The Mirena is a hormone-releasing intrauterine device (IUD). It is a T-shaped device which releases a hormone called levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of progesterone.
Mirena is one of the most effective forms of contraception available and is 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy. It is also indicated to manage heavy periods also known as heavy menstrual bleeding .
Like all IUDs, Mirena is inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. The healthcare provider uses a speculum in the vagina to see the cervix and sterile instruments to place the Mirena into the cavity of the uterus . Once placed, Mirena has short strings that come out of the cervix into the vagina .You can confirm the device is in place by feeling for the strings by putting your finger inside your vagina, having your partner feel for the strings or getting a doctor to check. When it's time to remove your IUD , a healthcare provider pulls on the strings with sterile instruments.
In Canada, the Mirena IUD is approved for use up to 5 years when placed in women under age 25, and up to 7 years for women 25 and older.
How does the Mirena work to prevent pregnancy?
The Mirena IUD continuously releases low levels of levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone which is similar to progesterone. Mirena contains 52 mg of levonorgestrel, while Kyleena contains 19.5mg.
Levonorgestrel works in multiple ways to prevent pregnancy. First, it partially suppresses ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary). It also thickens cervical mucus, creating a plug that prevents the sperm from entering the uterus and fertilising an egg. Finally, it thins the lining of the uterus which is why the periods get lighter or stop altogether and this is why Mirena is indicated to manage heavy periods or for anyone not wanting to have a period.
Spotting , prolonged , heavy and irregular bleeding with MIRENA IUD can be expected during the first three to six months.
What are the benefits of a Mirena IUD?
The Mirena IUD offers many benefits to the user.
- Effective contraception: Mirena is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Approximately 1 in 100 women using the Mirena will get pregnant in a year.
- Long-lasting: Mirena can be used for up to 5 years in women under 25 years of age and up to 7 years in women over 25.
- Convenient and hassle-free: Once the Mirena has been placed, it is effective as contraception after 7 days . No need to remember to take contraceptive pills, patch or insert a contraceptive ring inside the vagina.
- Lower dose of hormones compared to contraceptive pills, patch and ring: The amount of progesteroe hormone in a Mirena is much less than birth control pills, patches, rings or the shot . The hormonal effects are
localised inside the cavity of the uterus and most wormen do not experience hormonal side effects. When MIRENA is first placed, women can feel irritable or experience breast tenderness which usually lasts the first few cycles and then stops. About 10% of women remove Mirena due to hormonal side effects such as weight gain, mood changes, acne or headaches. - Reduced menstrual flow: Mirena can significantly reduce menstrual bleeding. During the first 3 to 6 months. you may have irregular, prolonged , heavy bleeding or spotting between periods. By the end of the third month , this bleeding starts to settle. After 1 year of use, 16% of women have stopped getting periods and this number increases with time . Periods stop altogether in 80 % of women.
- Can treat heavy periods: Mirena is approved to treat heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) and painful periods ( dysmenorrhea) . Women with heavy periods often have low iron or iron deficiency anemia . With Mirena periods get lighter and can stop altogether leading to an increase in iron levels in the blood. It Is often used to manage pain in endometriosis.
- Reversible: Mirena can be removed by a healthcare provider at any time, with immediate return to fertility.
Emergency contraception: MIRENA IUD can be used as emergency contraception within 7 days of unprotected sex. - Can be used during breastfeeding: Mirena can be placed 8 weeks after natural delivery and 12 weeks after Caesarean Section. It is safe to use while breastfeeding.
