Mirena IUD is a hormonal intrauterine device that contains levonorgestrel, a type of progesterone, which is released in small quantities and constantly in the uterus, increasing the thickness of cervical mucus and causing changes in the uterus, preventing sperm from passing through the cervical canal. or altering your mobility.
Furthermore, the Mirena IUD, in some women, can also inhibit ovulation, in addition to being recommended by a gynecologist in cases of excessive menstrual bleeding or to protect against excessive growth of the internal lining of the uterus during hormone replacement therapy. .
The Mirena IUD is inserted into the uterus by the gynecologist, and can be done in the office or in a hospital environment, having an effect that can last up to 5 years. Before inserting the Mirena IUD, the gynecologist should recommend carrying out breast exams, blood tests to detect sexually transmitted infections, and a Pap smear, in addition to evaluating the position and size of the uterus.
What is it for
The Mirena IUD is indicated for:
- Pregnancy prevention;
- Treatment of excessive menstrual bleeding;
- Protection against excessive growth of the lining of the uterus during hormone replacement therapy.
Furthermore, the gynecologist may recommend the use of the Mirena IUD for women with endometriosis, as it helps to reduce endometriosis outbreaks, relieve excessive menstrual bleeding or reduce menstrual cramps, which are common in endometriosis. Learn more about endometriosis and other treatment options.
Although the Mirena IUD is indicated as a contraceptive method to prevent unwanted pregnancy, this device does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and it is important to always use a condom during all sexual relations. Check out the main STIs.
How it works
The Mirena IUD releases the hormone levonorgestrel directly into the uterus, in low quantities, but constantly, which leads to changes in the inner lining layer of the uterus, which becomes thinner, making the uterine environment unsuitable for pregnancy.
Furthermore, the Mirena IUD makes the mucus on the cervix thicker, making it difficult for sperm to move, reducing the chances of reaching the egg and fertilization. In some women, the Mirena IUD may also inhibit ovulation.
Due to changes in the uterus and fallopian tubes, the Mirena IUD also helps to inhibit the function of sperm mobility, which also helps prevent pregnancy.
The Mirena IUD failure rate is just 0.2% in the first year of use.
How the Mirena IUD is inserted
The Mirena IUD is inserted by the gynecologist in the office, and is placed after a gynecological examination. In some cases, this procedure may cause pain and mild discomfort when the cervix is clamped.
The Mirena IUD can be inserted up to 7 days after the first day of menstruation, or at any time during the menstrual cycle, as long as it is certain that the woman is not pregnant.
The Mirena IUD can also be used during breastfeeding, and can be inserted when the uterus has returned to normal size, and should not be inserted in the first 6 weeks after birth. Additionally, the Mirena IUD can be inserted immediately after a first-trimester abortion, as long as no signs of infection are present.
Care after insertion of the Mirena IUD
In most cases, adaptation symptoms are mild and short-lived, but dizziness may occur and, therefore, the doctor may recommend that the woman lies down for 30-40 minutes after inserting the IUD.
Furthermore, mild cramps may appear the first day after placement. However, if severe pain appears or lasts more than 3 weeks, you should consult a gynecologist.
After inserting the Mirena IUD, sexual intercourse should be avoided for at least the first 24 hours, so that the body can adapt to the new contraceptive method.
It is recommended to return to the gynecologist 4 to 12 weeks after inserting the Mirena IUD, and at least once a year, to carry out tests and check if the IUD is in the correct position.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects of the Mirena IUD are:
- Headache;
- Abdominal or pelvic pain;
- Increased menstrual flow;
- Absence of menstruation;
- Menstrual bleeding during the month (spotting);
- Vaginal discharge;
- Vulvovaginitis;
- Increased cramps in the first months of use;
- Benign cysts on the ovaries;
- Acne;
- Breast pain;
- Change in vaginal secretion;
- Mood changes, nervousness, emotional instability;
- Decreased libido;
- Bloating or weight gain;
- Nausea.
The Mirena IUD can also cause intense menstrual cramps that can move the IUD, reducing its effectiveness. Symptoms that can indicate its displacement include abdominal pain and increased cramps, and, if present, an appointment with a gynecologist should be made. .
Who shouldn’t use
The Mirena IUD should not be used in cases of suspected pregnancy, recurrent or pelvic inflammatory disease, lower genital tract infection, postpartum endometritis, miscarriage in the last 3 months, cervicitis, cervical dysplasia, uterine or cervical cancer, uterine bleeding unidentified abnormality, leiomyomas, acute hepatitis, liver cancer.
Common questions
Some common questions about using the Mirena IUD are:
1. How do you know if the Mirena IUD is properly placed?
Only the gynecologist can know if the Mirena is inserted correctly. During the speculum exam carried out in the office, the IUD thread is visible in the vagina. The woman herself cannot always feel the IUD thread in her vagina, but this does not mean that it is poorly positioned.
In some cases, by touching deeper into the vagina, the woman can feel the IUD thread and this means that it is well positioned.
2. How long can it be used?
The Mirena IUD can be used for up to 5 consecutive years, and at the end of this period the device must be removed by the gynecologist, and can be exchanged for another equal device or the copper IUD, for example, and its placement, in this case, can be done at any time during the menstrual cycle. Check out all the IUD options that your gynecologist may recommend.
Furthermore, the Mirena IUD can be removed by the gynecologist at any time during treatment, if the woman wishes to remove it.
3. Does the Mirena IUD change menstruation?
The Mirena IUD can change the menstrual period as it is composed of a hormone that affects a woman’s cycle. During use, small amounts of blood may be observed (spotting), depending on each woman’s body. In some cases, bleeding may be absent, meaning there is no longer menstruation.
When Mirena is removed from the uterus by the gynecologist, as the effect of the hormone is no longer there, menstruation should return to normal.
4. Does the Mirena IUD harm sexual intercourse?
While using the device, it is not expected to interfere with sexual intercourse. If this happens, because there is pain or because you can feel the presence of the device, it is recommended that you stop intimate contact and see your gynecologist to check if the device is correctly positioned.
However, in a few cases, the Mirena IUD can also cause dryness in the vagina, which can make penetration difficult during intercourse, and the use of water-based lubricants is recommended, as advised by the gynecologist.
5. Is it possible to use tampons?
When using Mirena, it is best to use external absorbents, but tampons or menstrual cups can also be used, as long as they are removed carefully so as not to pull the device’s threads.
6. Can the Mirena IUD come out on its own?
Rarely. It may happen that Mirena is expelled from the body during the menstrual period. In these cases, it may be difficult to notice that this has happened, so the woman should pay attention to her menstrual flow, as if it increases it could be a sign that she is no longer under the effect of the hormone.
7. Is it possible to get pregnant after removing the device?
The Mirena IUD is a device that does not interfere with fertility and therefore, once removed, there is a chance of becoming pregnant.
Therefore, after removing Mirena, it is recommended to use other contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy.
8. Does the Mirena IUD make you fat?
As with other contraceptive pills, the Mirena IUD can lead to increased fluid retention, as it is a progesterone-based contraceptive method.
9. Do I need to use other contraceptive methods?
The Mirena IUD works as a hormonal contraceptive method and only prevents pregnancy, not protecting the body against sexually transmitted diseases.
Therefore, when using Mirena, it is recommended to use barrier contraceptive methods, such as condoms, which protect against sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV or gonorrhea.
Furthermore, it is important to remember that it is possible to get pregnant with a hormonal IUD like Mirena, however this is a rare event that happens when the device is out of position, which can cause an ectopic pregnancy. Find out how to identify a possible pregnancy using the IUD.
10. What are the symptoms of Mirena IUD rejection?
The Mirena IUD can move or perforate the wall of the uterus when it is moved or during placement, which is an uncommon situation. Some of the symptoms of rejection are:
- Bleeding outside the menstrual period;
- Excessive menstruation;
- Severe abdominal pain,
- Uncommon vaginal discharge;
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
In the presence of these symptoms, it is important that the gynecologist is consulted so that an evaluation can be carried out and that the IUD has come out of place or that there has been damage to the wall of the uterus.
Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date with exclusive news
that can transform your routine!
