Mirena IUD and Hormone Levels: Understanding the Connection

Technology for managing birth control has advanced significantly during the last century. Medical professionals have created a number of contraceptive devices. To help with the birth control, they are put into the body. Mirena is among the most often used gadgets. By releasing the progestin hormone, this T-shaped plastic frame is placed inside the uterus to give long-term birth control. After Mirena insertion, the Mirena intrauterine hormonal device can prevent conception for up to five years. It prevents sperm from entering the uterus or fertilising an egg by thickening the mucus in the cervix. Mirena thins the uterine lining, which inhibits ovulation. Hormones and Mirena are directly related. Levonorgestrel, a hormone frequently found in birth control pills, is infused into this hormonal IUD. Only trace levels of levonorgestrel with no oestrogen enter the bloodstream after being released into the uterus.

Minera IUD

A hormonal IUD is marketed under the Mirena brand. An intrauterine device that uses hormones to provide long-term birth control is called a hormonal IUD. Contraception is another name for birth control. The gadget is a plastic frame in the shape of a T. It releases a form of the hormone progestin. Minera prevents pregnancy by:

• Thickening the mucus in the cervix to stop sperm from reaching an egg or making it fertile  
• Thinning the lining of the uterus and partly stopping the release of an egg  

Types of intrauterine devices

There are mainly two kinds of intrauterine devices:

• Copper IUDs: This device is wrapped in copper and prevents pregnancy for up to 12 years. It does not contain hormones.  
• Hormonal IUDs: These are T-shaped devices made of flexible plastic. Mirena is a hormonal IUD.  

Why is Mirena done?

Long-term birth control is provided via Mirena. People who were assigned female at birth and have not gone through menopause can use it. It benefits in the following ways:

• It is always ready to use so that it is not needed to stop in the middle of sex for birth control.  
• It does not need a partner to be involved with birth control.
• It can stay in place for eight years.
• It can be removed at any time.  
• It can be used while breastfeeding.
• It can be used for emergency birth control if put in within five days of having sex without protection.

Procedure  

Mirena can be put in during the menstrual cycle when one is not pregnant. Mirena insertion can be done right after the delivery of a baby. The procedure for Mirena placement is as follows:

During the procedure  

• During the procedure, a surgeon makes a small incision in the vaginal region and inserts a speculum, which keeps the vagina open. Then, they clean the cervix and vagina with a germ-killing antiseptic liquid.
• The cervix may be held motionless and aligned with the uterus using special tools. The size, shape and depth of the uterus are all evaluated by the healthcare provider.
• After that, Mirena’s arms are folded by the surgeon, who then inserts the device into an IUD application tube. For Mirena insertion into the uterus, the tube is used in the cervical canal. Mirena remains in the place when the tube is taken out.  
• To prevent Mirena’s strings from protruding too far into the vagina, they are trimmed to a certain length.
• During the procedure, you may cramp, feel dizzy or faint. The heart rate might be slower than normal while doing the procedure.  

After the procedure

• After the procedure, a surgeon or a respective physician performs another pelvic exam approximately one month after they start taking the Mirena. This is to check for infection and make sure Mirena has not moved. To make sure Mirena’s strings are still present, certain medical providers may ask to inspect the vagina once a month.  
• Mirena has an eight-year maximum stay in the body. It can be removed carefully by pulling on the device’s threads with a gloved hand or forceps. As the device exits the uterus, its arms will fold upward. During removal, some bleeding and cramping are typical. In certain cases, removal may be more difficult. 

Benefits of using Mirena

Mirena insertion offers many benefits, providing better control of pregnancy with minimal risks. Mirena insertion uses are as follows:  

• Mirena is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can last for up to five years.
• Your need to interrupt sex to wear contraception is eliminated.
• You can be stress-free as it remains in its place for up to five years.
• You can get it removed at any point in time by a medical practitioner
• Mirena insertion can even be done while breastfeeding the baby. It is best to use after 2–3 weeks of delivery, as it may cause injury if used earlier than that.  
• Mirena in the uterus offers lesser side effects of birth control pills, especially those containing oestrogen.
• It lessens the pain related to menstruation.
• It reduces the risk of pelvic infections.
• Mirena in the uterus avoids the risk of cancer of the lining of the uterus, which is called endometrial.  
• Severe menstrual pain and the pain arising due to irregular growth of uterine lining tissue are relieved by Mirena.
• It does not allow abnormal growth of the lining of the uterus.  
• It reduces the chance of being anaemic.
• It does not lead to the development of fibroids in the uterus.

Risks involved with Mirena IUD

Mirena side effects are lesser compared to other contraceptive methods. However, some of the Mirena side effects are as follows:  

• It causes headaches and acne.
• Mirena in the uterus causes tenderness in the breast.
• Mirena treatment for the uterus leads to irregularity in bleeding, which might improve after 6 months of frequent usage.
• Mirena in the uterus causes mood swings.
• Mirena treatment for the uterus leads to cramps and pain in the pelvic areas.

Conclusion

Mirena is a highly effective method of birth control that doesn’t require surgery. It is a cost-effective tool that aids in family planning. By thickening the mucus in the cervix, it stops sperm from entering the uterus or fertilizing an egg. Ovulation is prevented by Mirena’s thinning of the uterine lining. Menorrhagia can also be effectively treated with this alternative method. Mirena treatment for uterus has fewer negative effects than other contraceptive pills because it doesn’t include oestrogen. Mirena insertion benefits outweigh the risks, such as easing menstrual cramps, preventing cervical cancers and many more. However, it might also result in side effects and other risks. Hence, use it accordingly.