How safe is the mirena IUD?

Question

I have been on the Depo shot for three years, and I'm hearing lots of bad things about it now so I want to switch to something else. I can't remember to take a pill every day so that is not the method for me. (with two kids, school, job its too hectic around here) My nurse suggested the mirena IUD.

Is this safe? Has it worked for you? Anyone have personal experience?

I have the pamphlet and a dvd about it. But I want to hear some personal views on how it worked for you.

Thanks ahead for all answers.

Answer 1

I can relate personally to your situation. I went from the depo shot to the Mirena IUD. As for safety, that will strongly depend on your health care provider. There are sanitation issues and the placement of the IUD has to be very precise. I have had my IUD for 2 months now and unfortunately it has not been a very pleasant experience. The initial placement was very painful for me. My doctor explained that was normal since it has been three years since I had given birth. However, women who have recently given birth usually experience little or no discomfort since the uterus is still enlarged from pregnancy. The cramping lasted about a week or two and the spotting has been constant since insertion. I share this information with you not to discourage you but to make you aware. All the side effects I experienced were explained to me by my doctor. I made the decision to go ahead with the procedure and I am confident that it will work for me in the end. Compared to the side effects experienced with the depo shot, the Mirena is not all that bad. In the end, every female will respond to the IUD in their own way. Hope this has helped. Good luck in your decision. Below are some links that provided me with some very informative reading:

http://www.medic8.com/healthguide/articles/mirenaiud.html

http://www.engenderhealth.org/wh/fp/ciud2.html

http://www.drugs.com/cdi/mirena_iud.html

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/Intrauterine-device-IUD-for-birth-control

Answer 2

I have Mirena and love it. I wish my Dr would have suggested in sooner. How safe is it? It is much gentler on your body then the Depo shot or the pills. All forms of birth control have their risks, but so far I have had no problems with it. You can expect spotting on and off (more on then off) for the first few months, but it is very light and is just more of an annoyance then anything. I no longer suffer from heavy painful periods, which is an added bonus. I had no pain having it inserted but many women experience cramping and some pain.

I highly recommend it.

Answer 3

i have the mirena an its the best i have ever used, my periods are now only 2 days maximum, i no longer get pmt, and when i wanted another child they took it out in the october, i had one regular period and was pregnant by the december, i had it put straight back in when i went for my 6 week check and ive not had a problem since, when you go to have it put in its a bit uncomfortable, but take 2 paracetamol an hour before your appointment and you will be fine! my advice would be go for it!