"i have had the iud mirena for almost a year.  i wanted a no thought birth control and the thought of no periods was very appealing.  however, after the insertion i had the worst cramps ever. they were so intense i was practically bed ridden for the first month and the horrifying pain continued for at least 3 months after.  i was unemployed and thank god for that because i never would have made it through a day.  i have never given birth but i would imagine it was like labor pains...not your typical period cramp...and it was all day every day.  the cramping has gotten better and i have very light bleeding but i now have bad acne and no sex drive.  i think  also have gained weight (not much, maybe 10lbs).  "