Mirena: spotting and odors?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-22-2006
Mirena: spotting and odors?
5
Fri, 12-22-2006 - 3:18am

I've had a Mirena for nearly three years. I stopped getting periods almost at once, and I like IUDs in general. But it seems to me I get an awful lot of vaginal infections now - way more than I ever did before with the copper IUD. I seem to contract an infection every time I have sex. I eat lots of yogurt, but to no avail. And the spotting! I get sticky, thick, "dusty rose" colored blood for 2-4 days every time I have sex.

It's not a bad trade off from the heavy periods, but the acrid smell from all the infections, the seemingly endless cycles of intense prescription drugs to stave them all off, it's really disgusting. My OB/GYN keeps telling me it's nothing, but in truth, I've had three courses (5 days each) of Metrazinole this year alone! I discharge clear fluid and it causes itching, but not like a yeast infection. I'm thinking maybe it is the Mirena, but I'm not certain. I am quite single and have several new sexual partners per year, so maybe it's all about their different biochemistries and not the Mirena? Have you experienced lots of infections after the Mirena? Have you experienced consistent spotting every time you have sex, regardless of his size or activity level? Maybe it's menopause. I'm 42. Any perspective would be appreciated.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2005
Fri, 12-22-2006 - 10:49am
I had the mirena for a little over 3 years and didn't have any infections...how annoying/frustrating for you....hope you find relief from them....
Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Fri, 12-22-2006 - 6:59pm

Hi invincibleevie, welcome!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-22-2006
Fri, 12-22-2006 - 10:36pm

Hi Jill,

Thanks for sharing your perspective. I realized I needed help so I went to the alternative doctor today. He suggested it is a ph issue, which indeed could be from multiple partners, as you suggest.

It also seems important to reflect on the ease of use. I am happy with IUDs and the Mirena overall. It makes sense. And I'm consciously looking to become monogamous - easier said than done at my age and with the available single men in my range. As for fertility, three kids later that's not an issue for me, but you're wise to point it out.

Thanks again for your generous assistance.

Evie

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-12-2002
Mon, 12-25-2006 - 1:52am

Hi there,

I had a problem with infections with my Mirena, and I WAS monogamous. I ended up having it removed due to constant problems with yeast infections and vaginal dryness. Part of the problem could be exactly that - vaginal dryness can cause itching even when you have normal cervical fluid, pain during sex, burning with urination. All the symptoms, except lack of cottage cheese like discharge points to a yeast infection. The use of vaginal jelly to maintain the pH levels did help with the yeast infections a little, but actually burned when I ended up with vaginal dryness.

So yes, regardless of whether or not you have several partners, the Mirena may not be for you as much as you think it is.


 


 


iVillage Member
Registered: 12-22-2006
Tue, 01-09-2007 - 3:30pm

Thanks so much for your valuable feedback.

Evie