Two Women Share Their Honest Experience With The Mirena IUD

Choosing the right form of contraception can seem pretty daunting. From condoms to contraceptive pills and even rods that go in your arm, the list is pretty extensive. And then there are intra-uterine devices or IUDs which are a whole different kettle of fish.

IUDs are a form of contraception that is placed into your uterus to prevent pregnancy. Like any form of contraception, these devices aren’t totally foolproof. But they do promise to be over 99 per cent effective in preventing pregnancies (although not against STIs).

There are two types of IUDs available in Australia – the copper or non-hormonal IUD and the hormonal IUD. As for the Mirena? Well, it falls under the hormonal IUD group.

So how exactly does a Mirena work? So glad you asked! The T-shaped device (it looks like a tiny anchor) is inserted into your uterus, which calls for a specialist appointment and the standard women’s health tools (forceps and all). Oh, and it’s got over a 99 per cent efficacy rate, so your chances of an unexpected pregnancy are pretty low…

Like any form of contraception, there are plenty of pros and some potential risks you need to be aware of before using the Mirena. So be sure to consult a medical professional to find out if the Mirena IUD is right for you.

But it always helps to have some first-hand experiences to help you make your choice. Here, our beauty writer Ruby and social editor (yours truly) Georgia offer their hot takes and personal accounts of the Mirena…

How long did you use the Mirena for?

Ruby: Three and a half years

Georgia: Five and a half years, so I’m due for my replacement now.

Did the Mirena insertion hurt?

Ruby: Yes, I found it to be the most painful experience of my life to date. I took two panadols before (as advised) and luckily had my mum in the waiting room to drive me home as I actually completely blacked out around 10 minutes after we left the doctor’s surgery. I would never get another one inserted because of that experience.

Georgia: Not for me, thankfully. I went into my appointment a bit naive if I’m honest, I even drove by myself to and from the clinic, which was probably not the best idea in case I did have a different reaction. It was five years ago, but I remember thinking that it hardly hurt at all. For me, it was more of a kind of pulling and pressure sensation rather than pain. The most uncomfortable part was the forcep insertion which, as anyone with a vagina would know, is never pleasant…

Did you experience any side-effects?

Ruby: Yes. Around the 12 month mark I started to experience hormonal acne on my jawline and chin. It gradually got worse over the next 18 months and has left scarring.

Georgia: At first I got the usual cramping, but it subsided after a few days or so. Since then it has been smooth sailing.

What was your overall experience with the Mirena?

Ruby: I appreciated many of the Mirena benefits. I found it to be cost-effective, eased some of the cramping and pain I’d previously experienced with periods, and I experienced zero weight gain or mood swings as I had on the pill. However, the impact it had on my skin (and as a result my confidence) has made me look back on it quite negatively. I have textural acne scarring and pigmentation that I haven’t been able to get rid of.

Georgia: I absolutely love the Mirena. It’s the perfect ‘set and forget’ form of contraception. The thought of having a rod in my arm is icky, but I really like that I can’t see or feel the Mirena once it’s in. It worked out more affordable than the pill, with the only costs being my appointment with the gynaecologist (around $300) and the device itself (which is covered by medicare so only cost around $30).

My periods were always very heavy and painful, and as the Mirena stops menstruation I no longer have to deal with days of cramping, nausea and migraines that really got in the way of everyday life. The device does have an efficacy period of 5-7 years and I am now starting to regain light spotting and have had a few migraines around the time of my period – but I’m hoping these symptoms stop once I have a new one in.

The only downside I have seen so far is a lack of sex drive, which I read can be a side-effect of hormonal IUDs. However, I am on other medication which can also diminish your sex drive so it could be attributed to that or even a combination of the two.

Was the removal painful?

Ruby: No! Not at all. Naturally after the insertion experience I was pretty nervous. However, friends had told me that it was essentially painless and I had the same experience. I actually didn’t even know it has been removed, I was still laying on the bed bracing for pain and my doctor has already pulled it out. Phew.

Georgia: I’ve just booked an appointment for my Mirena removal and replacement, so stay tuned for the update…

Would you get the Mirena again?

Ruby: Nope. I wouldn’t! That’s not to say I wouldn’t understand why other people get it and I can definitely see its benefits, for me personally, the benefits just don’t outweigh the acne (or the pain!)

Georgia: Absolutely! I can’t say I’m looking forward to my removal and reinsertion appointment purely because of the discomfort. But honestly the Mirena has really been a saving grace for my menstrual cycle and, in turn, my overall wellbeing.

Have you used the Mirena before? What was your experience like?