"after experiencing horrid headaches during the placebo week of the pill, i opted for mirena. i had been on the pill for 5 years. the insertion was painful, however, after a minute or two i felt no pain. there was light spotting for the first 2 weeks, but no spotting since (now 1.5 years in). i have had no periods since having mirena inserted. i rarely think about the iud. every few months i&#039;ll get a brief cramp and remember &quot;oh yeah no more cramps, periods, or birth control pills!&quot; i did experience pretty bad hormonal acne along my jaw line, but this is because i was on the pill and went off it. if you rely on the pill for acne treatment be prepared to head back to the doctor for a topical treatment."