Mirena

Other IUD Brand

Paragard

Recent News Regarding Mirena

FDA Received 45,700 Adverse Event Reports Tied to Mirena

How it Works

IUD stands for intrauterine device. An IUD is a small, plastic T-shaped device that is inserted into a woman’s uterus. The arms of the T-shaped frame hold the IUD in place near the top of the uterus. Mirena is currently the only brand available in the United States that contains the hormone progestin, which is the active ingredient in pregnancy prevention. The other IUD is ParaGard, and it contains no hormones.

Mirena releases a small amount of progestin (levonorgestrel) and may be used up to five years. The progestin works, as in other hormonal birth control methods such as the Pill, to prevent ovulation and to thicken the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from passing through.

Both the Mirena and ParaGard IUD may successfully prevent pregnancy also due to causing the body’s release of leukocytes and prostaglandins. The presence of a device in the uterus prompts the release of these substances, which are hostile to both sperm and eggs.

How to Use

The Mirena IUD must be inserted by a medical professional. Before insertion of the IUD, the cervix must be dilated, which is painful for some women. This is necessary so the uterus can be measured and then the IUD inserted.

When it is time to remove the device, your healthcare provider will do it for you. Do not, under any circumstances, try to remove it yourself.

Effectiveness

Mirena has been shown to prevent pregnancy in more than 99% of situations when the IUD is the only birth control method utilized and when it is used exactly as directed.

Cost

In terms of monthly average cost, the IUD is a very inexpensive long-term and reversible birth control method. For the medical exam, the IUD, insertion of the IUD and follow-up visits, the cost typically ranges from $500-1000.

Benefits

• Mirena is effective for 5 years.
• Mirena is one of the least expensive, longest-lasting forms of reversible birth control on the market.
• An IUD does not interrupt sexual play, as there is no preparation to use it. The IUD cannot be felt by the woman and usually cannot be felt by her partner.
• Minera is known to reduce menstrual bleeding or prevent bleeding altogether.
• The FDA approved Mirena to treat menorrhagia (heavy periods).

Risks

• Some women will have mild to moderate pain when the IUD is inserted. There is the possibility of spotting between periods for the first three to six months. Some Mirena users may continue to have irregular periods.
• A woman can develop an infection when using the IUD. This is uncommon. It occurs when bacteria gets into the uterus while the IUD is being inserted.
• There is the possibility of the IUD partially or completely slipping out of the uterus. This is called “device expulsion.” If the IUD comes completely out, there is an immediate risk of pregnancy.
• In even more rare situations, the IUD can push through the wall of the uterus when it is inserted. While this usually isn’t painful, it presents health risks. Usually your healthcare provider will notice right away and fix it. If not, the IUD can move around in the body, and surgery will be required to remove it.
• The FDA received 45,969 reports of serious adverse events linked to Mirena between Nov. 1, 1997 and Aug. 27, 2012. The most common issues women and their doctors reported were device expulsion, device dislocation and vaginal haemorrhage.