The Mirena intrauterine device (IUD) is a safe method of birth control that lasts for up to five years without maintenance, remembering to take pills or getting a monthly shot. According to "USA Today," the IUD is the least used form of birth control in the United States, but it is gaining popularity because of the convenience and flexibility that Mirena offers. A small amount of continuous hormones stops you from getting pregnant, but can also cause you to have side effects. Consider these carefully before having one inserted.
Discomfort During Placement
While your doctor is placing the Mirena, you'll be asked to lay on your back, much like a pelvic exam. Dizziness and nausea can occur while the device is being placed, and you may experience cramping, much like the menstrual cramping you get during a period.
Expulsion
The Mirena IUD may come out on its own. You may notice this when sudden, heavy bleeding occurs, along with severe cramping.
Irregular Bleeding
While using the Mirena for birth control, especially during the first few months after insertion, you may experience irregular bleeding that is much like light spotting, or a regular menstrual flow. This will not happen in a cycle, but is mostly random. The longer you use the Mirena, the less often this irregular bleeding will occur.
Missed Periods
Two out of 10 women miss periods or stop having a period altogether once the Mirena has been in use for more than a year. Periods usually return less than six weeks after the Mirena is removed, leaving you fertile once again.
Menstrual Symptoms
Some women, between 5 and 10 percent will experience side effects that are much like the symptoms of a period; cramping, acne, nausea, dizziness and breast pain. This is normal and fades the longer you use your Mirena.
Hormonal Side Effects
Because of the continuous release of the hormone progesterone from the Mirena, you may also experience side effects that are much like those you have when you're pregnant; changes in hair growth, bloating, anemia and mood swings.
Embedment
Sometimes the Mirena device will implant itself into the wall of uterus. This basically renders it useless, and makes it harder for your doctor to remove. A vaginal removal will be attempted, but it could lead to surgery to remove the Mirena completely.
Perforation
Perforation is the most serious side effect of the Mirena, but it also the most rare. The device can puncture the lining of the uterus, which could cause scarring, end any pregnancy prevention and possibly damage other organs. A perforation will be accompanied by immense pain, and surgery will be required. A report by the "American Journal of Forensic Medical Pathology" puts the risk of perforation at about one in one thousand women using an IUD.
Ectopic Pregnancy
If you one of the two in 1,000 women who will become pregnant while using the Mirena, it could result in an ectopic pregnancy, or a pregnancy that occurs somewhere other than the uterus. This is a dangerous condition, and if you suspect that you've become pregnant while using the Mirena, you should notify your doctor immediately.
