I had minera inserted 3 weeks ago and have had spotting ever since, which I understand will go away eventually, but the cramping is pretty much everyday, very low, and restricts even being mobile on a bad day. I never had frequent cramping with my periods so this is almost unbearable for me. I am not sure if I should get it checked or removed, or just wait since it has only been 3 weeks.
Mirena - How long does the cramping generally last?
Question posted by lisaOB on 21 April 2012
Last updated on 18 April 2021 by Vespers
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
34 Answers
Official Answer by Drugs.com
7 Sep 2018
Mirena is a small T-shaped intra-uterine device that once inserted releases a progestogen hormone to stop pregnancy and helps reduce heavy periods.
To insert the Mirena your doctor pushes a small tube containing the device through the cervical canal and into the uterus. Cramping is the body’s normal reaction to the cervix opening. How mild or severe it is will vary from person to person. For many women the cramps subside quickly but for others they last for longer.
Cramps should gradually decrease in severity but may continue on and off for the first few weeks after insertion. They should subside entirely within the first three to six months.
You should see your doctor if your cramps persist or are severe.
Visit the sites below for patient experiences and more information:
https://www.drugs.com/mirena.html
https://www.drugs.com/comments/levonorgestrel/mirena.html
Vespers
19 April 2021
Hi,
I see that this was posted years ago and hope you are doing better. I to have decided to use Mirena. I have had it in now since October and my symptoms are not getting better. Have severe cramping and muscle spasms. On my worse period I did not experience this. I have horrible headaches and back pain as well. The nausea and fatigue are ridiculous. It has been about six months. I would not have used this if I knew I would still feel so horrible. Planning on talking to my gym to remove this. Good luck every one
Anon19670906
5 Sep 2019
So glad this thread exists.
I got my Mirena inserted a month and 3 days ago.
The insertion was terrible. I was kneeled over in pain, broke out into a cold sweat and could barely move. I stayed in the PP office for hours.
I have had cramps every single day, and every day I take ibuprofen to relieve it. Oftentimes it’s unbearable but sometimes it’s not as bad. My period lasted almost three weeks, but I still have heavy discharge.
This has been a pretty awful experience and I would never recommend it to anyone. Hoping to get it removed if the pain persists.
notfeelingoriginal
4 Dec 2019
I feel for everyone posting here. I think I have a pretty high pain tolerance, given a history of undiscovered problems that were meant to hurt. I didn't even react as they put my Kyleena in (although it hurt for sure) which seemed to surprise the doc. He said the cramping I felt would go away in 'a few days' or something vague. My blood pressure remained high for some time after and they wouldn't let me drive home for about half an hour/hour or so.
Anyway, it's been 7 days now and yesterday the 'period-pain-like' aches down there morphed in the night into a super sharp pain in my lower right side. That lasted all night and the next day at work if I sat long enough they would subside, but walking made them worse again.
Today I went to have the Kyleena checked and it's sitting fine (although she casually remarked that she cannot find the strings - anyone else had this?)! So, that's great except now she wants me to go check my appendix. That just seems so weird, and that sharp pain isn't even that bad today, and I have no fever indicating appendicitis. It's expensive to go to a doc and so I arrived here checking if anyone else had pain that was sometimes sharp and in their right lower side?
I have been miserable since getting this thing in, I have to say, despite doing my best to stay positive. I am really happy to find this thread and see I am not alone either.
Rebs94
13 July 2019
Oh my goodness thank you so much for this thread, I was starting to think something had gone horribly wrong with mine because NOBODY TELLS YOU how painful it is and that you’d get cramping everyday for weeks after. All I’ve read so far is that people get cramps the first day then everything’s perfect the next day onwards!
Im on the 6th day after insertion, cramping from 11am-8pm daily but getting a tad lighter cramps each day. Hoping if I can hold out it’ll be worth the 5 years not worrying about birth control.
nermality
13 Feb 2019
I totally feel for all of you ladies, well done for being so brave and putting yourselves through this!
I think it’s important to remember everyone is unique; apparently some people don’t feel it (although I suspect this was a lie I was told beforehand!) and some people nearly - or do - pass out with pain.
I had my first coil 5years ago; I thought I was going to be sick, poo and pass out all at the same time (sorry, graphic, but everything ‘down there’ was very upset with me). I was crippled with pain and had to be carried to bed. From what I remember I had severe discomfort for a few days (as well as awful, awful spots!) which subsided over the next few weeks.
It took me a while to get used to it, but once I did it was heaven. No periods (until recently as the hormones slowly wear off and only then very light and 1-2 days max), no remembering to take a pill (they took me off the pill after I started getting migraines).
I was dreading having it replaced because of my previous experience, but they were very calm and patient. My experience of having it removed was a bit like a painful stitch from running when the device was removed - very sharp, localised but brief; a couple of tugs.
It helped having an idea of what to expect but I was so anxious I was in tears; having a new device put in was again uncomfortable and quite a sharp and very uncomfortable pain, followed again by what felt like a bad, bad period cramp. Thankfully the nausea passed quite quickly .. I’m now 5 days in and still spotting and having painful cramps.
What I would say is, don’t expect to have an experience exactly like someone else’s (and DON’T WORRY) if it’s not. IF you can tolerate the initial discomfort and you’re not worried (e.g. that it may not be fitted correctly etc) and IF your body adjusts, I don’t think you’ll regret having a coil fitted, so bear with it, BUT not if it puts your health in danger or stops you getting on with a regular life.
noraw
1 Jan 2019
I had my Mirena inserted December 27th. It is now December 31st and I have had nonstop cramping since insertion. Insertion was extremely painful for me and the pain hasn’t gone away since. I’ve been taking Advil every 6 hours to help with the pain but if i take it even a minute after the 6 hour mark the cramps come back and are unbearable. Also having lower back pain. I emailed my Dr asking if this is normal yesterday and still waiting to hear back. I don’t think I can take it much longer, I can barely function. I want to get it removed but i’m terrified of the pain that may come with that as well. I’m at a loss for what to do at this point. Possibly worst decision of my life to get this put in.
sanfromcanada
3 Dec 2018
I want to share my own experience too, since this thread is full of negative stories...
Mine is no different. Today, it's been exactly four weeks since I had my IUD inserted. The insertion in itself was atrocious. Then, the first week, I just thought I took the worst decision of my life, getting this...
Now after four weeks, I still have cramps everyday. They are less intense, don't last as long, and I have less of them everyday, but they're still there!!! And I still bleed (as in I started bleeding a bit after the insertion and it's been bleeding ever since). I have an appointment next week. I will check with the gyn what's up, but she said when I called her after two weeks that this could last for three months.
I think I will wait the three month mark to see if my body adjust. I hate thinking that I might be in pain for another two months, but it's my last birth control option. If it doesn't work, I'm lost as to what I should do next.
So long story short to say that yes I still have cramps after a month, but they're less intense.
Can't believe we have to endure that just to avoid getting pregnant. That's insane...
sanfromcanada
22 Jan 2019
Okay so ladies, I want to make an update about my IUD. I'm happy to announce that it is now completely okay. It stopped bleeding gradually, then I had my first period (they weren't so bad!!), and now I have no cramps and no spotting. Hang it there girls!
WAGSANDI
7 March 2018
Today, I had mine removed after only a month. Horrible cramping and what felt like poking/digging. It would radiate down my vaginal canal. It was in place but strings were up inside cervix. I haven't stopped bleeding completely and have been bleeding since January. I couldn't bend, curl up, or sit straight in a chair without a stabbing feeling. They can check the positioning. Maybe sonogram first. Sometimes it's out of place but they can maneuver it. Or just tell them you want it out. I had immedate relief. I am still bleeding a bit and cramping but nothing like the debilitating on and off stuff I was having.
Stina1
28 Feb 2018
Good info on this thread and I see it keeps getting updates so adding my progress...
Just had the Mirena Copper IUD inserted this afternoon. 34 yo, no pregnancies.
Procedure was uncomfortable, but very quick. Cramps started immediately. I’m still functional, but laying down feels better. Took 2 Advil and might do Alieve or Pamperin tomorrow.
Will update progress as I experience more. Sorry to hear so many had terrible experiences and fingers are crossed I make it through without too many inconveniences.
Molenda
16 Feb 2018
I know this is old but hopefully my post will add some hope for people.
I just had my Mirena replaced today (3 months late-whoops). Yes, it hurt having it removed but it was pain for less than 5 seconds. Yes, it hurt replacing but again less than 5 seconds. I have had no children so my cervix has never been dialated other than my first IUD insertion.
The cramps afterward suck and were worse than my normal period cramps the first time and this time. I’m not dying and it’s not taking me away from regular life. I can’t speak for this time (I’m only 18 hours in) but the first time cramps subsided in a couple of weeks. Then I had no period, no spotting, no cramps, nothing for 5 years.
This thread is FULL of horror stories and I’m only giving mine because it’s not always terrible. There was a reason I got mine replaced after 5 years. Totally worth pain that ibuprofen can definitely handle, no period for 5 years, and a less than 1% chance of pregnancy versus 9% on the pill or 18% with condoms.
Mrszgosa
13 Jan 2018
I have had this for 4 yrs now and yes depending on how your burying takes to the IUD yes it will go away.. As for me I had spot for the 1st few months like if my menstrual was coming until it stopped completely..
SomberScarlet
23 Sep 2017
I got mine put in today actually and the doctor said I should have minor cramping. My cramping is so severe that it's mimicking labor pains that I had with my daughter. It's so horrible that I am doubled over in pain, and I cant get any relief from it, even with otc pain relievers or heating pad.
chickajen
23 Nov 2017
I got mine in on Monday (today is Thursday Thanksgiving) and I couldn’t go out of town to see family because of the severe pain. Insertion day I did pass out bc of the pain at the hospital and the day of I was at home and couldn’t even move. Tuesday was a little better but still couldn’t bend over well and kept popping aleve and ibproffin. Slept a lot. I finally had a bowel movement yesterday hoping the cramps would subside- nope! I ended up taking a hot bath with Epsom salts then attempting to shower. Eventually my fiancé found me on the bed in a towel, 40 degrees outside, and a fan on high on me while laying on the bed wet. I just couldn’t move, didn’t want to. Making the decision to miss thanksgiving was very hard on me but I have to put myself first. Last night I noticed my ears going in and out as if on an airplane, my vision was bad, and woke up every hour to see if it was time to take more aleve. That’s how bad I was hurting.
Woke up around 3am, turned on a heater for the dogs, and ended up sitting in the kitchen bc I almost fainted. I assumed Vertigo bc of the faintness and my ears sloshing like an ocean. Woke up this morning and tried to lift some trash when my neck and shoulder started throbbing. I couldn’t lift anything. Meanwhile my ears are still sloshing here and there and I’ve been sleeping ALOT. The cramping isn’t as bad but i must say, yesterday and the day before my cervix felt like it was on FIRE. Not sure if my body is rejecting this but I hate it so much already. I got the iud so I wouldn’t get pregnant before marriage and to stop my 4 months of bleeding. 32 is too young for a hysterectomy but it’s looking like that route. I don’t know what to do between here and my wedding in April.
Shelby11
5 Aug 2017
I had my IUD inserted on July 3rd and it is now August 5th. It's been a little over a month and I'm still experiencing irregular bleeding along with bad cramping. I am 20 and have never had children. Getting the IUD inserted was an extremely bad cramping pain. I broke out into a sweat, turned pale, and became nauseous. I've tried to stick it out but don't know how much longer I can deal with the cramping. I wouldn't recommend the IUD to anyone who hasn't had kids before. I start cramping bad when I walk/ run and sometimes when I have to pee. Apparently it gets better at the 3/6 month mark but we shall see.
Kate022
9 Nov 2017
Honestly it’s different for everyone. I’m 23 (and no children) and am on my second IUD. (This time copper, previously A hormonal) the insertion is unpleasant but tolerable. And I have a little bit more painful then my average period cramps for a day or 2 then it subsides. My younger sister was the same way. This insertion was on my period and it was less painful then I remember? I also remembered to take a pain reliever before I went. I hope it got better for you!
Mojo1
13 May 2017
I'm on 2 weeks, it's 5:10am, and this is why I'm awake..severe cramps. Same as you, I never had them this bad with my periods. It's terrible.
ChanteKontiki
21 April 2017
Hey, I hope things have gotten better for you
This isn't much of an answer but my own recent experience with the Merina that kind of relates
I had the Merina inserted about a month ago
I experienced horrible cramping for a couple weeks after insertion, had an ultrasound and it seemed to be in the correct place. Cramping was manageable once I knew everything was ok.
I started to get my period about 4 days ago and with that came the worst cramps I have EVER experienced! I persevered because I knew from the ultrasound everything was ok and maybe these cramps were just a side effect.
Last night I removed my tampon and the Merina came out with it! It was horrible, but the cramping stopped almost immediately.
I called the after hours GP hotline and they recommend that I see a GP asap.
She said that everything seemed ok and that it's just one of those things. I haven't had kids before and she said that it is quite common in women that haven't been pregnant. With pregnancy, a hormone is released that stops rejection of the fetus. because my body hasn't released this hormone it is likely the cause of the expulsion...
Now I need to figure out what I'm going to do next for contraception - but I am just glad the pain is over and it doesn't look like I've done any damage.
Hopefully this experience helps someone
Related topics
Further information
- Mirena uses and safety info
- Mirena prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Mirena (detailed)
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