"i&#039;ve had the mirena iud for four months and so far it is great.  i tried it, despite many &#039;horror stories&#039; because i am having trouble finding a doctor who will sterilize me (under age 30).  the insertion was very painful. i took several ibuprofen and was given misoprostol, but it only took about 10 minutes total.  the following 2 days i experienced some cramping.  after that, i&#039;ve had no discomfort at all.  i don&#039;t get periods anymore and have not experienced any of the hormonal side effects described except a slight increase in body fat."