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SUN
12 APR |
2,650 Side Effects posted for Mirena on Medications .comBy net robins |
i had my mirena for 4 months and gained almost 70 lbs. I have gone through so much with the doctors i have had the same responses as all the other posts. it has been out 1 yr and i am still not normal. I havent had a period since it was removed,they have checked every inch of my body with lab tests and basically they said i am crazy.i am very distraught about this whole thing its horrible and no one will listen. I have started seeing an alternative med doctor who says it is an adrenal prob caused by mirena.has anyone had any positive effects with any treatment please help
April 11th
2009
12:53 AM
Im 17 years old and I have have one daughter. I got the Mirena put in about ten months ago. At the beginning I bleed constantly, then had to put on estrogen pills for 10 days, after that I have never have a period or anything. I have...
-No sex drive (Im 17, I shouldnt have a problem)
-Breast tenderness
-Dizziness
-Migraines
-Depression
-Mood swings (I get to mad/sad so quick for no reason)
& I have no idea why. I want to know if all this is actually from the Mirena. I want to know if it would just be better to get it out. I dont want anymore kids right now {Thats why I got it in the first place} Please give me some advice on what you think.
April 10th
2009
11:07 PM
OMG...Seriously...People do NOT know of this site and are just beginning to put together all of these life altering side effects and look for answers. Again I am open to and have tried all sorts of new and innovative medications because I truly believe in the science.
My Daughter just turned 17. I have been a single Mom her entire life as her father is deceased. I have done it all carrying 3 or 4 jobs to pay for college tuition and the costs of raising a child. Carried a 4.0gpa for 4.5 years while raising a highly spirited red head single handedly in a college town where I knew no one. She is an amazing high honor student who is community and civic minded and is truly the most repsonsible person I have ever met.
I now work from home for the first time with a home daycare. I have little one's leaking or spewing on me daily just to be able to still enjoy the things my daughter now deems *gay* or ...*totally gay*.
For the first time in my life I have found a great man and truly in love but have ZERO desire to start over...this is perfect...I get to play with kids all day and send them home at night. all the fun and i get to sleep in and not worry about rising college tuition costs.
I'm 37 and about to have my life to myself for the first time...in...well...MY LIFE. My daughter will not be lingering she has plans and goals and is headed off to start her life soon after graduation next year and I have an account I have been stashing away since she was little for someday for...ME.
I would absolutely in a heartbeat rather deal with an unplanned/unexpected pregnancy than spend one more second of my life with that device inside my body.
My fever finally broke today...thought it was that *flu* i'd had back in february.
Listen to your body and do not let any Doctor try to make you continue to take a medication you don't want to take. I went through this way back when the Norplant made me gain 75lbs and bleed for 2 years while i fought with my insurance company because I had signed a contract stating I did not want children within the 5 year period for them to pay to have it put in. It requires COURT ORDERS to force you to take medication against your wishes.
when I came to this site I was still believing it was something else or I just needed to give it *more time* to adjust or whatever. No. just as some people tolerate medications and others have allergies. I believe my body was *allergic* to this device and was REPEATEDLY openly telling me to have it removed. I was lucky my *family practitioner* was booked solid the morning I finally did the math and *freaked out*. I got a doctor who turned my 15 min check into almost 2 hours of *what should we do * and *these are your options* she handed me to oxycodone and left me for 5 minutes to *prepare* for the removal, has had enough experience in last 6 months she said to know I needed some time to prepare myself for if nothing else the pain. let alone...omg...what might come next...after removal. she also told me she would only give it two *tugs* as I hyperventilated and if it didn't release she would reschedule and SEDATE me.
I'm venting and i'm sorry. It's the first time my brain has been clear enough to think since Dec 4th of 2008. I thank goodness I found this site and took some time to think about all of this and have it out first chance I got.I fear the long term effects and i'm certain my easy removal was due to it's short time and my body's good sense to try to get it OUT. I thankfully had no infections and again, removal is so NOT the *Want to kick your Doctor in the face* ordeal the insertion is.
I can't wait to see the responses from those who are nieve enough to believe that everything works the same for everyone, and I hope they hold on to my email address to keep me updated in a year or so when they too are finding themselves at a complete *loss* for their sudden lack of desire to live...or daydreaming of maiming those they once cherished.
sorry for the rambling...gotta love hormones !
April 10th
2009
10:41 PM
I am going to copy the address to this page and personally drive around to local family practice offices and discreetly drop piles of them everywhere. I pride myself on my medical knowledge and background having worked one way or another in the medical field all of my life. I take into account every aspect of a new medication after a life altering labor and deliver drove me to have a bright shiny new Norplant installed before it had time to be researched and tested properly, i'm still awaiting the final outcome of that young, uneducated, made out of fear of unimaginable horror and lack of RELIABLE READY INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OF IT'S SIDE AFFECTS. I believe every person is different and no one person will tolerate the same information the same way.
Except for the Mirena apparently. It seems almost UNIVERSALLY bad for a women's body and was MOST LIKELY conjured up by some ill treated ManBoy.
All that being said to the women who were in NO way warned of any of the negative side affects,(most likely older women who finally found mr right but under no cicumstances want to go back to diapers sleepless nights and college tuition worries...) Thank Goodness for the WorldWideWeb and access to information. I am over 35 and have a family history of heart disease, there are very few options for birth control for me. This seemed like some sort of modern day miracle and while I suspected someone having as *significant* of a period as I, should probably...have one regularly...I too was *woo'd* by the prospect of a shorter, lighter, possibly infrequent period. However I was not warned that the other 3 weeks of the month I would rather be dead than alive. Turns out my body is smarter than I am and just days after finding this site and putting it all it finally passing the *MirenaBlock* ...I made an appt for a check and my body had spent the last 4 months attempting to push it out.
I'm never lucky enough for the *magicpills* to work, to those who are *KUDOS* but don't belittle those women smart enough to pursue a logical explanation to a sudden change in every aspect of your life. Information is knowledge and if you look most of those *BITCHY* women who called you babies have has the *device* installed less than 6 months...lol Kharma's a bitch and I think the Mirena has pissed off *Mother Nature* good luck lol and yes...I too within HOURS ...felt better and I EMBRACE the wonders of modern medicine daily...just not the horrors !
April 10th
2009
10:28 PM
I had mirena inserted in Feb. 2008. Insertion was what I expected. I cramped for 1-2 days after, but it was well controlled with ibuprofen. I spotted for nearly 6 weeks after. The only thing I like about the iud is the lack of a monthly cycle and no cramps.
I am having a terrible time with the weight gain, mood swings and NO libido. Prior to getting the iud, I had been doing weight watcher for over 1 year and had lost 50+ lbs. Since about 2 mos after having it inserted, I have absolutely no control over my appetite and have gained 20+ lbs. The mood swings I am experiencing are terrible. I could cry almost every day. I have tried to convince myself that these things were not b/c of the mirena, but due to the stress of dealing with toddlers. After seeing the posts here, it looks like I'm not alone.
As a nurse, I try to believe that the mirena shouldn't cause such adverse reactions, but I have never felt like I feel now. I want to have it removed, but not until my husband has a vasectomy. I don't want to have it taken out just to have to start back on pills. We are done having children, and I want to be done with birth control.
Everyone reacts differently to medications/treatments, so the mirena may be just what some women are looking for, but I don't think it is for me.
April 10th
2009
1:38 PM
I have had the Mirena for 3 or 4 years now. The first few years was great I didn't have any systems at all and i just loved it. Well over the past year I have had nothing but trouble I have gained over 30 lbs, I've became so depressed to the point I won't do anything get dressed, do my hair, leave my house, I break down and cry for no reason, I keep migraines, and I'm to the point I hate waking up. I've tried to talk to my Dr. about having it removed but they just make me feel as if all this is in my head so I keep it. They did tell me about another IUD called the Paragard which is what I want because it is non hormonal but they say they can't do it at their office and I can't find no one else to do it either. So I'm still stuck with the Mirena until I can get the Paragard. That's if I don't get fed up before than and take it out myself.
April 9th
2009
2:46 PM
I had Mirena placed in August 2007. My daughter was born in February of '07 but I waited a while before deciding on what type of bc I would use. I never imagined all the crap I've been through was because of this IUD. I've wondered why after taking a shower, there's still an odor down there. I've wondered why the stupid little things most husbands do really enrages me. I've wondered why I have felt depressed...and now I know. Those are only just a few things that I haven't been able to explain since our daughter was born. I honestly don't know if I can blame the weight gain on the Mirena, but it's worth taking it out to see if a diet will actually work for me. I'm glad this forum is here and I wish I had found something like this before having the Mirena placed. I've also had a lot of yeast infections for no good reason which is why I decided to look up side effects of the Mirena and found that so many women have had all the issues that I've been having. I guess I just shouldn't have messed with mother nature. My husband and I still don't know if we're going to have anymore kids so I don't want to do anything permanent and I can not, for the life of me, remember to take a pill. So I guess it's going to have to be condoms for us until we decide no more and then we'll decide on something permanent. I'm sorry all of you ladies experienced these problems but I'm glad you have shared them because it definitely sheds some light on things for me. I will be making an appointment very soon to have mine removed. Thank you, ladies.
April 9th
2009
12:46 PM
I am 21 years old and have had the Mirena for 19 months. For the first couple of months i absoloutely loved it! I had light periods that only lasted 1-2 days and no other side effects. January 2008 was the last period i had. That was 14 months ago and the side effects have slowly been getting worse since then. I have been depressed, lethargic, withdrawn, paranoid, anxious, not to mention very low libido & a lot of weight gain - about 50 pounds in the last 19 months, despite dieting & excersizing. I have severe mood swings which I never had before. I have always been fun & easy going and now I have sudden outbursts, especially towards my husband with no provocation. I almost never want to kiss him, let alone have sex. We have been married for less than 2 years and its killing our marriage. I have severe migranes & cry a lot. I have only been married for 18 months and my marriage is suffering because of everything wrong with me. I dont even recognize myself anymore. We dont want to have kids for another couple years, but I think I am to the point where i would do anything to be myself again.
April 9th
2009
1:23 AM
I had Mirena placed when my husband got back from Iraq. That was 5 years ago this month. All those years, I loved that I didn't have to worry about periods or birth control. Unfortunately, I had to worry about everything else. I blamed everything on stress. Learning to be a family again when my husband got home was hard. Then, we had no income for a year after he left the Army. Then, he got a new job and we moved and I went back to school. Stress, stress, stress. I blamed my weight gain on stress. I blamed my constant heartburn and acid indigestion on the weight gain. I had joint issues that I also blamed the weight for. I had chest pains and actually was afraid I was having a heart attack--I'm only 36 now. I thought being fat was the reason for that too.
I figured I just needed to lose 50 pounds. I'd go to the gym and get on track. I was hardly eating anything, since everything made me sick. I'd plan to go to the gym, but the next day, (I don't work, just go to school online), I'd have no energy. I would stay in bed for hours. I stopped cleaning my house, didn't care what my kids ate for dinner. I stopped doing my hobbies. I was so depressed. I saw one other lady here had said that she HATED her husband and he hadn't done anything! Ditto!!! I was ready to file for divorce and the poor guy wasn't even in town!!! He was on a business trip!
I had the Mirena taken out April 1. Yesterday, I went to the doc to confirm (though I already knew it) that my blood pressure was dangerously low. (84/52) I'm not allowed to drive, shower, stand for any length of time... This happens to me when I get sick or my immune system takes a hit. Since I'm having bleeding similar to what others are, I assume that's the problem and my BP will hopefully go up in the next couple of days.
However, I'm happy. That is something I never was before. I'm still tired, but I'm not sleeping on a regular schedule yet.
The biggest thing that no one has mentioned yet is HUNGER!! I'm SOoooo hungry. The day after removal, I woke with my stomach growling. I don't remember the last time my stomach growled! I can't seem to eat enough, though I'm scared to gain more weight! I'm thinking maybe my metabolism is going back to normal??!! Anyway, anyone else had this?
Kristine
April 9th
2009
12:47 AM
well ive had mirena 4 7months now n last saturday i did my regular check 4 the strings n i felt them really low very low, n alot of pain. the next morning i felt again, n it was back where it was b4(maybe its me freaking out) but i cant stand the pain, n after reading all the other exsperances maybe i need 2 get it removed! i go 2marrow n ill ask the doctor than. but i dont have a car n i 4get 2 take the pill im 2 busy taking care of my boy n cleaning. this was the best birth control 4 busy moms who cant keep track of things! but im really going 2 talk 2 my doctor 2marrow n c wats really going on! GOOD LUCKY LADIES!!!! =)
| belle - 2/22/2009 9:58 PM hi ladies, this is update post, hi to you specifically Net, had marena removed this week on basis that it may be causing hair loss.cant say i feel any different 3 days in, but am looking forward to seeing my locks thicken up again. fingers crossed.x.x. | |
| T - 2/21/2009 1:55 PM This is the first site that I am actually posting on. I have had crazy things happening to my body since I had my Mirena IUD put in 2 1/2yrs ago. I am about 40 lbs heavier, which is HORRIBLE for me. Aside from hating myself, there none to little sex drive, I was soooo moody, screaming at my kids, dogs and husband. Major depression and anxiety attacks. I have some of the other symptoms too, tired, achy... I tried to have it removed last year and my gyno talked to me like I was an idiot. How the amount of hormones wasn't my problem, that I has "other issues" I should see my primary care physician about. She did everything in her power to "argue" or in her eyes "convince" me not to remove it. She ordered blood work and sent me to my other doctor. First thing he said was I needed depression meds, then about 4 months later I also was given anxiety/depression meds on top of what I was already taking. I have decided I can't take it anymore! I have tried losing the weight, nothing works. I have a terrible family history of congestive heart failure, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and stroke in my family. Also, my mom was late onset diabetes in her 50s. I can't keep living like this, it's scary. I am now scheduled to go to a different doctor next month, I can't deal with the other one anymore. Hopefully the new one will respect MY decision with MY body. Hopefully I will have some positive feedback soon! | |
| Julie Australia - 2/21/2009 9:57 AM I had my mirena put in back in Oct 2004... Had to have it removed last year due to having CIN 3 & my doctor insisted on me having a new one put in.. Am told that I am perfectly suited to the device as it has stopped my period altogether which is great yes.. Along with that though I am now 30 kilos heavier then I was before the mirena which I can not get rid of no matter how much I exercise.. I have more hair on my face then most men my age & acne which I have never suffered from...... Since having the new one put in, the weight, the excess hair have all gotten worse.. Have been convinced that I am pregnant on a number of occasions as I have all the same symptoms as my pregnancy with my daughter... Am going back to see my gyno in march for a 6 month check up.. I am going to asking him if I can have it removed.. I have never felt right since having the mirena put in back in 2004... I feel so much better knowing that I am not alone.. I was beginning to feel like I was going insane | |
| Alison - 2/18/2009 10:57 help i hate this thing | |
| Sarah V - 2/18/2009 5:53 AM I stumbled across this site by a miracle. I am 37 and had my 3rd child in June 2007. Everyone was amazed at how quickly I got back into my prepregnancy jeans - literally 3 days after a c-section. In Oct 2007, my GP convinced me to re try the mirena - i had already tried it in 2001 but had to have it removed as I had a severe case of precancerous cells in the cervix that needed lasering. It is now Feb 2009 and I look like I did on the day of having my c-section. That is to say my stomach is distended and bloated and I look about 6 months pregnant. Although I have not gained any weight (i am circa 147 pounds) I am convinced that I should be a lot thinner - given that my legs and arms are slender. I just have a huge gut and big breasts. Just to reassure people out there. I either cycle 19 /20 miles per day or swim 80 lengths both at a good fast pace. I eat a healthy balanced diet - eat no processed food. Since being on the mirena I have not lost any weight - I have upped my exercise, cut my calorie in take but to no avail. I have become over emotional even crying at kids' films and news stories. I can't watch the news as I get too upset by it. Whilst arguing with my ex - he told me my belly was disgusting and that he could tuck it up into my pants. Talk about feeling crap. I have spent the last two weeks trying to work out why my belly is like it is. I had a lightbulb moment today after a relaxation cd and I just googled mirena and weight gain. All I can say is thank you God. I even thank the insensitive prick of an ex - because at least I now know what is causing my gut. My mirena is coming out on Tuesday and if the Dr refuses I am going to have a total bitch fit, cry my eyes out and do what ever it takes to get this evil device out. I am looking forward to being svelte again, p*ssing off my ex, and feeling fabulous once more. WE NEED TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS EVIL DEVICE | |
| Talena - 2/13/2009 1:05 AM I did it, yesterday i got my iud removed and instantly felt better. My doc tried so hard to keep me on it, claiming that the IUD couldnt cause all the side effect that i was having. Im now using neem which is an herb used in India for birth control. You should read about it, it is a very useful herb, if n e one is interested. | |
| Stephanie in Reno - 2/11/2009 2:46 PM All I can say is, "Halleluiah! I am not insane, I'm not the only one and thank God I found this site!" I am 100% certain that everything going on with my 43 year old body right now is due to the Mirena IUD. Five years ago on Valentine's Day, I thought I was giving myself a wonderful present--relief from excrutiating menstrual cramps and an end to planning my life around the toilet. The breaking point for me was sitting in a board room with 12 other people, excusing myself to use the restroom and leaving a trail of blood out the door, into the hall and through the ladies room. All this while wearing two super tampons and an overnight maxipad, all of which had been changed just 15 minutes prior. The next day I was in my doctor's office having the Mirena inserted, no questions asked. In fact, I simply demanded it. Along with that, my doctor immediately prescribed Effexor XR. (More on this later.) I was an IDIOT for not doing the research and asking questions! Since this was 5 years ago, it is hard for me to remember the symptoms I experienced in the beginning. (I believe now that my memory issues I've experienced for the past 5 years relate strongly to the Mirena and my perimenopausal state.) What I can tell you are the things I remember taking place during the past three years. MANY things have changed and after reading through a multitude of the postings below, I am convinced my Mirena IUD is the culprt. I've suffered from constant abdominal pain, more so since December; severe acne (never had a pimple until the Mirena); acne scarring; extreme bloating (to the point I appear as though I'm five months pregnant to people--yes, they've asked); cramping; severe low back pain (on a scale of 1 to 10, it's about a 9.5 all the time); fitful sleeping or no sleeping; unbelievable mood swings that surprise me all the time; no desires for sex--used to want it all the time; pain during sex when we do have it; increased facial hair; feelings of utter despair; tingling in my low back and backs of my legs; pain during urination and bowel movements; the list goes on and on. One other thing that took place all of 2008 was numerous bladder and/or vaginal infections. In researching other sites, IUDs can assist bacteria in growing these infections into the uterus creating PID. Since the beginning of 2006, I have had my heart tested, hormones tested, my thyroid tested, had many MRIs, CAT scans and ultrasounds by other doctors believing my pains were being caused by other things. Thankfully, all of these test have come back negative and prove that I am what I've always been--a healthy woman. However, the pain is still there and is now growing worse by the day. I am scheduled to see my doctor this week to have the blasted thing removed. Sadly, it took me being completely rude to get the staff to make an appiontment for me. Happy anniversary. I will gladly go back to heavy periods and cramping and look for other more natural methods of dealing with those than have another foreign contraption live inside my body. For anyone even considering the Mirena IUD, or any other IUD, I strongly urge you to stop considering it and find another form of birth control or means of controlling your menstrual cycle and cramps. Your body, your health, your mind and emotional state are far too important to even consider doing this to yourself. Take heed of each woman's input below. Do it for your self and for the sake of your loved ones. | |
| Katie - 2/11/2009 1:59 PM OMG! I am fighting to hold the tears back, I have just called my doctor to have my Mirena removed. I have only had it in for 5 months but I am FINALLY putting all the pieces together, my mood swings are atrocious (my poor husband and children), the weight gain around my middle area and back ache (which I thought were due to turning 40 (ha ha) have haunted me for months, my ankles are constantly swollen and I feel like a 70 year old. Hooray, I hope I haven't done any damage to my body, its been trying to tell me there was something wrong for 5 months, now I am listening!!!! THANK YOU | |
| Cate from Australia - 2/10/2009 10:59 AM Just to let you know I had my Mirena out!!!They have taken some swabs which is apparently procedure.....The very next day my pain was gone so I know it has been the Mirena. I have had the heaviest period ever since which indicates to me everything was just blocked inside. I am beginning to wonder how long is too long for a heavy period but beyond that everything else is improving. My doctor was great he said not everyone's body is right for the Mirena, I didn't have to fight to get it out and he has made a follow up appointment for me to see him in a couple of months. So for me 7 weeks was long enough to know it was not right for me. If you are worried see your doctors they work for you, you pay them if they argue move on to another doctor. It is your body and nobody knows it better then you! | |
| deb leiper - 2/9/2009 7:19 PM i dont think it has worked for me , im on my 4th month now ,shud i give it a bit longer to settle in or not ? | |
| pam burnes - 2/7/2009 9:43 AM i have had the iud in for 5yrs. had to have it removed and replaced because i have had cyst on ovaries, leg cramps in left leg and lower back loss my hair right in the middle on top of my head,then in july i had a LEEP done because i had cervial cancer but i was told that this has nothing to do with my iud and i have developed a new side affect with the new one, i am constantly think i am preg. in 2weeks time i have been so sick to my stomach that i have taken 3 preg test and now the dr and my husband think i am crazy and need meds HELP!! | |
| Eve - 2/3/2009 5:29 AM I am so glad I stubbled across this website, I thought I was the only one that thought my problems were caused by the Mirena Coil. I would like to know more!!!! | |
| Bella in TX - 2/3/2009 4:23 AM I am sitting here in amazement that I have finally discovered the root of my problems, I'm so close to tears! I had my Mirena inserted 2 years ago and have experienced ALL of the side effects you ladies talk about. I have constant bloating, I look as though I'm 5 months pregnant, I'm very moody and have had to buy thousands of panty liners because I never know what my body was doing from day to day. I had thyroid ablation 4 years ago so I'm on meds for that for the rest of my life, but lately my levels are not in range. I'm so sick and tired of feeling fat and unattractive...it has caused problems in the bedroom because I feel so "dirty" and never want him to touch me. I'm scheduled for a hysterectomy in June for fibroids. I'm having endometrial biopsy Friday and I'm thinking I'll have the IUD removed also. Could Mirena be the source of all my problems? | |
| Lisa - 2/3/2009 1:15 AM WOW! I am so thankful I found this website. Thanks to all of you that have shared your personal stories. I am 4 days post removal of the Mirena IUD and am starting to see the light. I had the iud in for 5.5 years. I had many of the same symptons that other women have. My biggest regret is that I didn't relate all of the symptoms to the Mirena. When I brought my concerns to my doc, she said the same thing most of the doctors seem to be saying. "The hormones are low dose and are not released in to your bloodstream." After reading so many of the the stories on this website, I wish I would have listened to my body. My symptoms over the 5.5 years changed and effected me at different times. The first year, I mostly suffered from abdominal pain, mood swings and severe bloating. As the years passed on I developed servere acne. I am 28 years old and had never dealt with acne before. I have major scaring now. About 3 years in I started to suffer from anxiety and and my heart would race every night. I am not sure if that is palpitations? I am a very healthy women at 5 '5' and 120 pounds. I have been struggling with an extra 10 pounds and can't get rid of no matter what I try. I am a marathon runner and have recently suffered from very sore knees and hips, which seems to be another complaint. Also, I have ZERO sex drive. I am 28 and my poor boyfriend has been suffereing for years. I have a few questions if someone could help me out. How soon after removal have you noticed your acne clearing up and your sex drive coming back? How about anxiety and heart issues? Thank you, to all of you women that shared your stories. I don't feel so crazy any longer. I hope that I start to get back to my old self again soon! | |
| Cate from Australia - 2/2/2009 11:15 PM I have had Mirena in for 7 weeks and made an appointment earlier today to have it taken out. I have not had one pain free day not to mention other side effects. I keep getting told by doctors give it more time it will settle.....I have a feeling it will be a fight on Wednesday to get it out but its my body and reading your website has only confirmed every screaming instinct about Mirena. Also I am feeling a tad better due to the fact I have also been having hot flushes and other symptons and thought I was slowly going mad from the pain! Thank you. | |
| Anna Hansen - 2/1/2009 10:35 AM THANK YOU!!!! i am due to have an op on monday and my doctor suggested mirena, I read the pamphlet that he gave me and was going to have it inserted until a family friend who was a nurse suggested i research the side effects! so thank you to all for putting your stories out there! I have prevented my-self from going through what some of you have had! Im sorry that you have all had such horrible experiences! Thank you again and good luck! | |
| Jo - 2/1/2009 1:39 AM After thinking I was going completly mad due to the haze I had been walking around in I started to look up the side effects of the Mirena and came across your web site. Well within mins of reading all the symptons others were experiencing I new I have found my problem. Its out now!! I'm feel amazing. No more personality problems, that just creep up on you, no more racing heart or hot flushes and no more anxiety! I can think staight and I feel like me again. Its only been 3 days. Well done for making people aware because the Doctors just look at you as if you were mad.... | |
| N. Turner - 1/31/2009 11:58 AM I got the Mirena after my second son was born. I had done the traditional Birth Control Pills before, but decided on the Mirena as a more long-term contraceptive. I only had it for 8 months though. The entire 8 months that I had it I bled as if I had a never-ending period. With the bleeding I had the worst cramps ever. I was popping Advil and Tylenol like they were candy. I went back to OB/GYN after 3 months of this hell to be told that it was a "normal" side effect and that it would stop soon. Well, it kept going. I was miserable. I was in chronic pain and I was tired and weak all the time. I ended up going to Planned Parenthood to get it removed. It was cheaper to go there instead of to my doctor since at this time I was uninsured. I went ahead and had them do my full woman physical. They did blood work and did my pelvic while they removed the Mirena. That thing popped out like it wasn't even in there all the way. The nurse said normally they have to tug on it. When my blood work came back, I was severely anemic, from bleeding heavy menstrual blood for 8 months. I was so angry that I wasted my time and my money on that thing. I went from that straight onto oral birth control pills. I have not looked back since. | |
| Auntie B - 1/30/2009 12:44 PM I'm 37 with three children. I had a Mirena put in in July 2008 to help with extreme PMS and heavy periods. For the first 2 months I had a light but daily period. Then my period stopped completely and I did enjoy the break from severe menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding. But, I didn't feel right. I didn't feel like myself. I was always exhausted and in a fog - like how you feel in the first trimester of pregnancy or if you take some Benadryll. For the first time ever (aside from pregnancy) I gained 5 pounds. I started suffering from acne, bloating, constipation, dizziness, joint pain, tinnitius (ringing in my ears), non-existent libido, mood swings, and unexplained crying. Also, I could no longer tolerate alcohol - just one glass of wine would make me feel bombed! I remembered a friend had similar side-effects and felt better once she got her Mirena removed. So today, 6 months later, I had it removed. The funny thing is that I've always used midwives, did natural childbirth and don't even like taking ibuprophen, yet I opted to have a strange plastic hormonal device inserted into my uterus without doing any research. I could kick myself for being irresponsible for my health. I'm just glad to have found this site and know I'm not alone. If you are considering Mirena, please do your research. If you have it and don't feel like your old self, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor or midwife and have it removed. | |
| Laura - 1/30/2009 5:18 AM I too have heart palpitations and fluttering, tingly and numb hands, problems with my eyes, white floaties. Not to mention the severe weight gain, enormous breasts ( they have not been this big since I was nursing ) I also have a vaginal odor that I have never had before and endless itching. I feel miserable, no desire for sex because I feel so disgusted with myself. The only positive about Mirena is that I have not had a period since it was insertred. I will deal with the heavy periods, at least I know that they will eventually go away. Please think twice before having Mirena inserted. | |
| Kathy Sussek - 1/29/2009 3:02 PM My Life with a Medina I U D I had my IUD put in in the fall of 2007. I have had nothing but problematic side affects for the past year and a half. The worst side affect that I have experienced is fatigue. Now this fatigue isn't your normal after workout fatigue. It's the, I can sleep for 10 hours and feel like I didn't get even 1 min. of sleep. I also wake up with horrible joint pain. I feel like my bones ache. Just imagine having a back ache for over a year. It really sucks. I have also experienced a lot of anxiety and mood swings. It has gotten so bad that I have made the choice of not seeing or talking to any family unless I have to. I get mad at people for no reason at all. I have been feeling like everyone is against me and that everyone is talking about me behind my back. Now, if the other side affects weren't bad enough, I have had a great amount of weight gain. I have had three children and my weight has bounced between 120-130 for most of my adult life. I have gained 45lbs. in just over a year. I have tried to exercise but with the fatigue I find it very hard. I made the decision with my Dr. to have my IUD removed. I went in to have it removed and my Dr. could find the strings. He said that he could use a special instrument to try and fetch the strings in my uterus. The instrument looked like a crochet hook. After about five extremely painful attempts my GYN gave up and said that I should have an untrasoud to make sure that the IUD was still there. I was able to have that ultrasound the same day. The ultrasound showed that the IUD was still there. It also showed that I have and overy full of cysts and another that is shrivelled like a prune. I will have to someday soon have one and possibly both my overys removed but first the IUD. I have an appointment to have my IUD removed on Thursday and it has to come out surgically. I will have to be sedated and have my cervix dialilated and then my GYN should be able to get the IUD out. I am sure hoping the side affects that I have been experiencing will go away fast. I don't know how much more my husband and family can take. | |
| Laura - 1/29/2009 8:26 AM I had Mirena inserted in May 08, I have gained over 25 lbs. I can't lose weight no matter what I do. I have have very tender and sore breasts. I asked my Dr if this was the cause and she assured me no but after reading this and other web sites I am convinced to have the IUD removed immediately. | |
| net robins - 1/28/2009 11:10 AM Hi mamaj, I will post your link in my blog to get it out there,thankyou. | |
| Roxanne - 1/28/2009 10:08 AM I just wanted to say I am so glad I have found this site! I am 21 and had the mirena inserted just over 2 years ago. Prior to that I was on the combined contraceptive pill which I loved, however, after changing doctors I was told that I couldn't remain on the combined pill as I had suffered with migraine in the past and therefore my only option was the mini pill, injection or implant. I decided on the mini pill but after 6 months begged for something different as it gave me 14 day long periods, atrocious moodswings and bloating. My doctor then informed me of the mirena coil that contained a much smaller amount of the mini pill hormone therefore reducing my unpleasant symptoms, and would be a hassle free method of contraception. I had some misgivings as was only 19 at the time and had heard coils were best suited for older ladies who had had kids (I've never been pregnant) However, I was assured it was fine. After the initial few months of pain and occasional bleeding my periods stopped completely and I couldn't praise the damn thing enough - I even convinced 2 of my friends to get it fitted as well. However, since I have had it in, my weight has steadily increased to the point that I have now gained 3 1/2 stone. I have had terrible acne for the most part, huge overwhelmingly painful breasts, a complete loss in libido, a noted increase in body hair and awful moodswings as well as a general feeling of hopelessness/inability to cope. Oh and a smelly heavy discharge. My mirena is now working as an excellent contraceptive - I am as about as welcoming to any advance my boyfriend tries to make as I am to killing kittens. I have perservered with the bloody thing for 2 years as I was so pleased with it during the first few months, and desperately wanted things to settle down. Whilst researching laser treatments for acne, I stumbled on various sites listing spots as a side effect of mirena and here I am. To hear all these stories makes me convinced I need to march down the doctors and demand to have this thing taken out of me! Sorry for waffling so long, but it really is a huge weight (haha hopefuly literally!) off my shoulders to get some idea of what has been causing my problems over the last few years! Thanks ladies. |
Some other Womens Stories about Mirena
I started to experience thyroid problems after getting Mirena. I had it removed this past July after having it for a year 1/2, and I continue to experience thyroid problems to this day. I haven't had a baby for 12 years. I had my thyroid levels tested and they came back "within range". However, because I am experiencing so many of the symptoms of hypo-thyroidism, my doctor suggested that I may have something called "Wilson's Thyroid Syndrome". I went to a really informative website: wilsonsthyroidsyndrome.com and monitored my body temperature as they instruct. And under my doctor's care I will be starting treatment for that in about a week. I am hopeful that will help. My doctor in addition to being an MD practices homeopathy so she is open minded to alternative treatements, thank goodness, because after the way the mirena messed me up, I am less than anxious to jump back into a traditional medicine approach to my thyroid problem.The symptoms I started experiencing since getting Mirena got really bad earlier this year and continue to this day. They are: weight gain (I went from 135 lbs to 165 lbs in the past year); extreme fatigue; hair loss; low body temperature; low sex drive; irritability and depression.Through this forum and other sources, I have learned that Iodine is needed for proper thyroid function. I checked my iodine levels using a test I found on the internet and I seem to be really depleted in iodine. The test is, to take tincture of iodine that you can get at the drugstore for about $2 and paint a square section of your skin, inside upper arm is suggested, with the iodine tincture. If the stain disappears within 8 hours you are severely depleted of iodine. If it disapears within 24 hours, you are still depleted. If it stays for 24 hours, you are fine. About a month ago, I started taking brown seaweed supplements (I had to buy them online) in order to help bring my iodine levels back up. It seems to have helped a little. Taking the same iodine tincture test last week, my iodine levels aren't as depleted as they used to be. And the supplements seem to give me a little more energy. Some people report they have been able to lose weight more easily while taking the supplements too.Don't know if any of this will be useful to you, but figured I'd answer your question about the baby and share the rest with you as well.
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First of all I would like to thank you for sharing your stories... you have saved my life.
___________________________________________________________________________ I got Mirena inserted in June 2007. I am not spotting anymore and thought I was home free. I just got word from my rheumatologist that my thyroid is off. She asked me to see my GP about it and I have that appt in a week. I have NEVER had thyroid trouble before. I did deliver a baby 6.5 mos ago, so I don't know if pregnancy could cause thyroid trouble. I am very fatigued. I really think this all started sometime after Mirena. If the IUD is causing my thyroid to be off, then I want the sucker out.
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I've had my mirena out 2 weeks - I noticed your symptoms were the same as mine. I really hated the discharge. It lasted for 8 months, along with terrible cystic acne, leg pains, no sex drive, and an annoying eye twitch. Am starting to feel back to normal. I would not reccomend the mirena to anyone. __________________________________________________________
After having the mirena put in I gained 3 pounds in about 3 days. I had it out yesterday and weighed myself this morning and was five pounds heavier. It could just be bloating. Did anyone gain weight after having it removed? Did the weight go away after awhile? I feel like a whale.
I am pretty sure I am dying. I am so releived to have found this site. Since having the Mirena installed 7 months ago my life and health have plummeted to an all time low.I am miserable. The depression, anxiety, mood swings are unbearable. I fly off the handle at my kids and at my poor husband. I have severe depression, nausea, headaches, dizziness, no energy, joint cramping, severe lower back pain, severe cramping in my abdomen, hair loss, insomnia. The strangest thing is that at times I am certain I can feel a bab kicking inside of me! I bleed for 3 weeks out of the month.
I just found this website today. I am so glad.I had my IUD put in aproximately two months ago. Over the last two weeks I have experienced panic attacks, lack of sleep, this damn foggy, dizzy feeling and NIGHTMARES continually. I have also noticed that my other meds I take don't work the same anymore while on this damn thing.I have a major crash yesterday and became the raging bitch from hell with my family. The worst thing is that two years ago I realized I was majorily depressed and began taking medication and found myself again. reading all of this I realize the reason I became the bitch from hell initially is probably because I started on the depo shot - of course all of this for convenience sake.I am relieved to hear this from other women. I am upset too, but relieved.It was funny too, when I told my husband about the IUD and all he was against it..but he refused to have a vasectomy and I wanted something easier. I have three girls 20, 18, 13 and there is no way I am starting over. How frustrating that usually the BC issues are covered by the women.So we are having sex this weekend and he swears up and down he can feel the thing. I told him he was crazy, of course he has been saying this for weeks now. So finally we hop in shower (sorry if this is to graphic) and do a pelvic exam and guess what I CAN FEEL IT. Then we start talking about everything and I start having this sinking feeling..OH SHIT..this thing is WRONG. I need to get it out. I started thinking back and realized this IUD is evil.So today I sent everyone to my mother in laws for breakfast, bc I am tired of being the bitch from hell, and got on line. I found you guys.I am temped right now to go in the bathroom and jerk this think out but I wont I am going in tomorrow and demanding that it be taken out. No IF's. ANDS or BUTT, no waiting nope...they are doing it tomorrow.I feel foggy, lightheaded,pissed off, realived and glad that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
I thank god for you ladies.
I will keep you updated....
I am almost 3 weeks past removal. (insertion 9/07 removed 6/08)I suffered all these side effects and more that everyone has posted! This IUD has been a nightmare and something should be done about it!!!!!!! There is also another site medications.com/se/mirena that lets women post their issues with mirena as well.The first time I went there and started reading others posts I knew I wasn't going crazy but that this IUD was to blame for numerous problems. I had to bully my dr to take it out, even going so far as to tell him I was showing up friday and he better get this evil thing out of me. He still questioned me again as I lay on the table with tears streaming out my eyes asking me if I "was sure" about this. I almost ripped the skin off his face! There were some side effects that stopped almost upon removal, but there are more still hanging on.The first to leave was the constant, constant pain in my lower ab, side and back. This stopped within the first day. It almost felt like contractions but nothing compared to the pain of insertion, it was more painful than the 3 natural child births I went through! I was almost wondering if he didnt perforate my uterus but I'm not having as much pain now.Everything was painful after I got it, sex, orgasm, walking, breathing etc. Ive never had so much anxiety in my life. His cure was to up anxiety meds! I'm glad it out and will never, ever have one again!I think there has to be a class suit filed, but no amount of money can fix the problems it has caused with my job, husband, children and my believe in myself. (these side effects are all in your head" mr dr)I wish everyone a safe removal and hope to one day be myself again.
Please read the other women that have posted there and their problems.
I have had the mirena iud for 2 1/2 years and have been miserable! I have cramps and breast tenderness all the time, acne, fatigue, no sex drive, ovarian cysts and moodiness. Well every time I go to the doctor they make me go get blood work done and tell me to be patient things will get better. Well they haven't it only gets worse the longer I have it. So today I called the doctors office to have this thing taken out and the receptionist said ooh sorry I can't schedule an appt for that. I have to have the doctor call you and discuss why you want it taken out..then we can make an appt. Oh yeah and the doctor has up to a week to call me back. I am soo frustrated I just want it out so I can have a normal life again!
wow i hate drugs, i hate the mirena. if i had known it would have this after effect i would not have accepted it.so for you your normal is the way you are with mirena. birth control plays with your hormones and doctors know it, we all need stability. antibiotics affect prescriiption birth control so even a pill to keep you balanced might not have worked, but they could have tried or atleast have warned you.that emotional roller coaster is scary isn't it? mirena suppose to use a lowdose hormone but the effects after use are crazy, its like the hormone builds up and after removal you may feel down.
Hi everyone,
I want to thank everyone for your story's and support.
I visit this site every day,to remind me that i'm not going crazy.
I'm 3 months post-removal,and still am suffering.
I've got good days,but also very bad ones.
The worst thing i think is the anxiety,and the hyperventilating.
At that moment i am afraid i will lose control,and i've got doubts being a good mom,i constantly feel guilty towards my children and husband.
Even when he tells me not to be.
And in my good day's i'm very strong,and i can handle everything.
Every time i think i lose it,i read your story's,to see i'm not the only one.
And it makes me stronger to know i will get better.
I hope you all will get better.
love from Bright
I came across this site when looking for information on Mirena lawsuits. I feel I should be part of one. I don't care about the money- just about getting this device off the market. Here's my story: I had the Mirena inserted in April 2006 (eight weeks post birth of my first child). At insertion I had the usual pain. Nothing compared to birth! Within a week I was experiencing painful intercourse, foul odor, and stabbing pains in my stomach. I had lost a lot of baby weight by this time, but now that I look back, I really didn't lose much since. I worked hard just to stay at the same weight. I also developed a rash all over my body, which I later had diagnosed from a dermatologist as some sort of skin disease, usually caused by an allergic reaction- bad news- once you get it, you have it for life. After several rounds of varying degrees of antibiotics (I was nursing at the time and for one round had to pump and dump), my doctors felt the infections were gone and I was okay. Soon though, I'm back in the office still complaining of these stabbing abdomen pains, painful intercourse, etc. My doctor tells me it's not the Mirena, it's something else. He convinces me to keep it in, after I asked to have it removed. (I'm the one who spent the money here, right?!) Now I have gone through PID diagnoses, you're in menopause diagnoses (I'm 24 at the time). They check to make sure the IUD is in place, and it is, so they basically write me off as crazy. My next step is to go to my primary care and ask him if the stabbing pain could be something else- I do that and he sends me to a gastro doctor. I end up with a colonoscopy and endoscopy which reveal nothing wrong. After a few more months of pain, I go to a new GYN. This one says, let's do a new ultrasound and get the thing out. But unfortunately, I had to have shoulder surgery before he could schedule- so I'm out of it for a few months (and pain medicated so not feeling the pain down there). In January 2008, I finally have the time to schedule to get the IUD removed. I get it out and it's not painful at all and I don't even bleed. I start menstruating normally again (hadn't had a period most of the time I had the IUD in). A few weeks later I start hemmoraging. I get an ultrasound. I have a mass on my uterus. I have surgery to get it removed. Biopsy comes back. It's benign (praise God). But, it's inflammatory tissue, cause from the IUD. More money down the drain and more time and mentally draining. Basically, the IUD got so infected that the tissue formed around it and attached to my uterus. YUCK. Now I'm not one for lawsuits, but if ever there was a product that shouldn't be on the market- I'm going with the Mirena IUD. Every girlfriend I have that has had it, has had it removed within the first year (save my mother- but she had that old IUD in her for over 20 years-another yuck). It's a money making machine for doctors and the drug company. And it's a super-pain. I'm feeling so much better and I'm losing weight again! Now if I could get rid of this rash! (Not likely!)
I had Mirena for 3 years and never had a single complaint about it. (Never gained a pound while I had it.) except I never had my period. Which can be normal. It's one of the possible side effects. Until early 2008 I started to bleed or spot for almost a month and had terrible abdominal pain. Went to see my obgyn. Turns out I had an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. An emergency surgery had to be performed the very same day, since the tube had already ruptured. My left tube had to be comletly removed as well as the iud, mirena. I am now taking the pill...first pack ever. I hope it all goes well this time.
September 5th200812:02 PM
I had the Mirena IUD inserted six weeks after having my youngest son, which was August 2007. I have always had a bit of a weight problem, but when I was pregnant with my son I started exercising, eating right and when I gave birth to him I was 20 lbs lighter than when I got pregnant. I was told the Mirena was great. No weight gain, period will stop and can have it in for five years. So I got it. It's been a little over a year and I am getting it out! I gained 30 lbs. and I barely eat anything. I dieted, exercised and tried my hardest to stop the weight gain, but nothing worked. And now I look 6 months pregnant again. I have been depressed and had thoughts of suicide at one point. And I DO NOT have that type of personality. I am usually a very laid back, happy person. My advice to anyone thinking of getting the Mirena IUD. DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!
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September 9th 2008 1:51 PM I had mine inserted in Jan of 2005. That wasn't bad. The numbing medicine was what was bad. It made my heart race, I went deaf. But within 5 minutes the IUD was in and the numbing meds had wore off. I LOVED the IUD until I realized what it was causing. I was healthy...Since I have had the IUD: -Migraines 3x a week or more -Extreme amount of discharge -Vaginal Infections -Acne. -Anxiety Rarely had a headache before the IUD. I have always had discharge, but since the IUD, it has increased by at least double the amount. I have never had any infection until the IUD. Since I have had it, I have gotten 4 yeast infections and one bacterial infection. The doctor says that is not from the IUD. Several of my friends that have the IUD have the same problem. I had a clear face up until about 7-8 months after getting the IUD. The doctor says that is not a side effect. I have never suffered from anxiety until I had the IUD. I have had several attacks where I felt Suicide was the best way to handle it. Fortunatly, I have 2 beautiful boys whom I would NEVER abandon!!! They are my angels. I have to disagree with the doc. I would also like to go the doc for my next pap and tell her that she was wrong. I can't wait for my face to clear up and the infections to suddenly stop. Every one has different side effects and a woman who sees you maybe 3 times a year, is not qualified to say whether BC is the cause or not the cause of your symptoms. Like someone else said, women are born with an instinct- always trust it. More then likely- you are right. I am married with two kids. My husband is faithful- I know for a fact. So why else would I have infections. I take care of my self the same as I did before the IUD. The acne has ruined my face and my life. I had my IUD taken out today at 11:30 CST. We'll see what changes. And yes, I had the MIRENA !!!! DON'T GET THE IUD!!!!!
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I have had problems as well, but until reading your post had not associated them with Mirena. I had my Mirena put in after the birth of my fourth daughter. The delivery had been traumatic and I had to have an emergency C-section. My other daughters births had all been vaginal and I lost all my pregnancy weight after delivery. I have always been a very small person, weighing from 90lbs to 100lbs. After the c-section I had not lost any weight from my pregnancy at all. I was attributing my symptoms to PPD or Cesarean Depression. Having the Mirena put in was excruciating and I was in so much pain that I used the left over pain medication from my C-section. I then bled heavily for three months. I had to change my pad every 15 minutes and finally just used Depends. No joke, I bled that bad. The bleeding finally stopped after four months and I began to have horrible stomach cramps. The cramps are non-stop and do not let up. I am worried that I may have a tumor. I have been unable to loose weight, in fact, I have gained additional weight. I am very active and I do not over eat. I also have very sore and tender breasts. Intercourse is painful for both me and my husband. The wires from Mirena have left cuts on his penis. My skin is very dry also and I have developed these scales all over my arms and legs. I think it may be psoriasis. I did not have this problem prior to Mirena. I have severe back pain, headaches, and severe depression. I took Prozac for months but it seemed to make my depression worse. I feel tired and sluggish constantly. I am now having a problem with acne, again, I never had a problem with this prior to Mirena. I also have been bloated. I also am worried about thyroid problems. Thank you for your informative post. I have only had Mirena for about six months now but it will be coming out!
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September 8th 2008 2:47 PM Well just like most of you, this thing is giving me so much trouble! I got Mirena in February of 2007 and have had problems ever since. At the insertion, I thought I was having a child it was soo painful! Cramps instantly and bleeding like crazy! Now, over a year later, I'm still cramping everyday and I've bled pretty much the entire time on and off and it's never predictable. I have no desire to do anything, I'm tired and irritable (my poor boyfriend always catches the bad end of it, both sexually and mentally) and I'm always uncomfortable (something just doesn't feel "right" down there). I've gained about 15 pounds, and HATE IT. I'm only 20 years old, I shouldn't feel as bad as I do. My biggest fear is that it will end up ruining my body and I won't be able to ever have children. I mean, just because I didn't want them while I'm still in college doesn't mean I won't want them in the future. I made an appointment to get mine out on the 17th of September and CANNOT wait, of course they weren't happy at the doc's office but o'well, they "couldn't get me in" for 3 weeks. I'm glad I'm not the only one who has felt like this was a bad idea.
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September 6th200811:45 AM
I got Mirena Jan. 2008. Since then I get migraines, tension headaches, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, mood swings, bloating (no weight gain), increased heart rate, no sex drive at all (I'm only 21!),and my partner can feel the strings poking him. I finally reached my breaking point with Mirena when I developed lower abdominal pain and a slight discharge. Mirena has infected my uterus and ovaries. This damn thing is coming out ASAP!!!
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September 5th200812:02 PM I had the Mirena IUD inserted six weeks after having my youngest son, which was August 2007. I have always had a bit of a weight problem, but when I was pregnant with my son I started exercising, eating right and when I gave birth to him I was 20 lbs lighter than when I got pregnant. I was told the Mirena was great. No weight gain, period will stop and can have it in for five years. So I got it. It's been a little over a year and I am getting it out! I gained 30 lbs. and I barely eat anything. I dieted, exercised and tried my hardest to stop the weight gain, but nothing worked. And now I look 6 months pregnant again. I have been depressed and had thoughts of suicide at one point. And I DO NOT have that type of personality. I am usually a very laid back, happy person. My advice to anyone thinking of getting the Mirena IUD. DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!
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September 5th200811:31 AM
Ladies, God gave us all that "little voice inside" that we call a woman's intuition. LISTEN TO IT! Unfortunately, I did not when it came to choosing Mirena as my first and only choice of birth control since I was a young teen first experimenting with sex. Well now, I am a day away from my 31st birthday and have been married to my high-school sweetheart for ten-plus years. After two kids and a miscarriage of twins, I decided I just didn't want to go through pregnancy again. So, little ol' me decided to be hip and choose a form of birth control that allowed me to be free and not have to worry about the likes of condoms...or spermicide...or those wretched birth control pills. If only I knew back then what I know now, however. I first got Mirena inserted the end of March 2007. Since then, my sex life with my husband suffered dramatically, because, first, I bled inconsistently (that is, I didn't know when my period was going to show up---every week, every two weeks, etc.); second, when my period did show up, it would last 8-11 days; and third, the wire attached to the device was painfully uncomfortable for my husband during sex to where we were limited to just a few positions, which made for a pretty mundane sex life. From a health standpoint, like so many other posters, I suffered severe hair loss. It had gotten to the point where I literally had a receding hair line and had to wear very weird-looking bangs just to cover up my hair loss. I stayed bloated and on edge from the anxiety I felt from feeling like the start of my period was just imminently hanging over my head, because it seemed as though I was always on it (because I did bleed more times times than not). The weight gain was horrible. I always felt insatiably hungry and looked up one day and realized I was a size 16...and barely squeezing into my clothes. I went on a diet, which went fine. However, I ended up coming to a standstill even after increasing and intensifying my exercise and lowering my calorie intake even more than I had. NO ONE 'til the day I die will be able to convince me it wasn't Mirena's fault for causing the initial weight gain and later stagnating my progress to lose weight. And, yes, there was a change in my personality. I went from a laid-back, independent, self-sufficient woman to one who was totally clingy, overbearing, and extremely jealous. But then, I turned into the worst person I had ever seen myself becoming: I then turned into a woman who just wanted to be by herself. And so, I was one phone call away from hiring a divorce attorney and leaving my husband and kids, because I just couldn't handle my every day life as it was. I did not know what was going on with me; I just knew I found myself having a total change of heart about everything in my life, even though my life was a pretty dang good one, according to all of my friends and family and even people on the street who would observe how well my husband treated me. Enough was enough, and I finally had Mirena taken out Friday, July 11, 2008, at approximately 11:00 AM! My life has totally changed. No lies. No embellishments. No exaggerations. I lost three pounds by that Tuesday, July 15. So, my efforts to reach my weight loss goal don't seem so futile now. Furthermore, my husband and I are as happy together as we were back when we were in high school; and, I can't even imagine not having the kids and him in my life. Oh, and my hair.... I no longer have a receding hair line. It's still going through that annoying growing-out phase, but at least it exists again!!! Looking back, particularly at some of these posts, something told me I was in for a nightmare come to life when my doctor was amazed at how I felt hardly any pain while he inserted Mirena. And even now how he and his nurse act totally shocked and surprised at all of the problems that I had while using Mirena just sickens me to the point of wanting to punch something. These medical professionals know. They get very nice perks for being in cahoots with these drug representatives and manufacturers by going along with making us, the patients, guinea pigs. Such low-life scum! I am hurt and totally pissed off by the whole thing. But still, I am thankful my life has returned to normal since having Mirena taken out. Nevertheless, be warned! Mirena is a steep, pricey sentence on one's life. So, you'd better be prepared.
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September 3th20084:27 PM
I had Mirena placed just last Thursday and I wish I hadn't. The pain was excruciating, nearly passed out. Ever since, I have been nauseous, headaches, cramping/sharp pains in lower abdomen (not like menstrual cramp) and excessively tired as well as dizzy. I will give it the three to six month trial but as of right now I would not recommend this to anyone. I should have stayed on the pill!!!!!
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I had the mirena inserated six weeks after I had my son in aug of 2007.The first one I had slipped out so I had another one inserted and after I had it done I spotted for four months and then my period went away. Four months later it came back and It came every two weeks for three months thats when I decided to get it out. It was removed in july and also had my annual done. My results came back abnormal (which I've never had in my life) and after getting a biopsy done have found out that I have severe pre cancerous cells which I have to get remove in another procedure call the leep. I though this would be a great worry free birth control and it has cause more problems than any other I have ever been on. DON'T DO IT!!!
By Jessica - 9/17/2008 1:26 PM |
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I had my first mirena inserted 8 anbd half years ago and the pain of insertion was awful and followd with cramps - I as told these are like period paoins but neveer having had period pains or knowing anyone who had I had nothing to compare to.
But the following mornign I was fine. However, the second mirena insertion 5 years later was excrutiating and I experienced a "mild"contraction, like a woman would have in labour - so mild it jerked me half upright, induced projectile vomiting and caused my blood ptrssure to drop to 29 - I almost passed out. nO wonder I am child-free by choice! I in 1000 women have this reaction - but it is unusual second time around. I was unlucky but the simply solution is to get the mirena inserted in hospital under general aneasthetic which I will be doing when I have my next one. But in the meantime it'll be the implant and then back on the pill. The cramsp second time around continued intothe next day althoI was on painmeds of course and I did experience that shap pain shoot down my right leg for a short tiem afterwards. The worst I think was hte sabbign pain in my cervix every month - where my wonderful period induced energy rush shoudl have been.. Still it remain the most effective contraceptives (they won't do a tubal for me until I hit 35) and has a shorter list of contra-indic than the pill September 5th200811:31 AM - I realise obviously that menstual pain would interfere with your sex life and life in general but I am puzzled as to how a menstrual bleed could affect it. After my insertion, I had a 'period' lasting 6 weeks (no pain) but it never affected us in that way. Also, the problem with the string can be solved by having your gyne cut the string really short until it can't be felt except on examination. Jessica, I sympathie with your situation but rest assured that an IUD doies not cuase cervical cell changes - these are caused by four main strains of the HPV. By Ciara - 10/8/2008 12:32 PM |
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Weight gain and tiredness - After my last daughter was born, I had the Mirena inserted thinking that we were done having babies for the time being. Two weeks after I gave birth, I had lost all of my pregnancy weight. After getting the IUD inserted, I gained 20 pounds. Mind you - FULLY pregnant, I ony gained 25, 18, and 20 pounds with my children. I've been so depressed that I don't fit any clothes and am huge! I don't feel attractive anymore. I keep exercising and eating the same portions as my 3 year old but the weight stays. It never occured to me that it was the IUD until I looked at my weight graph on my Wii Fit - I jumped up in weight to my 9-months pregnant level as soon as it was inserted. I've been bloated with stomach weight, and I'm a pear shape that's always had a flat stomach with a big bootie, and crampy but no period even 5 months later. My daughter started sleeping through the night at 6 weeks. I should feel better now that I get 8 -10 hours of sleep a night, but I'm so exhausted I can barely function and think. I'm calling my doc right now to set up an appointment and get the Mirena removed. Glad I finally put 2 and 2 together! I'm ready to start feeling like a woman again.
By Anne - 1/13/2009 3:04 PM |
More at the sites below....
https://www.facebook.com/groups/381952505179839/
From... http://www.squidoo.com/Mirena-Side-Effects
fatigue
headaches that will last for days
bad cramping to the point where i want to cry(and not just when its time for my cycle)
stomach pains that just come on suddenly
back pain
major mood swings
I was diagnosed with anxiety a year ago. about a month before getting the IUD in My dr and I had finally found a balance to get it under control to where I dont struggle with it on a daily basis(it would just come to surface when im stressed). Since the mirnea has been inserted my anxiety is out of control. I cant even describe it, the best way would be to say some days its like I dont know where to put myself. I feel lost and I become VERY indecisive about any little thing. I had NO idea the mirena could do all this!! I plan on calling my doctor and making an appointment to have my IUD removed as soon as possible.
I just had my mirena out, and 5 days later still have pains....I can't wait to be back to normal and for this awful feeling and stabbing pains to pass.
Sharon
I first had the Mirena fitted about 13 years ago after my 2nd child. I had no spotting and no periods for 3 years but I did end up on anti depressants. I had trouble sleeping, nightmares when I did sleep , anxiety attacks and violent mood swings finally my osteopath informed me I had a tipped uterus (she could feel it pressing backwards) and when I asked if it was the coil causing it she went off on one telling me horrendous tales about them. So next day I went to see my Dr. and insisted they remove it, relunctantly they did and I felt better almost immediately, I was able to stop the anti depressants and started to feel better apart from this nagging pain in my lower back and right pelvis. Then the periods and ovulation started to get worse until about 7 years ago I couldn't stand it any longer and having moved abroad went to see another Dr who guess what - told me that the only she could do was fit the Mirena coil! I was against it but she swore it would be fine and told me not to worry she had never heard of any side effects or anxiety caused by it. So I tried again! Almost immediatly the symptoms returned and within 2 months I went back and told her to remove it. She was most put out and very rude. Four years ago I returned to the UK to live and registered at a new Drs. who was horrified I was not using any contraception. She insisted I went on the pill which I did (I am obviously scared of Drs LOL) she also said it would help with the pain but I had exactly the same symptoms, anxiety, spotting, blah blah blah, so stopped it and didn't go back until last year when the back pain and pelvic pain and period pain and ovulation pain were taking over my life. The Dr (male) told me there was nothing they could do or offer me as I was obviously not able to tolerate the hormones in the pill and Mirena and that was that until I was in so much pain I went back again. Blood tests showed nothing a 'little' external examination showed nothing (not surprised) and guess what? Yep another Mirena was recommended!! I could not believe it but was told it was the only thing they could offer to stop the ovulation and that would stop the pain!!! So I thought right, this time I will do as they say but knew what the outcome would be, during fitting I was told my uterus was so far back they could hardly fit it!. I had it fitted, bled constantly and then had it removed again after 2 months again much to their disgust. Left it for about three months and went back and told them in no uncertain terms I was not prepared to listen to them anymore and wanted a referral to a specialist. I went two weeks ago and was told my uterus was high and swollen so needed ultra sound examination and a biopsy was taken. The ultra sound revealed two large fibroids and tomorrow I go back for the full results. The pain I am in now is so severe I cannot sit or lie without being in terrible pain and bending down is practically impossible. I am exhausted, moody and haven't had sex with my poor husband since I can remember.
I am convinced the Mirena has been the root of all my problems and has led to the fibroids. I am happy to have a hysterectomy as I am nearly 50 and I do not intend to have any more children. I am so so angry with the Drs. for just giving these things out like sweets to children. They are in my opinion not safe and should only be given to someone once thorough tests have been carried out. If you are offered one please please please take other advice and read up about it. If you are offered it to stop heavy periods or pain - then think twice - there is a reason for the heaviness or pain and you should insist they find out what's causing it BEFORE they fit a Mirena.
I am glad you haven't had issues. I wish that had been my experience.
http://www.medications.com/se/mirena
April 11th
2009
9:40 PM