Mirena IUD Rundown – Pros & Cons Of This Hormonal Birth Control
Have you been into Mirena IUDs for a long-term brit control measure and would like to know the effects of having it? Learn more about Mirena IUDs here.
Mirena's intrauterine device is a long-term contraceptive that releases synthetic progesterone hormone into a lady’s uterus. The device is small and T-shaped and implanted in the uterus to prevent unplanned pregnancy. This contraceptive system has two kinds – a copper IUD that doesn't release any hormones, and Plastic IUD that releases controlled hormones. Mirena is the brand name of the IUD that gives rise to the levonorgestrel hormone. Using this contraceptive for birth control varies from one person to another.
How Mirena IUDs Works
Mirena is a birth control measure that can prevent pregnancy for up to five years. Additionally, it can reduce active menstrual bleeding in ladies who need birth control.
Mirena IUDs contain about fifty-two milligrams of levonorgestrel hormone used to manufacture many birth control pills. In a day, the T-shaped device releases about 20mcg of levonorgestrel hormone. As time goes over the years, the amount of levonorgestrel that the device releases reduce gradually. It needs replacement after about five years if you still need to control your birth. It works in a variety of ways to prevent pregnancy, including:
Thickening the cervix mucus that helps prevent the entry of sperms into the cervix.
Reduces the chance of survival of sperms in the uterus.
Stops the release of ovules from the oviduct.
It thins the uterus lining hence making it challenging for the fertilized egg to implant on the uterine walls. Additionally, it reduces the rate of menstrual bleeding.
This device must be implanted by your health care provider or a physicist. It should be done in the first seven days before the start of monthly periods. The doctor will need to check the device’s efficiency 42 days after being implanted. After that, you will need a regular yearly checkup until the contraceptive expires.
Effectiveness Of Mirena IUDs
Mirena’s efficiency in the prevention of pregnancy is about 99 percent. The contraceptive is more effective than other birth control mechanisms such as condoms, hormonal patches, pills, injections, or rings. To reduce too much bleeding during the menstrual period, its efficacy is about 90 percent after six months. It reduces your bleeding rate by at least a half.
Mirena’s Side Effects
Like any other drug, Mirena has several side effects. They can be severe or less serious. They include:
Nausea, acne, increased migraine, enlarged ovaries, loss of hair, tiredness, increased pain during menstruation, decreased sexual desire, bleeding, and dizziness
Pelvic inflammatory infection, liver infections, stroke, heart attack, allergic reactions, and life-threatening situations develop a few moments after implanting the Mirena.
Serious effects that may result from IUD include perforation and embedment. That means that the device attaches itself to the uterine walls, permanently puncturing the walls. If either of these effects arises, the device should be removed immediately. Such symptoms include vaginal bleeding, pain in the lower abdomen, chills, and fever.
Drugs That Can Work with Mirena
Interactions with other drugs can lower the Mirena device efficiency. In some circumstances, it may cause tragic effects. Make sure you consult your doctor before taking any medicines. The drugs that may react with Mirena include Bosentan, Felbamate, Rifampin, Warfarin, Pentobarbital, Steroids, and herbal products such as glucosamine.
Concerns and Conditions
Mirena may seriously affect people with other health complications or history. They include a high risk of infection, pelvic inflammatory diseases, and breast or uterus cancer. Make sure you communicate and discuss with your physician so that you won’t find yourself in a tragic end.
Pros And Cons of Using Mirena
Pros
Mirena has an efficiency of about 99 percent at preventing pregnancy.
It reduces the amount of blood released during the menstrual period
It can be used for as long as five years and eventually be replaced.
After the Mirena is removed, your ability to get pregnant comes back immediately.
Cons
Mirena introduces levonorgestrel hormone into the body, resulting in mild and tragic side effects.
You cannot implant the device by yourself – you need a doctor.
Mirena may discharge itself through the vagina.
If there is no insurance cover, Mirena is expensive, and most people will not afford it.
The tragic side effect can be life-threatening.
It would be best if you had a regular checkup every year – the chances that you might forget are very high.
The number of side effects related to Mirena outweighs the benefits.
It cannot be used by ladies who have dangerous health history.
The Bottom Line
The type of birth control measure you take is a personal decision. There are a variety of birth control measures today that you can use, including Mirena. If you have queries about what type of contraceptive is compatible with you, take your time and consult your doctor. They will help you find the best birth control method that will help you. Do not jump into any birth control measure because you heard of its effect from a friend. You might place your health at a dead end. Every birth control has its positive and negative sides. When the opposing side outweighs the positive, do not use that contraceptive method. The effect can be long-term or short-term.