Are you looking into long-term birth control? Are you considering devices like the Mirena? However, you are worried about its pros and cons. We've got you covered! This blog discusses everything you need to know about Mirena IUD side effects and more.
The reason people use Mirena is because it offers them long-term contraception. There are various benefits to using this contraceptive device, and the device is suitable for premenopausal women of all ages. One of the benefits of using Mirena is that it can stay in place for as long as 7 years.
Pregnancy is very personal, and several women might not feel ready or suffer from hefty flow. Under both these circumstances, you should have a contraception option like Minera to help you. Continue reading to know more!
What is a Mirena IUD?
Mirena is an intrauterine device for those struggling with heavy periods or wishing to have long-term contraception. It works for up to 8 years as a birth control and works for around 5 years to prevent heavy periods. The Mirena contraceptive device can be used whether or not you have had a baby, and it's also FDA-approved.
This contraceptive device can be removed at any time with the help of your healthcare provider. It's also the most prescribed IUD in the United States of America.
It's a small T-shaped device made of soft and flexible material. You can feel pain or bleeding after placing the Mirena IUD,but the symptoms go away after 30 minutes.
You should consider the Mirena IUD side effects if you take them.
What are the Side Effects of Mirena IUD?
One should consider specific side effects of Mirena before getting on birth control. It's better to be aware of the consequences in case you show any Mirena IUD side effects, so here are some of them:
Menstrual Changes
A lot of women take Mirena because they want to reduce their heavy flow during periods. So, after taking the contraceptive device, you will notice lighter periods in the first 3 to 6 months. Moreover, you might also skip periods, but heavy bleeding is infrequent when it comes to Mirena birth control side effects.
Skin Issues
Some people report occurrences of hormonal acne or itching and rashes. Women also experience changes in hair growth, such as hair loss or hair gain.
Tenderness
Women using Mirena can experience abdominal pain, pelvic pain, back pain, or even mild cramping. They also experience breast tenderness or pain in some rare cases. They could also experience some headaches or migraines due to Mirena.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Mirena gastrointestinal side effects include bloating or nausea, but don't last long. The changes in our hormones result in water retention, which makes us feel bloated and gassy.
Device Expulsion
This is one of the rare Mirena IUD side effects where the device moves itself from its position in the uterus. This can result in pregnancy, which is why if you feel like the device has displaced, you must get it checked.
Migration
The Mirena could move to another place in your body or a part of the IUD could break and move to another part of your body, too, though that's a rare scenario. In any case, you must let your doctor know right away to avoid any complications.
Pelvic Disease
One of the Mirena insertion side effects is that the chances of having an infection in the uterus increase. This could be severe. However, your doctor can fix the situation with the help of a few antibiotics. Doctors might also test you for any sexually transmitted diseases before inserting the Mirena in your uterus.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Though there is only a 1% chance of a pregnancy after you insert Mirena, you could develop an ectopic pregnancy. You will feel the same symptoms as a normal pregnancy, like fatigue, tender breasts, nausea, and more. The pregnancy with Mirena is most likely to be an ectopic pregnancy, so look out for signs like bladder or bowel problems, dizziness, lower back pain, and more. It's best to contact your doctor at the earliest if you feel symptoms of pregnancy.
The Mirena side effects after removal include migraine, pain or discomfort during intercourse, and severe bleeding. So, if you're wondering what the long-term side effects of Mirena are, then you must know that after one year of using Mirena, you might not get your periods anymore. This goes back to normal once you have the IUD removed. Other long-term Mirena IUD side effects include:
- Women on Mirena are more likely to develop ovarian cysts, though most of these cysts are harmless and will go away on their own. But if you feel pain or discomfort, you can have them surgically removed, too.
- Studies also show that remaining on birth control for a long time can lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety in people. Women could also have to deal with depression in the long term.
What are the Benefits of Mirena?
You must know both the Mirena pros and cons before you decide whether or not Mirena is good for you. Here are some of the IUDs benefits:
- Mirena is an effective nonsurgical way of preventing heavy bleeding during periods. You can see a reduction in heavy bleeding within 4 months, which is why you should consider using it.
- The Mirena IUD is also useful for treating endometriosis because of the progestins in it. Most women using Mirena experience milder pain and more relief in their endometriosis while using this contraceptive device.
- Research shows that Mirena IUD could lead to a reversal of abnormal cell growth and thus could be used as a treatment for cancer. This is a great option for women with high risks due to obesity.
Also Read: Fight Against Breast Cancer
Conclusion
Though the Mirena IUD is popular and used by women worldwide, it may only be suitable for some. Thus, it would help if you researched the Mirena IUD side effects before trying it on. Contraception comes with its benefits, and every woman has a right to it, but you must weigh the pros and cons before making your decision. Do take time and reflect on this blog so that you can make the right decision for you.
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