Mirena IUCD

What is Mirena IUCD?

Mirena IUCD is an intrauterine contraceptive device used by women to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Mirena offers a long-term contraception, for up to 5 years after insertion. Mirena is T-shaped plastic frame with plastic strings attached. When placed in the uterus, it releases the hormone progestin that makes the cervical mucus more viscous and the endometrium thinner so as to avoid the entry of sperms into the fallopian tubes. Mirena is also considered to suppress the ovulation, partially.

What are the advantages of Mirena IUCD?

Mirena IUCD has several benefits over the other contraceptive methods. It can be removed at any point of time ensuring immediate return to fertility. It reduces menstrual bleeding and decreases menstrual pain in about 3-6 months of its insertion. The risk of diseases such as pelvic inflammatory disease, and endometrial cancer is less and adverse effects associated with other contraceptive methods containing oestrogen are eliminated.

What are the contraindications for use of Mirena IUCD?

The use of Mirena may be contraindicated if you have cancers in breast, uterus, cervix and liver or have uterine abnormalities such as fibroids, pelvic infection or pelvic inflammatory disease, abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal inflammation, or a lower genital tract infection.

What is the procedure for insertion of Mirena IUCD?

Insertion of Mirena is done at your gynaecologist's office. During the procedure, your gynaecologist will first insert speculum into your vagina to keep it open. The vagina and cervix is cleansed with an antiseptic solution followed by alignment of cervical canal and the uterine cavity using appropriate instruments. After this, the depth of your uterine cavity is measured with a tool. Then, your gynaecologist will bend the horizontal arms of the Mirena device and place it inside an applicator tube. This tube will be inserted into your cervical canal and the device will be placed into the uterus, after which the tube is removed. The strings of the device are then trimmed.

What should I know about the use of Mirena and where do I get more information on Mirena IUCD?

Mirena insertion is a quite safe procedure, but some women may experience giddiness, experience low blood pressure or slow heart rate. Mirena prevents unwanted pregnancy but do not offer any protection towards sexually transmitted devices.

So please talk to your gynaecologist for more information on use of Mirena before choosing the device for contraception.