Mirena is an intrauterine device that contains levonorgestrel, a type of hormone, and is indicated to prevent pregnancy in women. This intrauterine device is inserted into the uterus by a medical professional and can provide effective birth control for up to five years. Women choosing to use this contraceptive method should discuss the common side effects of Mirena before having the device placed.
Placement Discomfort
During placement of the Mirena intrauterine device within the uterus, women can experience mild to moderate discomfort. These side effects can include abdominal cramping, dizziness, lightheadedness and vaginal bleeding and typically subside within a few hours or days after placement. Immediately after having Mirena placed, patients should continue to lie down for 15 to 30 minutes to prevent complications, such as fainting.
Menstrual Cycle Changes
Mirena contains a hormone called levonorgestrel, which can affect a woman's normal menstrual cycle. In clinical trials for this method of birth control, over half of women using Mirena experienced some type of change in uterine or vaginal bleeding, reports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. After having Mirena placed, women may experience irregular vaginal bleeding--called spotting--between monthly menstrual cycles. A woman's menstrual period may become lighter or heavier over the first several months of Mirena use. After using Mirena for at least a year, the FDA notes, over 20 percent of women no longer experience monthly menstrual cycles, a condition referred to as amenorrhea. Lack of a menstrual cycle can also be a sign of pregnancy and should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible.
Breast Tenderness
Certain women can experience swelling of the breast tissue as a side effect of Mirena. If this occurs, the affected breast tissue can feel full or tender to the touch. These side effects are typically temporary and will subside during the first several months of Mirena use.
Stomach Upset
While using Mirena, certain women can experience mild to moderate stomach-related side effects. Stomach upset side effects can include nausea or vomiting and may occur in conjunction with abdominal cramping or pain, warns Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website for consumers. If abdominal pain persists or worsens while using Mirena, affected patients should contact a doctor as soon as possible.
Headache or Mood Changes
Mirena can cause headache and mood-related side effects to arise in certain patients. Women using this form of birth control can experience frequent or recurrent headaches, which may be severe. These painful headache symptoms can affect a woman's ability to concentrate while at work or school. Certain women may also experience mood changes, such as depression or irritability, while using Mirena.
Acne
Use of this method of birth control can contribute to the appearance of pus-filled skin lesions, called acne, across the face or body. This side effect can be irritating or embarrassing to certain women but may subside with continued use of Mirena.
