Alternatives to Mirena

Mirena is a long-term, but temporary birth control intrauterine device (IUD), that is used to prevent pregnancy and in some cases, is used to treat heavy periods. The T-shaped device is inserted into the uterus where it releases the hormone Levonorgestrel into the uterus, which causes cervical mucous to thicken, the uterine lining to thin, and inhibits fertilization. The device is more than 99 percent effective and can remain in place for up to five years, but Mirena lawsuit litigation continues to grow as more women suffer serious adverse events, side effects, and injury from the device.

Side Effects

Some of the most common side effects of the IUD include-

• Irregular periods
• Low libido
• Weight gain
• Depression
• Migraine headaches
• No menses
• Pelvic pain
• Vaginal swelling
• Genital discharge

Other more serious side effects that may occur with use include:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Life-threatening infection
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Device migration
• Organ perforation
• Device expulsion

Some of these side effects are so severe and unexpected that many women who use the device have spoken with a Mirena law firm to learn about their possible options.

The Alternatives

If the side effects of Mirena are more than you want to consider, there are many alternatives available on the market today that may fit your lifestyle and your needs better. The efficacy of each methods should be discussed with your physician, as well as any known side effects or complications of the device.

• FemCap – a soft, thimble-shaped cup that fits over the cervix when used with a spermicide, prevents pregnancy
• Today Sponge – donut shaped foam sponge with spermicide that covers the cervix to prevent pregnancy
• Diaphragm – round cap that also fits over the cervix to prevent pregnancy
• Implanon and Nexplanon – plastic rods are inserted under the skin of the upper arm that release progestin to prevent pregnancy
• Copper IUD – Paragard is a small t-shaped device made of copper that stops sperm from reaching the egg and stops the eggs from attaching to the uterine wall.
• The Pill – a combination of hormones in the contraceptive pill prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs and prevents fertilization
• The mini-pill – uses only one hormone to keep sperm from fertilizing an egg
• Xulane – a patch that releases hormone through the skin into your blood to prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs and prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg
• Depo-Provera – a shot given every three months that prevents eggs from being released by the ovaries.
• NuvaRing- a small plastic ring that remains in the vagina for 21 days at a time.

Women may have to try several methods before they find the one that works best for their lifestyle and needs. Mirena has side-effects that may be mild or go away in time, while other side effects simply can’t be waited out or tolerated. One of the more concerning issues is that it can migrate and cause ectopic pregnancy. The device can also fall out (expulsion) perforate the uterine wall, migrate from the uterus to elsewhere in the abdomen and puncture or perforate other organs.

If you use Mirena and began to experience the side effects listed here or others not listed, talk to your physician. Some effects may be expected as your body adjusts to the hormonal influence of the device, but others may be intolerable.