"when i first got mirena, i thought it was a huge mistake. i was 28 and childless, so insertion was extremely painful. the first 3 months were awful--i spotted and had terrible cramps the entire time, and i was extremely irritable. also...my breasts changed, my nipples became thicker and my areolas got larger (the same way that a woman&#039;s nipples change after breastfeeding). i would have had it removed only after the painful insertion i was afraid. however...it was worth it. after the first 3 months, all of the side effects (except for the breast changes) lifted. the bleeding and pain disappeared and my temperment went back to normal. 3 years later, i rarely menstruate and never get cramps! it&#039;s extremely effective and requires no effort."