Mirena IUD experience

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-24-2003
Mirena IUD experience
6
Sat, 02-17-2007 - 8:45pm

Well after all my problems with the mini pill, my nurse practitioner decided to put me on Mirena IUD. I have not had any children, but she was weary of putting me on any estrogen/progesterone pills because I have migraines with aura and that carries high vascular risks, so we decided this would be the best option for me.

First of all, let me start by saying that the experience, for me, was pretty bad. Not to scare all you ladies out there about the pain factor, but it HURT. But, I was pretty tense, and she said that my uterus was stubborn, so it took several tries for it to be put in place. The whole time, another nurse was at my head, wiping my brow with a damp cloth and trying to distract me. They even had me breathing like I was actually in labor (haha!) because when the cramps were bad, I would unintentionally hold my breath.

So yeah, it would seem to me that the feeling of the nurse opening your cervix would mimic sort of (by a long shot) what labor feels like, and man, I do not look forward to that!

Anyway, my doc told me I would have cramping through out the day and so on...and I did. That was on Tuesday. It's Saturday now and I am still experiencing light cramping. Nothing horrible, but still a little uncomfortable. I have been known to have menstrual cramps without hormones, so maybe my body is just getting used to the Mirena.

I'm a bit paranoid about expulsion because I think the risks are higher if you haven't had a child. I honestly believe that if it comes out, I don't think I could go thru it again...and I don't want to scar my tissue up in there.

So, I am not supposed to use tampons or have sex for a week, which is fine, but do you think it would bother it if I checked with my finger to make sure the strings are there, and the Mirena is still in place? I'm just concerned that I'm still cramping a bit.

Any help and info would be great!
Thanks,
Julie

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-13-2005
Sat, 02-17-2007 - 10:15pm
Hi
I too have not had any children but opted for and IUD. It hurts more then anyone told me... not as bad as yours but very uncomfortable. I was still uncomfortable about a week into it. Things have settled but my cramps defintely have worsened when i get my period. My issue as of late is it seems my string drops more during my cycle and it tugs sometimes. That is making me a bit nervous. Overall i like it because it doesn't involve remebering or other side effects. have you noticed any kind of movement or "dropage" like that when its your time of the month?
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-24-2003
Sat, 02-17-2007 - 10:20pm
I just got the IUD in about 5 days ago, so I can't really answer your question. I'm just really nervous about it coming misplaced. But yes, I agree, I like the idea of not really having to do anything to remember for it. It is nice ;)
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-13-2005
Sat, 02-17-2007 - 10:47pm
Try not to worry too much. I know that is hard... just try to relax take some Advil. It is kind of scary but i'm sure it'll be fine. Expulsion very rare. hang in there. Thank you for your timely response!
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-12-2002
Sun, 02-18-2007 - 2:54am

Hi,

I had my Mirena for 3 1/2 years, and I haven't had children. I never had a risk of expulsion, but had it removed for other reasons (I'm very sensitive to hormones).


 


 


iVillage Member
Registered: 05-18-2006
Sun, 02-18-2007 - 11:24am

I recently had my first child and chose the Mirena IUD also. I have heard it hurts more to have put in if you haven't had any children. I had hardly any pain during and only mild cramping afterward. It did bring on my period though about a week later, my first post partum period.

Expulsion is VERY rare. I was paranoid the first couple of days with cramping too that it would come out. I don't think there's anything wrong with checking as long as your hands are clean. My doctor told me I could go home and have sex the same day if I wanted so I don't know why your doctor said something different. Maybe because I asked (lol). I chose it so there wouldn't be any time after insertion that I had to worry about a back up method. My DH has MS and takes some unusual drugs that can cause birth defects so we wanted to have a very fool proof method.

Try taking some ibuprofen for a day or so. I know lots of women said they had cramping for up to a week off and on. It does get better.

-Mel


iVillage Member
Registered: 11-24-2003
Sun, 02-18-2007 - 2:58pm
Thanks for your reply. I have been taking Aleve pretty much everyday and am sitting here with the heating pad. Hopefully it will stop soon!