Mirena is an intrauterine device that contains a progestin hormone called levonorgest. This hormone helps to prevent pregnancy as it is released in small, consistent doses throughout the day into the bloodstream. Before choosing Mirena as your method of contraception, you should learn about both its benefits and side effects.
Most Reported Side Effects
Mirena may cause certain side effects that are considered common, according to eMedTV.com. As your body adjusts to this contraceptive, these side effects should subside. Shortly after insertion, you may suffer from abdominal pain, headaches and back pain. Acne and nausea are also normal as your body becomes acclimated to the release of levonorgest into your body. A decreased libido, milky vaginal discharge, breast pain and yeast infections are also associated with Mirena.
Menstrual Cycle
Once Mirena has been inserted, you may notice your menstrual cycles changing; this is another common side effect of Mirena, according to eMedTV.com. The first three to six months may produce an irregular period, or you may simply notice lighter periods. For some women, periods end completely. While rare, pregnancies have been known to occur with Mirena. Therefore, if these changes in your menstrual cycle happen, it is wise to notify your physician.
Serious Side Effects
Mirena can cause side effects that may pose a serious health risk. These side effects include severe pain occurring a few hours after Mirena has been inserted (a sign of infection), depression, severe headaches or migraines, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin).
High Blood Pressure
Mirena is linked with high blood pressure, another serious side effect requiring the attention of your doctor. As stated by the Mayo Clinic, many people suffering from high blood pressure experience no symptoms even when their blood pressure reaches extreme levels. In some cases, though, you may suffer from frequent headaches which are accompanied by nosebleeds and dizzy spells.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Drugs.com states that there is an increased risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease when using Mirena, especially in the first 20 days after insertion. Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease include heavy vaginal bleeding that lasts for a long period of time, lower abdominal pain, fever, chills, vaginal discharge and painful intercourse. Call your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms present themselves.
Benefits
Aside from the many adverse side effects, Mirena offers a vast amount of benefits. Perhaps one of its greatest benefits is convenience. Mirena, once inserted, can remain in the uterus for five years. Rather than having to remember to take a pill every day, or receive a shot every three months, you can relax knowing that Mirena is releasing its contraceptive hormone daily.
According to birth-control-facts.com, Mirena is safer than other hormone-based birth control methods because it does not contain estrogen. Its safety is also attributed to the fact that the progestin it contains is released in very low doses due to the fact that Mirena is placed so close to the uterus.
Finally, if you wish to become pregnant three years after having Mirena inserted, you simply need to ask your doctor to remove it for you. Since progestin does not linger in your body like the hormones from other contraceptive methods do, your chances of conceiving are just as good as they were before you began using Mirena.
