Wasn't sure if anyone was interested in this, but I thought I'd post a "review." I got the Mirena inserted on Thursday, I've never given birth or been pregnant. It was the most painful experience of my life! They say it feels like bad cramps, but it seriously felt like a needle was being jammed up deep inside me. It took under 5 minutes (clean cervix, measure cervix--painful!, and insert it--painful!).
The first thing I asked my doctor was if childbirth was worse, and she said it was about 5x worse and for a longer period of time. I have a new respect for you mamas!
I had to stay for about an hour because I was in so much pain and they said my face was completely white. They gave me extra strength ibprofen, cookies, crackers and juice. (DH was on a business trip so I drove myself).
The rest of that day was awful and I was really crampy. It's gotten progressively better, although I do still have cramping and am spotting. I'm really hoping to not have any severe side effects because I am not looking forward to having this taken out! Good news is that I won't be getting pregnant until I'm 32!
Re: Got an IUD
Wow!!
I wonder how it will be the first time you have sex?
I have Mirena. I just made an appt to have it taken out. I've had it since last July. Not having it taken out because we are ready for another child, but because I feel like I HAVE had some of the side effects. Boo.
The cramping was gone by the end of the day for me. The spotting lasted another day or two. I do get random spotting here and there, usually once a month, but no set schedule it seems. No period, but I am still nursing so that helps there, too. My main problem is the weight gain (yeah yeah I KNOW I shouldn't blame it solely on the IUD, but this extra weight started piling on right after getting it...) and the sudden joint pain. Apparently joint pain is a side effect, one I started experiencing within a month of having it inserted. Joint pain in my knees, hips, ankles, and feet with no injury or other explanation. So, I'm done with it. I liked regular birth control pills just fine. I only got the IUD because it was that or the mini-pill (because I'm breastfeeding) and I didn't want any surprise babies. Now that I am weaning Genna, I can go back to regular BC.
I hope it works out well for you!
Oh I I wouldn't worry about sex w/ it. No problems here with it.
I had the ParaGuard inserted in February. Mine is the copper, non-hormonal.. so my side effects are different than yours. I was under when I had my put in (from the d&c) so I didn't feel it obviously. I don't know about the cramping, since I was cramped from everything else. My first period on it was AGONIZING. I was doubled over with cramps, and the bleeding was unreal. I hadn't had a period like that since I was 15. I seriously wanted to die.. Then again, I don't know how much of the pain was due to everything I had gone through, but I was warned that my periods would be worse for a while.. the opposite of yours.
Mine is good for 10 years, and hopefully they can knock me out to get the thing out.. Not even wanting to consider that one. The worst part for me is that both J and I can feel it when we have sex.My OB assured me that neither of us would feel it... but we do. And checking for the strings is a bit weird.. kinda get all up in there and fish around LOL.
That sounds so painful! I feel like everything they do "up there" they're always like "it's going to pinch just a little" and then it freaking hurts like no pain you can ever describe. I haven't had the IUD, but when I have biopsies and the LEEP it makes me cry it hurts so bad. Ugh, you're making me shudder with the memories!
At any rate, I really hope you stop cramping and spotting soon and that that will be the end of your side effects!
If I gain weight from this, or get bad acne, I will have it taken out. I know that's super vain, but that would make me miserable!
I hope so! Will you let me know what she says? (Although, if it's as painful, maybe I shouldn't know or I'll be dreading it for the next 5 years!)
Ditto!
this!