Mirena IUD Discussion Group
This is a public group to discuss experiences, get advice and share with others regarding the Mirena IUD.
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Club type:
Common Interest
Leader:
MothersClick
Created:
Nov 12, 2008
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Looking for advice/opinions from Mirena users
I am looking to hear from Mirena users as I would really like to get some advice/opinions.
I am 33 years old, and my doctor has advised that I do not have any more children.( I only have 2) I am okay with this as my last pregnancy was very difficult, and well delivery was worse.....luckily we both survived. It was a close call!
The OB/GYN has suggested either using Mirena or having a uterine ablation & tubal ligation done (at the same time.) I am hesitant on that just because I am worried about a general anesthetic. The general anasthetic is the reason I am unsure of this. (that and the fact the recovery, as I have 2 children, one being only 8 months old) They will not do a local. ( i was able to convince her to do a spinal freezing for my emergency section, but not for this!)
I am a little unsure about using the Mirena because I googled it (which the doctor advised against!). I felt that the little leaflet just didn't provide enough info for me to make an informed decision, so I googled it! I am worried about some of the side effects. I have read NUMEROUS posts from women stating how horrible they are. Now some that I have read said they experienced side effects that I was not aware of. The few that I am aware of kind of concern me.
I am currently about 20-25 lbs over my ideal weight, therefore was not thrilled when I read that weight gain is a side effect. ALOT of women claim they gained over 20lbs within the first 6 months or so. DID THIS HAPPEN TO YOU?
I have also read about headaches, backache, chest pain, and pelvic pain. I am a migraine sufferer, and am wondering if this would make it worse. I had symphis pubis diastasis during my pregnancy and still have mild pelvic pain. Wondering if pelvic pain was a side effect for people using it or that have used it.
I have also read that it may cause depression. I was diagnosed with depression 3 years ago, but stopped taking medication once I became pregnant. I have not needed to go back on the meds since as I am handling it quite well. (according to doctor too!) I am worried that this may make it worse and may require me going back on meds. I have read about terrible moodiness, mood swings, anxiety.
I have POLY CYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME. This is causing me to experience thinning of my hair, which was once beautiful!! I have heard that hair loss can occur while using Mirena. This scares me, as my hair is already thinning and I don't want to lose it any quicker than I am.
I cannot take birth control pills. the dr won't even prescribe them to me. I cannot use a diaphragm, as I am allergic to latex, which also rules out condoms.(which is fine I am married, and not concerned about STD s)
I am so confused. I am supposed to get this prescription for the Mirena filled and go have it inserted on Friday. It was given to me Monday, and I haven't filled it yet. I haven't decided if I will. Not sure if I should just have the surgery or get the Mirena.
Does anyone have any advice or opinion on this? I am wondering how other women feel about the Mirena, and how they felt while using it. I would really appreciate any input. Thanks in advance. Maria
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16 Comments
I'm not sure if I'd be willing to risk any more side effects. I've had mine in for 6 days and getting it out this afternoon. I'm 11wks post partum and a stay at home mom for the past week I've had the following side effects:
bad back aches
terrible cramps
spotting
large amounts of egg white mucus discharge
congestion
tired
eating like an elephant
yelling at my kids
feeling over whelmed
etc...
right now I'm waiting for the Tylenol to kick in so I can function.
The first thing that should give you a clue that this is a terrible form of BC is the first sentence on the booklet, "Not sure how this works..." writing write on the first page, first sentence.
Try something else.
thanks for your opinion. The leaflet I was given was only 1 sheet folded in three, and did not say "Not sure how this works...." anywhere in it.
I am waiting for a call back from my doctor, as I really want to discuss using something else. thanks again
TRY SOMETHING ELSE. REPEAT....AGAIN. I got the mirena last year because it had an even higher percentage of stopping pregnancy than tubal ligation. Few side affects at the beginning and then it was perfect. Except that last week it's LOST. Ultrasound techs weren't sure if they could see the mirena or not - turns out it was embedded in the lining of my uterus (therefore not stopping pregnancy). Since it's plastic ultrasounds cannot usually locate them...only an xray. Which they will not perform if you may pregnant!
The main page of mirena's ads in magazines actually says that could happen. You'd think it would be super rare but the ultrasound tech said she'd just gone to a seminar on how to find a mirena....GREAT.
My advice: Go on the pill if you're not ready to have tubal ligation.
WOW....sorry to hear that you are going through this. I guess I should have included in my original post that I can't take the pill for a couple of reasons. I tried to edit my post but can't!! Can I ask what are you supposed to do now?? I hope all works well for you.
Thanks so much. Sorry if my anger came out there...I guess I haven't really talked with anyone about this. I went Friday to get it taken out...they couldn't find anything. So now I'll schedule a tubal ligation. And wonder if it's somewhere else...not sure what the doc will do now.
Hi again! I didn't sense any anger, no need to apologize! They couldn't find it??? Is there any way that it could have come out and you didn't notice. I mean I hate to think that it could be somewhere else! (sorry) I went and spoke to my doctor again, and she is still set on me trying the Mirena. I am getting quite frustrated, as I really don't think I am willing to risk all the side effects and complications especially when I already have enough to worry about! A friend of mine is trying to convince me that I am worrying too much and I should just follow the doctor's advice, after all she did save my life, as well as my son's. Mind you, she doesn't have a Mirena, and doesn't really know anyhting about it, or have any of the other issues I have to worry about(depression,weight gain, hair loss, PCOS etc). Maybe I should just bite the bullet and have the surgery. Another reason that I am hesitant , other than the anesthetic, is that a uterine ablation usually needs to be repeated in 5 years. I can't have a uterine ablation without a tubal ligation either. If a uterine ablation is done they automatically tie the tubes as well because it is too risky not to. I am getting quite frustrated.
Wow, I guess you only needed one opinion...I had Mirena for almost a year and I LOVED it. My libido was great (the pill killed it), I only had 1-day periods, I had no weight gain and no side effects. I guess everyone is different!
The only reason I had it removed was to have another baby. Maybe you should try it...you can always get it removed if it doesn't work out....
HI. It isn't that I only needed one opinion. I have read MANY. I did alot of research myself as well. One of the things that helped me decide was that when I called the doctor's office today to confirm my appt for tomorrow, the nurse asked me if I had picked up the Mirens (the pharmacy had to order it in), and I said I hadn't as I am unsure of whether or not I want to use it. I explained my reasons and she said "I totally understand that, my doctor has been trying to get me to try it for the past 5 years and there is no way I will." She went on to tell me about a few of her reasons. The side effects really worry me, rightfully so, in my situation I think! I used another IUD for 7 years after I had my daughter, Novo T or copper T,( can't remember it has been while), and I loved it, however it contained no hormones and it didn't have any of the side effects listed that Mirena does. And I spoke to numerous people that had or were using it and NOT ONE had said anything negative, and it seems that with Mirena you hear at least 200 negative for every positive. I am glad it worked for you, but I don't think it is right for me. Thanks for your opinion though.
I wish I would have saved the handout that they gave me and then I could scan it. I also didn't read anything like that from the sheet they gave me while I was pg and discussing BC either, it's a different sheet, they give you after they insert the IUD. It was the one where it needs your signature after reading, I assume this is for legal purpose it covers them for law suits. I told my Midwife I usually don't sign things before reading them and she said, " It's fine...".
Well, update on me, I had mine taken out yesterday and last night was the best nights sleep I had in 6 nights.
Everyone is different but that IUD wasn't for a new mother taking care of 4 kids under 5 1/2 yrs. old.
Good Luck,
DeAnne
p.s your Doctor is going to tell you "It's a good BC and women have not troubles, etc..." They are the one's that want to push the drug companies, etc.. to make money, they are motivated by that.
again, JMHO.
I am glad to hear taking it out went well and that you were able to get a good night of sleep.
I am actually going to see the doctor in an hour. I will let you know what happens. She will probably tell me that. When she does I will tell her that I heard (read actually from a few users) that the reason that it is so effective is that you become so moody, depressed, etc that do not even like your husband (or whatever the case may be!), and he doesn't want to touch you anyway!!LOL !!!
Interesting how that statement is on a sheet you were given AFTER insertion! I thought maybe the leaflets we were given were a little different since we are in different countries! Anyway I have to go get myself and my children (10yr old D, and 9 m.o S) ready to go. I will let you know what happens.