I had mine inserted BEFORE I ever had kids (we use condoms right now since we're having them close together if all goes according to plan) and it was excruciating. Way worse than labor.

But my doctor swears up and down that it would be totally different now that I've had a kid. So I will probably try to do it after we have our next one, but I have to admit that I am terrified. I will CERTAINLY take some kind of milk narcotic and ibuprofen.

Getting it taken out to get pregnant was not bad - painful for just a couple seconds.

Very if you have never dilated while pregnant.

I had mine inserted 7 weeks after giving birth, so my cervix was still relatively soft. I experienced a little pain and cramping, but only mild. I took a few pain killers and was fine. I fear that it may be different when I need to have it replaced.

Horrible pain and then I passed out. All of that and the doctor did not end up inserting it.

beats an abortion, no lie.

Wasn't painful at all -- felt a little twinge when it was placed, that was it. I have 2 kids and had it put in about 3 months postpartum.

I had some mild cramping for the next 2 days, not even as bad as usual period cramps. I've had it in for 8 months and haven't had a period yet -- just one 24 hour period of spotting.

I don't even remember the pain of insertion - but I did have uncomfortable cramps for two months after, like your worst menstrual cramps but every day (not all day.) The doc gave me about three days worth of Percoset and after that I used ibuprofen...as much as I felt I needed, 600 mg at a time if necessary (like after my C-section)
Now less than one year later I have no cramps, no periods, and the best part is, no more BC pills or worrying about accidental pregnancy.
What is the worst part? Did you know your husband may be able to feel the string, it can be kind of poke-y? It took him a few months to feel it and then he was like, what the? I didn't mention it to him before hand because I was hoping he wouldn't be able to feel it and would never figure it out...wishing some things could be kept a mystery and all.

Hello There,

I have just had the Mirena inserted and I had the worst pain that I have ever experienced in my entire life. For me a Pap has only caused me mild discomfort but this pain does not compare. I screamed and cried and winced pleaded for it to stop. I have cramps still, some stinging inside and bleeding still, although it has only been 7 hours. I was not given a "Local" but I did have Advil and was given two tablets to insert into my vagina the day before but that made no difference what so ever to the trauma I have just experienced. PLEASE BEAR IN MIND I HAVE NEVER GIVEN BIRTH SO MAYBE THIS IS THE REASON FOR MY EXCRUCIATING PAIN AND SUFFERING!

I have endometriosis too and had a Mirena to help with that. It was not painful at all (but doctor gave pain medicine before procedure). However, I had to have it removed due to clotting and bleeding issues that lasted months and did not resolve. I have a feeling it had more to do with my endometriosis and other issues.

My experience may be a bit atypical but I thought it may be helpful nonetheless. I have been diagnosed with endometriosis and use an IUD as a method to control my cycle and the pain that comes along with it. I have an incredibly high tolerance for pain as I have had to deal with it for most of my adult life. I first had the Mirena put in in 2008 and can honestly say it was one of the worst experiences I have ever had. Not knowing what to expect from it in the first place, I took no painkillers beforehand. The pain was so intense, I threw up and ended up having to have a local anesthetic administered (in the form of an injection) into my cervix. I can say that really only "took the edge off". Once the whole process was over, I cramped pretty badly for about 3 days. However, for the first 1-2 years with the Mirena in place, my endometriosis seemed to be as much "in control" as possible.

I just had it replaced a couple of days ago and was given strong anti-anxiety meds to take before the procedure. Again, it did little to help. It was still incredibly painful and was about the same level of pain as the first time. I had asked about having it done in the OR with a stronger anesthetic but it wouldn't be practical with most insurance plans. I happen to have really great insurance but the difference between a necessary procedure in an office and a necessary procedure in the OR is huge. Next time, I may just try and take something stronger.

My experience was a bad one. But again, I am in my late 20's, have never given birth (making it more difficult to open my cervix) and have endometriosis. Therefore, my experience is a bit different but I figured all insights and experiences can be helpful

Not painful at all. I've had two kids and had Mirena inserted about 3 months postpartum (and was breastfeeding so I hadn't had a period yet -- still haven't, actually).

I had a little bit of cramping that afternoon/evening, but I've definitely had worse period cramps. Motrin knocked the pain out. Also had a tiny amount of spotting. I love Mirena!

Never had any pain with a pap smear (not pleasant but I would not even call it pain), but the Mirena insertion was really painful and I was in pain for the following three days. I was unconfortable for a month and then it all went away.

I just had it done a few weeks ago, and didn't think it was bad at all. I did have it done during my period (not purposely) and all I really felt was a short cramp type feeling. The doctor kept telling me to take a deep breath and then I thought, that's it?

I had local and it was fine. I just felt a bit of tugging, but no pain and a cramping for 3 or so days. It's been 4 months now and I love it, my period is very light and literally lasts about an hour.

Exactly like a pap for me - uncomfortable but painless. I didn't have mine inserted during my period, either. I have a lot of random extremely light spotting and it is nine months later... so it kind of drives me nuts. I am considering going back to the pill.