"i&#039;ve had the mirena for almost 3 years now. insertion wasn&#039;t a problem. however, at my next annual exam my doctor told me he didn&#039;t see the string anymore but assured me it&#039;s not a problem. i had spotting each month in the beginning. very light and would last about 3 days. i also experienced heavy discharge in the beginning. now i have no spotting, no discharge. i did gain weight from it. lately i have been experiencing severe cramping which i can only describe as almost feeling like contractions when you&#039;re about to give birth. they&#039;re that bad! needless to say, i have scheduled an appointment with my obgyn and i may have it removed. but overall, it&#039;s an effective birth control."