need advice about mirena
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| Sun, 05-06-2007 - 1:33pm |
Hi everyone... I've never posted on this board before, but I'm looking for a little advice. So if you have anything, let me hear it! And thanks in advance :)
I'm 20 years old and I have Factor V Lieden and Prothrombin gene mutation... basically, I cannot put any horomones into my body... so horomonal birth control methods are out. My gyn said that the Mirena IUD would be my best option considering I am in a stable relationship. He is slightly worried about how my body will accept it though, considering I've never had a child. Anyways...
I'll be having the Mirena placed on the 17th of this month... and I'd like to hear anything users have to say about it. I'm worried about the pain during the procedure, what to expect afterward, if it can be felt during normal, everyday activities, or even during intercourse.
Anything you have to offer would be greatly appreciated! I'm hoping to calm my nerves!!
Thanks!

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Hi there and welcome to the board!
I am 27 years old and also have Factor V. Once I got married in 2005, I decided to also have the Mirena IUD inserted. I have never had children either - but so far, so good. I love the Mirena!!!
Here is what I like about the Mirena IUD:
Meagan summed it up well. I haven't had the crampiness that she mentioned though at all. I haven't really had a period once the spotting stopped either. DH can not feel the strings although I've heard a few people mention that their SO/DH could. Ask about leaving the strings a little long, that should help. The strings also soften up over time and become less noticeable.
Take some ibuprofen before hand and try and relax. Tensing up can make it worse. My insertion wasn't painful at all but I have had a child vaginally. Good luck and let us know what you decide.
First and foremost: Mirena IS NOT hormone free. Mirena will put an artificial hormone source in your uterus for 5 years.
There ARE hormone free IUDs, Mirena is not one of them.
Go to the Mirena website (mirena.us? not sure, it's been a while) and read ALL of the patient literature to find out if the hormones in the IUD are going to fit your needs. If Mirena isn't right for you, check out the other IUD's such as paraguard.
The actual insertion is different for everyone, basically your doctor is going to open your cervix enough to fit in the delivery tube (smaller than a drinking straw if I remember correctly), the IUD is collapsed in the delivery tube, the tube is removed, the IUD pops open (it's the size of a quarter fully expanded) and you're done.
The only part you'll be able to feel (with your fingers) are the strings to make sure it's in the right place, they feel like fishing line. Other than that you shouldn't really feel anything on a day to day basis or during intimacy.
5 years later, when it's time for the IUD to come out, the doctor will grasp the strings, tell you to cough & tug quickly and it's out.
The insertion was more painful than the removal, but I was a lot less nervous at the removal AND I wasn't also dealing w/ menstrual cramps because it had to be inserted while I was menstruating.
That's true Mirena does have some hormones in it. It's progesterone only and most women find that since their localized it doesn't cause the same side effects as systemic hormones. I believe Maegan mentioned she has the same thing as you and can tolerate the Mirena hormones.
If you are interested in a completely hormone free IUD you could choose the Paraguard copper IUD. It's good for 10 years and has no hormones. Some women do report having heavier periods with that one as apposed to less or none with the Mirena.
Hi sbh06, welcome!
Jill
>>Mirena uses progesterine and releases it directly into the uterus instead of through the blood stream. <<
Jill
Thank you to everyone who replied! I truly appreciate your support!
Factor V only deals with estrogen, progesterone will not effect me according to my gyn. I am not too worried about the progesterone because I trust this gyn very very much. He's the reason I am alive; my mother developed multiple blood clots when she began birth control at 18, and this man saved her.
What I am worried about, however, is the pain associated with the procedure. I am not very tolerant with pain, basically not tolerant at all, and that is really the only thing that truly worries me about this whole idea. I have not had a child, and I've heard that causes more pain. I've heard two ibuprofen can do the trick... but that seems minimal to me!
I am also worried about feeling it later. One website I read had a woman stating that when she bent down the pick up something, she could feel the IUD move... I highly doubt this, but it would calm me down if someone could disprove this haha.
Thanks again everyone!
I felt "swollen" a bit for the first day or two but after that I can't feel anything unless I look for the strings.
Talk to you gyn about the pain maybe he'll tell you it's okay to take something else or more ibuprofen. Mine told me I could take 600mg beforehand but check before you take that much.
I recently had the Mirena IUD inserted, and I have never had children. I took 3 Advil an hour before, which is what my doctor told me to do. It hurt, but it was bearable. I stopped breathing a few times, but it was worth it. I relaxed for the rest of the day, only stopping to get some pantyliners in case I had spotting since all i had were tampons. I had minimal cramping afterwards, and I think that was due to my day of rest. During my first period, I had some bad cramping that would come and go that was as bad as when it was inserted, but it was never too bad. I never experienced the cramping if I kept up on taking an advil. I noticed foods that caused me to bloat increased the moments of cramping.
I was scared to get it done, but now that I have been through it a bit, i think i would get it done again. The side effects havn't been as bad as I expected, but then again I have only had it about a month.
good luck
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