I have had the IUD Mirena for roughly 2 and a half, maybe 3 years now.

I have had my period consistently since I got it. And there have been several times that I was worried something was wrong with it. I could feel the string and its not soft like its supposed to be.

Starting roughly 2 days ago, when my period started for this month, I had extreme cramps. It was so bad I cried a couple times. I never had cramps during my TOM even without birth control.

Aside from the cramps, I have been getting burning hot out of no where to the point I have to stop what I'm doing and put the fan full blast on me and keep it that way.

I also always use tampons, I've used pads before, but I just don't like getting blood everywhere, which happens only when I used pads. And the smell of period blood is strong when using pads.

I hope this is not too gross to read, I am trying to give details.

Today (roughly 45 minutes ago) I was switching tampons but I felt the string again, but this time it was like curled up and it seemed longer then normal, to the point it was actually out while sitting on the toilet.

I pulled on it slightly and it left a dark color on my fingers that smelled terrible. I don't know if there is something wrong or not, but its strange and its terribly painful.

I had problems when I originally got the mirena, the first time I went in, they could not do it and I had to come in another time. They had issues then as well but were able to insert it regardless.

I went to planned parenthood for my IUD, and my medical insurance covered it.

I am unsure if they are supposed to remind me when I need to get it removed or if I can go in and have it removed if something is wrong with it. I have the 5 year one.

Some extra details, yes I overweight, and no I am not terribly active and have other issues (IE: back pain, depression, etc etc. I don't need to bore you)

I basically want to know, is this normal? Is it an emergency? Can it cause permanent damage if it is harmful?

Thank you in advance for any help.