"i&#039;m 18 and i&#039;ve had the mirena for about 6 months. i wanted to try a new form of birth control because i always forgot to take the pill and i spotted really bad with the nuvaring. i took pain killers about an hour before the insertion of my iud on a scale of 1-10 the pain was probably a 3. it&#039;s uncomfortable more than anything. there was some pressure, a slight pinch followed by a little cramping but the pain was very mild. my doctor said that light spotting and cramping is expected for about 6 months but i haven&#039;t experienced any if that. i went to soccer practice that day and felt 100% fine. 6 months later i haven&#039;t had any noticeable side effects! i haven&#039;t had a period either. 10/10 would recommend."