Mirena is one of two intrauterine devices (IUDs) available in the United States to prevent pregnancy. As of October 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Mirena to also treat heavy periods in women who choose to use an IUD to prevent pregnancy. This form of birth control is long-lasting and reversible. According to the Mayo Clinic, Mirena is about 99.9 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and costs about $300 to $400 every five years, plus physician office visit fees.
The Device
Mirena is a small, flexible, T-shaped plastic frame that is placed in the uterus by a health care professional. Small threads attached to the end of the IUD can be felt in the vagina. Mirena releases a hormone called levonorgestrel into the uterus. This form of birth control prevents pregnancy by making the uterus unsuitable for implantation, limiting sperm movement and decreasing sperm survival.
Considerations
The Mirena IUD can protect against pregnancy for up to five years. Your physician can remove Mirena at any time if you wish to become pregnant or change to another birth control option. According to the FDA, about 80 percent of women who try to become pregnant succeed within the first year after Mirena removal. Side effects felt during and after insertion of the IUD include dizziness, bleeding and pain. These side effects generally go away within 30 minutes. You should feel for the threads with clean fingers once a month to ensure the device is in the correct position. You may use tampons with the Mirena IUD.
Side Effects
Common side effects of the Mirena IUD include spontaneous dislodgement of the IUD, missed menstrual periods, changes in menstrual bleeding and ovarian cysts. If the IUD dislodges or falls out you may become pregnant and will need to use another form of birth control, such as condoms. After one year of using Mirena, according to the FDA, about 20 percent of women will stop having periods. Changes in menstrual bleeding can range from a lighter to a heavier flow and your periods may become irregular. According to the FDA, cysts develop on the ovaries of about 12 percent of women using Mirena. The cysts usually disappear without treatment within two months.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects of Mirena use are uncommon, but can include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a life-threatening infection and the IUD may attach to the wall of the uterus or puncture the uterus. Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease include unusual vaginal discharge, stomach pain, chills, fever, painful sex and long-lasting or heavy bleeding. This condition is a sexually transmitted disease and can lead to serious complications like infertility, constant pelvic pain and ectopic pregnancy. If the IUD adheres to the uterine wall, it may not protect you against pregnancy and may need surgical removal. If Mirena punctures the uterus it can cause infection, scarring and damage to other organs and tissues.
Precaution
Mirena is not indicated for women who are pregnant, might be pregnant and those with certain medical conditions. Your physician will determine if this form of birth control is indicated for you based on your situation and medication history. The Mirena IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. If you are at risk for STDs, you need to use a form of protection such as a condom during intercourse.
