I had a mirena for about two years. Initially, I bled for about 9 weeks but then it was great. After about 4 months I didn't get a period at all. My periods are usually exceptionally heavy and last 8-10 days so not having a period was fantastic. However, the Mirena did ultimately turn me into a fat, moody cow! My moods were simply out of control, literally one minute I would be happy and laughing, the next I would be angry, crying... you name the emotion, it could overcome me in an instant. It took me a good 6 months to figure out that the Mirena was causing my issues and I had it removed. Interestingly, the GP who removed the Mirena told me that she removes several a week for women complaining of weight gain and uncontrollable moods. In all honesty, by the time I had the Mirena removed my marriage was a shambles as my husband struggled to cope with my wild mood swings and I went from loving him to loathing the way he breathed in an instant. If you google 'mirena mood swing weight gain' you will find there are thousands of women with stories similar to mine. Having said all of that, i have several friends who had the Mirena removed for the same reasons I did, but others who have had the Mirena for several years with no complaint.

To answer your questions, the Mirena did not seem to affect for libido... but my moods were not very conducive to a healthy sex life! Who wants to have sex with a moody cow? I did find that I had a reduction in CM and lubrication with the Mirena.

I had the Mirena inserted by my OB under a light GA at a day procedure centre, but I don't have a very high tolerance to pain. Again, I have friends who say that the insertion was uncomfortable but not unbearable but others who say it was excrutiatingly painful. I would recommend finding someone who is experienced in the insertion of IUD's. I had it removed in the GP's rooms and I was terrified of the pain, but it was really no worse than a pap smear.

Do some research before you decide to have the Mirena and be aware of the possible side effects if you do decide to use it. I hope you are one of the women it's perfect for, as not having a period was fantastic as was not having to worry about contraception. Good luck!