Mirena and Bleeding: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I know I have not had Mirena in long. First day was Dec 15th. This is horrible. I always had the worst cramps along with heavy heavy bleeding. Every month it felt like contractions. Since having the IUD put in I have bled every day. Yes, some days were lighter than others. Most days I had to wear a regular pad. Cramps are just as bad if not worse. I can't wait 3 months or longer to see if this will work. I'm miserable, my husband is miserable. I think I would prefer the 7 days of heavy bleeding than this. At least I knew it was going to stop. This everyday bleeding has to go. I can't deal with it."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had my first Mirena removed in July of 2020 and never had any problems with it. Then I had a new one put in January 29th, 2021. This is March 13th, and I've been on my period since getting the new one. Some days, it's normal bleeding, other days, it's spotting, but the menstrual fluid is dark, almost brown, and thick to the point of almost being sticky. It's ruining my sex life and relationship. My boyfriend thinks I'm pretending to be on my period because I don't want to have sex. I mean, it makes sense. Who has their period for over a month straight? Me. And I'm over it. I feel like I should rate its effectiveness at a 10 because I definitely won't be having sex with the thing in."

• Lot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Mirena was inserted a month back. I got it because apparently it stops bleeding and thus helps with endometriosis symptoms, but it's proving otherwise as I'm experiencing completely the opposite. I have been bleeding continuously for the past month without a break. I never imagined I would be on my period for a whole month and it still hasn't stopped."

• Wat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena inserted on June 3rd, 2021, and have literally bled every day since. It’s starting to get old. I had it inserted, and my OB never even checked to make sure it was in the right place. They just said to avoid unprotected sex for the first month, then they’d check it to see if it was in the right place at my 2-month checkup. I have no idea if it actually works or if it’s even inserted correctly. All I know is that I haven’t gotten a break from bleeding for almost a month."

• Sar...
• January 30, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm 47 and got the Mirena because I have very heavy bleeding during my periods. After insertion, I bled for 44 days. Then none for 11 days, and on my next period, I started bleeding again for (as of writing this) 27 days. Overall, I have been bleeding for 71 days out of the 82 (almost 3 months) that I have had the Mirena. While I appreciate the medium/lighter bleeding, the non-stop bleeding has been miserable. It has also been very brown and jelly-like (like the end or start of a normal period). I tried to wait it out, but it just isn't stopping, so I have an appointment in 2 days to have it removed. On a side note, I had bloating and cramping/pinching feeling for the first 3 weeks. I almost had it taken out after the first month, but my doctor said to give it 3 months. The bloating and pinching did subside. I did feel fine emotionally, no depression, and didn't have any weight gain or skin problems with Mirena. Just removing it because of the non-stop bleeding."

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I have issues with hormones any time I have been pregnant or been on birth control. I get every bad side effect possible. I was hopeful for this one. I had it in for a month and had severe headaches, cystic acne (literally all over my face & no wash would make it go away), constantly felt light-headed/dizzy, nauseous, zero sex drive, horrible mood swings, my period lasted 12 days and I was constantly bleeding, horrible stomach pains randomly when I moved certain ways. This medication made my anxiety & depression worse. So bad that I couldn’t be around my 4-year-old son because I’d get so anxious I'd have a panic attack. One day at three weeks of having it in, I had such a bad panic attack over literally nothing. I had to lay down in a dark room with a fan on me. I got so worked up I passed out. Do your research. There are a lot of harmful things that can happen when being on the Mirena IUD that they don’t tell you at the doctor. Do your research!"

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 12, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had mine for 1 year and constantly have spotting or bleeding. My husband jokes that's why it's such a good form of birth control because I'm always bleeding on it. There's only like a week straight that I don't have any spotting or blood. Not very happy. I thought after a year it would've gotten better."

• Tav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena put in Aug 13, 2019... spotted every day for about a month, finally had a period but very lightly. Ruined my sex life, constantly bleeding and smell of old blood. Days I wasn’t spotting when having sex, made me realize that old blood was sitting in my cervix which cause me to smell during sex. Finally got it removed yesterday and just want my body to get back to the way that it was... I would rather deal with my period than to not know when I’m gonna bleed or having continuous spotting and a horrible sex life. One day after removal I’m bleeding like a normal period so hopefully that will clear everything up. I would never put in another Mirena."

• Liv...
• October 5, 2019

For Birth Control "I had my Mirena inserted in March 2017 because my husband and I didn’t want any more kids. The insertion wasn’t bad, it didn’t bother me. I had irregular bleeding for about 2 months, then no more periods. I had a healthy sex drive that crumbled with Mirena. I thought it was unrelated to the Mirena, my doctor said it couldn’t be the Mirena. I couldn’t lose weight and always felt bloated. My skin was constantly breaking out with acne. My husband and I agreed for him to get a vasectomy. I had the Mirena taken out in August 2019. I didn’t even feel him take it out. A) I started to lose weight and that constant bloated feeling. B) My sex drive is back to what it used to be, I felt broken for over 2 years. C) My skin is clear. D) I have energy and lost that feeling of depression and fatigue. Listen to your body, everyone is different. My doctor tried to convince me to keep it in, but I chose what was best for me. Some women love it, some hate it. This is my personal experience with Mirena."

• Ros...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 6, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena inserted Feb 2020 to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding due to fibroids. For the first 2 months, I was bleeding nonstop. 8 months later, I still have heavy bleeding. I don't think it is working for me, but my doctor said to give it a year."

• Den...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena IUD inserted on Feb 4th. It took 5 mins to insert, and they used an ultrasound machine to ensure it was done correctly. I have an extremely high pain tolerance, but must say the insertion was probably the worst 5 mins of my entire life. The pain was ridiculous! After that, I had mild cramping for 24 hrs and light brown bleeding for 3 days. On the 4th day out of nowhere, I felt sick to my stomach and had horrible cramping pains. Lasted for 30 minutes. I was almost in tears, but it subsided with 800 mg of Advil and a hot water bottle. My period was supposed to start on Feb 14th, but I had brown spotting 3 days prior and am still menstruating! It's been 11 days straight; it's light but enough to need a panty liner or tampon. I'm exhausted, cranky, and frustrated. My next doctor appointment is on Mar 7th to check that the IUD is still in the same position. I'm thinking if I bleed all of March, I'm getting this thing taken out. I had no idea I'd bleed for this many days in a row."

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I am a nurse practitioner working in women's health, so I thought I knew what to expect when I had my Mirena placed 3 months ago. I was WRONG! I have had bleeding every single day since insertion-occasionally just spotting, but most days I have light-to-moderate bleeding like the final couple of days of a period. I do not have cramps, and I have had an ultrasound to ensure proper device placement. I know that irregular bleeding is common in the first few months of use, but I did not expect the bleeding to be this persistent or this heavy. I am going to give it a few more months to see if the bleeding resolves; if it does not, I may have to get the Mirena removed."

• Bur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 26, 2014

For Birth Control "I had Mirena placed in on September 12, 2014. I just had my second child in July 2014 so the insertion was not painful! I liked the concept of having Mirena but now that I have it, I have not stopped bleeding since!!! I can't have sex ever because I am always spotting! It is just annoying!! I am really considering getting it removed! I would much rather have my period once a month than bleed every single day!!"

• Rom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I’m peri-menopausal, 49-year-old, and have had very heavy bleeding for the past few years, which got progressively worse until last year when I had an ablation and Mirena inserted in December 2020. We’re now in May 2021. I bleed 20+ days with a break of maybe 8 or 9 days. Starts with spotting for a few days, followed by a period, then more spotting. My sex life with my partner is non-existent. I get PMS symptoms, sore breasts, bloating, constipation. I don’t bleed as heavily as I used to, but it’s just so prolonged I’m sick of it. I’m calling my GP this week to arrange removal."

• Lit...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 15, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had my IUD in for 12 months now, and since it was placed, it's been nothing but a nightmare. The bleeding has become daily and hasn't stopped in 2 months. I don't know if I should go have it removed or keep trying to wait it out and see if it stops."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Mirena gave me my life back. It’s not perfect, but I gave it time, and it has been good for me. I tried controlling my endometriosis with oral contraceptives, with nasty side effects and little success. I was really scared to try the Mirena IUD because it’s invasive, and I was so tired of side effects, but I had few options left. I spotted a lot for 3 months with some cramping, but now, at the 6-month mark, I have very little bleeding and hence very little pain. This is a huge improvement. In terms of side effects, my skin isn’t great, but it’s a trade-off I’m willing to make. Without this IUD, I would have no quality of life."

• Ter...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm looking for reviews to see if I made a bad decision. I'm 46, and I had the device inserted on December 4, 2019, to help reduce my heavy periods. Well, today is February 17, 2020, and I'm still bleeding! Every day!! I'm so tired of using Kotex and tampons, I don't know what to do. Plus, I have acne and some emotional instability. I had a visit with my doctor on February 7, and she said to give it another month. Well, we'll see. I'm leaning towards having it removed in a month, yet I'm so eager to have no more periods!"

• Can...
• January 30, 2013

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena inserted 4 months ago. They say that the bleeding is abnormal in the first six months. But really, bleeding for an entire 4 months with just a few days of no bleeding is ridiculous. I am so tired of wearing pads and having to worry about the bleeding. It puts a damper on a lot of things. The bleeding isn't heavy, but it is enough to have to wear a pad constantly. I hope when the 6-month mark hits, this will clear up a little more. The pain is not a problem. I had three kids and had no problem with the pain. It is the bleeding, the constant bleeding, that gets on my last nerve. I will let it roll until the six-month mark and hope for a change."

• Dan...
• February 24, 2014

For Birth Control "Alright ladies, my experience with Mirena entails no gruesome or terrifying stories that will make you run for the hills. My experience with Mirena has been fairly good. I got Mirena approximately 6 months ago. Beforehand I was entirely frightened due to the horrible reviews that people post on the internet. But let me just straighten this out. Some people do have bad experiences but those people are the ones who feel obligated to narrate their story to the world. So I'll be the one to write something positive. Slight pain during the insertion, nothing worse than cramps. A month of irregular bleeding. Only to be followed by four months of glorious period-free time. I occasionally get spotting but it isn't anything bad at all."

• Car...
• May 19, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had the Mirena for about 3 1/2 years. At first, I experienced bleeding for about 4-6 months with only a few days of not bleeding in between (like some have said). I got it inserted after I gave birth to my son. After those first months of bleeding passed, my periods became light and only lasted a few days. I love this because before I was a heavy, heavy bleeder! But recently, I've noticed way more acne, along with bleeding (spotting) every 2 weeks. Now all of a sudden, I had a heavy period again along with cramps and the same old stuff! I'm kinda scared because it has always worked extremely well for me! I wonder if all this is because it's getting closer to the 5-year mark! Can anyone relate?"

• Umh...
• June 21, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have had Mirena for one month and a week… Genuinely, I thought I would be happy with Mirena, but I am not. Every single day is bright red bleeding. I have simply given up and bought in bulk period products from Costco: maxi pads and tampons. I’ve never spent this much money on period products. I know exactly what my OB is going to say: 'Give it the whole 3 months,' just like what she said about the copper IUD… So I am going to get my hemoglobin checked and wait this stupidity out a month or two more. I guess Mirena is doing her duty 100% because I am not having sex with my husband, thus cannot get pregnant, which is the whole point! No acne, no cramps, no sex. No cramps is nice, I guess, but I just get surprise bleeding, yay. I’ve bled on 3/4ths of my panties and leaked on my bed like 5x just because that’s how heavy the blood is."

• Anonymous
• April 2, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena in January 2021 for heavy bleeding. I’m still bleeding. Most of the first 50 days of bleeding was light. Then I had about a week of no bleeding and thought, oh, maybe this thing is going to work. Nope, I am bleeding again, but heavier and with clots. Bad headaches from it too, I think. I scheduled to have an ablation. Has anyone else tried that? I feel like I’m going to end up having a hysterectomy. I’m definitely not liking Mirena."

• Cri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 10, 2020

For Birth Control "7 months since insertion. Pros: no pregnancy so far, don’t have to remember to take pills or shots, etc., no condoms. Cons: irregular, erratic bleeding, cramping, back pain, damn near growing a beard, no sex drive (and my husband is hot), weight gain, depression, anxiety, angry all the time, no motivation, a deep desire to lay in bed and sleep all day, every day, months of bleeding, an altered sense of my normal reality. Overall: I hate it!!! I want to feel like me again, but the doc keeps saying to wait it out. What am I waiting for?.... complete loss of confidence and self-worth?"

• Syd...
• May 28, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got the coil to help with heavy bleeding. It went horribly from the start. I’d read it could be painful to get put in and varied from person to person, and an ibuprofen was recommended beforehand, which I took, however, the pain, which was described as a pinch, felt more like I’d been stabbed. The most nauseating cramps I’d ever gotten enveloped me - worst pain I’ve ever felt (only 19, by the way). I was in bed for the rest of the day because the cramps were so severe and constant. They continued for two weeks after. Immediately after inserting it, I began to bleed lightly - this continued on for a year nonstop aside from two days here and there. After three months, I had a check-up, and they assured me it was normal and would stop. I went traveling, hoping for the best and willing to give it a year, but last week marked a year, and the bleeding was still continuous. So I finally got it removed. That actually felt like a pinch and was much better than insertion."

• bes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had this for over 9 weeks, no side effects, didn't make me moody or anything, except I've been bleeding nonstop, switches from light spotting to almost like postpartum bleeding! I'm giving it another month or so and if this bleeding doesn't stop, then I'm getting this out! The reason this birth control works is because it refrains you from having sex because you're constantly bleeding."