Mirena vs Uterine ablation&tubal ligation?
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 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 I was given, 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 have very heavy periods that last from 7-10 days, and there are about 7-10 days between them. (the uterine ablation would solve that!) The doctor said the the Mirena would also control my period. I may get a light one the first few months but by the 4th or 5th I won't get one at all. THis contradicts everything I have read.
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. I also have multiple cysts on my ovaries which also causes some 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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3 Answers
I have had my Mirena since March 2008. After my daughters birth in Feb of 2008 my doctor wanted me to try another form of birth control. I have not had much luck with pills and its not because I don’t take then but they are not effective for me. My doctor, whom I love and would not trade for the world, suggested I try another method and we decided together that an IUD would be a good fit for my needs. My first few months were not to bad. I instantly stopped getting my period, no spotting, no cramps, nothing. That was huge, and I loved it. About that six month marker I started to have an increase in vaginal tenderness and a foul odor. I was treated for a bacterial infection and it went away, for a while. Yeast infection after bacterial infection after inflammation after nasty discharge, is what I have been plagued with since. To make matters worse I was 180 lbs after I gave birth to my second child and now I am a booming 240 lbs. I have been on synthroid medicine for 8 months, trainer, weight watchers, work out at the gym 5 day’s a week and I have not shed a lb. I have headaches, I can chew off your head on the drop of a dime and I am tired every day. My personality has gone down hill and I can’t get this fog to lift. I am having my IUD taken out next week and I hope that helps. Talk to your doctor and make sure you are willing to take the chances with all the side effects. I wish you the best. Amanda
Amanda French
thanks Amanda! My doctor really wants me to try Mirena. I had an IUD 10 years ago, but it wasn't Mirena. It was called NOVO T I think. (also called copper t i think) It doesn't contain any hormones. I had one of the for 7 years. The worst side effects I had was cramps for a few hours after insertion, and cramps when I had my period. It did not make my period heavier or my cramps any worse than they were previous to having it inserted! I would be willing to use that again, however I don't think you can get them anymore, or at least when I asked my doctor about it she said try Mirena.
I really do like this doctor. She is the one that saved both my life, and the life of my son. That was how we met....she saved our lives. I do trust her, but at the same time I do not agree with her on this one. I called her office today to confirm my appointment time for tomorrow, and the nurse asked if I had picked up the Mirena yet, and I told her I hadn't and explained what I am thinking/feeling, She said that she totally understands since her doctor has been trying to get her to use Mirens for about 5 years now, and she would never use it......
that right there makes me wonder how great they are!
Good luck with getting yours taken out, and I hope you all goes well. I hope you start to feel the fog lift!
hello i got my mirena put in april of this year. After i got it at first i would feel really light headed and gradually i began to get more and more symptoms such as dizzyness,out of breath , anxiety, nervousness for no reason really jittery...i freak out out of no were and i really try to calm myself down but its like i cant controll it. I made an appointment and had it removed this morning but now i am just waiting to get back to normal
i hope this was of some help good luck