When women turn to doctors for advice on which intrauterine device to choose, they often recommend Mirena. Moreover, it can be used not only for contraception, but also as part of the treatment of other serious diseases.
In recent years, pharmaceutical companies have produced many contraceptives. Among them, it is especially worth highlighting intrauterine devices, which are very popular among women. It is not difficult to explain the high interest in them, because they are very convenient to use and have a long service life of 5 years.
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Contraindications
Don't rush to conclusions, read the whole article
Like any contraceptive method, the Mirena spiral has a number of contraindications for use .
It has been proven that the use of products containing levonorgestrel is dangerous in the following situations:
- early postpartum period;
- presence of blood clots;
- hydatidiform mole;
- malignant neoplasms of the breast and ovaries;
- STD;
- AIDS;
- acute liver pathologies.
Also, absolute contraindications include:
- pregnancy;
- septic condition;
- an unidentified disease accompanied by vaginal bleeding;
- any hormonally sensitive neoplasms;
- uterine fibroids, accompanied by severe deformation;
- inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system.
Observation In general, if a woman carefully monitors her health and does not have serious chronic diseases, there are practically no contraindications. The main thing is to consult with a good specialist.
Advantages:
- high level of contraception;
- contains progesterones, under the influence of which the contraceptive effect is increased and certain diseases of the female reproductive system are prevented;
- the contraceptive effect continues for several years;
- absence of unpleasant sensations during sexual relations.
Flaws:
- expensive installation procedure;
- after removal of the IUD, the ability to conceive is restored after 6 months;
- can only be given to women who have given birth;
- After installation, the spiral feels like a foreign body. After some time, this feeling goes away, it takes time to get used to;
- does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Read about the symptoms and treatment of endometriosis during menopause.
How to avoid ending up in a mental hospital, or attention - “MIRENA”!
I gave birth to a child at 30 years old. By Russian standards, it’s probably a little late, but here it’s considered the norm (I’ve been living in California for more than 10 years).
But this is not at all about when is the best time to give birth. I just wanted to say that all these years, until my daughter was born, I did not know what an IUD or hormonal pills were. My husband and I used condoms exclusively for all 14 years of our marriage and felt more or less tolerable. I didn’t want to swallow pills, and the IUD was not recommended for nulliparous women. Now, after the birth of the child, at one of my first appointments with the doctor, I asked about methods of contraception. The doctor told me about the pills, and about women’s rings that had to be changed every month, and something else... All this seemed too complicated to me, especially considering the fact that I have a bad memory. And I asked if there was something more permanent and reliable so that my head wouldn’t hurt about it. The problem was that I didn’t bother to find out what “spiral” would be in English :), and I kept waiting for the doctor to offer it to me, and I would understand from the description. So, in general, it happened, and we agreed on a spiral. I must say that I gave birth in a good hospital, and gave birth in wonderful conditions. But at the same time, I knew that I would soon buy another insurance and leave that hospital, because... ordinary doctors there leave much to be desired. Yes, they can operate and resuscitate simply wonderfully, and giving birth with them is wonderful. But the usual therapists there are terrible, the diagnosticians are simply no good, you won’t get to a specialist until the therapist makes a diagnosis, and the queues for specialists are two months in advance... In short, I knew that the doctors there were not very good, but I hoped that it was just a spiral They will help me choose and install it somehow without any problems.
So, my doctor and I agreed on the Mirena IUD. “Mirena” is “Mirena” - this name didn’t mean anything to me. A modern hormonal IUD, reliable... I read the booklet that they gave me, everything seems to be fine. And they put me on Mirena. This happened literally two months after giving birth. My periods never returned. I could only roughly understand that something was happening. Nothing hurt, there was no blood AT ALL(!). So, light discharge, like on the very last day of a regular period. I went to the doctor (still in the same hospital), they told me that this was normal for Mirena, and I calmed down. Sex became much more intense as soon as my husband and I stopped thinking about rubber bands, and I was very satisfied. Of course: pregnancy does not occur, there are no periods, nothing hurts... Beauty! But PMS (premenstrual syndrome) ... I suddenly began to notice that 10 days before the so-called period I become terribly irritable, which has never happened in my life. Well, I think everything changed after giving birth, hormonal changes in the body and all that. In addition, PMS is a normal phenomenon for many women. And again I calmed down internally.
But irritability grew literally month by month. I started screaming at my husband, at my mother-in-law, even at my infant child. In the first half of the monthly cycle, I felt more or less tolerable, but closer to my period I became uncontrollable. My child turned out to be completely sleepless, slept very little and was very restless, so I always felt sleep-deprived, tired and angry. The child turned one year old, and I almost didn’t get any joy from motherhood. Anything and everything irritated me. I felt terribly tired and exhausted, even if I slept well. I was dead tired at work, even though I only worked a few hours a day. I often cried over any trifle, and my screams annoyed both my husband and my mother-in-law. Moreover, it had already reached such an extent that I no longer wanted anything in life - no rest, no entertainment, no shopping for fashionable clothes, no holidays... nothing... Depression sucked me in headlong. It was no longer just PMS, I felt tired and irritable all the time. I hardly did any household chores. Sometimes I just cooked food, washed dishes and washed and ironed clothes. I didn’t care that there was dust everywhere, that the floor in the kitchen had not been washed for a long time, that toys were lying all over the house. I didn’t want cleanliness or comfort in the house, and even if I found the strength to clean, I wasn’t happy with the cleanliness of the rooms. I did not care. Of course, I loved the child, but his reluctance to sleep in the evenings drove me to despair. As a result, my daughter and I both began to be afraid of going to bed in the evening, and when she saw the crib, she began to become hysterical. Meanwhile, time passed, my daughter grew up, my grandmothers actively helped, my husband and I worked. I have long ago exchanged my old health insurance for a completely different, more expensive one. And then chance helped. As they say: there would be no happiness, but misfortune would help.
Last summer, as usual, in July I had a lot of work. I am a pianist, and that month I had to sit at the piano for 6-7 hours a day. I worked harder than ever, my fatigue increased, I was constantly nervous, especially if I was late for the start of work due to traffic jams. I had real hysterics right behind the wheel when I saw how late I was. After a couple of weeks of such hard work, something happened to my right hand. When playing the piano, I felt pain in my wrist, not very strong, but quite noticeable. Having finished that work two weeks later, I thought that the hand would go away on its own, because now I would work much less. But the hand did not pass. Months passed, winter came, and my hand began to hurt almost constantly with any load, and my wrist was always slightly swollen. This could lead to you losing your job! I had to look for doctors.
After a long search for a doctor and experiments with the hand in the form of massage, cold and hot compresses, tablets, etc. I finally found a wonderful doctor who completely cured my arm with one injection! It was already spring, I was almost desperate, and suddenly it was so simple - one injection and that’s it! The doctor seemed almost like a magician to me. And I decided to consult with him about PMS, lack of menstruation, etc. He said that all this was abnormal and recommended me to a good gynecologist. I immediately called the clinic to make an appointment. By that time, my daughter was already two years old, she still had difficulty going to bed in the evenings, but she slept all night until late-late morning without waking up. I began to get enough sleep, but the fatigue still did not go away. I couldn't understand anything. Why did having a child suddenly change my character so much? Of course, I was not an angel before giving birth, but I was never such a hysterical person. I was horrified that I gave birth to a child, and not because I regretted it, but only because I felt sorry for the child - why did he get such a disgusting mother? My mother-in-law reassured me as best she could, saying that I was a good mother, I just needed to rest. She constantly advised my husband and I to take a vacation and go somewhere together. But I didn’t want to leave my daughter. And they wouldn’t let my husband and I leave work so easily. The hysterics continued, my husband avoided communicating with me, but, to tell the truth, I didn’t really want to communicate myself. I don't even mean sex, I just didn't want to see anyone. I found myself constantly finding fault with something, and everything around me seemed wrong, and all the people around me were idiots conspiring to poison my existence. Psychiatric...
I saw a gynecologist in April. The aunt turned out to be cool, quite young and very smart. Russian, by the way, so I didn’t have to strain to explain all my problems to her. When I mentioned Mirena, she suddenly started asking how my periods used to go, how I gave birth, whether there was any bleeding, etc. I answered questions without really understanding their meaning. My periods were always scanty, lasting 2-3 days, I gave birth on my own, there was no bleeding... The doctor was terribly surprised. “Why did they put you on Mirena?” she asked. It turned out that Mirena is not a simple spiral. It is indicated, first of all, for those women who have had too heavy periods, or bleeding, or some serious complications after childbirth. The spiral is hormonal and with some medications. And I don’t need one like that at all! That’s why PMS is so strong - the hormones are working. And the absence of blood during menstruation is also absolutely normal. The doctor explained to me for a long time how this all happens. And she also said that the less time left until the end of this spiral (I set it for 5 years), the weaker the PMS will be. And since the main issue for me was the lack of menstruation, and I was convinced that everything was in order, the doctor and I decided to leave everything as it is for now. And after two and a half years, replace the Mirena with a regular spiral. That was the end of it, but the thought that it was the spiral that made my life so unbearable stuck firmly in my head. I just couldn’t quite believe that such a tiny spiral had such a powerful effect. I still thought that I just needed a rest, and in August, when I was freer with work, I could relax a little, maybe even go somewhere for a couple of days, leaving my daughter with my grandmother. But it soon became clear that I would not make it until August. Or I'll get into an accident, because... Driving a car in such a nervous state is simply dangerous, or you will end up in a mental hospital. Or I'll get drunk. Yes, I started drinking. It’s not like drinking bottles of vodka, but a glass or two of wine in the evening—I already needed that. And it was after another hysteria, feeling a direct narcotic need for alcohol, that I realized that this is exactly how people get drunk. Something had to be done, and I decided to remove the spiral! Suddenly the spiral is the source of all my troubles.
I wasn't sure, but there were no other options anyway.
The next morning I called the clinic and made an appointment with the doctor. Then everything happened as if by magic. From the very first hours after the IUD was taken out, I began to feel much calmer. All my nervousness and tension, which had not let me go for more than two years, disappeared somewhere. And not gradually, but suddenly all at once. I was afraid to believe my feelings, it seemed to me that this could not happen, it was like a miraculous transformation! Monsters become beautiful! On the very first evening, I was surprised to discover that you can put your baby to bed for 40 minutes and not get nervous or yell! And not just by holding back by willpower. And to truly be a calm and loving mother! It seems that my daughter was also terribly surprised by the change that happened to me, because she behaved quietly and calmly fell asleep. Days passed, I didn’t recognize myself. The age-old fatigue began to slowly go away, I began to wake up fresh and rested in the morning, I stopped yelling and throwing tantrums, I rediscovered the joy of motherhood. What about motherhood, I felt a taste for life! I started smiling! And all the relatives immediately noticed this. And my little daughter suddenly began to reach out to me much more strongly and learned to hug and kiss. And I felt so sorry for those missed and irretrievably lost days when the first years of motherhood were poisoned due to the fault of some stupid doctor! I looked at my house in horror. My God, how I let it go! Dust, dirt, cobwebs on the walls, the floor in the kitchen can no longer be cleaned... After working out another July contract and earning a decent amount, I decided to replace the dirty linoleum in the kitchen with clean tiles. But first, rest!
And my husband and I, leaving our daughter with his mother, went to Las Vegas for three days. Still, 3 years without vacation. And Las Vegas is close, only three and a half hours away by car, you hardly spend time or money on the road. And there, if you don’t rest physically, then at least you can rest mentally. And you don’t have to sit in a casino at all. We hardly played. There is so much to do in Las Vegas!!! And shows, and museums, and the hotels themselves (which in themselves are much more interesting than museums). And this amazing feeling of celebration every minute. Amazing city! We returned very happy.
And now we are doing cosmetic repairs to the house.
We renewed the paint on the walls, where there were stains and children’s picturesque “paintings” with felt-tip pens and pencils (we don’t have wallpaper on the walls, just paint). They laid tiles in the kitchen, bought a new stove and microwave, washed and rearranged the huge collection of Gzhel in the slides in a new way. We also plan to throw out the dirty, half-broken chairs in the kitchen and buy new ones. Or better yet, together with the table. The soul asks for change, cleanliness and comfort! I began to enjoy shopping again; to celebrate, I bought a bunch of toys, DVDs and clothes for my daughter. And I feel so happy! I began to enjoy life again. We decided to get a kitten, and have already chosen one terribly cute one. In a week we will pick him up from the cat hospital with all his vaccinations.
My normal periods are back! And after three years I began to forget what it was. And like an idiot, I was terribly happy when my normal PMS returned to me - when I have an uncontrollable craving for sweets and a slight tug in my lower abdomen. And that's it!!! I haven’t installed a new IUD yet, it’s kind of scary, although the doctor said that an ordinary IUD is not capable of such nasty things. I had to buy condoms again! But at the end of September, during my next period, I will definitely make an appointment with a doctor and get myself a regular IUD.
That's probably all. Perhaps my story will help someone, or maybe not, I fully admit that this was just my individual reaction to Mirena, and for other women everything is going fine. And my case is just an exception that only confirms the rule. I don’t know, I only described my own experiences. And since I’m also a skeptic, I believe more in the bad than in the good, and I don’t have any self-hypnosis at all, it’s unlikely that I simply convinced myself that after the spiral everything would be fine. I feel really good ! I wish the same for all of you!
Catherine,
Treatment of endometriosis
According to studies, the Mirena spiral, due to the constant release of levonorgestrel, has the following effect:
- antiestrogenic;
- antigonadotropic;
- androgenic.
Due to an increase in the concentration of the active substance in the endometrium, there is a decrease in the sensitivity of its receptors. Against this background, there is a marked decrease in pain and dysmenorrhea. However, it should not be used as the only treatment method. Experts recommend combining it with a surgical technique, if indicated.
Premenopause and Mirena
Installing an IUD during premenopause helps to significantly improve a woman’s quality of life due to the following effects:
- eliminates pain syndrome;
- reduces the severity of bleeding;
- reduces the risk of developing tumors;
- maintains normal hormonal levels.
Since during this period the risk of developing fibroids and endometriosis is high, the Mirena spiral is an excellent preventative measure.
Advice for women
Release of the necessary hormone
The Mirena spiral for endometriosis has only positive reviews. It is used to treat the disease in its early stages. Due to the fact that the Mirena system during endometriosis releases the hormone progesterone, the development of foci of the disease stops. In some cases, there is even a reverse transformation of endometriosis.
It is worth recalling that foci of the disease develop under the influence of estrogens. Unlike other IUDs, this system does not release this hormone. That is why the Mirena spiral is indicated for many patients for endometriosis. The only exception can be made for women planning a pregnancy in the near future.
Possible complications (consequences)
Adverse reactions in the absence of contraindications are quite rare.
There are the following undesirable reactions to the introduction of the Mirena spiral into the body:
- allergic reactions;
- depression;
- headache;
- dyspeptic syndrome;
- back pain;
- hypertensive state.
Carefully! If installed incorrectly, infection may occur with subsequent development of streptococcal sepsis. Typically, manifestations are noted by women in the first three months. Then they disappear.
Pregnancy and lactation
Conception when using the Mirena coil is rare. If this happens, it is important to see a specialist to remove the intrauterine device. Otherwise, the risk of miscarriage or premature birth increases.
Also, there is a threat of developing septic abortion in the later stages, which can lead to death. Breastfeeding is not a contraindication for installing the IUD, since only 0.1% of levonorgestrel enters the baby’s body.
This amount of substance has no effect on the child. It must be remembered that installation of the IUD is allowed no earlier than 6 weeks after birth.
Ease of use
Another good thing about the Mirena system for endometriosis is that once you install it, you don’t have to worry about constantly buying medications, spending money on treatment procedures and changing the IUD.
You just need to come to the doctor and install this device. Removing it is also quite easy. However, remember that only a specialist should do this. The patient just needs to sit on the gynecological chair and relax. The doctor will pull the special loop and take out the spiral.
Chances of getting pregnant after removing the IUD
The likelihood of conception after removal of the IUD varies from individual to individual and varies from 1 month to a year. The endometrium and hormonal levels are restored, and the menstrual cycle is normalized.
In the first days after extraction, a woman may be bothered by nagging pain in the lower abdomen and scanty bleeding, so it is recommended:
- exclude sexual relations;
- refuse to visit the bathhouse;
- avoid douching.
Inspections are required
Visit doctor
After installation of the Mirena coil, frequent examinations are not required. Preventive consultations once every 6 months are sufficient.
You need to visit a doctor if the following complaints are noted:
- severe swelling of the legs, accompanied by pain;
- breathing problems (spontaneous cough, shortness of breath);
- severe headaches;
- convulsive syndrome;
- dizziness;
- severe abdominal pain.
It is also recommended to consult a doctor if coordination problems occur. In general, if installed correctly, there should be no problems or side effects.
Reviews from specialist doctors
Expert opinion Olga Borovikova According to recent studies, the Mirena intrauterine hormonal releasing system is one of the most effective methods of contraception. It is not suitable for all patients, so it should be used only according to strict indications and after consultation with a specialist. This is not to say that this is an ideal solution for treating endometriosis. To a greater extent, this is a preventive measure.
Expert opinion Olga Borovikova With a correctly collected medical history and a thorough examination of the patient, practically no undesirable consequences arise. Considering the effectiveness of Mirena not only as a method of reversible contraception, but also as a therapeutic agent for a number of pathologies, it is necessary to actively introduce this device into modern gynecological practice.
https://youtu.be/sXr-fRG2e6c
Duration of action
The Mirena system for endometriosis also has positive reviews due to long-term treatment. Many women cannot use hormonal drugs for several years in a row. Some women begin to gain weight from such medications and are afraid of ruining their figure. Other representatives of the fair sex begin to have problems with blood vessels and veins. Due to the fact that the Mirena system for endometriosis provides only local treatment and does not provide a high concentration of progesterone in the body, such described phenomena are not observed.
The system is installed in the female uterus for five years. All this time, a woman may not be afraid of an unwanted pregnancy. At the same time, the spiral exerts its therapeutic effect.
