To plan for pregnancies and avoid them when you are not ready, it is essential to know the different options. The most common methods are barrier methods, such as the condom and hormonal ones. The latter comes in various forms, such as birth control pills or the hormonal IUD.
However, you should know that hormonal contraceptive methods are not without adverse reactions, such as acne or headaches. Are you interested in learning the side effects of the Mirena IUD? So, keep reading this FastlyHealarticle to find out.
Table of Contents
What is the Mirena IUD?
Mirena is the best-known brand for birth control called a hormonal-type intrauterine device (IUD). This means that this small implement, in addition to working physically and directly on the uterus as a common IUD, is coated with medication similar to the hormones secreted in the female body.
In this way, it prevents the arrival of sperm and changes the conditions in the female body to make it less fertile.
How it works
Among the main effects to be expected from implanting a hormonal IUD in the uterus are:
- It was thinning of the uterine walls.
- Thickening of cervical and uterine mucus. This makes it harder for sperm to climb up the fallopian tube to meet the egg.
- Anovulation. This type of IUD also acts on the female menstrual cycle. Changing the number of circulating hormones prevents ovulation about 14 days after menstruation.
How to put it on
A hormonal and a regular IUD are easily inserted in the gynecology office.
It is easier to put on during menstruation or postpartum when the entrance to the uterus (cervical os) is more open. Local anesthesia may or may not be required depending on the woman’s sensitivity, but placement is rapid and easy.
With a small forceps, the implement is placed a few centimeters from the entrance to the uterus. A follow-up with ultrasound may be required to verify that the device is well-positioned. The following article explains how to know if the IUD is correctly inserted.
What are the side effects of the Mirena IUD?
Hormonal contraceptive methods are divided into two:
- Those that are used in a systemic way, that is, that go through the entire organism to get to act. Such is the case with contraceptive pills, patches or intradermal devices, or “chips.”
- Those that secrete a small amount of hormone in a more localized way. Like the hormonal IUD or vaginal rings.
To a greater or lesser extent, all of these users have artificial hormones similar to those secreted by the female body: estrogen and progesterone. In this way, they alter the natural female cycle, bringing consequences throughout the body.
The Mirena IUD can occasionally bring some of the following side effects:
Acne
A tremendous amount of circulating hormones implies an overload of the body’s cleansing system that depends on the skin, liver, and kidneys. In some women, this manifests itself with more oil on the skin and obstruction of the sebaceous glands, generating annoying acne.
To reduce it, you must lessen those products that leave a lot of residues: processed, excess dairy, meat, and refined products, and increase the consumption of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Irregular menstrual bleeding
As the female cycle is no longer regulated naturally, bleeding may occur outside of menstruation. On the other hand, they can also be caused by permanent inflammation generated by the device in the uterus.
Uterine pain
Also, because of the inflammation caused by the IUD, there may be more pain before or during menstruation.
Breast discomfort
The hormones released by the Mirena IUD also reach other body areas, including the breasts. You may notice that they are more turgid and even that they hurt.
Headaches
Headaches are a fairly common side effect of the Mirena IUD, especially in women who often suffer from migraines.
You may also be interested in the article Does the Mirena IUD make you fat?
When not to use the Mirena IUD?
If you suffer or have suffered from any of the following diseases, it is better that you choose a contraceptive method that does not include hormones:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Liver disease.
- Breast cancer (you or your relatives).
- Cancer of the cervix or uterus.
- Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause.
- Personal or family history of breast cancer.
- Pelvic inflammation
- Vaginal bleeding for no reason.
- Liver disease
How long does the Mirena IUD last?
IUDs can stay inserted in the uterus for up to 5 years. They require periodic control by the gynecologist or gynecologist to increase their efficiency.
These can be withdrawn at any time. The procedure is straightforward and must be done in the office.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Side Effects of the Mirena IUD, we recommend entering our Female Reproductive System category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.