For the ladies: Mirena?

Has anyone here been prescribed Mirena? If so, how hard/easy was it and why did you originally go on it (ie- simply for contraception or for a bleeding disorder)? For those of you on it/have been on it...what is/was your experience like? How much is it? (Just regular prescription cost, I thought, but not totally sure on that).

I'm thinking that I would really benefit from it, but IUD-type things sort of freak me out. Feel free to PM if you don't want to share personal details like this on the board. Thanks!!

I personally choose not to have Mirena...especially when my GP was practically FORCING me to. My husband had to speak up during my visit to tell him that I had made my decision and it was NO! and to just stop pushing the subject. I've not heard anything good about IUD's while in the states and just have made the decision for myself this is not an option for me. It would have been for simple contraception as we had just had our daughter. We choose to go a different route.

I had one for severe endometriosis.  It did not suit me.  I really wish it had, since it was really convenient.  My experience is unique and not really one to worry about happening to you.

And to the above poster, IUDs used to be a lot worse (i.e. the old style copper coils) but have improved significantly.

I have the Mirena. The cost, over here, is nothing - as it is a contraceptive, it is free.

I've found it to be great as it has reduced my periods to almost nothing though that did take some time - months rather than weeks.

As I had already had three children the insertion caused only minor discomfort.

The only downside I have had has been acne on my back, (never had that prior to the Mirena) and on my face - not constantly but enough to be annoying.

Despite that, I am reluctant to have it removed - working in an all-male environment it is a relief not to have to deal with periods every month so, it stays.

I looked into it but was told that since I hadn't had children, it would be very difficult to insert. As I'm a chicken, I changed my mind. GPs probably push it because they get a financial incentive and to get that incentive they are required to keep practiced in inserting them (12 a year or something like that) so it's definitely in their interest to try to pursuade you.

I wanted something long-term but not an IUD or implants so I ended up with depo-provera and absolutely love it....

I personally choose not to have Mirena...especially when my GP was practically FORCING me to. My husband had to speak up during my visit to tell him that I had made my decision and it was NO! and to just stop pushing the subject. I've not heard anything good about IUD's while in the states and just have made the decision for myself this is not an option for me. It would have been for simple contraception as we had just had our daughter. We choose to go a different route.

They even try to pursuade you to have another one if you've already had one and it was a disaster!

It didn't work for me at all because I bled and bled and bled.  Kept being told it would settle.  Well, I wasn't about to spend 5 years on my period.  Also gave me hella mood swings, killed my sex drive and gave me acne.

So did the mini-pill.

GYN ruled out Depo and the implant for me because of my poor history with progesten-based contraception and because of a history of post-natal depression.

I'd say try a reversible form of progesten-based contraception, like the mini-pill, and if it's a total disaster then progesten-based contraception probably isn't for you.

I got an IUD while in the UK and while given info on all types of contraception was told that the IUS (Mirena and other "Intra-Uterine systems") are usually only given if you have an issue to go along with your contraception that it could help with. That, along with the fact I wanted a non-hormonal birth control for other reasons I got the copper IUD. Had no problems with it.

They even try to pursuade you to have another one if you've already had one and it was a disaster!...So did the mini-pill.

That is exactly what I did too. I just refused it and directly asked for the mini-pill and have had it for 8 months now with no problems. Which reminds me I need to call the GP & get an appointment for a refill.

I've sent you a PM.

Thank you everyone for your responses! I was on the pill (and briefly used the NuvaRing) for 7 years, since I was 15 because I have menorrhagia (extreme bleeding) which is why I'm looking at Mirena. I haven't been on any contraception in almost a year because I wanted to give my body a break, but now it's time to get back on it. I haven't had children so I'm a bit worried about the insertion part... but I guess I'll talk to my GP about it now. Thanks, again!

I have the Mirena.  No problems.  Love it!

I also started the mini-pill two months ago. I haven't had a problem with it like some people and I also went on the pill for extreme bleeding and cramping. 

If you've never had children, I'd recommend having it fitted in a FPC by someone who has done a lot of fittings.  Many large FPC's have 'coil day' and bring in a skilled practitioner or consultant who does nothing but fit those things in on that day.

If you've never had children, I'd recommend having it fitted in a FPC by someone who has done a lot of fittings.  Many large FPC's have 'coil day' and bring in a skilled practitioner or consultant who does nothing but fit those things in on that day.

Sweet! Thanks for the advice.

This is so weird. I've actually asked two GPs in two different practices to fit me with an IUD, and both were very strident in discouraging me from it because I never had kids. From my experience, I'd have never guessed some women felt practically forced into it. I even got friction when asking for the patch.