage or premature birth.
A woman who becomes pregnant while using Mirena is more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg attaches and grows outside the uterus. This can be very dangerous and requires emergency medical attention.
Are there any side effects?
Mirena IUD can cause longer, heavier, and more painful menstrual periods. The increased blood flow may cause anemia. Spotting may occur without serious cause or as a sign of infection.
The Mirena IUD can cause ovarian cysts. Some women using Mirena stop bleeding altogether. Usually menstrual periods return when it is removed. Mirena can cause weight gain, headaches, increased blood pressure, acne, depression, and decrease in sex drive.
BirthControlBuzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, birth control types (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase birth control on-line.
For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control(prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
Great site, I am bookmarking it!Keep it up! With the best regards! David
Comment by Anonymous — January 21, 2007 @ 6:48 am
I’ve had Mirena for 2 months now. I’m sticking with it, but the side effects they call “Spotting’ and “break through bleeding” have been a full on 2 month period for me, including cramps (which I did not have before). Symptoms are also worse with physical activity. OB/GYN says positioning is fine and these are actual fairly typical side effects for at least the first 3 months or even the first year.
Comment by Anonymous — January 23, 2007 @ 11:20 am
anon #1 – Thanks!anon #2 – I’ve never tried the IUD but even with birth control pills (and being on them for 2 years) I still get breakthrough bleeding about once a month. That’s too bad that your symptoms are worse with physical activity…
Comment by Anonymous — January 23, 2007 @ 11:58 am
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Comment by Anonymous — January 25, 2007 @ 10:20 pm
anon #3 – It does take a lot of blood, sweat and tears…but the blog’s worth the hard work if someone gains some insightful knowledge from it.
Comment by Ashlynn — January 26, 2007 @ 11:12 am
I have had the Mirena IUD in for a month and I can not handle it. My blood pressure has increased a lot, I have horribel headaches when I exercise, I have been having horrible cramping, I started having panick attacks after it was inserted, and I also just feel bloated all the time. I guess it works differently with everyone.
Comment by Anonymous — March 8, 2007 @ 6:28 pm
anon – Have you talked to your doctor about this? There may be other birth control types that are better suited for you. On that note side effects do occur when using birth control – sometimes it takes a couple of months for your body to adjust to the extra hormones…But I suggest definitely speaking with your doctor to see what she/he can do for you. I wish you luck!
Comment by Anonymous — March 9, 2007 @ 9:07 am
I have had the Mirena IUD for 2 months now. I did have the initial cramping, but the cramps lasted for about 3 weeks after. I still get them 2 months later, as well. and the bleeding! i bled for a month and half after the iud was inserted. My OBGYN who delivered my son in december told me that was normal and should let up. the strings used to poke my husband when we had sex, but after he told me he now cannot feel them, i have discovered that the strings that used to be easy to feel are now barely skimming at the opening of my cervix. my mind is not made up yet that the mirena is for me, but i am hanging in there.
Comment by Anonymous — July 17, 2007 @ 8:18 pm
I am usually sensitive to hormones and could never take birth control pills for this reason…I became convinced when the pharmacist told me that Mirena would reduce my periods and would have very little effect on me as it was a localised hormone. i waited five months to see if the effects would diminish but they didn’t.. side effects were lethargy, bloating, weight gain , sensitive breasts, moodiness, mental fog and low moods… i switched to the copper T iud and have never felt better 🙂
Comment by Anonymous — September 19, 2007 @ 10:18 pm
I had the Mirena IUD inserted 6 weeks after I had my son. I was 18 and opted for the 5 year one. I am now 20 and I’ve just recently been experiencing problems with it. My period was suppose to start approx. 4 days ago. So as you can imagine, I’m a little worried. For the past 2 months my bleeding has been unusual. My periods start at the time they’re suppose to but they last 8-10 days. Then it’s gone for 1 or 2 days and it comes back for about 3 more days. I’m just wondering is this common amongst women who have had the Mirena IUD for over 2 years?
Comment by Anonymous — September 21, 2007 @ 12:35 pm
I’m not sure if this is a common occurence for women using Mirena IUD, but one of the possibilities could be atrophic bleeding.If progesterone doses are too small without any estrogen around, such as with the “mini” birth control pill, breakthrough bleeding often occurs because estrogen is needed to stabilize the blood vessels in the base layer of the endometrium. Such bleeding would be called atrophic bleeding since the tissue is very bare down to its basal layer.In any event, you should be seen by your doctor.
Comment by Ashlynn — September 25, 2007 @ 8:25 am
PLEASE read this is a SIDE EFFECTI had the Mirena inserted in me 2 weeks after I gave birth to my baby boy. I started feeling really sharp pains on my left side and I felt like there were huge knots turning inside of my stomache. The doctors insisted that the mirena was not the problem for the knots and the sharp pains that I was feeling. But yet after they had takin the Mirena IUD out of me 2 weeks after it was inserted I know longer feel the knots ( trust me on this one the knots were a 20 on a scale of 1 to 10 pain.) I still feel the really sharp pains on my left side below my ribs above my waist. Remember I did take the Mirena out of me. Could someone give me some advice in telling me what the sharp pains on my side might mean.It is severe.
Comment by Tiny — January 21, 2008 @ 3:38 pm
Dear Tiny:The sharp pains on your left side are probably ovarian cysts. I had the same thing, when I was NOT on the IUD. They form in the event of a change in hormones, and it was the worst pain I had ever experienced. I was doubled over and could not move. Like yours, my pain level was 20 on a scale of one to ten. I was rushed to the ER thinking that my uterus had somehow exploded, only to find that the trouble was a tiny ovarian cyst. They put me on a birth control pill and the pains went away. So check with your doctor. He/she can usually palpate your ovaries (it’s like an intense pap smear) and see if there are any irregularities. Or you could go in for an ultrasound. But yeah. Go to the doc and see if it’s cysts. Good luck.
Comment by Anonymous — February 19, 2008 @ 5:03 pm
Hello, I have had the Mirena for two years now. I am currently 22 years old and have never had children. I have been spotting on and off the whole time I have had the IUD. Also, I used to get bad cramps before, but even worse with the Mirena. But my periods are way lighter and I would take the Mirena over heavy periods any day. For the past five days I have been having really weird abdominal pain. Feels like bloating and spastic pain. I went to the hospital last night and I had an exam done. My doctor gave me a pregnancy test and did an STD test (all clear ahah). She said that I was inflammed a little and that sometimes it can be caused by the IUD. Has anyone had this before or does anyone know what this means? She told me to come back if it doesn’t go away.
Comment by Anonymous — March 13, 2008 @ 8:48 pm
Hello, i am getting Mirena inserted in 5 days, and i am a little nervous. I have already talked to my doctor and she assured me that everything wil be okay, and not to worry. I have never had kids before, and i am only 19. I am expecting it to be crampish, and uncomfortable upon and during insertion.. But i am really worried about all these side effects.. With weight gain is it worse than the pill? Plus does anyone have anything positive to say about it?? now i am getting scared away from Mirena… should i be?
Comment by Anonymous — March 14, 2008 @ 1:18 pm
“Hello, I have had the Mirena for two years now. I am currently 22 years old and have never had children. I have been spotting on and off the whole time I have had the IUD. Also, I used to get bad cramps before, but even worse with the Mirena. But my periods are way lighter and I would take the Mirena over heavy periods any day. For the past five days I have been having really weird abdominal pain. Feels like bloating and spastic pain. I went to the hospital last night and I had an exam done. My doctor gave me a pregnancy test and did an STD test (all clear ahah). She said that I was inflammed a little and that sometimes it can be caused by the IUD. Has anyone had this before or does anyone know what this means? She told me to come back if it doesn’t go away.”13 March, 2008 20:48Dear Anonymous from March 13 I sent your email to the doctor on staff and he had this to say about your comment:”My thoughts are that you should be seen by the gynecologist that has inserted the Mirena IUD for followup. You should not be having this kind of pain that you describe especially since you have had the IUD in place for two years.”Yours truly, Paul Zickler MD Birth Control Buzz
Comment by Ashlynn — March 19, 2008 @ 8:57 am
“Hello, i am getting Mirena inserted in 5 days, and i am a little nervous. I have already talked to my doctor and she assured me that everything wil be okay, and not to worry. I have never had kids before, and i am only 19. I am expecting it to be crampish, and uncomfortable upon and during insertion.. But i am really worried about all these side effects.. With weight gain is it worse than the pill? Plus does anyone have anything positive to say about it?? now i am getting scared away from Mirena… should i be?”14 March, 2008 13:18I also sent your email to the staff doctor and he had this to say about your comment:”Dear anonymous, I think it is very important to discuss all your fears with your doctor as well as be aware of the side effects with any birth control medication and specifically with the Mirena IUD. If you and your doctor are confident that this is the right choice for you and you understand its use and potential side effects, then I am sure that the doctor will be able to help you through any discomfort that you may have.” Paul Zickler MD Birth Control Buzz
Comment by Ashlynn — March 19, 2008 @ 12:26 pm
I have had the Mirena IUD for 13 months now….my reason for having it was to stop my constant periods. I have two children and no plans to have more (my husband already had a vasectomy)My problem is, I am still bleeding irregularly and have trouble loosing weight …as well I have gained 10 pounds in the last year. I am confused as to what my options are and if I should just have it removed… it doesn’t seem to be helping!
Comment by Anonymous — May 21, 2008 @ 7:14 am
I’ve had Mirena now for 1 1/2. I’m 21 years old and I do have one child. My daughter had some medical problems and I decided after I had her, I didn’t want to take any chances at having anymore. So I decided to get the IUD. I do love it. It’s nice to not worry or try to remember pills. I haven’t had ANY weight gain with it, or any strong side effects. I cramped for awhile while my body adjusted and that’s it. No headahces (and I’m prone to migraines). Some small cramping and spotting around my period-but I’ve yet to have a period since i’ve been on it. Only spotting occassionaly. I love it and reccommend a try for anyone. It does hurt going in, but it’s worth it!
Comment by Anonymous — June 18, 2008 @ 12:28 pm
I have had my IUD for five years now. They pushed it on me. I had complications during insertion, blood all over the floor. Later, I experienced the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th yeast infection of my lifetime. My husband could feel the strings so I had them trimmed. I believe they were trimmed too short. I told the doctors I could not feel my strings anymore and I wanted to remove the IUD, I was in pain. They didn’t want to remove it b/c I was only 2 years in. I went to another dr. experiencing extreme discomfort and he could not find the IUD. Went to the hospital for an ultrasound – everything supposedly fine. No one wanted to take it OUT! It is now 3 months past 5 years. I’ve gone to yet another doctor they could not find my strings with the metal HOOK so painful I almost threw up and pasted out. During sharp pains in my cervix due to the attempt cause such sharp pains through my CHEST I was seriously scared this thing might be embedded into a nerve or SOMETHING attached to my chest somehow. Pain and weakness for 3 days after. I am now scheduled for ANOTHER ultrasound and a hysteroscopy-I’m SCARED! SO painful. I’m also very afraid they will butcher me and I won’t be able to have more children. No one has listened to me with ANY of these problems. I wish I knew which doctor would actually care and do it RIGHT! All of this so far, it is still in me, and I do NOT have insurance.
Comment by Anonymous — March 1, 2009 @ 9:27 am
HelloI have had the Mirena for about 11 months now. I had it placed after the birth of my third child. Just recently I have begun to cramp very badly. One morning about two weeks ago I was up with the kids while my husband was sick in bed and I began to cramp so badly I could hardly stand. It was as bad as being in labor!! So I went to the hosp. and they did a pelvic and couldn’t see the strings. They did a pg test, it was neg.. So they did a us to make sure it was still in place. They said it was and didn’t know why I was hurting. So now two weeks after the fact I am still getting cramps, bad ones, crippling ones but they only come when I am more active around the house, no pain with sex or anything, just really big cleaning or things like that. I don’t know what to think. I don’t know what to do I mean I went to the hosp. and they didn’t figure it out. I really want it removed because I want more kids one day and am afraid that if something is wrong I might not be able to have them, but other bc doesn’t work for me. I’ve been pg 5 times and all but one time I was on bc! I don”t want another baby NOW I have a 1 year old, 2 year old, and a 5 year old. I would rather wait until my smallest is at least potty trained! What do you think? Help!?!
Comment by Kathryn — April 26, 2009 @ 9:57 pm
I had Mirena for 7 months. The "spotting" was a full on period for me and lasted a bout two months straight and were as heavy as my periods were before I ever took birth control – very heavy to the point that I had to take iron supplements. I was used to severe cramping from periods before getting on birth control, but the cramps that I started having when I got the Mirena IUD were way worse; they were sharp pains in the side of my lower abdomen and would come randomly – not just around my period. When the two month long "spotting" stopped, my period would come monthly but not at an expected time, and would last indefinitely; sometimes stopping and starting again.I initially tried Mirena because the six different birth control pills I had tried all caused me to have a continuous cycle of uncomfortable infections. I continued to have the same symptoms while on Mirena. As soon as I had the IUD removed last February, all the above symptoms stopped.
Comment by Vanessa — June 5, 2009 @ 8:41 am
Dear Vanessa,Maybe you should talk to your doctor about maybe trying the ortho evra patch or having the Depo Provera shot or maybe also the nuvaring.
Comment by Janine — June 5, 2009 @ 11:03 am
I'm four months in, and things are starting to calm down in my body. I used to be bleeding continuously and had horrible cramping lasting for days at a time. Then lighter cramping as a break, then stronger ones would come back and I couldn't attend my classes. That was for about 3 months. Now I've stopped bleeding except around when my period should be, and it's quite light when i do bleed. I still get cramps around my period, but they range from medium to light now. Nothing that would make me curl down onto the floor. I'm hoping my symptoms keep on getting lighter as time goes on.As a side note, I was into my school on a bad cramp day, and someone had turned on a comedy sketch on a computer. After about 20 minutes of laughing, it was the best I had felt since the iud got inserted. So anyone trying to deal with the cramping, I would recommend trying watching or listening to something funny.
Comment by Teresa — July 4, 2009 @ 7:58 am