{"id":2701,"date":"2022-04-23T08:32:53","date_gmt":"2022-04-23T08:32:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/toplinemultist.wpengine.com\/theme4\/?p=2701"},"modified":"2022-04-23T08:32:53","modified_gmt":"2022-04-23T08:32:53","slug":"mirena-iud-important-things-you-should-know-about-hormonal-iuds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/levine-plastic-surgery\/2022\/04\/23\/mirena-iud-important-things-you-should-know-about-hormonal-iuds\/","title":{"rendered":"Mirena IUD: Important Things You Should Know About Hormonal IUDs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">An intrauterine device (IUD) is a good long-term option for birth control. Basically, an IUD is a device shaped like a letter T that\u2019s small enough to be inserted into the uterus for pregnancy prevention. In general, there are two different kinds of IUDs, namely those that don\u2019t release hormones and those that do, i.e., a <\/span><a href=\"\/levine-plastic-surgery\/fern-f-taisenchoy-bent-md\/gynecology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">hormonal IUD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. The most well-known brand of hormonal IUD is the Mirena IUD. It releases controlled doses of levonorgestrel hormone. If you\u2019re considering getting a hormonal IUD for birth control, keep on reading.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Does Mirena IUD Work?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mirena IUD is designed to provide birth control for up to five years. Aside from that, it can also minimize heavy menstrual flows.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Just like birth control pills, this hormonal IUD contains the mentioned levonorgestrel hormone and releases about 20 mcg of it on a daily basis. As it contains 52 mg of the hormone in total, Mirena will have to be replaced after about five years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As a hormonal IUD, Mirena does several different things in order to prevent pregnancy:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It thickens the cervical mucus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It doesn\u2019t allow sperm survival in the uterus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It prevents the ovary from releasing an egg<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It makes the uterine lining thinner<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It\u2019s necessary that a professional manages the insertion of the IUD. Typically, this process should take place within a week of the beginning of your monthly period. Four to six weeks after it\u2019s been first inserted, you will have to come in for a checkup. Afterward, checkups are performed annually.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There\u2019s no need to worry about just how effective Mirena IUD is. It has a 99% rate of pregnancy prevention, which is actually higher than other available contraceptives such as condoms, rings, and pills. When Mirena is inserted to minimize heavy menstrual bleeding, there\u2019s a 90% effectiveness rate after about six months. The IUD is known to reduce the flow by more than a half.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Potential Side Effects of IUD<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2703\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/levine-plastic-surgery\/theme4\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/300\/2022\/08\/Potential-Side-Effects-of-IUD.jpg\" alt=\"Woman Holding Iud\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mirena side effects are possible, just like it\u2019s the case with any drug. You may not think of the side effects of IUD as your typical medical side effects, but it\u2019s pretty similar to oral hormonal therapy. That said, less serious Mirena side effects may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Placement-related bleeding, pain, and dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Menstrual flow changes at the beginning<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Stronger cramps and pain during periods<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Headaches and\/or nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Acne and\/or excess body hair growth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tender breasts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Enlarged ovaries or cysts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Feeling tired<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Reduced sexual desire<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hair loss on the head<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vaginal inflammation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vaginal expulsion of the device<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>More Serious Side Effects of IUD<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In case you notice any more serious Mirena side effects, such as the following, make sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Allergic reactions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Immediate post-placement infections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pelvic inflammatory disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Liver problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heart attack and stroke<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uterine perforation and embedment are also some of the more serious Mirena complications. Embedment can be caused by the IUD getting attached to the uterine wall, while perforation happens in case the IUD punctures the wall of the uterus. In both cases, the doctor will have to remove the IUD surgically. Common symptoms associated with these issues include fever and chills, as well as vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Mirena Drug Interactions<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Certain drug interactions could also lead to Mirena complications. Essentially, when there\u2019s a drug interaction, the two meds (or one of them) tend to work less efficiently. Sometimes, the effects of these interactions could be dangerous. When you decide to consider Mirena IUD as a birth control option, make sure to disclose all other meds that you\u2019re taking at that moment in order to avoid potential Mirena complications. For instance, common drugs that could interact with Mirena include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Herbal products that contain Ginkgo, glucosamine, and St. John\u2019s wort<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some HIV meds like efavirenz, atazanavir, and ritonavir<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Steroids like methylprednisolone, prednisolone, and prednisone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Barbiturates like pentobarbital and phenobarbital<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Antiseizure meds like phenytoin, topiramate, oxcarbazepine, and carbamazepine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Blood thinners like warfarin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Griseofulvin, felbamate, and bosentan<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">People affected by certain health conditions have a higher risk of Mirena complications. Some of these conditions include past and current uterine, cervical, and breast cancers, pelvic infections and inflammatory disease, and a generally higher risk of infection. Before you get the Mirena IUD placed, make sure to thoroughly discuss your entire health history with your doctor. Even if Mirena, in particular, may not be a good option for you personally, there are other birth control options available.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How to Prepare for IUD Placement<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Before Mirena IUD can be inserted, your doctor will first have to assess your overall health and perform a pelvic exam. It might also be necessary to complete STI testing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In general, it\u2019s possible to perform the hormonal IUD placement whenever you\u2019re not pregnant, right after terminated pregnancy, as well as almost immediately after childbirth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In case you have scheduled Mirena IUD placement about seven days after starting your period, don\u2019t forget to keep using other forms of contraception for a week.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You can take ibuprofen an hour or two before the procedure to minimize the cramps.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What to Expect from the Procedure?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2704\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/levine-plastic-surgery\/theme4\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/300\/2022\/08\/What-to-Expect-from-the-Procedure-1.jpg\" alt=\"Anytime Doctor on Hand With Telemedicine App.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">During the procedure, your doctor will first clean your cervix and vagina with an antiseptic. Then they\u2019ll use special tools to properly position your uterine cavity and cervical canal and measure the cavity\u2019s depth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">After that, the IUD will be placed inside the applicator tube, and the applicator tube will then be placed inside your cervical canal. Through this tube, the doctor will carefully position the IUD. Once done, they will remove the applicator tube.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Once the IUD is in place, the doctor will further adjust its string length to prevent any vaginal protruding. It\u2019s possible to feel dizzy during the procedure or experience slower heart rate and cramps.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">After about a month or so of IUD placement, the doctor will give you a thorough checkup just to make sure that the device hasn\u2019t moved and that there are no infection signs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While having the Mirena IUD, make sure to get in touch with your doctor immediately in case you:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Believe to be pregnant<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Experience untypically heavy and persistent menstrual bleeding<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Feel pain during sexual intercourse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Feel feverish and chilly with no obvious reason<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Notice vaginal discharge with a foul odor<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Suffer from severe headaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Notice that your eyes or skin are turning more yellow<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Get exposed to STIs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Are unable to feel the device strings or feel them longer than before<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In case you believe that your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org\/hometown-health\/speaking-of-health\/troubleshooting-your-iud\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">IUD has moved<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> from its original place, make sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As mentioned, there are many different types of birth control, Mirena IUD being just one of them. If your goal is to prevent pregnancy or there are some other issues where certain contraceptives could help, don\u2019t wait to schedule an appointment with your doctor. It\u2019s important to talk these things through so that you can find the ideal birth control option. You can always count on <\/span><a href=\"\/levine-plastic-surgery\/fern-f-taisenchoy-bent-md\/taisenchoy-bent\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dr. TaiSenChoy-Bent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> at Fern TaiSenChoy-Bent M.D. LLC when it comes to all gynecological matters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An intrauterine device (IUD) is a good long-term option for birth control. Basically, an IUD is a device shaped like a  [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":86,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[119,171,172,173,246],"class_list":["post-2701","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-pregnancy","tag-hormonal-iud","tag-mirena-complications","tag-mirena-iud","tag-mirena-side-effects","tag-side-effects-of-iud"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/levine-plastic-surgery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2701","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/levine-plastic-surgery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/levine-plastic-surgery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/levine-plastic-surgery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/86"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/levine-plastic-surgery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2701"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/levine-plastic-surgery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2701\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/levine-plastic-surgery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2701"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/levine-plastic-surgery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2701"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/levine-plastic-surgery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2701"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}