When I first decided on the Mirena IUD, I thought I'd found the gold mine of birth controls. But as it turns out I didn’t. That’s why I want to share this story, so other women know they’re not alone if they’re also experiencing the symptoms that I did.
I want other women to know that it might not just be a coincidence when their bodies start to have unusual health conditions after an IUD insertion.
Why did I even want an IUD? I wouldn’t have to worry about getting pregnant for five years, and I would potentially have no periods.
I was used to having heavy periods about every three weeks, PMS, skin breakouts, bloating, abdominal discomfort and digestive issues, among other side effects. I was hoping the IUD would improve my situation.
But the only positive experiences I’ve had with the IUD are that I’m not pregnant and I don’t have heavy periods anymore.
My first painful experience with the IUD was the insertion. I had major contractions and was sweating from the pain. After it was finally over, I barely was able to drive myself home and was not able to accomplish anything else the rest of the day. I had moderate bleeding for about a week, as well as severe cramps and diarrhea.
I’ve had my IUD since August 23, 2013 and for most days since the insertion I’ve had cramps and spotting. Some days cramps are so bad I have to take pain medication.
I also have diarrhea and bloating most days out of the week and have to take over-the-counter medication for these complications several times a week. And although I go to personal training four days out of the week and limit my caloric intake, I am unable to lose weight.
Keep in mind that before the IUD insertion I was a fairly healthy woman. I'd had some of these health issues already, but not on a daily basis and not to the same severity.
My migraines and tension headaches have increased since the IUD insertion to the point that I have to be on migraine medication now. I have some anxiety and depression, more so than prior to my insertion, which is understandable in my opinion, considering the fact that I’m in constant pain.
I no longer have a sex drive and that is causing a major conflict in my relationship. And even if I did have a sex drive, I’m in pain most of the time so that affects my ability to have sex.
It has gotten so bad that I told my boyfriend he is free to leave this relationship because of my lack of desire. But he has stayed with me and encouraged me to get my IUD removed ASAP. He has been supportive and will go with me. He went with me when I had it put in as well.
Because of all of the above, I also suffer from self-esteem issues because it makes me feel like a hypochondriac. I’ve been doubting myself frequently because medical professionals can’t seem to find what’s wrong with me. All of my tests show up normal for the most part despite me feeling terrible. They aren’t taking my concerns seriously.
At my first follow-up, the medical assistant looked at me like I was crazy for not wanting to have sex when I was bleeding and cramping on a daily basis. She told me it was okay to have sex. Yes I’m aware, but I have no desire to in this current painful situation.
I have gone to several specialists and doctors for all the above health issues, and have not gotten any clear answers as to where these problems are stemming from.
I’ve had several follow-up appointments with my gynecologist and her medical assistant, and they claim there is no correlation between my symptoms and the IUD. They say that my symptoms are a normal part of the adjustment period to the IUD.
I’ve had follow-up ultrasounds after my IUD insertion, and my IUD has caused two cysts to develop, which could account for some of my pain. My gynecologist advised that they were not large enough to remove though.
I’ve spent at least $2000 in tests related to IUD side effects to rule out other medical conditions. I’m still waiting for final testing to be completed, related to my ongoing digestive health problems.
I’ve also suffered from lower back pain on a daily basis since my IUD's insertion, although it is unclear whether the pain is related to the IUD or an injury from personal training.
Shortly after getting my IUD, I developed a moderate case of dry eye disease as well. I now have plugs inserted into my tear ducts, which still don’t help my dry eyes fully. I also have slightly worse skin breakouts than I had prior to my IUD insertion.
At this point, I’m planning on getting my IUD removed no later than early March. I cannot keep living with daily pain.
I think some of the worst parts of my whole experience is that my gynecologist disregarded my complications and her medical assistant kept pushing on me how most women only have positive experiences, suggesting that something was wrong with me if I didn’t have a positive experience.
Yet from the many other women I’ve corresponded with, it seems that too many gynecologists don’t seem to understand that inserting an IUD might not only affect the reproductive system but could affect the entire body. Technically, you are putting a foreign object in the body and it could be rejected.
In my article Living with Mirena IUD: Both Nightmares and Positive Outcomes I share both positive and negative experiences of women who have decided to get the Mirena IUD.
Edited by Jody Smith