How Effective is Mirena

The Mirena intrauterine device is a small T-shaped device that slowly releases a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. The FDA approved the device in 2000 to prevent pregnancy and then again in 2009 as a treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding in women who use IUDs. But some women are claiming the device can cause serious side effects and injuries, according to Mirena lawsuit information.

The Mirena IUD is over 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy for up to five years, which is how long the device can be left in. After that, you will need to have a new implant inserted. Mirena is not recommended for women who have not had a child.

Mirena is reversible, meaning once the device is removed, fertility will return to allow you to get pregnant. The device must be placed in the uterus by a trained medical doctor, though it can be done quickly, right in the office.

The popularity of Mirena is not surprising as women who use it don’t have to remember to take a pill, get a shot, or change a patch. The effectiveness of most other birth control methods depends on ‘perfect use,’ so they may not prevent pregnancy if they are not used correctly. The effectiveness of Mirena is high, with a failure rate below one percent.

Side Effects and Adverse Events

There are side effects with nearly any medicine or medical device, and Mirena is no different. Some of the most common side effects experienced by women who this IUD include-

• Weight gain
• Mood changes including depression
• Breast tenderness
• Vaginal discharge
• Vaginal swelling
• Acne
• Ovarian cysts

Though some side effects may diminish over time, dangerous adverse events have been associated with Mirena IUD including device migration. This occurs when the device moves from its original position. What makes particularly dangerous is that the device can rip through the wall of the uterus and enter the blood stream, move through the abdominal cavity and puncture other organs like the bladder or intestines.

If this occurs, physicians will have to try to locate the device so it can be removed, which may require ultrasound exams and X-rays. Some women have been forced to undergo multiple procedures because doctors were unable to find the IUD to remove it. Mirena may also cause cerebrospinal fluid to accumulate in the cranium, a serious condition known as Pseudotumor Cerebri or Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. These are also serious conditions that allow fluid build up to put pressure on the brain and the optic nerve, which can lead to vision problems or vision loss.

Before deciding if Mirena is right for you, take time to research the device and you might want to check out the warning labels that are added to Marina packaging for other countries. Sometimes a medication or device will list side effects, complications, or adverse reactions that aren’t always listed on the packing for the U.S.