Mirena® is an intrauterine device that is a form of contraception. It is inserted into the uterus in a doctor’s office and most women will note the common side effect of pain during insertion. Since this IUD also releases hormones, it is associated with some side effects similar to those that occur with other hormonal birth control methods, in addition to being associated with side effects that occur with IUD devices.
The most common Mirena® side effects, in addition to pain on insertion, include things like spotting between periods, or irregular bleeding. Some women notice an increase in heavy bleeding during a period, or length of days a period lasts. Others may notice fewer periods, or complete stoppage of menstruation. There is also an increase in ovarian cysts, though most of these are benign and risk for developing these may be highest in the first few months.
According the literature produced by Berlex®, the company that markets the device in the US, studies have also shown that over 5% of women may have one or more of the following Mirena® side effects: back pain, weight gain, excess vaginal discharge, change in moods, less interest in sex, breast tenderness, acne, headache, nausea, high blood pressure or abnormal pap smear readings. Less than 5% of women have reported other side effects like vomiting, migraine, growth of facial hair, hair loss, extreme mood changes, and rash.
There are some other potential Mirena® side effects. The device can be expelled from the uterus, and this may occur about 4% of the time, most often occurring in women who have not had children, or when the device is placed too early after childbirth. It can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and those women who are risk for this, or who already have it should not use an IUD of any sort. A woman doesn’t need to be at potential risk for PID for this to occur. Some women may get infections from placement of the device. Another potential complication is that the IUD may perforate the uterus, and may require surgical removal.
There are some women who should not get this form of IUD because of potential increased Mirena® side effects when concurrent with other conditions. Women who are pregnant should not have an IUD placed as it may cause abortion or miscarriage. Those who are over 35 and who smoke may be at risk for stroke due to the hormones present in Mirena®. Others who risk greater complications from this device include those with active sexually transmitted diseases, with recent past history of abnormal pap smears, with AIDs, with deep vein thrombosis or who have higher risks for or a history of breast or ovarian cancer.
