"i have had 2 mirena&#039;s.  i had my first one inserted immediately after my second child.  it was uncomfortable but not painful.  i had it for the full five year.  i loved it!  i had it removed and was pregnant with my third child within 3 months.  i had my second mirena inserted a year after birth.  this time it was much more painful at insertion.  again, great experience for another 5 years.  i had no cramping, no menstrual cycle, and no &quot;bad&quot; side effects. over the last 10 years i have gained 20 pounds. i never experienced any kind of mirena crash.  for someone who does not want to worry about a daily or monthly birth control and wants something long term, i would recommend mirena."