Mirena IUD Update
In September of 2008, I posted about the Mirena IUD and later (after I got it) I posted about that too. They have been so popular and I recently received a comment from Sara asking what I think of it now that I’ve had it for a while. So, here is an update.
Positives:
Really the best part is the fact that I do not have to worry about taking the pill everyday. I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful that is. There is no worrying if I miss it or wondering if I forgot to take it. I don’t have to pack them when I go on trips (or realize I forgot them completely). I ended up being the type that has a super light period on it. It usually lasts for maybe a day or two and a panty liner would do the trick. Also cramps only last a few hours, maybe a day at the most.
It has been 100% effective in preventing any more surprises (babies).
My insurance covered the entire cost.
Negatives:
Sometimes I do feel it. I know they say that you won’t even notice it, but sometimes I can. It doesn’t hurt at all or last for more than a few seconds. But I can tell it is there. During sex sometimes it can be a little more annoying, like a light pinching. But again, no pain nor does it bother me enough to go to the doctor about it. My doctor said that if that happens she may need to trim the strings which are attached to it (for when they remove it). I haven’t done that yet.
I would say once a month I get cramps. They are a different kind of cramp than I would normally get on my period. Maybe a duller version I guess.Why is this a negative though? Like I was expecting to get rid of them altogether. 
The only other thing that bothers me is since I’ve been diving more into a natural/eco-friendly lifestyle, I feel because this IUD has hormones in it, it might have the ability to mess with the way I would be naturally. Change my natural mojo and whatnot. I think if I could go back in time I would get the copper IUD which does not have hormones it in. That one also lasts up to 10 years. At times I also worry about my period not being normal like it would be naturally. Like God wired us with that period and to stop the natural flow (especially for up to 5 years, which is the length you can have Mirena) what are the real consequences?
Anyway, in summary, I do like it. But going back I think I would opt for the non-hormone IUD. I think I would feel more natural that way.
Questions? Post them in the comments and I’ll try to answer.
Related posts:
- Mirena – I Got It
- Mirena IUD Birth Control – To get or not to get?
- What are the chances of getting pregnant when…
I love to write, learn, and share what I know - all while taking lots of pictures. I live in Los Angeles and am married to a very handsome man named Stan. We have a 5 year old Vizsla, a 3 year old daughter, and one on the way (due Aug, 2011). Thanks for stopping by!
a non hormonal IUD will cause you to have much heavier, painfull periods, AND a non hormonal IUD is almost like an automaitc abortion. It prevents a fertilized egg from implanting into the uterus lining. Mirena has a hormone that does the same thing a birth control pill does. Prevents a woman from producing eggs, thickens the cervical mucus and thins the lining of the uterus for lighter periods, or no periods at all! Stick with mirena!
Most of the side effects associated with Mirena are auto immune responses, not from the hormone.
I’m glad your experience is so much better than what I went through with Mirena. My body rejected it (after the most painful cervical insertion imaginable – I had never been pregnant) and I had to have it taken out after a month of heavy bleeding and severe cramps. It was already partly pushed out. It was a nightmare. I’m so glad it’s working for you…your experience sounds very positive in comparison. Maybe something to consider after our little one is born.