Sep 22, 2022
Birth Control
The Mirena IUD is one of three intrauterine devices (IUDs) available in Canada. This hormonal IUD is a long-term birth control solution for those looking for a maintenance-free contraception option. In this article, we will talk about reported side effects such as weight gain and mood changes. We will also talk about Mirena's pros and cons and what Mirena costs as a birth control option.
People using Mirena IUDs have reported some side effects. Most women have a good experience with this IUD while others have faced some challenges. We will break down Mirena’s side effects for you, from common to rare.
Other side effects and disadvantages include:
After getting your Mirena IUD inserted, you may have some discomfort like cramping, bleeding, and dizziness. These symptoms go away within a day or two.
In the first 3 to 6 months of having the Mirena IUD, the most common side effect is irregular bleeding. This will lessen over time and many women stop having periods altogether on Mirena. If you continue to have bothersome side effects for more than a few months, talk to your healthcare provider to see if continuing Mirena is right for you.
The Mirena IUD could move out of the uterus and into other parts of the body. This can cause several problems, including expulsion from the body, embedment in the uterine wall, and perforation of the uterus. This could be serious, so always check for threads of Mirena every month.
Perforation of the uterus is another serious complication that can be caused by the Mirena IUD. This occurs when the IUD pokes through the wall of the uterus and can lead to internal bleeding, infection, and even infertility.
The Mirena IUD can also be expelled from the body. This occurs when the IUD slips out of the uterus and into the vagina. Expulsion can lead to unintended pregnancy, as well as other complications such as infection.
The risk of expulsion may be higher if you have prolonged or heavy periods, have never been pregnant, are younger than 20 years of age, or had Mirena inserted immediately after childbirth.
Toxic shock syndrome is a rare but potentially deadly condition that can be caused by the use of certain types of contraceptive devices, including the Mirena IUD. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include fever, rash, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you are experiencing any of these, go to the nearest emergency department right away. If left untreated, the condition can lead to organ failure and death.
Some women experience allergic reactions to the materials used in the Mirena IUD. This can cause a range of symptoms, including itching, swelling, and skin irritation.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a serious infection of the reproductive organs that can be caused by the Mirena IUD. Symptoms of PID include fever, abdominal pain, and vaginal discharge. If left untreated, PID can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and even death.
The Mirena IUD may cause weight changes in some women. This can be due to several factors, including changes in eating habits, hormonal changes, and water retention.
Headaches are a common complaint among women who use the Mirena IUD. The cause of these headaches is not yet known, but they may be related to the hormones released by the IUD.
Depression is a potential side effect of the Mirena IUD. This may be due to the hormones released by the IUD.
The Mirena IUD may cause ovarian cysts in some women. These cysts are small, fluid-filled sacs that develop on the ovaries. Although most ovarian cysts are harmless, some can lead to complications such as infertility or cancer.
Complications from the Mirena intrauterine device (IUD) are rare but can include expulsion, perforation of the uterus, and occasionally migration of the device.
If you have private insurance coverage for prescription medications, Mirena may be covered under your plan. Talk to your plan provider to find out. If you do not have any private insurance plan for medications, Mirena costs about $350.
Mirena can interact with some antibiotics as well as other medications, including those used to treat high blood pressure, epilepsy, tuberculosis, and fungal infections. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medications while using Mirena.
With a 99.6% success rate, one of the primary benefits of the Mirena IUD is its efficacy. Once in place, you can rest well knowing that you are nearly 100% protected from an unexpected pregnancy.
Once inserted, the Mirena IUD requires little to no maintenance. Medical professionals generally recommend a follow-up visit 4-6 weeks after the procedure to ensure the device's position is correct. After the follow-up appointment, the only maintenance required is a quick monthly check of the two thin strings attached to the end of the IUD.
The long-term nature of the Mirena IUD eliminates the need to "prepare" before intercourse. There is no need to worry about whether or not a condom is available, nor is there any need to worry about taking birth control pills regularly. When you are ready to conceive, removal of the IUD is a straightforward process.
After a few months of use, the Mirena IUD can decrease and even completely stop menstruation. Since the use of the Mirena IUD can cause a complete cessation of a menstrual period, this IUD is an excellent choice for those who have heavy periods and extreme cramping and pain with periods. Eliminating this extra blood loss can also be advantageous to those suffering from anemia.
Some people report weight gain as a side effect of the Mirena IUD. The synthetic hormone in the Mirena IUD may lead to a slight gain in weight for some women. But this does not happen to everyone who uses it. In fact, many women find the Mirena IUD helps them lose weight or prevents them from gaining weight. Talk to your doctor to see if the Mirena IUD is the best birth control option for you.
If you have the Mirena IUD and decide to conceive, your ability to get pregnant returns pretty much immediately after the removal of the IUD. This is a benefit of Mirena compared to birth control pills, which can continue to reduce your fertility for 1-2 months after stopping it.
After giving birth, you can resume using Mirena after 6 to 12 weeks. You can also safely breastfeed while having Mirena in place.
One of the main reasons why women choose Mirena is that once inserted, it can provide protection for up to 5 years. Another reason why Mirena differs from the other IUDs is that it is most commonly used to treat heavy periods.
Because of these benefits, Mirena is an ideal choice for women with:
Although the Mirena IUD is a safe and effective contraceptive method, there are a few things to consider before you get it. For instance, there are some disadvantages, such as:
You are at higher risk of pelvic infection for the first 20 days after insertion of the Mirena IUD. Your doctor may check for an existing infection before inserting the IUD to prevent this complication.
Getting any kind of IUD fitted may slightly increase your risk of recurrent yeast infection. If this happens, consult your physician, as they may suggest a different mode of contraception.
In extremely rare cases, the Mirena IUD may cause a hole in the uterus while getting it fitted. While this may be painful, usually there are no symptoms. If your physician or nurse fitting it is experienced, the risk is negligible. Consult your physician in case you are noticing any pain as the IUD may need removal.
In rare cases, the Mirena IUD could be expelled from your womb, or it could move. If this happens, it is usually soon after it is inserted. Your physician will teach you how to check if the IUD is in place by checking the threads of the device.
If the Mirena IUD fails and you conceive, there is a slight risk of ectopic pregnancy.
As with any birth control method, Mirena comes with a few potential cons. There may be a chance of ectopic pregnancy, and in rare cases, the perforation of the uterine wall or cervix. It may even cause severe infections, including pelvic inflammatory disease and sepsis if it’s not taken out in time.
Mirena is a T-shaped device that’s inserted into the uterus. It contains a hormone called levonorgestrel that’s released slowly over time. The hormone works to prevent pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to reach the egg. It also may stop the egg from being released from the ovaries. Mirena is effective for up to five years. Levonorgestrel can cause side effects in some individuals, including abdominal pain, headaches, changes in blood pressure, and swelling of feet, face, ankles, etc.
While the Mirena IUD may protect against pregnancy, it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If you are not in a committed sexual relationship, it is still necessary to take additional measures to protect yourself.
The process of getting the IUD inserted may be considered a con for some people. The procedure itself can be uncomfortable. You may have cramping, bleeding, or mild dizziness for a few hours. Not everyone has these side effects from the procedure. When the IUD procedure is complete, your medical professional may suggest that you take the remainder of the day off to rest and recover.
While rare, it is worth noting that the uterus can get punctured during the insertion of the Mirena IUD. Inserting the Mirena IUD in the first few weeks after giving birth increases the chances of this happening.
Another rare occurrence of note is that some people report having their Mirena come out entirely or partially on its own (an event called expulsion). If this does happen, the IUD must be removed by a medical professional.
This IUD is very low maintenance. You do not have to worry about using it incorrectly or forgetting to take it. Your physician will show you how to check for the IUD string to ensure that it is not displaced.
Your healthcare provider may recommend that you remove Mirena if you are suffering from or experiencing:
Your physician will evaluate you before inserting the Mirena IUD. You can choose to insert Mirena:
You can consider taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, before inserting the IUD to prevent cramping.
If you get Mirena inserted more than seven days after your period starts, it is a good idea to use other contraceptives as a backup for a week. Mirena is an excellent choice for those looking for an IUD. If you are interested in Mirena, be sure to discuss it with your medical professional to see if it is the right IUD for you.
Apart from the benefits similar to other IUDs, Mirena also has the following additional benefits:
Mirena contains 52 mg of levonorgestrel and releases roughly 20 mcg of levonorgestrel per day which affects the lining of the uterus, thickens cervical mucus, and prevents ovulation. All these mechanisms work together to prevent pregnancy.
It can also help in reducing heavy menstrual bleeding. Over 5 years, the amount of hormones released daily gradually declines. After 5 years, the IUD should be replaced.
The Mirena IUD is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. It is more effective than many other contraception forms, including condoms, hormonal patches, pills, injections, or rings.
When used to manage heavy menstrual bleeding, it is effective in 90% of cases within six months of use. It is seen to reduce menstrual bleeding by more than half.
The Mirena is a small T-shaped plastic device that is placed into the uterus by a medical professional. The IUD releases the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy. Once Mirena is inserted, it releases small amounts of levonorgestrel every day, thickening the mucus in the cervix while thinning the lining of the uterus and preventing sperm from entering. Mirena inhibits pregnancy in the following ways:
Once inserted, Mirena effectively prevents pregnancy for up to 5 years. Mirena is more than 99% effective. The long-term effectiveness of this device makes it an attractive option for those who do not want to conceive at present but may wish to do so in the future. Once you’ve had Mirena inserted, you don’t need to regularly take a pill or change a ring or patch.
Like other IUDs, Mirena is prescribed after consultation with your healthcare provider. On the day of your insertion procedure, bring Mirena to your healthcare provider. Your medical professional will take you through the steps of the procedure. Use this opportunity to ask your medical professional about any additional questions you may have.
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