You had your Mirena inserted some years back and suddenly feeling intense cramps in your lower abdomen. Or you want to get an appointment soon but got scared reading online horror stories about IUDs. Yes we understand how out of the blue all these might feel for you.
So are you wondering why you are cramping with Mirena after 2 years?
It could be because the IUD inside your uterus got displaced or expelled without you knowing. Another possible cause for the sudden cramp and bleeding could be uterine perforation. But it also might just be hormonal changes as well.
Did that pique your interest? Here is a detailed guide on everything you need to know about a delayed cramping due to Mirena. Read on to learn more!
Table of Content
Knowing All About Your IUDs
Intra Uterine Devices (IUDs) recently became a popular method of contraception. It is mainly because they leave you worry free for at least 5-7 years. Must be nice, right?
Maybe some of you here are thinking to get an IUD in near future. Then you probably know by now there are two different kinds of them available.
One is a hormonal one, that contains a synthetic form of Progesterone called Levonorgestrel. They are found in the local market by the name of Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta and Skyla.
And there is a non hormonal one made of copper wire that is found by the name Paragard.
You might be thinking what difference do these make? Well, the non hormonal ones give you protection against pregnancy for upto 12 years. While you have to replace your hormonal IUDs every 3-6 years. Because the hormone depletes after a certain time.
But there’s a catch. Although the hormonal ones need frequent replacement, they provide better service. You may ask why. It is due to their hormonal activity. They lessen your cramps and makes your bleeding less heavy.
Probably that is why you would see people all around getting Mirena inserted.
Now that we know all about these little T shaped devices, let’s get on with more important things.
Is Mirena a Safe Choice?
You probably have deciphered by now that Mirena is indeed a good choice. Apart from providing all the hormonal benefits, Mirena is a cost effective choice as well.
Getting Mirena can give you a painless period after 3 -6 months of insertion. In addition to that, it makes your periods eventually stop after a year.
Now this is the study results for the majority of people. So yours can differ from it. But even if it does, getting Mirena can be a safe choice for you. Especially if you are someone who has difficulty remembering to take pills daily.
Possible Complications of Mirena
Did all that sound like a smooth ride in the park? Well, it’s not actually. People might make it sound like it is pretty easy to get an IUD inserted inside your body.
But trust me, it is not the case. Like every other drug or treatment plan, it comes with some downsides!
Pain and Cramps
The first thing people who had their Mirena would complain about is the pain. Yes, it hurts pretty badly. People rarely sit through the process without experiencing pain. But you probably read all that online by now.
And this time, for a fact, not all of it is exaggerated. Your uterus is like a little container with muscles as its wall. And IUDs are placed in such a way that they grip the muscle walls very tightly.
So it is pretty normal to experience variable levels of pain during an IUD insertion. That is probably the reason why some doctors use local anesthetics during the process.
Pain in the Cervix
Any type of IUDs is placed inside your uterus following a certain path, be it hormonal or non hormonal. That is, first through your vagina, then the cervix and finally the uterus.
But some of you probably know how tricky it is to get something up your cervix. Especially when you are not in labor and the little entryway is not dilated.
So the nurse or the doctor assisting you uses some handy devices. These devices help in making the entry to the cervix wider. So that your Mirena can go in smoothly.
But the downside is, making your cervix wider by force is definitely gonna hurt you to an extent. So you should prepare some Over The Counter pain relievers like ‘Ibuprofen’ or ‘Methadone’.
Bleeding and Spotting
You may get heavy bleeding and spotting after using Mirena. And more often than not they are heavier than your regular period blood.
There is no definite time period of this irregular bleeding though. You may experience it for 6 months to a year. And even the amount varies from time to time.
The thing is, the Levonorgestrel present in Mirena is supposed to lessen and control your period flow. But this is a common side effect of any IUD for the first few months.
It is because to your body, any device inserted is esteemed as a foreign one. And your body reacts differently with foreign materials. It takes time to get used to it.
Irregular Periods
I have already said how Mirena is a progesterone containing device. It works on reducing your period frequency. But the process is time consuming.
You can expect no more periods after almost a year of insertion. But everyone has a different body type. So you may still experience irregular periods.
Like you may not have your menstrual cycle for say, 3 months. Then you suddenly bleed for 4 days and stop having periods again for a stretch of time.
Although Mirena has these side effects to its name, people often go for it. Because the pros cross out the cons by a good margin.
Is It Okay to Have Cramps Way After Mirena Insertion
We have established already that it is very common to get cramps during the insertion process and some days after it.
Generally it takes a week for the pain to completely subside. But for some of you, it might take as long as six months.
Now cramping after 2 or 3 years of getting Mirena is pretty uncommon, but not unlikely. Many of the users complain of having an uncomfortable sensation and cramping way after their insertion date.
It varies for different persons. For ladies who gave normal births before through the vagina, the cramping is generally less. It is because the cervix and uterus are already loosened.
But for the rest of the population with an uterus, this cramping might be a severe one. And if you ever feel like this cramp is not normal or a bit severe for your liking, check with your health care provider ASAP.
You should never second guess yourself about feeling cramps and going to a doctor. Even though people tell you this could be completely normal. Let me tell you why it is of so much importance.
Reasons: Why You Feel Cramping With Mirena After 2 Years?
Mirena cramps and the heaviness in pelvic area are supposed to go away by themselves after a week. But some people still have them till somewhat 6 months.
How can you tell if this is something you should take expert advice for? And what could be the possible reasons for an extended cramping or a sudden cramping after 2 years?
Your IUD Might Get Displaced
The Intra Uterine Device inside you might get displaced to cause severe cramps. It is because the device is placed inside your uterus through a plastic tube, and then it attaches itself with the inner wall of your uterus.
But since this attachment is not mediated by something permanent, it is quite easy to displace. Your uterine contraction can be an important cause why your IUD can go up from the initial position it was supposed to be at.
And when the device is misplaced, it pokes your inner bits in the wrong way. This is what causes the intense crampings.
So it is mandatory to monitor your cramps and if you feel something is wrong, go seek professional advice. Your doctor might dismiss you saying it is normal, since it actually can be the case.
But if you really feel like this is a problematic one, stick to your cause no matter what. And convince your ob-gyn to do a Ultra Sonogram of your uterus to check the position of your Mirena.
You Might Have Perforation
Now this one is a pretty serious cause and can get nasty. A perforated uterus means that the Mirena inside got displaced in such a way that it made a tear in your uterine wall.
It can either get stuck to the wall after perforating it, or it can break inside your uterus. But the latter is a very rare incident so you don’t need to worry too much.
Perforation causes bleeding along with the excruciating cramps. So if you are heavily bleeding and experiencing intolerable lower abdominal pain, do not hesitate at all. Go to your doctor the first thing in the morning and get a test done.
Perforated uterus is basically treated with surgery. It can either be an open one or a laparoscopic one. Depends on the doctor operating on you and your current condition.
Not to scare you away, but a perforated uterus takes a bit of time to heal too. So better be safe than sorry, right? Discuss any and every problem you are having post IUD with your health care provider.
Your IUD Got Expelled
This is just another form of a displaced IUD. Your Mirena can get expelled involuntarily through your vagina in some cases.
That happens when the insertion process is faulty and it is not placed the right way. Another cause for an expelled IUD can be involuntary uterine contractions.
If your uterus does not get used to with your IUD after some time, it will still treat it as a foreign body. And that is what causes forceful contractions in the uterus.
These contractions can readily push out the Mirena from inside. Now how to check if your IUD is still at place?
There are two strings attached to your device. After a successful placement, they will just poke out of your cervix.
What you gotta do is insert a lubed finger inside your vagina and take it up to your cervical entrance. If you just barely feel the strings, it is still in the right place.
But if you happen to not find the strings or rather find the tail of the plastic lower end, then please go to your ob-gyn right now.
It Is Just The Hormonal Effect
All we have discussed above is just the severe outcomes and reasons for a delayed cramping.
But not everything must have a frightening cause, yeah?
Your delayed cramps might just be the hormonal changes. Mirena provides a constant supply of Progesterone in your body which helps you not to ovulate.
The constant suppression might cause cramps for some people. Yes, there are people who felt pain and went to check with the doctor. Later all they found was just the Progesterone doing its work!
We all have different body types and our bodies function a bit differently from another person’s. That is just how we were built! You don’t need to fret in that case because it will go away on its own. Just give it some time.
Things You Should Consider Doing
Feeling constant cramps is something no one wishes for. Also it does make us suffer quite a lot. So it’s advised to take some precautionary steps before going to your ob-gyn to insert Mirena. Let’s quickly look through them, shall we?
Visit Your Doctor In A Good Shape
Try maintaining a healthy lifestyle before going to get your IUD. For example, if you go to your appointment dehydrated, hung over or without having breakfast, you are bound to feel more pain.
Being in your best health can help a whole lot more than you think in getting an easier procedure.
Try Relaxing During The Session
Calming your mind and relaxing can help your muscles down there to ease up. And that means less cramps!
You can try yoga, meditation, breathing exercises or relaxing visualisation techniques. And if your doctor allows, try to put on some relaxing music during the procedure. Talk to your doc, it helps too!
Schedule The Appointment In A Suitable Time
Since the procedure requires a cervical insertion, you have to keep in mind your own menstrual cycle.
Your uterus and cervical dilatation does not remain the same throughout your cycle. It relaxes and opens up the most during your bleeding days.
So it is best if you can schedule your doctor appointment during your 4th to 7th day of the cycle. Even if you can not, the first few days of the second week works too.
So keep that thing in your mind if you are planning to get a Mirena soon.
Take Pain Relievers
Pain relievers like Ibuprofen or Naproxen might do you some good. You can take them before the appointment. Keep taking it for some time after the procedure if you want to.
They will give you relief from uncomfortable cramps for some time. They have a surprisingly good effect on muscle pain.
Also they could help with the inflammation after the insertion. Acetaminophen works just the same in that case.
But you should probably check with your physician before taking it regularly. Because taking too much painkillers would mess up your kidneys.
Take Care of Yourself
You should take it easy after the days following Mirena insertion. Drink lots and lots of water and wear loose sweatpants instead of that tightest pair of jeans.
A hot water bag or a heating pad might help in some cases. So keep one close to you. Also, slow down on the regular exercises and sexual activities. It might feel uncomfortable for you. Take your time off of things as long as you feel you need!
FAQ’s
Question : Can Mirena stop working after 2 years?
Answer : The Mirena Intra Uterine Device releases Levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of the hormone Progesterone, into the uterus. It can stay inside for 5 years. Some people use the Mirena IUD as a long term birth control, or as a treatment for heavy period bleeding. Mirena stops working after 5 years.
Question : When should I worry about my IUD cramps?
Answer : If your cramping is severe or lasts for more than 3 months, it gets quite concerning. You should call your doctor to consult your problem. They will check to make sure the IUD is in the right place. They will remove it if it is out of its proper position, or if you just do not want it anymore.
Question : What is the Mirena crash?
Answer : The Mirena crash refers to one or a cluster of symptoms that lasts for days, weeks or months after the Mirena IUD is removed. These symptoms are thought to be due to a hormonal imbalance. This occurs when the body is no longer receiving a constant progesterone supply.
Parting Words
Experiencing cramping with Mirena after 2 years is not as rare as you think. And more often than not it might be due to a serious cause.
So you should consult your doctor as soon as possible and stress your point. They will help you sort it out and remove the device if need be.
With all that being said I’ll be signing out now. Hope you could learn everything you needed to know about delayed Mirena cramps. Don’t forget to wear your mask while going out and stay hydrated. Sayonara!
