"i&#039;m 23, never given birth, had it inserted 9/16. i have high pain tolerance, but the insertion was brutal and i nearly passed out. horrible cramps and weakness the next few days. although it&#039;s effective, i almost got it removed in the first couple of months because of side effects: crazy mood swings, cramps, bloating, cravings, acne all over, spotting. like puberty all over again. my doctor advised me to give it 6 months and see how i feel. 4 months in and the side effects are getting better, more noticeable around my period, which has become much lighter but longer. i went from a heavy 4-5 days on the pill to a very light 10-12. i&#039;m not sure if it&#039;s a good trade, but i&#039;m going to wait and see if the hormones level out."