Thread: Questions and Concerns - Mirena

I have gone through two different types of birth control before I decided to get Mirena.

The Pill (Sprintec) and the Depo shot.

The reason why I went with Mirena was due to the fact that I kept missing some days with the pill that I got paranoid about forgetting it. Though I was on the pill for about a year, it was mostly on and off the pill for me and I spent a bit of money on Plan B during that year. (Paranoid about getting pregnant and so forth). So I went with the Depo shot and the the shot threw my hormones into whack that I hated it so much after getting it once and going through three months of ! One day I'm happy and within that day, I'm moody and hating the world! So much and so forth. So now I'm with Mirena.

I am 19, I have done my research about Mirena and I've heard good points about it. Though I was recommended to it by a friend. I read the good stuff about Mirena, however it never occurred to me to look up the bad stuff. So a bit of information about my current situation.

I have never been pregnant so my gynecologist gave me some pills to dilate my cervix and the implantation was okay cause I previously took ibuprofen before I had it implanted, though until my gynecologist was finished, I experienced an extreme amount of pain like when I had appendicitis and my doctors found out my appendix was perforated. I knew there was pain to deal with a few days after the insertion and the light bleeding for about a few months. But my questions are(these are mostly for those who are knowledgeable with Mirena or those who have it, but the questions open to others):

1. Have you had any bad experiences with Mirena?
2. Did anything good come out from having Mirena?
3. Should I use a different form of Birth Control? Like the patch?
4. Have you experienced a fishy odor from 'down below'?
5. How long did the bleeding/spotting(light, moderate, or heavy), if any, last for you?

My concerns come along with the questions.

My sex life is sort of waning due to the fishy smell. Sex is okay, but sometimes the fishy smell embarrasses me to a point I just want to get it over and done with. I know it might be my body adjusting Mirena, but I never had this problem when I was on the other birth controls. Usually the fishy smell comes whenever my pH levels are unbalanced. I'm calling my gynecologist soon to confirm some of these concerns, but I would like to hear your voices on this. I'll probably stop by at the local pharmacy to pick up some pH strips too. I don't taste funny(yes, I do taste myself once in awhile), even with the very very very light spotting, but I smell weird. I don't have that 'tingly' sensation that I can always tell if I have a YI or BV or UTI. I've been susceptible to UTIs but I have good hygiene and wipe front to back like a good girl and made sure myself and my partner is clean plus urinating before and after sex.

Another thing popped up.

Ever heard of RepHresh? I was thinking about using that to get rid of the fishy smell, but I don't want to do anything without consulting my gynecologist and get a second or third opinion on it. I've read a blog about RepHresh and I've heard many good things about it and read reviews. I need more concrete facts before doing anything.

I know I have jumped around alot in this post so if you need any clarification, please ask, I'll be glad to help.