How painful is Mirena insertion?

[Anonymous]

I had it inserted today and it didn't hurt at all. I didn't even know she had inserted it. I have had some cramping afterward - nothing terrible though.

[Anonymous]

I had my mirena inserted 3 weeks ago. Was very painful! Will never do again at this point. Been spotting off & on, first week constant cramping, that went away but came back with vengeance 2 days ago! I have never had children but these cramps are what I would think contractions would fee like?? Not constant but every couple min. Will be calling my Dr. tomorrow to make sure there not something going on in there. My sister has had it for 4 years & loves it.

[Anonymous]

This is my second mirena, the first was inserted while under general aneasthetic so didn't feel a thing. from what i can remember 5 yrs ago, i had mild cramps for a few days afterwards. Decided to have it replaced ystday and was fully awake this time. Had to remove one first. Quick as having a pap smear and painless. Replacing it was both uncomfortable and painful. I think my body went into shock. Once it was done I was relieved,but my legs were quite jittery and i felt a little faint. I had to rest and try to relax while my heart rate and blood pressure returned to normal. I didn't realise it would be traumatic, I had convinced myself that having had 2 kids that it wouldn't be a big deal...I was wrong. The cramps are less intense today than ystday, but the memory of what I've experienced seems to haunt me and make my toes curl. Hopefully I won't have to have a replacement again because of my age. Overall, I think if you can have good pain management before having it inserted, the mirena is worth it for 5 years peace of mind.

[Anonymous]

I had it inserted yesterday and asked if she was going to do it and it was already in. Some cramping after that 2 Motrin took care of. So far so good!

[Anonymous]

I had paraguard placed last Friday, wasn't very painful for me. I'm good for 10 years

[Anonymous]

I just get mine inserted yesterday and it was probably one of the most painful things I've ever experienced. I was even given a local anisthetic and took 800 mg of ibuprofen before going in and I still ended up passing out from the pain. I've also never had children before so I hope that's not what labor feels like. At least with labor your cervix has 9 months to prepare itself. Although the intensity of the pain didn't last long, I still felt extremely crampy the rest of the day. I'm glad it's over and I don't have to worry about taking the pill everyday, but I sure as hell am not looking forward to when it needs to be removed. A Valium before going in might do the trick.

[Anonymous]

The uterus is full of nerve endings, as is the cervix. Reminds me of when women are given uterine biopsies: "It's only 30 seconds of pain". Please. For the women who experience intense pain, either through insertion of the Mirena or uterine biopsy, it's traumatizing enough that they are frightened of that pain ever happening again. Then they want to avoid.

Some doctors do not understand this psychological aspect of pain.

I will never do a uterine biopsy in the office. I don't care if it's only 30 seconds and easy. It's barbaric in a lot of cases - it's just cheaper for them and for insurance companies.

[Anonymous]

I did not feel any pain during my mirena insertion or uterine biopsy, so I guess everyone is different.

[Anonymous]

I have had both a LEEP & a colposcopy done, and Mirena insertion was by FAR the most painful of the three. Just had it done this morning, with a local anesthetic, along with a Vicodin/Aleve combo beforehand. I still jumped off the table and cried. The process took several minutes, longer than the Dr anticipated. Apparently my cervix is "extra sensitive." I ctried the entire waay home because of the pain, and prayed I wouldn't pass out. So far, it seems as if the pain is getting worse, not better.

[Anonymous]

My experience was pretty awful. The insertion was excruciatingly painful (to be fair, I'm quite young and I've never been pregnant so that didn't make it any better). I cried a lot and felt very weak and shaky afterwards. And I stayed in bed with a hot pad for two days. The following month or so, I was still in a lot of pain, taking Advil every few hours, and bleeding nonstop. After that, the pain gradually started to dissipate. I've had Mirena in for 6 months now and I don't get my period anymore (which is awesome), but I do get cramps every once in a while. The cramps are ten times less bad then when I would get my period though, so all in all I'm satisfied with Mirena. Basically, just tough it out for the first 3 or 4 months, it'll be worth your while.

[Anonymous]

I had my Mirena replaced today. My initial Mirena was placed 5 years ago. They told me to expect only mild cramping, so needless to say I was not prepared for the pain I encountered afterward. So, when I arrived today, I was (wrongly) assuming it wouldn't be as painful since my body should be used to it. I took nothing for pain beforehand (idiot). I was practically screaming when he did the procedure. I got all sweaty and dizzy afterward with extreme pain. The MD had to call in help. The pain of the whole process was by far the worst I have ever had, but I have never had kids and no real big injuries so I don't know how much that says. At this time, I have had to call in to work and take some narcotics to feel comfortable. The Mirena is great, though. So very convenient. However, I will never get it again unless I am under sedation lol.

[Anonymous]

Most painful thing I have ever experienced. Granted, I have never had a child. It was much much worse than a pap smear. I had severe cramping for about three hours after and some off and on minor cramps since. I have only had the device for 4 days now. So far, the worst part is the fact my SO can feel the threads during sex and they are painful for him. Hopefully they will soften and curl or can be trimmed at the first check up in a few weeks. I can honestly say if it is not better for him after that, the IUD will be removed and I will try the implant.

[Anonymous]

I had my 2nd Mirena inserted last week, and it was probably a little worse than the first time. Not as bad as full on cramps (pre-baby) but definitely noticeable and uncomfortable. The sounding measurements of the uterus were the worst part, but it was all over in about 7-10 minutes. The pain was sporadic as she was putting in, measuring, or what not -- no pain was lengthier than 10 seconds. I took 2 Tylenol before hand, and should have taken Advil instead. I had some cramping afterwards and spotting. I'd say it was a "good trade": 7-10 minutes of mild discomfort for 5-7 years of 97% effective birth control, light (if any) bleeding/periods, and potentially good hormone balancing as I head into peri-menopause (hot flashes at bay).

LOL about someone's S/O complaining about the strings! My OB/GYN is such a hoot! She specifically tells her patients NOT to mention strings to their husbands - - they ALWAYS imagine they can feel them after they hear about them, but never complain if they weren't told beforehand. I keep quiet and my BF has never had this psychosomatic problem!!

[Anonymous]

Is it so painful for the people without kids because their cervixes are closed tight and need to be opened by the Dr?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it so painful for the people without kids because their cervixes are closed tight and need to be opened by the Dr?

I asked my OB that when I had my second one inserted (i have three kids). She said definitely it's more likely for women with no children to have more pain, but there is a new IUD out now for this category that is far easier to insert. I wish I could remember the name but it's only for 3 years. I asked if that defeated the purpose b/c they'd be coming in for more procedures = more pain. She said no, the pain was pretty insignificant with this thinner, smaller IUD designed for young women who've never dilated / had kids. I can recall begging doctors to make an exception when I was 22 and wanted an IUD - - times have changed for the better for today's young women.