What is Mirena?
Mirena is an intrauterine device (IUD) that releases a small amount of hormone inside the uterus. It is made of soft and flexible plastic in the shape of ‘T’ with a hormone called levonorgestrel in its stem. IT offers effective contraception that last for up to 5 years. Mirena has been a very popular form of birth control as it has a number of benefits:
- Highly Effective – It has an efficacy rate of more than 99% in preventing pregnancy and is one of the most effective forms of birth control.
- Convenient – It lasts for up to 5 years but you can remove it anytime before that if you like.
- Reversible – You can try to conceive as soon as Mirena is removed and there is no delay in fertility.
- Minimises periods – Mirena can be used as an effective option to manage heavy periods.
- Oestrogen free – Mirena is a progestogen only contraception and is used commonly in people who have intolerance or side effects with oestrogen containing products (such as migraine)
How Does The Hormone-Releasing IUD Work?
The hormone makes the mucus in the cervix thicker so that sperm cannot get into the uterus. It also affects the ability of the sperm and egg to move through the uterus and fallopian tubes, which reduces the chance of an egg being fertilised. It also changes the lining of the uterus, making it less suitable for a pregnancy. It can also sometimes stop your ovaries from releasing an egg.
Who Can Use the Hormone-Releasing IUD?
Most women who want a reliable, long term contraceptive can use it.
Women who have completed their families, those who are spacing their pregnancies as well as women who have not had a pregnancy can all potentially use a hormone-releasing IUD.
Women who are breastfeeding can use a hormone-releasing IUD. It can be inserted as early as 6 weeks after birth. (Our Doctors prefer to wait 12 weeks post partum to reduce the risk of complication).
It reduces menstrual bleeding which helps women who have heavy periods.
Who Should Not Use This Type of IUD?
You should not use a hormone-releasing IUD if:
- you could be pregnant
- you have a current pelvic infection – this is called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- you have abnormal bleeding from your vagina, that has not been diagnosed
- you are waiting for treatment for cervical cancer or cervical changes
At FMP Dr Priti Chalissery is trained to insert the Mirena IUD.
If you would like to discuss the Mirena as a form of contraception for you, please make an appointment with one of our Doctors above and they will assess your suitability and arrange a booking time for insertion.
