Looking for a good contraceptive device to avoid pregnancy without popping pills? You may try Mirena IUD, one of the most preferred intrauterine devices of recent years. Read on to get complete Mirena IUD information. Know all about Mirena IUD benefits, risks, side effects and symptoms.
What Is Mirena IUD?
Mirena IUD is a progestogen Intrauterine device (IUD).It is an artificial device that helps prevent ovulation. It is one of the IUD devices that are placed in the uterus to help avoid pregnancy. Mirena IUD is a modern IUD that contains the hormone Progestogen. It is the only Hormonal Uterine Device or hormone-containing device in the world.
Picture 1 – Mirena IUDSource – mirena-awareness.webs.com
Mirena IUD Insertion
Like any Intrauterine Device, Mirena IUD is placed inside the uterus. The insertion of this small T-shaped thing is usually carried out in a doctor’s office. The device is inserted through the cervix which is dilated to help the process. It is best to perform the procedure in the mid-cycle of menstruation when the cervix is naturally enlarged.
Mirena IUD Procedure
The entire Mirena IUD insertion procedure is carried out by a highly experienced medical professional. A competent professional performs the task quickly and with minimal complications. Mirena IUD placement and insertion is done according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. The device is entered in an aseptic way that prevents bacterial infection of the uterus.
In women susceptible to Endocarditis (swelling of the membranous lining of the heart), antibiotics are recommended to be used prior to insertion. However, these are not used in normal cases.
Mirena IUD Duration
Mirena IUD provides protection from unwanted pregnancy for up to 5 years. However, it may still be unable to restrict pregnancy in rare cases. Nearly 0.7 % of women are found to get pregnant despite the usage of Mirena IUD.
How Does Mirena IUD Work?
Mirena IUD is designed to release about 20 micrograms of Levonorgestral (a Progestogen hormone) daily. Following insertion of Mirena IUD hormones release reduces the risk of getting pregnant.
The presence of a foreign object in the cervix leads to its irritation which increases the production of cervical mucus. The mucus helps block the sperms and may actually destroy them.
Mirena IUD also thins the uterine lining. This makes it difficult to allow implantation of fertilized eggs.
Mirena IUD Removal
As aforesaid, a Mirena IUD device gives protection for 5 years. Once this period is over, one may go for Mirena IUD removal. Removal may also be necessary if a woman suffers from unpleasant side effects due to this device or simply wants to get pregnant.
How Is Mirena IUD Removed?
The removal process usually begins with a routine gynecological testing. The doctor inserts his or her fingers through the vagina to measure the position of the uterus with one hand and also feel the abdomen with the other. This testing helps reveal any tenderness or physical alterations which can be an indication of a medical problem.
This examination also helps doctors locate the IUD strings to confirm the presence of the device. A Speculum is then inserted to help doctors view the device. This is followed by the insertion of a special medical device called Tenaculum that stabilizes the uterus. The doctor uses clamps or forceps to grasp the strings of the Mirena IUD and slowly pulls it out of the uterus. As it comes out, the arms of the device retract to help the removal process.
Mirena IUD Pain
The insertion of Mirena IUD can be painful for women though many people simply complain of a mild discomfort during the process. Taking over the counter analgesics may give relief from Mirena IUD insertion pain.
The nature of sensation experienced by a woman going for Mirena IUD insertion actually depends on the time of her menstrual cycle. Women in the middle stage of their menstruation will experience less Mirena IUD discomfort. The uterus is naturally dilated at this time. For women going for Mirena IUD tilted uterus makes insertion much easier and hassle-free.
Mirena IUD Benefits
Over the last 5 years, Mirena IUD has made a name for itself as a good birth control device. The implanting of this contraceptive is usually safe and produces complications only rarely. Once properly in place, it can prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years with less than 1% chance of failure.
The device can be removed at any time. Fertility is restored immediately after the removal of Mirena IUD.
Mirena IUD is also effective in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in women after intrauterine contraception usage.
Mirena IUD is also widely implemented in treating other problems like abnormal uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, anemia, Dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation) and Endometriosis. It is also being proposed for the treatment of uterine cancer.
What Are The Side Effects Of Mirena IUD?
Know about the major Mirena IUD side effects.
Heavy periods
In a few women using Mirena IUD heavy bleeding can also occur due to long and heavy periods. Excessive Mirena IUD bleeding can give rise to anemia making faster removal of IUD necessary.
Rejection
In rare cases, the body may also reject Mirena IUD as a foreign object. Mirena IUD expulsion occurs in very few women. Uterine inflammation, cramps and bleeding are some of the main Mirena IUD expulsion symptoms. A Mirena IUD expelled may be reinserted but can get rejected again. This is one of the rarest Mirena IUD symptoms.
Mirena IUD Complications
Mirena IUD implantation can give rise to a number of complications. Know about some of the major Mirena IUD problems.
Ovarian Cysts
Nearly 12% of Mirena IUD users have reportedly developed enlarged ovarian cysts or ovarian follicles. The cysts generally go away after nearly 3 months of Mirena IUD use but may persist longer. In some women, Mirena IUD cysts may rupture leading to pinching sensations. In users of Mirena IUD cramps may also occur sometimes. The presence of cysts can result in sharp abdominal pain. Following insertion of Mirena IUD lower abdominal pain can make surgical operation necessary.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Mirena IUD use may give rise to PID symptoms within a month of its insertion. PID is a condition that that causes inflammation, pain and tissue damage in the reproductive organs. In worse cases of PID in women implanted with Mirena IUD infertility, hysterectomy and even death.
Women with past cases of PID, Gonorrhea or Chlamydia infection are more susceptible to having PID after Mirena IUD use.
IUD Puncture
In very rare situations, the Mirena IUD may itself suffer a puncture or get stuck in the uterus. In such cases, it needs to be immediately removed. Sometimes, a surgical operation is required for correction. Severe puncture of IUD may result in death.
Sexual disease
Mirena IUD does not provide absolute safety from sexual disorders such as AIDS and Gonorrhea. Women indulging in physical relationships with multiple partners may contract sexual disorders in spite of Mirena IUD usage.
Uterine perforation
Mirena IUD can also perforate the uterus and produce complications. In worse cases of Mirena IUD uterine perforation, the person needs to be hospitalized and administered immediate medical attention. This is the reason why many people consider it safer to use condoms and birth control pills.
Mirena IUD And Pregnancy
In women using Mirena IUD birth control is not absolutely guaranteed. Approximately 0.7 % of women using Mirena IUD are reported to go pregnant despite using the device. There is high chance of Ectopia in such kind of pregnancy. Non-removal of Mirena IUD risks pregnancy in most cases. However, any attempt at removing Mirena IUD can be damaging for the fetus and may result in a miscarriage.
Mirena IUD And Weight Gain
Medical research has shown at least 5% women gaining weight while using Mirena IUD. Weight gain is listed as one of the most common side effects of Mirena IUD use. It is, however, unclear whether weight gain is the result of Mirena IUD use or any other factor. Women suffering from weight gain after Mirena IUD use are generally advised to have
A balanced diet
A healthy diet consisting of lots of fruits, vegetables, milk products, lean meat, fish, eggs and grains can cut down unwanted calories by making the metabolism more active. Women with weight problems are also suggested to cut down alcohol intake and stay away from chocolates, candies and junk foods.
Regular exercise
Participating in physical activities for at least half an hour daily or on most days of the week can be extremely beneficial in burning those unwanted calories and aid proper functioning of the metabolism.
Have sleep
The importance of sleep is often disregarded. Oversleeping may be bad but a good 8 hours of sleep is what the body actually needs to function properly.
In many women using Mirena IUD weight loss becomes difficult with the presence of the device. Women have reported better results in losing weight after Mirena IUD removal.