Mirena, also known as levonorgestrel, is a plastic t-shaped intrauterine device placed into the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy and treat women with heavy menstrual bleeding, according to Drugs.com. Mirena is effective for up to five years and is best for women who have at least one child. It is important to be cognizant of the minor and major side effects if you are considering Mirena as a method of contraception.
Ectopic Pregnancy
In some instances, women using Mirena may inadvertently become pregnant. Normally, the fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus (womb) but in some rare instances, it can implant itself at other sites such as the fallopian tube (tube that leads from the ovary to the uterus). When Mirena is present in your uterus, an ectopic pregnancy is more likely. According to RxList.com, about 50 percent of pregnancies that occur with the presence of Mirena result in an ectopic pregnancy. Tell your doctor immediately if you suspect you are pregnant while on Mirena, as this may lead to infertility.
Pregnancy within the Uterus
It is crucial for your doctor to remove Mirena from your uterus (womb), if you become pregnant. Failure to do so can result in a miscarriage, sepsis (blood infection) or premature birth, according to Drugs.com. In some instances, you may even go into septic shock (condition of a severe infection accompanied with low blood pressure) and die. There is a small risk for your female baby to develop male external genitalia if the pregnancy continues with Mirena.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
According to RxList.com, Mirena users have an increased risk of developing a pelvic inflammatory infection within the first 20 days of Mirena insertion. Women with multiple sexual partners have an increased risk of obtaining a sexual transmitted disease and Mirena does not protect against this. Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease include heavy menstrual bleeding, stomach or pelvic pain, pain with sexual intercourse, fever and chills. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms as this infection can lead to infertility and even death.
Menstrual Bleeding Problems
Drugs.com states that Mirena can affect your menstrual cycles and lead to increased spotting, heavy bleeding or amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods) especially during the first three to six months of using Mirena. It is important you notify your doctor if you have significant changes in your menstrual bleeding.
Breast Cancer
According to RxList.com, people with an existing history or high risk of developing breast cancer should not use Mirena. Mirena is a hormonal (utilizing natural female body chemicals like progesterone) contraceptive device that can feed a growing breast cancer tumor.
Uterine Trauma
Mirena can embed itself into your uterine muscle, making it less effective. A pregnancy can then result. Mirena can also perforate through your uterus or cervix (opening to your uterus) and move to other parts of your body such as your intestines. According to Drugs.com, Mirena must surgically be removed in both instances.
Ovarian Cysts
Your ovaries (female reproductive structures responsible for egg release into your uterus) may develop large cysts. According to RxList.com, 12 percent of women using Mirena develop ovarian cysts. Surgical repair is necessary if these cysts develop.
Removal
Mirena may spontaneously be removed from your uterus. According to Drugs.com, symptoms of this removal include bleeding or pain. Your doctor can replace Mirena within seven days of your menstrual period if this occurs.
