Expert: Norman Solberg - 3/22/2009

Question
I have had the IUD since October of 2008, it is now March of 2009. I am really crampy and moody, I also have been bleeding for the past two and a half weeks. Sometimes heaver than other days, also the blood is somewhat stringy. I don't know what to do I am really scared. Please give me some advice to what I should do.

Thank you,
Kaila Grady

Answer
Dear Kaila,
It's frequently hard to know if symptoms are due to the IUD.  If you've been feeling crampy and moody ever since the Mirena was put in, it's probably from the IUD.  Since it hasn't gone away, you probably need to have the IUD removed for your symptoms to resolve.  If these are new symptoms, then something else must have changed.  Ibuprofen may help the cramps, and I'd search for another reason for feeling moody.  If nothing helps, then again the best thing may be to have the IUD removed.  Sometimes the only way to really know is to remove the IUD and see how you feel then.  Sorry I can't be more helpful.