Mirena is a type of IUD that releases the hormone progesterone and is indicated to prevent pregnancy, and may also be indicated for the treatment of excessive and exaggerated blood loss during menstrual periods or in case of endometriosis.
This “T-shaped” device should be inserted into the uterus, where it gradually releases the hormone levonorgestrel into the body. Read the instructions on this method of birth control in Levonorgestrel – Mirena.
- As Mirena is a device to place in the uterus.
- It is normal to have doubts about its use.
- So we answer some of the most common doubts:.
Mirena is a device that must be placed and removed by the gynecologist in the office, inserted after a gynecological examination. In some cases, this procedure may cause pain and mild discomfort when the cervix is attached.
In addition, Mirena should be inserted 7 days after the first day of menstruation. The device may cause pain or discomfort during the first few weeks of use, and your doctor should be consulted in case of severe or persistent pain.
Only the gynecologist can tell if Mirena is inserted correctly. During the speculative examination performed in the office, the IUD thread present in the vagina is perceived. The woman herself cannot always feel the IUD thread in her vagina, but that doesn’t mean the IUD isn’t positioned properly.
In some cases, by touching the vagina more deeply, the woman may feel the thread of the IUD and this means that it is well positioned.
Mirena can be used for 5 consecutive years, and at the end of this period, the doctor should remove the device, with the possibility of always adding a new device.
After placing the device, it is recommended to return to the gynecologist to verify that it is properly inserted after 4 to 12 weeks.
Mirena can change her period because it is a birth control method that affects a woman’s cycle. When used, small amounts of blood (stains) may be observed, depending on each woman’s body. In some cases, bleeding may be absent and menstruation will stop.
When Mirena is removed from the uterus, because the effect of the hormone no longer exists, menstruation should return to normal.
When using the device, you should not interfere with sexual intercourse. If this happens, because there is pain or because it is possible to feel the presence of the device, it is recommended to stop sexual contact and consult a gynecologist to check that the device is properly placed.
However, in some cases, the Mirena IUD can also cause vaginal dryness, which can make it difficult to penetrate during sex, and it is advisable to use water-based lubricants to try to solve the problem.
In addition, once Mirena is inserted, sexual intercourse is contracted within the first 24 hours, so that the body can adapt to the new method of contraception.
When using Mirena, it is best to use external tampons, but tampons or menstrual cups can also be used, as long as they are carefully removed so as not to pull the cables of the device.
Rarely. Mirena is sometimes expelled from the body during her period. In these cases, it can be difficult to realize that this has happened, so you should be aware of the menstrual flow, which if it increases, may be a sign that you are no longer under the influence of the hormone.
Mirena is a device that does not interfere with fertility and therefore, after weate, there is a risk of becoming pregnant.
Therefore, after removing Mirena, it is recommended to use other contraceptive methods to avoid pregnancy.
As with other birth control pills, Mirena can lead to increased water retention because it is a contraceptive method that works with progesterone.
Mirena functions as a hormonal contraceptive method and only prevents pregnancy, without protecting the body from sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, when using Mirena, it is recommended to use barrier contraception, such as condoms, that protect against diseases such as AIDS or gonorrhea.
In addition, it is important to remember that it is possible to get pregnant with a hormonal IUD like Mirena, but this is a rare event that occurs when the device is out of position and can cause an ectopic pregnancy. Learn more about Is it possible to get pregnant with an IUD?.