Are you now or have you ever used a Mirena IUD? What was your experience like?

I had a partner with an IUD, so this is all the things I remember when we talked (extensively) about it.

Things she loved about it: It’s the most effective birth control, she never had to remember pills, and she wasn’t chock full of hormones that made her gain weight or change her sexual behavior.

She did get pretty bad period cramps, but I can’t remember if she had those when she removed the IUD. She would occasionally spot during her cycle as well.

I know the insertion and removal is not totally pleasant, and, according to her, certain types of uteral shapes aren’t compatible with an IUD.

They also increase the risk factors of some STDs, so it’s really important to be careful about that.

Ultimately, she started getting some risk factors with it (she was 35 and hadn’t been pregnant—I can’t remember if that was the issue or if her body started to reject it), so she had to have it removed, and switched to the NuvaRing.

I never felt it during intercourse. Ever.

I have one now, for 4.5 years; and I was just at my Gyn for my annual this morning, discussing removal (it only is good for 5 years) and what my options are afterwards.

Insertion was very uncomfortable for me. A close friend did not experience as much pain as I did (oddly enough, she is childless, whereas I have given birth). There was discomfort that progressively eased over the first few days, and the first few times I had intercourse. I was not advised to take anything prior to the procedure (but I will discuss that relative to the upcoming removal!). I took over-the-counter pain relief when I got home.

My partner at the time was fairly well endowed, and he never felt it during intercourse. None of my partners has ever mentioned feeling the strings during digital penetration, although I can feel them when I check to ensure that they are there.

At first there was irregular, but very light bleeding, then it was more regular, but still lighter and shorter duration. Prior to Mirena, my periods were moderate to heavy and lasted 6–7 days (even while on the pill). The past few cycles have gotten progressively more moderate and longer duration, so I guess that is because the progesterone in the Mirena is getting low. I have heard (possibly in a related question here on Fluther, but I can’t seem to find it right now) that someone got pregnant as they neared the end of the 5 years, which is why I wanted to discuss it with my Doctor today.

I am over 40 and my one and only child just graduated High School. I am done making babies (I had wanted more, but it didn’t work out that way). So I am considering permanent sterilization with either a tubal ligation or Essure. I am leaning towards the tubal, though. The NEW copper IUD is flexible and safe, and lasts 10 years; however, it often produces heavier periods, as opposed to lighter periods with the Mirena.

Google each, and read the safety information on their official web pages, and discuss with your doctor which is best for you.

I’m an OB/GYN nurse practitioner and I insert a few of them a month. They’re becoming more popular as time goes by, and with good reason. 90–95% of the progesterone released by Mirena stays in or near the uterus – it relaxes uterine muscle, which means less cramping with periods, and thins out the uterine lining, which leads to about a 90% reduction in overall quantity of bleeding.
Downsides – first, insertion is painful – when I counsel women beforehand, I describe it as feeling like serious labor for a few minutes. It’s a good idea to take 600–800mg of ibuprofen ahead of time, but realistically, its for the post-insertion cramping. It is an option to have a local block that helps – it’s called a paracervical. Most women have a few months of light irregular frequent bleeding before the uterine lining goes more or less dormant, which can be annoying.
Sometimes partners can feel the string – more likely to be a problem if the string is cut too short.

I’m interested in an iud as well. The main thing that makes me hesitate is I’ve read that if the string breaks or is too short you need surgery to remove it.

That mortifies me. How could the string break? How could the doctor allow the string to be too short?

I had Mirena. My view is that it either works great for you or you will have a nightmare. I was more nightmareish. It does hurt a little putting in….uncomfortable yes! The thing that hurts the most is when they have to hold your cervix open. The cramps are a lot like period cramps. The strings….my husband said some days he could feel them more than others. He said mostly it just bugged him, but didn’t hurt him. I had it in for 2 months….the periods are about 2 weeks, like most say. unfortunetly I had a bad experience….my uterus rejected it and I got an infection. It got more painful about 6 weeks and got worse and worse.

Thanks for the great answers, everyone! (and thanks for reminding me about this question @Steverpeeps)! I know it’s always nice to get updates from the OP, so here’s mine:

I’ve pretty much made up my mind not to get it. From the information I gathered, I got about the same impression as @Steverpeeps that “it either works great for you or you will have a nightmare”, and I just have this bad feeling about it.

lol, your welcome!!! I’m glad to came to a decision!