I also had terrible problems/ side effects from the mirena which have gone away since I had it removed. I would personally advise people to think carefully before having it inserted and do some research regarding side effects. http://www.medications.com/se/mirena
I now have the problem that at 35 my husband and I are back using condoms which is not really great. We have 2 children and don't want any more but there is not another form of contraception out there that does not put hormones into my body. I asked my dr about the diaphram/ and she laughed and said you can't get them any more.

sallyfish, leeds,

Like Kay in London, I'm also a Mirena fan. When I first became sexually active, I went to get "the pill". The doctor asked the bare minimum of questions before handing over the bog-standard contraceptive pill. I was on it for a year, during which time I ballooned in weight, became very emotional, depressed and still had quite heavy periods.

After doing a bit of research, I decided to change contraceptive and looked around for a family planning clinic. When I got there, I got a REAL consultation. A wonderful lady doctor took me through all the options (it was then that I discovered there were many types of pill) but I opted for the Mirena. Yes, it was a little painful when it was installed and I did have some bleeding and cramping but this only lasted a couple of hours. A nice hot bath and a relaxing night later, I was fine.

Some family planning clinics say it's only for women who've had children (because it's easier to install) but, if you fell it's right for you, insist!

Michelle, Glasgow,

I've been on Mirena for a bit over 2 years (I was nearly 24) and will not be getting off it. It has helped tremendously with my periods and I haven't suffered too many side effects. I took a day off work to have it inserted by the doctor (I insisted on being knocked out for it), cramped and felt ill that day, cramped a bit the following day, and then all was fine. Every couple of months I know it's 'period time', or would be, as I feel a bit moody and cramp, and then I still spot and bleed lightly for two days, but that's it. I can deal with that much better than weeks at a time bleeding heavily and feeling sick. The fact that it is the most effective contraception on the market is a huge bonus as my husband and I don't have to worry about children - the failure rate is so low that I don't even think about it. I'm definitely planning on swapping it over for a new one when the 5 year time frame is up.

Kay, London,