The Mirena coil is one of two intrauterine devices approved for the use of preventing pregnancy. Mirena provides protection from pregnancy in two ways. Drugs.com explains that the intrauterine device works to prevent pregnancy by thickening a woman's cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach a woman's egg. It also changes the uterine lining to make it difficult for a fertilized egg to attach, an important step in the development of the egg to a fetus. When five years pass or when a woman decides to stop using Mirena, a health care professional must remove it from her uterus. There may be some side effects associated with this process.
Pain
A health care professional will gently pull on the threads that are attached to the base of the Mirena IUD and remain outside the cervix. This is done by grasping the threads with forceps. The device is T-shaped but the arms of the IUD will fold down when the device is pulled out of position. This process can be uncomfortable, even painful for the woman. Typically the pain is not significant. Slight abdominal cramping can develop once the IUD is removed. The International Planned Parenthood Federation elaborates that removing the IUD during a woman's period can diminish discomfort because the cervix is naturally soft at this time. Severe pain, sharp pains or persistent cramping should be reported to a health care professional, as this can be a sign of pregnancy or some other serious complication.
Bleeding
Following the removal of Mirena from the uterus, some spotting can occur and even a slight amount of tissue loss. This is considered to be normal. American Family Physician points out that some women experience an increase in blood loss during menstruation following the removal of the device. Spotting even when the woman is not on her period can occur for the first few months after the IUD is removed as the body gets used to the change in hormones.
Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for a lack of a menstrual period. Some women don't experience a period once Mirena is inserted, and it can take one or more months for the period to return after the device is removed. This is considered to be normal, but a woman should discuss it with her health care provider and confirm that the lack of period is not due to pregnancy.
Neurovascular Episodes
When Mirena is removed a woman may experience neurovascular episodes. These episodes impact the blood vessels and nerves within the body. Specifically, RxList.com suggests a woman can experience a slowed heart rate, called bradycardia. The heart may beat less than 60 times in one minute. Another form of neurovascular interference a woman may experience is syncope, a partial or complete loss of consciousness. This can be recognized as fainting or briefly losing awareness of herself or her surroundings. These neurovascular episodes are generally mild and occur while the woman is still in the medical facility.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Mirena (Hormonal IUD)
- International Planned Parenthood Federation: Helping Continuing Users - IUD (Resource)
- American Family Physician: Insertion and Removal of Intrauterine Devices - January 1, 2005
- Drugs.com: Mirena Dosage
- RxList: Mirena (Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System)Drug Information
