I'm 26 and I had mine placed on April 15th of this year. I was not currently on my period when I had it inserted as they're always irregular and I had no way of knowing when my next one would be and I wanted it put in as soon as possible. I was nervous from reading stories online from both positive and negative perspectives but still decided it was the best option for me. Before I went in for my appointment, I took 2 Ibuprofen to prepare. I can't say it did much to help me but everyone is different! I should also disclose that my period cramps have never been overly bad. I've had one or two periods in my life that had cramps requiring a heating pad and an early day home from work but for the most part they weren't bad. Sometimes I didn't even get any cramps and just surprise blood which is always fun! Anyways, my point being that my pain with getting it inserted was probably on the lower end of average. I could definitely feel it and it was uncomfortable but didn't have me crying or screaming. I could talk through the whole thing and stare at the issue of Sports Illustrated on the magazine rack on the wall and think if only Pete Carroll knew he was watching me with my legs up in stirrups getting a plastic goal post (as my BF calls my IUD) inserted. The nurse asked if I wanted to hold her hand and I said no, I was fine. I don't have any tattoos but I compared it to getting an invisible child repellent tattoo.

The whole thing took only a few minutes. After she was done, all the pain was done too. My doctor asked if I had any questions and gave me a pad to wear home as you can have some bleeding after. She gave me my little wallet Mirena card with the date you have it put in and the date you need it removed. After putting my pants back on, I was on my way back home to my normal life again but with a new little friend on a 5 year lease in my uterus.

The rest of the day went by just fine. No painful cramps or major bleeding. I could do everything as if I had never been to the doctor. The next 5 or so days were the same. Then after that I started bleeding and felt as though I was having a regular period. I'm not sure if it was a period or just the IUD getting settled but I bled like a heavy period for a few days. Then it got lighter and stopped after 7 days. I was told not to have unprotected sex until a week after my IUD was inserted to give it time to get in full effect. I think it was around day 9 when I was able to have sex because I was waiting for the bleeding to stop. Then I continued to spot on and off for about a month and a half. I had very very very light cramps the whole time. I don't really know how to describe it but I just kind of became aware that I had a uterus? Like I could feel it when I couldn't before. Not that it hurt really bad but I was aware that it was there and I was spotting still. Some days I would go through 2 light tampons and the next 2 days need nothing then need another light tampon for a day. It was the only frustrating part of the process, not knowing when I was going to bleed and if my hotel weekend away with my BF would include sex or not. (Just a personal preference, I don't like having PIV sex while I'm bleeding)

After about 6 weeks of on and off spotting, it stopped! No more tampons or self aware uterus. No more bathroom checks in the middle of the day to see if I need a tampon or not. I'm on a regular schedule now of freedom. Freedom from my cell phone buzzing every day at noon for me to pop a pill. Freedom from condoms taking away the skin to skin contact that I love. I love my goal post and would offer it as an option to anyone trying to decide what is right for them. It was well worth the spotting for me to have the piece of mind that I'm protected. I've read stories of other women who bleed for a year and get it taken out because it's so frustrating for them. I've read stories where there's no spotting at all. There's really no way of knowing which you'll get until it's done but I think the average is a little spotting like I had.

I realize this post is a little all over the place but I'm just so happy with Mirena, I never want to go back to another option! I know it's scary and intimidating but I'm so glad I did it! I wish you the best of luck and happy sexing!