I have noticed that on the internet these type of websites result in many more negative responses towards the topics discussed. I, however, have had a very positive experience with the Mirena IUD. I began my contraceptives career with the ortho-tri-cyclen pill a few years ago. Within months I was hit with the pill's side effects, moodiness, weight gain, depression, acne....My boyfriend and I just wanted a more effective birth control option than condoms and spermacide but we had to revert back to them because of my huge negative reaction to the pill. My boyfriend and I are nervous people about getting pregnant so the 6-7 months in between the pill and Mirena were very nerve-wracking for us. Also my doctor told me that the amount of hormones released in the five years of using an IUD are equivelant to one birth control pill!!!! Anyway, last year, my gynecologist suggested using an IUD. I decided on Mirena and have had it for over four months now. Though the initial insertion and first few months were filled with spotting and cramps (which a good doctor will review with you and also tell you of the other possible side effects), my sex life is great! My doctor told me the side effects can last up to 8 months, but the five years of complete sexual freedom will be completely worth it, just wait it out a year and then if it still is bothering you, consider removal. Spontaneous and fun and the side effects had decreased to almost nill. I also was worried about side effects when considering the IUD, but I realized that everyone's bodies are different and that I would not know what my reaction to Mirena would be unless I tried it. The pros outweighed the cons in my decision to use it and they still do! I just wanted to show this post that there also are many many many positive stories about how Mirena is a great contraceptive and can work. I read a statistic online that said 81 percent of women who have Mirena inserted keep it in past the first year of insertion. This is above the copper IUD, spermacide, diaphrams and some other forms of contraception. My point is that you will never know if it will work for you unless you try it and the statistics of abnormal side effects, like what I have read on this post, are VERY low. I would just suggest that you give it a go, what do you have to lose? What if you just love it? If you don't, then you know that it does not work for you! Everyone's bodies are different and react to these types of birth control in a different way. So don't rely on negative messages and make your decisions based soley on them! I hope this helped you and anyone else who reads this! -V

I have had my mirena for almost 5 years and I love it. I haven't had a period in over 4 years and have had some mild side effects - I gained about 5 lbs and have a little vaginal itching after sex that I didn't have before. After bleeding & cramping relentlessly for months with the copper IUD- This IUD has just been heaven. Hope its that way for you too.

I hate that you are being discouraged to use this product. I have had it for about four months and haven't had any problems. I had a little cramping today like I was going to get my period and I logged on to get more information. Now I'm nervous that I will start noticing more side effects, even though I may not have them. It has truly been great for me and aside from having to take some Tylenol for some minor cramps tonight, I am very happy with the Mirena.