Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
When I decided to get the Mirena IUD, I was optimistic. Like many women, I was drawn to its convenience and effectiveness—it promised years of worry-free contraception. However, my journey with the Mirena was far from what I expected. Over time, I experienced a cascade of side effects that affected both my physical health and emotional well-being. While I understand that everyone’s experience with hormonal birth control is unique, I hope that sharing my story will help others navigate their options and feel less alone if they’re facing similar challenges.
Chronic UTIs and the Downward Spiral
One of the first issues I faced after getting the Mirena was recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). I had experienced occasional UTIs in the past, but suddenly they became a regular part of my life. Studies suggest that changes in hormones can impact the vaginal and urinary environment, potentially making it easier for bacteria to thrive. Hormonal IUDs like Mirena release progestin, which can alter the vaginal pH, potentially increasing the risk of infections.
To treat these UTIs, I was prescribed antibiotics repeatedly. While they effectively cleared the infections, they brought another problem: frequent yeast infections. Antibiotics disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the body, making it easier for yeast to overgrow. It felt like I was trapped in an endless cycle—UTI, antibiotics, yeast infection, repeat. This alone was exhausting and began to take a toll on my quality of life.
Depression: An Unexpected and Overwhelming Effect
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that women using hormonal contraception, including IUDs, had a higher risk of being diagnosed with depression or being prescribed antidepressants. This resonated deeply with me, as my symptoms had started shortly after the Mirena was inserted. The hormonal fluctuations caused by progestin may influence the brain’s chemistry, potentially affecting serotonin and other mood-regulating neurotransmitters.
Low Libido: A Strain on Relationships
Another unexpected side effect I noticed was a dramatic decrease in my sex drive. This was particularly frustrating, as one of the reasons I opted for an IUD was to feel more confident and spontaneous in my intimate life. Instead, I found myself avoiding intimacy altogether. Research suggests that hormonal contraceptives can reduce testosterone levels, which play a key role in sexual desire for women (3). This, combined with my feelings of depression and the discomfort from recurrent infections, created a perfect storm that left me feeling disconnected from myself and my partner.
Feeling Alone and Dismissed
One of the hardest parts of this experience was feeling dismissed when I voiced my concerns to healthcare providers. The recurrent UTIs and yeast infections were often treated as isolated issues, and the emotional side effects were brushed off as stress. This left me feeling unheard and unsupported. It wasn’t until I started connecting the dots myself and researching the potential side effects of Mirena that I realized these issues were likely interconnected.
What I Learned and What I’d Tell Others
1. Be Your Own Advocate: If you feel something isn’t right, trust your instincts. Your body’s signals matter, and you deserve to have your concerns taken seriously.
2. Track Your Symptoms: Keeping a journal of my physical and emotional symptoms helped me identify patterns and advocate for myself during medical appointments.
3. Research Your Options: Hormonal IUDs work well for many people, but they’re not the only choice. Non-hormonal options, like the copper IUD, or barrier methods may be better suited for those sensitive to hormonal changes.
4. It’s Okay to Make a Change: Removing the Mirena and exploring other methods of contraception was a turning point for me. My UTIs became less frequent, my mood improved, and I slowly regained my libido.
Final Thoughts
The Mirena IUD can be a great option for many women, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re considering it or are currently using it and experiencing side effects, know that you’re not alone. Your health and well-being matter, and it’s okay to question whether a particular method is right for you. Sharing our stories and experiences is how we create a more informed and compassionate community.
References:
1. Stapleton, A. E. (2016). The Vaginal Microbiome and Recurrent UTIs. Clinical Microbiology Reviews.
2. Skovlund, C. W., et al. (2016). Association of Hormonal Contraception With Depression. JAMA Psychiatry.
3. Zimmerman, Y., et al. (2014). The Effect of Progestins in Hormonal Contraceptives on Sexual Function and Testosterone Levels. Journal of Sexual Medicine.
