Mirena is a Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) which when used is effective for 5 years. It is an intra uterine device (IUD). It is a small plastic device which is placed inside the uterus. Mirena is a hormonal IUD, which contains only the hormone levonorgesterel (progesterone). It has a nylon string which comes out and is cut short so that you and your partner do not feel it during sex.
Because of its long effectiveness, it is great for women who have completed their family life, those who want to space their pregnancies apart, those who are not planning to have children for a while. It is also great for those who have very heavy and painful periods as it reduces the amount of bleeding and pain. The best part about this is that when you remove the mirena the fertility returns back very quickly.
It is safe and cost effective. It needs a trained doctor or a nurse to insert a Mirena. It is not a painful procedure but can be uncomfortable and many a times does not require an anesthetic, however an anesthetic can be used or it can be even done under sedation if you are not comfortable getting it without.
It needs to be removed by a trained doctor or a nurse. Removal can be a little uncomfortable as well
It is 99.9% effective
When the IUD is put in there is a small chance of:
- difficulty inserting the IUD
- damage to the wall of the uterus
- infection
- it can sometimes come out by itself
- you can have some irregular bleeding or spotting in the first few months
- you can get hormonal side effects like bloating, headaches, mood changes, acne, lowered interest in sex
So discuss with your doctor about its advantages and disadvantages and whether it is suitable for you.
It doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so use a condom if you are at risk of acquiring STIs
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