Nico & other Mirena people

kjsbride2008

Give me the lowdown on it. People I know IRL have had mixed things to say, and I need to start thinking of options. I don't want to go back on the pill and I don't want the shot, but I also am not anwhere ready to think of the possibility of #3. I don't mind condoms, but they aren't my (or H's) ideal solution.

nicoleg1982

It is fabulous, esp. for a postpartum cervix.  It went in with slight cramping (mid-level period cramps), some spotting for a few weeks (panty-liner worthy), and then nothing.  For months, nothing.  And then a super light period.  The first time, I anticipated a real period, so I put in a regular tampon.  Big mistake.  I won't even tell you what I had to do to get it out.  So now I just use a pantyliner every few months.

The biggest annoyance - in the beginning, during orgasm and after, sometimes I would feel cramping or the device itself, followed by spotting.  Now, if I spot at all, it is incredibly light and only immediately after the orgasm.  And I rarely feel it anymore.  April marks 1 year, and this puppy has been fantastic every day of that year.

HIGHLY recommend.

ETA:  My insurance covered the device 100%.  I had to pay the copay ($60) to have it inserted, but otherwise it was fully covered.  I was spending $30/month on pills, so it paid for itself in no time, and now I'm covered for four more years (from today).

*Barbie*

I had a mirena pre-Wolverine for almost 3 years. I paid about $100ish for the device and doctor visits to insert and follow-up.

i had my period during insertion, and it was the last period that I had for the entire duration. no spotting, nothing. occasionally I would get PMS-style cramps, but never any bleeding.

I got it removed in Feb 2010 and got KU in March. The GYN told me it normally takes 4-6 months for a woman's body to regulate before getting KU, but I guess I was just ahead of the curve.

I got a new Mirena inserted on my due date ( 6 weeks post partum)  - it was significantly less painful the second time around because my cervix was still soft from pregnancy. had some minor discomfort and bleeding the first day or 2, but have not had any cramping or bleeding since. This time around all that I paid was $35 for the device, and a copay for my office visit.

i'm BF, and have not seen a reduction in my milk supply from the Mirena.

i LOVE my Mirena.

GBCK

I've only had mine for like 3 weeks, so still no cycles to speak of.
It was crampy and uncomfortable for24 hours.
has not caused migraines and doesn't feel like...well...anything.

AuntFlo

Am I the only weirdo who actually likes to get a period?   Not that I find it pleasent in any way... 

I have an appointment with my gyn in a few weeks and plan to discuss my non-hormonal BC options.

dharmabunny

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_wedding-woes_nico-other-mirena-people?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:47Discussion:a1b1dfda-09bd-4620-80a7-ac04e2e45b75Post:02a313e2-6e1f-4e91-8032-13a6297e3a55">Re: Nico & other Mirena people</a>:
[QUOTE]Am I the only weirdo who actually likes to get a period?   Not that I find it pleasent in any way...
Posted by AuntFlo[/QUOTE]

Not weird.  It's your semi-reliable reminder every month that you aren't pregnant.  Or your earliest tip-off that you might be.

Although once DH and I are through with kids (not sure as of this point), I might actually put some serious thought into sterilization to eliminate periods completely.  I might as well get something extra from it.  May talk with OB/GYN about that one for the annual coming up.

kjsbride2008

I'm glad to hear more positive things about it. I've heard it's easiest when inserted after birth, but don't know many IRL who had that situation. 

AF, I loathed getting my period since I was a teen b/c of how heavy and painful it was. BC helped regulate some of that, but for lots of various reasons I wanted off of the pill. My periods after Amelia have been a total different experience... you could even call them "happy periods" like Always wants you to. Very predictable, way shorter, and waaaay lighter in comparison to previous years. 

I consider it a plus to not have one at all, but if they stay like they've been, they are less of an inconvience than they were before so NBD.

nicoleg1982

Warning, TMI:

My biggest perk of Mirena, post BFing = increased libido, more personal lubrication and more spontaneity.  Well, I guess this is second biggest perk.  First is no baby!

**O-Face**

I had mine inserted last August, it was not paid for in any way, and was considering an in-office procedure.  That aside, I love it.  I still get a very very light period, but it's getting shorter and I'm okay with that.  I do still get PMS symptoms, but I'm okay with that too, being that they aren't too severe.

I would recommend 100%, especially if your device will be paid for.

kjsbride2008

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_wedding-woes_nico-other-mirena-people?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:47Discussion:a1b1dfda-09bd-4620-80a7-ac04e2e45b75Post:633d3a47-349d-4fcd-bb9b-dfd146f6032c">Re: Nico & other Mirena people</a>:
[QUOTE]Warning, TMI: My biggest perk of Mirena, post BFing =<strong> increased libido</strong>, more personal lubrication and more spontaneity.  Well, I guess this is second biggest perk.  First is no baby!
Posted by nicoleg1982[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I'm pretty sure H will say that's the biggest perk. It's been quite the dry-spell around these parts.

</div>

PMeg819

I'm going to be the lone voice of dissention. I hate the Mirena. I've had mine since August. I have yet to see my periods get lighter and I still have cramps. This month I've been spotting/light flow just about every day. Short of taking it out, there isn't anything to help it and my doc said I may be one of the few people that just doesn't do well with it. Yes, when I was bf-ing it didn't decrease my milk. DH also says he can feel the strings and that limits some of our positions. The only reason I'm not pulling it out is because it is so nice not having to think about BC and having something that is long term.

*Barbie*

your doctor can trim the strings.

specialk84

I got mine three years ago, and haven't had a period since then.  Before, they were very heavy, and I had moderately severe endometriosis.  Now, no pain.  I get the occasional cramp, but it's not even worth taking an Advil.

I have never had a baby, and the insertion hurt like a motherfucker.  I had no expectation of pain (I did not do my homework), so I didn't take anything ahead of time.  I had severe cramps for about 24 hours.  The doctor gave me a prescription antibiotic to prevent infection, and I distinctly remember getting home, banging on my roommate's bedroom door, throwing the prescription, insurance card and $20 at her and growling, "Go...NOW!"

Since then, however, it's been super.  

starfishfatty

I LOVE my Mirena. my FH swears by it. i had a baby when i was 21. got the mirena cuz i could never remember to take pills, the thought of inserting the nuva ring every week just grossed me out, and i was too fat for the patch. i had my mirena for 5 years then had to take it out to get it replaced. never had a period the whole 5 years. before a new one was replaced i was told to go one month so i could havea normal monthly cycle. well 2 weeks later i was pregnant. my 2nd son is now 2. i got another mirena put in after he was born and still no periods. its the best. i agree with the girl above, spontaneity is the best without all the worries or trying to find a condom. my huibby said no matter how hard he tries to get me pregnant again its just not happening. Thnak GOd!!!

asdelfabro

I'm getting ready to replace my Mirena and I've LOVED having it, even though I've never had a child. It was a pain (literally) to get it inserted, and I did spot/bleed (requiring a panty liner daily for ~month after the initial insertion), but after that, it's been wonderful. I get a short (2-3 day at most) period every 3-4 months. Not looking forward to replacing it so much, but I believe it's definitely worth having, especially if you aren't planning on having children in the near future. WAY better than having to use condoms all the time!!