"i have had mirena for about 9 months now. i do not use it for birth control as my husband is fixed. :) i use it for bleeding control. i would bleed myself into anemia on my periods. it has stopped that completely. i only spot for a day or two. the side effects i feel is lower sex drive, gained 10lbs, and it was painful to insert with mild cramping. i do get headaches, cramps and sore breasts when i ovulate but that is it. i like it and it has helped the bleeding now i just wish i could get my sex drive back and loose weight. guess it&#039;s time to go to the gym and eat healthy.  :)"