Mirena Birth Control

What Mirena Is

Mirena is called an Intrauterine Contraceptive, or IUC. IUC is another name for Intrauterine Device, or IUD. An IUD is a small metal or plastic device that is inserted into the uterus. It can stay in place for many years. There are several types of IUDs, and they all work to prevent pregnancy. IUDs disrupt the normal environment of the uterus, so that it's difficult for a sperm to fertilize an egg. They may also prevent fertilized eggs from implanting in the uterus.

Some IUDs contain hormones to help ensure that you won't get pregnant. Mirena releases hormones similar to the ones in birth control pills. It appears that the hormones may help prevent pregnancy by stopping the release of eggs from the ovaries.

Using Mirena Birth Control

Like any IUD, Mirena birth control is a very low-maintenance choice. It requires a doctor's appointment for placement and removal, a follow-up visit after the first three months, and then ordinary annual gynecological exams. The manufacturer also recommends checking once a month to be sure the device is in place. Otherwise, the device works on its own.

Mirena is designed for women who don't want to have to remember a pill every day, a patch every week, or a shot every three months. According to the manufacturer, it's 99.9% effective. It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, though, so you'll still need to use condoms if protection against STDs and HIV is a concern.

Although IUDs work very well, it's not impossible to get pregnant while using one. Women who are extremely concerned about preventing pregnancy may want to use a second birth control method as a back-up, just in case.

The IUD lasts for five years, after which it does need to be removed and a new one placed. If you decide you want to become pregnant, the IUD can be removed by a doctor at any time before the five years are up.

Who Can Use This Method

IUDs aren't for everyone. Mirena is usually recommended for women who have already had at least one child. Women who have never been pregnant appear to have a higher chance that the device will be expelled from the uterus. Once the device becomes dislodged, it no longer protects against pregnancy.

Women who can't take birth control pills may not be able to use Mirena, either. The hormones in the device can cause side effects similar to one type of birth control pills, the kind called "progesterone only" or "mini-pills." Side effects include acne, breast tenderness, and mood changes.

Reasons not to use Mirena birth control include:

• A history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection caused by certain STDs
• Liver disease or a liver tumor
• A present or past diagnosis of breast cancer
• A history of ectopic pregnancy
• Having multiple sexual partners or being in a non-monogamous relationship

Mirena and Periods

Mirena birth control can cause your periods to become very light or even disappear altogether. This is related to the hormones the device contains. Many women love the freedom from periods. Others worry that it's unnatural or unsafe not to have periods.

For now, doctors generally agree that it's all right not to have periods while using a birth control method like Mirena. It should not affect your ability to get pregnant once you have the device removed. In fact, periods should return to normal.

Sex and IUDs

An IUD fits inside your uterus and won't get in the way of having sex. With most devices, a small string does protrude from the cervix (the opening to the uterus) but it can't be seen from outside. Most men say that they can't feel it during sexual intercourse. Those who can say that it doesn't bother them.

Women who choose devices like Mirena say that they enjoy the spontaneity of having sex without having to think about birth control. Again, don't forget that Mirena won't protect against STDs.

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