Do you get your period with the Mirena IUD? • All about periods, before and after, delay, cycle disorders, pain, discharge, menopause, advice for women and girls

What is the drug
Effect on the body
Indications for use
Mode of application
Introduction of the spiral
Removing the Mirena coil
Undesirable effects
When not to use the drug

The Mirena intrauterine device is a highly effective contraceptive, which also has a therapeutic effect. The manufacturer of this drug is the Finnish company Bayer, whose representative office is located in Germany. According to the anatomical and therapeutic classification, the product belongs to plastic intrauterine devices with progestogens. The active substance released from the spiral is levonorgestrel. During the day, 20 mcg of this hormone is gradually released.

How does the nature of menstruation change after the installation of a non-hormonal IUD?

After the insertion of an intrauterine device, the body takes time to adapt to the contraceptive. We'll look at which ones below.

First menstruation

In most patients, the nature of bleeding changes - it becomes intense and prolonged. This occurs because the IUD irritates the endometrium. Menstruation becomes so heavy that a woman has to use more than 1 pad for 3-4 hours. A nagging pain in the lower abdomen and weakness appear. Sometimes you have to use antispasmodics to relieve discomfort.

In 3 months

During the first month after installation of the IUD, the woman’s body adapts to the foreign body. Menstruation remains abundant and long. There is a nagging pain in the lower abdomen. According to reviews, on average, the duration of menstrual flow increases by 1-2 days. Don't worry: this is a normal reaction of the reproductive system to the introduction of a foreign object into the uterine cavity.

After installing an intrauterine device, spotting and spotting between periods cannot be ruled out. This is also a symptom of the reproductive system adapting to a contraceptive. If they last more than three months and do not disappear, you must definitely visit a gynecologist.

In 6 months

During this period, menstruation returns to its physiological norm. Menstruation may be more abundant, but does not exceed the acceptable limit. In some cases, the pain is stronger than before the contraception was introduced into the uterine cavity.

If the bleeding is very heavy and prolonged, you should consult a gynecologist. The IUD may need to be removed because its side effects outweigh its contraceptive effectiveness. If the IUD is not removed in time, anemia develops.

What to do in case of cycle disorders due to a non-hormonal IUD?

For moderate cycle disorders:

If spotting between menstruation or light bleeding occurs during the first 6 months after installation of a non-hormonal IUD, treatment is not carried out. This is a completely normal phenomenon and does not pose a danger to a woman.
If you complain of nagging pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation, anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, etc.) are prescribed in a short course (3-5 days).
If there is continuous bleeding, pathology of the pelvic organs should be excluded. An examination by a gynecologist, colposcopy, and ultrasound are indicated. When a disease is detected, its treatment is indicated. The question of removing the coil is decided individually and depends on the diagnosis.
If there is a significant disruption to normal life due to bleeding, removal of the IUD is indicated.

If there is heavy or prolonged bleeding:

During the first six months after insertion of the IUD, prolonged or intense bleeding may occur, which does not pose a danger to the woman. No treatment required.
If the woman’s general condition worsens, anemia develops, or bleeding increases, removal of the IUD is indicated.

Gynecologists point out that the use of copper-containing coils quite often leads to menstrual irregularities in the form of spotting or bleeding. Such symptoms occur in the first 6 months and often become the reason for removing the IUD. Various medications can be used to combat cycle disorders, but their effectiveness is questionable.

Description of the spiral

The hormonal intrauterine device is one of the most effective contraceptives. It is made of plastic and has the shape of the letter “T”. On the spiral, the size of which varies from three to five centimeters, there is a small compartment containing the necessary hormone. The essence of this device is that the drug is introduced into the body gradually, in equal doses. What is its effect?

The hormone affects the uterus in such a way that its ability to close is lost. This occurs due to inhibition of the growth of the uterine epithelium, weakening of the function of the glands and self-compaction of cervical mucus. As a result, the fertilized egg cannot reach the uterine cavity, which means pregnancy does not occur.

As you can see, many types of hormonal IUDs are abortifacients, since their task is not to prevent the egg from being fertilized, but to limit its access to the uterus. That is, pregnancy occurs, but the development of the fertilized egg stops.

What are the positive and negative aspects of installing a hormonal IUD? Let's find out.

How does the nature of menstruation change after installing Mirena?

Unlike the non-hormonal intrauterine device, Mirena affects menstruation in a different way:

Menstruation becomes moderate or scanty, and its volume noticeably decreases.
The duration of monthly discharge is shortened by 1-2 days.
Painful sensations in the lower abdomen disappear.

Some patients experience reversible amenorrhea, in which menstruation does not come at all. This is considered normal with Mirena and does not require treatment. If the IUD is removed from the uterus, periods will eventually return. The use of Mirena contributes to the regularity of the cycle and the comfort of menstruation.

Other symptoms after installation of a hormonal IUD:

Spotting in the middle of the cycle occurs in the first 6 months after the introduction of Mirena and is considered normal. No treatment required.
If bleeding intensifies or does not stop after six months, you should be examined by a gynecologist. If a pathology is identified, its treatment is indicated.
If there is severe discomfort due to spotting or bleeding, the Mirena intrauterine system is removed.

To prevent anemia, iron supplements are prescribed and nutrition is adjusted.

Benefits of use

Unlike hormonal contraceptives or simple spirals, Mirena has many advantages:

The prolapse of the IUD is extremely rare , because the hormone relaxes the uterus, and it does not push out the foreign body.
Stopping menstrual bleeding.
The use of Mirena prevents the development of inflammatory diseases .
The contraceptive effect is almost 100%. After five years of use, only seven women out of a thousand become pregnant.
Has a local therapeutic effect: prevents the growth and development of endometrioid cysts and fibroids.
Pregnancy after removal of the IUD occurs within the first year.
It is used by women of different ages: nulliparous, during lactation and during menopause.

Dangerous symptoms: when you urgently need to see a doctor

Sometimes a woman notices certain signs that may threaten her health. These include:

There is no intrauterine device thread in the vagina.
A spiral is detected in the genital tract, which indicates its loss.
There was profuse bleeding.
Intermenstrual discharge occurred six months or more after the insertion of the IUD.
Menstruation disappeared and did not appear for more than 90 days.
The appearance of severe or cramping pain in the lower abdomen. Such a symptom may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, ingrowth of the contraceptive into the uterine wall, or perforation of the uterus.
There was a high temperature, fever with pain in the lower abdomen and vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. Such manifestations may be a sign of an inflammatory process.

Complications: why the IUD is dangerous for a woman

Complications from using Mirena occur rarely and are most often due to non-compliance with the doctor’s recommendations or when a low-quality hormonal IUD is placed.

Spiral falling out

The most common complication, usually occurring in the first months of using the system. Accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, which is not relieved by taking analgesics and antispasmodics. If such symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.

To clarify the location of the spiral, an ultrasound of the pelvic organs is prescribed. Next, the issue of the need to preserve the system is decided (sometimes the spiral does not fit in size, is installed incorrectly, etc.). It is possible to remove the IUD and then prescribe another contraception. The same spiral is not used twice.

Sometimes the IUD falls out without obvious symptoms, and this can lead to an unwanted pregnancy. If the conception of a child occurs against the background of an IUD, then cases of ectopic pregnancy and early miscarriages are often recorded.

Perforation of the uterus

According to doctors, the rarest and most severe complication is perforation of the uterus with a spiral. This usually happens due to incorrect, rough placement of the contraceptive by the doctor. In the first hours (with complete perforation), the woman experiences weakness, blood pressure drops, pulse and breathing quicken, and cold sticky sweat appears on the body. These symptoms indicate intra-abdominal bleeding and require urgent medical attention!

In case of incomplete perforation, all symptoms may develop over several days and also require immediate contact with a gynecologist!

Menstruation after IUD removal

To protect yourself from unwanted effects, removal of the IUD from the uterine cavity should be done exclusively by an experienced gynecologist. Most patients visit the doctor with a complaint about the absence of menstruation after removing a contraceptive. However, practice shows that the disappearance of menstruation depends on the period of use of the contraceptive product, as well as on the degree of thinning of the endometrium. Experts say that if the IUD has been in the uterine cavity for a long time, it will take more time to restore its inner lining.

Spiral falling out

Although Mirena is installed for at least five years, sometimes there are cases of it being dropped without permission. How can this be determined?

For example, during menstruation, you should carefully examine pads and tampons in order to notice a fallen device. In addition, any change in the position of the spiral will be indicated by poor health or pain experienced by the woman.

Why can a helix self-remove? This happens quite rarely, often during the first stages of installation of the intrauterine system and most often in nulliparous women. The reasons for this phenomenon have not been scientifically determined or substantiated.

It has been precisely proven that neither vomiting, nor diarrhea, nor playing sports, nor drinking alcohol affect the partial or complete slipping of the Mirena from the uterine cavity.

Yes, the hormonal IUD is an effective remedy against pregnancy. But what to do if fertilization does occur?

What does the absence of menstruation while using an IUD indicate?

When a woman does not have her period, a natural question arises: why did they disappear? Many people worry that unplanned fertilization has occurred. There's really no need to worry. The reason for the absence of menstruation for up to 3 months is considered to be hormonal changes and ovarian dysfunction. Such features occur if other factors are excluded: pelvic inflammation, sexually transmitted infections or conception of a child.

If a woman is worried about the disappearance of her periods, the first step is to rule out pregnancy. To do this, it is worth purchasing a rapid test to determine the “interesting position”. If the test gives a positive reaction, you should immediately consult a gynecologist. If several repeated studies show a negative result, we can conclude that fertilization has not occurred.

Experts say that when using a hormonal intrauterine device, menstruation may normally be absent for up to 3 months. If this period is exceeded, it is recommended to visit a female doctor to rule out diseases of the genital organs. The doctor will prescribe appropriate tests and studies that will help determine the cause of the disappearance of menstruation.

After installation of an intrauterine device, many women notice a change in the nature of menstruation. Sometimes the changes do not go beyond the norm, but in some cases they can be manifestations of a serious pathology. To prevent health problems, you need to carefully monitor your menstrual cycle, and if various abnormalities appear, immediately seek help from a gynecologist.

The uterine device can, if not solve, then slow down many female diseases, and also protects against unwanted pregnancies. The most favorable time for installing an IUD is 3-7 days of the menstrual cycle , when a woman still has slight spotting. This is due to the following: the cervical canal is “slightly open” for the unhindered release of menstrual flow, so it is easier to insert an IUD; Pregnancy is definitely ruled out.

You should not install an IUD during heavy discharge , as it may not be fixed and may even come out on its own. Direct insertion of the spiral is a painless procedure and takes 3-5 minutes.

Theoretically, an IUD can be inserted on any day of the cycle. There is even a method of emergency contraception - inserting an IUD within 24 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse.

The disadvantages of inserting an IUD are not critical: pregnancy cannot be ruled out for sure; the procedure is more painful. During this period, it is recommended to take a blood test for hCG to exclude pregnancy, and immediately before the procedure, take an intramuscular injection of an anesthetic or at least take a tablet orally half an hour before.

Sometimes it is practiced to insert an IUD into women immediately after childbirth. However, the doctor must be sure that there are no membranes inside the uterine cavity or inflammation. Installation of the IUD is also allowed during breastfeeding if the woman has not yet menstruated. In this case, it is also necessary to first take a blood test for hCG.

Dates for the start of menstruation with a spiral . If the IUD is inserted in the last days of menstruation, then the next one, as a rule, arrives on time. However, there are some features:

First menstruation and its features. Immediately after installation, there may be slight spotting or even a re-start of menstruation - they extend to 10-14 days. If it drags on for more than two weeks, you should consult a doctor. The first next menstruation comes as usual in the cycle. They are often more abundant and there may be clots. Many people report pain, even if there was none before.
Second period after installation. They can be ordinary and familiar to a girl. Sometimes they change so much that they force you to remove the IUD - they become extremely abundant, long-lasting and painful.
How are things going in the third month? By this time, the body adapts to the IUD - accepts or rejects it. The cycle is either getting better, or you need to choose other methods of protection.
With Mirena , periods become less abundant, the duration of critical days decreases, the cycle becomes more regular, and menstruation is less painful. But it causes breakthrough bleeding, pain, and the coil can come out on its own or move into the uterine cavity.

After removal, the woman’s menstrual cycle gradually returns to the norms that were before its installation. If you have doubts or suspicions of any disease, it is better to consult a doctor.

Read more in our article about how menstruation occurs with the IUD, how the cycle afterward is established, and also about when to install or remove the product.

Read in this article

Pregnancy and Mirena

It is worth mentioning here that pregnancy occurs extremely rarely when using an intrauterine contraceptive. However, if this happens, it is recommended to do an ultrasound as soon as possible to determine the place where the fetus is attached.

If the fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus, the IUD should be removed. This will prevent the development of a threat to the child's development.

If Mirena is deeply embedded in the placenta, then it is not recommended to remove it so as not to harm the fetus.

The birth of a healthy child is practically not affected by whether the hormonal IUD remains in the uterus or not. In such incidents, a pattern is impossible: cases of the birth of both healthy children and those with pathologies were observed. It is still difficult to determine whether abnormalities in fetal development are a consequence of the presence of the contraceptive in the uterus or whether it was influenced by other, more objective factors.

The effect of the IUD on the reproductive system

The intrauterine device is a reliable and popular method of contraception among women who have given birth. Protection against pregnancy is carried out in the following ways:

Aseptic inflammation in the uterine cavity. The IUD is installed under sterile conditions, the likelihood of infection is minimal. However, even in such cases, aseptic (without pathogenic bacteria) inflammation begins in response to a foreign body in the uterine cavity. As a result, a layer of defective cells forms on the inner surface of the uterus, which prevents the implantation of the fertilized egg if fertilization does occur.
Effect on sperm. A foreign body in the uterine cavity is a mechanical obstacle to the further advancement of male germ cells.
The contractility of the uterus increases. The intrauterine device, being in the uterine cavity and irritating its walls, stimulates the activity of the myometrium. This can be expressed in periodic nagging pain in the lower abdomen. In addition, this mechanism prevents the implantation of the fertilized egg into the endometrium.

There are also spirals with metal additives - copper, gold, silver. They have an additional effect and increase the contraceptive effect. In particular, copper-containing IUDs interfere with the activity and motility of sperm, thereby reducing the chances of pregnancy.

In addition, copper ions can influence the peristalsis of the fallopian tubes, which reduces the likelihood of developing an ectopic. Spirals based on silver and gold are more preferable to women who have once suffered from inflammatory processes of the genital organs - endometritis, adnexitis, cervicitis and others.

However, all these are only hypothetical effects of the IUD on a woman’s body. How they prevent pregnancy has not been fully studied. However, even in ancient times, to protect against pregnancy, women placed a spool - a ring of gold - into the uterine cavity immediately after childbirth. Thus, peculiar spirals existed back in Ancient Egypt.

Hormonal IUDs (the most popular and well-known Mirena), in addition to the effect inherent in all IUDs, have a contraceptive effect due to the regular release of gestagens.

And here is more information about dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

Is it possible to place it outside of menstruation?

Theoretically, an IUD can be inserted on any day of the cycle. There is even a method of emergency contraception - inserting an IUD within 24 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse. However, in this case, there is a possibility of infection of the uterine lining if the woman was simultaneously infected with an STI during sex.

The disadvantage of inserting an IUD not on critical days is the following:

pregnancy cannot be ruled out for sure - the fertilized egg may not be visible in the uterine cavity if it has not yet descended, and the test does not always give a reliable result;
the procedure is more painful - the cervix is often in a spasmodic state on ordinary days.

It is also sometimes practiced to insert an IUD into women immediately after childbirth. However, the doctor must be sure that there are no membranes inside the uterine cavity or inflammation. Otherwise, the procedure risks serious complications. Installation of the IUD is also allowed during breastfeeding if the woman has not yet menstruated. In this case, it is also necessary to first take a blood test for hCG.

When can you put Mirena on?

The procedure for inserting the IUD is painless, but may cause some discomfort. Before installing the system, the doctor will conduct all the necessary tests and once again check for the presence or absence of pregnancy. Mirena is inserted into the uterus using a guide that is already on the spiral. Next, the doctor secures the IUD in the uterine cavity with special antennae, which should be in the vagina. The length of the antennae is minimal and does not cause discomfort to the woman, although sometimes they are felt by the partner during sex.

When installing an IUD, a woman should visit a gynecologist in the first 7 days of her cycle (1st day of the cycle – 1st day of the onset of menstrual bleeding). During this period, the cervix is slightly open, which facilitates the installation of the IUD. Also at this time the likelihood of pregnancy is minimized.

After childbirth, the IUD can be installed at least 2 months later. It depends on the individual characteristics of the woman’s body. After the baby is born, the uterus should return to its previous size. This phenomenon is called uterine involution (for some women this process takes 4 months).

If a woman decides to install an IUD after an abortion, the doctor should observe the patient for at least a week to exclude possible infection and complications.

The Mirena spiral is installed for up to 5 years and is not recommended for further use after the expiration date.

Dates for the start of menstruation with a spiral

IUDs, with the exception of hormonal ones, do not affect the onset of the menstrual cycle. And if the IUD is inserted in the last days of menstruation, then the next one, as a rule, arrives on time. However, there are some peculiarities.

First menstruation and its features

Immediately after installation of the IUD, a woman may notice slight spotting or even the re-start of menstruation - thus extending it to 10-14 days. This does not always happen and such features vary from person to person. If the critical days drag on for more than two weeks, you should consult a doctor to prescribe, at a minimum, hemostatic drugs.

The first next menstruation comes as usual in a woman’s cycle - after 21-35 days. They are often more abundant and there may be clots. Many people report pain, even if there was none before.

Second period after installation

Based on the next menstruation, one can already judge how the critical days will pass in the future. They can be ordinary and familiar to a girl. Sometimes periods change so much that they force a woman to have the IUD removed - they become extremely heavy, long-lasting and painful.

How are things going in the third month?

By this time, the body has already fully adapted to the IUD - either accepts it or rejects it. If an IUD brings a lot of inconvenience to a woman, you shouldn’t think that it will go away later—it’s better to use another method of contraception.

All these features are characteristic of classic IUDs. If the system is with hormones (for example, Mirena), the nature and duration of menstruation is completely different, since the body is under the influence of gestagens.

Comments: 6.

Kate
18:49 25.12.2019
Hello, can the spiral move due to sexual intercourse?
Answer
Marie
23:36 21.02.2020
I had the Mirena IUD installed on February 15th, when can I have sex?
Answer
Kate
18:59 22.02.2020
Hello, is it possible to have anal sex after installing the IUD?
Answer
Regina
21:35 16.10.2020
It happened that I had unprotected sex after installing the IUD on the 4th day, now my lower abdomen hurts and there is mucous discharge with blood, like a plug before childbirth.
Answer

Features of Mirena and menstruation after it

This is a hormone-containing spiral, its analogue is Levonov’s. They are used for contraception, but also have a therapeutic effect. More often prescribed to women over 35 years of age for the prevention and treatment of gynecological pathologies.

Contains Levonorgestrel as an active ingredient. It is also included in such tablets as Postinor, Escapelle, Mirolut. The only difference is in the dose of the substance and the method of entry into the body.

Hormonal IUDs have all the properties of conventional IUDs, plus their action is supplemented by the following points:

Levonorgestrel has an antiestrogenic and progestogenic effect, which improves the balance of female sex hormones. Therefore, Mirena is prescribed for endometrial polyps, hyperplasia, and recurrent uterine bleeding.
Levonorgestrel stimulates the thickening of cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to penetrate into the uterine cavity.
The active substance leads to endometrial atrophy, so the fertilized egg, even in the event of conception, has “nowhere” to implant.
The drug does not directly affect ovulation in such a minimal dosage, but has an effect on the secretion of FSH and LH by the pituitary gland.

Considering the action and influence of Mirena and similar IUDs on the body, there are features of the menstrual cycle when using them. Namely:

menstruation becomes less abundant;
the duration of critical days decreases;
the cycle becomes more regular;
menstruation is less painful.

However, Mirena is not a panacea. Some women are not suitable for this method of treatment and contraception; they experience breakthrough bleeding, pain, and the IUD may come out on its own or become dislodged in the uterine cavity.

What is Mirena

This type of contraceptive is securely fixed in the woman’s uterus due to its “T”-shaped design. A thread loop is placed on the lower edge of the product to make it easy to remove the system from the body.

The device contains fifty-two milligrams of a white hormone (levonorgestrel), which slowly penetrates the body through a special membrane.

The contraceptive begins to act immediately after installation. Released directly into the uterine cavity, the gestagen acts predominantly locally. In this case, a fairly high concentration of levonorgestrel is achieved directly in the endometrium.

Like other hormonal IUDs, Mirena suppresses the activity of the uterine epithelium and reduces sperm mobility. Over the course of several months, transformation occurs in the endometrium, which leads to infrequent bleeding and ultimately to a shortening of the menstrual cycle or its complete cancellation.

Are there any contraindications to the use of this method of contraception? Yes, and we’ll talk about this below.

Removing the IUD

The average period of use of intrauterine contraception is 5 years. This condition should not be neglected and “forget” about the spiral, which often occurs in women who are not sexually active. Such exceeding of the terms of use threatens various complications - from inflammatory to infertility and cancer.

It is also ideal to remove the IUD in the last days of your period. This way the procedure will be less painful and the possibility of pregnancy will be excluded (rare, but still possible with the use of an IUD). Immediately after removal of the IUD, a woman can become pregnant, so protection should be taken from the first day. The extraction procedure itself takes no more than 5 minutes.

What is this product

The hormonal coil consists of a core, which is filled with hormonal-elastomer content. It is located on the T-shaped body. On top of the hormone there is a membrane that promotes the gradual release of the contraceptive in an amount of 20 mcg over 24 hours. After five years of using the IUD, the amount of hormone released decreases to 10 mcg. There is a loop at the end of the T-shaped body to which threads are attached to remove the IUD from the uterus. This structure is placed in a guide tube and has a length of about 30 cm. But do not be alarmed by such large sizes: it is only used to insert a T-shaped body into the uterus.

Restoring the cycle after removing the IUD

After removal, the woman’s menstrual cycle gradually returns to the norms that were before its installation. If you have doubts or suspicions of any disease, it is better to consult a doctor.

Heavy periods

If a woman had decent discharge in the uterine cavity during menstruation against the background of an IUD, similar discharge may persist for another couple of months. But if your critical days are accompanied by pain, discharge with clots and an unpleasant odor, you should consult a doctor. Long-term use of an IUD is a risk factor for endometritis. Moreover, while wearing the spiral, a woman could develop fibroids and other pathologies.

Scanty menstruation

They are more common in women who had light periods before the IUD was installed. In addition, pregnancy should be excluded if the discharge is spotting.

Time after IUD removal

In terms of duration, periods also usually become shorter, since the coil itself provokes long-term spotting after the completion of the main discharge.

And here is more information about how to distinguish uterine bleeding from menstruation.

The intrauterine device is a reliable and inexpensive way to prevent pregnancy. But a foreign body in the uterine cavity provokes a change in the nature and duration of menstruation. For some, IUDs are not suitable at all - menstruation becomes so heavy and painful. The doctor’s task is to choose the most suitable IUD option for a woman; the variety of coils produced allows this to be done.

How to avoid ending up in a mental hospital, or attention - “MIRENA”!

I gave birth to a child at 30 years old. By Russian standards, it’s probably a little late, but here it’s considered the norm (I’ve been living in California for more than 10 years).

But this is not at all about when is the best time to give birth. I just wanted to say that all these years, until my daughter was born, I did not know what an IUD or hormonal pills were. My husband and I used condoms exclusively for all 14 years of our marriage and felt more or less tolerable. I didn’t want to swallow pills, and the IUD was not recommended for nulliparous women. Now, after the birth of the child, at one of my first appointments with the doctor, I asked about methods of contraception. The doctor told me about the pills, and about women’s rings that had to be changed every month, and something else... All this seemed too complicated to me, especially considering the fact that I have a bad memory. And I asked if there was something more permanent and reliable so that my head wouldn’t hurt about it. The problem was that I didn’t bother to find out what “spiral” would be in English :), and I kept waiting for the doctor to offer it to me, and I would understand from the description. So, in general, it happened, and we agreed on a spiral. I must say that I gave birth in a good hospital, and gave birth in wonderful conditions. But at the same time, I knew that I would soon buy another insurance and leave that hospital, because... ordinary doctors there leave much to be desired. Yes, they can operate and resuscitate simply wonderfully, and giving birth with them is wonderful. But the usual therapists there are terrible, the diagnosticians are simply no good, you won’t get to a specialist until the therapist makes a diagnosis, and the queues for specialists are two months in advance... In short, I knew that the doctors there were not very good, but I hoped that it was just a spiral They will help me choose and install it somehow without any problems.

So, my doctor and I agreed on the Mirena IUD. “Mirena” is “Mirena” - this name didn’t mean anything to me. A modern hormonal IUD, reliable... I read the booklet that they gave me, everything seems to be fine. And they put me on Mirena. This happened literally two months after giving birth. My periods never returned. I could only roughly understand that something was happening. Nothing hurt, there was no blood AT ALL(!). So, light discharge, like on the very last day of a regular period. I went to the doctor (still in the same hospital), they told me that this was normal for Mirena, and I calmed down. Sex became much more intense as soon as my husband and I stopped thinking about rubber bands, and I was very satisfied. Of course: pregnancy does not occur, there are no periods, nothing hurts... Beauty! But PMS (premenstrual syndrome) ... I suddenly began to notice that 10 days before the so-called period I become terribly irritable, which has never happened in my life. Well, I think everything changed after giving birth, hormonal changes in the body and all that. In addition, PMS is a normal phenomenon for many women. And again I calmed down internally.

But irritability grew literally month by month. I started screaming at my husband, at my mother-in-law, even at my infant child. In the first half of the monthly cycle, I felt more or less tolerable, but closer to my period I became uncontrollable. My child turned out to be completely sleepless, slept very little and was very restless, so I always felt sleep-deprived, tired and angry. The child turned one year old, and I almost didn’t get any joy from motherhood. Anything and everything irritated me. I felt terribly tired and exhausted, even if I slept well. I was dead tired at work, even though I only worked a few hours a day. I often cried over any trifle, and my screams annoyed both my husband and my mother-in-law. Moreover, it had already reached such an extent that I no longer wanted anything in life - no rest, no entertainment, no shopping for fashionable clothes, no holidays... nothing... Depression sucked me in headlong. It was no longer just PMS, I felt tired and irritable all the time. I hardly did any household chores. Sometimes I just cooked food, washed dishes and washed and ironed clothes. I didn’t care that there was dust everywhere, that the floor in the kitchen had not been washed for a long time, that toys were lying all over the house. I didn’t want cleanliness or comfort in the house, and even if I found the strength to clean, I wasn’t happy with the cleanliness of the rooms. I did not care. Of course, I loved the child, but his reluctance to sleep in the evenings drove me to despair. As a result, my daughter and I both began to be afraid of going to bed in the evening, and when she saw the crib, she began to become hysterical. Meanwhile, time passed, my daughter grew up, my grandmothers actively helped, my husband and I worked. I have long ago exchanged my old health insurance for a completely different, more expensive one. And then chance helped. As they say: there would be no happiness, but misfortune would help.

Last summer, as usual, in July I had a lot of work. I am a pianist, and that month I had to sit at the piano for 6-7 hours a day. I worked harder than ever, my fatigue increased, I was constantly nervous, especially if I was late for the start of work due to traffic jams. I had real hysterics right behind the wheel when I saw how late I was. After a couple of weeks of such hard work, something happened to my right hand. When playing the piano, I felt pain in my wrist, not very strong, but quite noticeable. Having finished that work two weeks later, I thought that the hand would go away on its own, because now I would work much less. But the hand did not pass. Months passed, winter came, and my hand began to hurt almost constantly with any load, and my wrist was always slightly swollen. This could lead to you losing your job! I had to look for doctors.

After a long search for a doctor and experiments with the hand in the form of massage, cold and hot compresses, tablets, etc. I finally found a wonderful doctor who completely cured my arm with one injection! It was already spring, I was almost desperate, and suddenly it was so simple - one injection and that’s it! The doctor seemed almost like a magician to me. And I decided to consult with him about PMS, lack of menstruation, etc. He said that all this was abnormal and recommended me to a good gynecologist. I immediately called the clinic to make an appointment. By that time, my daughter was already two years old, she still had difficulty going to bed in the evenings, but she slept all night until late-late morning without waking up. I began to get enough sleep, but the fatigue still did not go away. I couldn't understand anything. Why did having a child suddenly change my character so much? Of course, I was not an angel before giving birth, but I was never such a hysterical person. I was horrified that I gave birth to a child, and not because I regretted it, but only because I felt sorry for the child - why did he get such a disgusting mother? My mother-in-law reassured me as best she could, saying that I was a good mother, I just needed to rest. She constantly advised my husband and I to take a vacation and go somewhere together. But I didn’t want to leave my daughter. And they wouldn’t let my husband and I leave work so easily. The hysterics continued, my husband avoided communicating with me, but, to tell the truth, I didn’t really want to communicate myself. I don't even mean sex, I just didn't want to see anyone. I found myself constantly finding fault with something, and everything around me seemed wrong, and all the people around me were idiots conspiring to poison my existence. Psychiatric...

I saw a gynecologist in April. The aunt turned out to be cool, quite young and very smart. Russian, by the way, so I didn’t have to strain to explain all my problems to her. When I mentioned Mirena, she suddenly started asking how my periods used to go, how I gave birth, whether there was any bleeding, etc. I answered questions without really understanding their meaning. My periods were always scanty, lasting 2-3 days, I gave birth on my own, there was no bleeding... The doctor was terribly surprised. “Why did they put you on Mirena?” she asked. It turned out that Mirena is not a simple spiral. It is indicated, first of all, for those women who have had too heavy periods, or bleeding, or some serious complications after childbirth. The spiral is hormonal and with some medications. And I don’t need one like that at all! That’s why PMS is so strong - the hormones are working. And the absence of blood during menstruation is also absolutely normal. The doctor explained to me for a long time how this all happens. And she also said that the less time left until the end of this spiral (I set it for 5 years), the weaker the PMS will be. And since the main issue for me was the lack of menstruation, and I was convinced that everything was in order, the doctor and I decided to leave everything as it is for now. And after two and a half years, replace the Mirena with a regular spiral. That was the end of it, but the thought that it was the spiral that made my life so unbearable stuck firmly in my head. I just couldn’t quite believe that such a tiny spiral had such a powerful effect. I still thought that I just needed a rest, and in August, when I was freer with work, I could relax a little, maybe even go somewhere for a couple of days, leaving my daughter with my grandmother. But it soon became clear that I would not make it until August. Or I'll get into an accident, because... Driving a car in such a nervous state is simply dangerous, or you will end up in a mental hospital. Or I'll get drunk. Yes, I started drinking. It’s not like drinking bottles of vodka, but a glass or two of wine in the evening—I already needed that. And it was after another hysteria, feeling a direct narcotic need for alcohol, that I realized that this is exactly how people get drunk. Something had to be done, and I decided to remove the spiral! Suddenly the spiral is the source of all my troubles.

I wasn't sure, but there were no other options anyway. The next morning I called the clinic and made an appointment with the doctor. Then everything happened as if by magic. From the very first hours after the IUD was taken out, I began to feel much calmer. All my nervousness and tension, which had not let me go for more than two years, disappeared somewhere. And not gradually, but suddenly all at once. I was afraid to believe my feelings, it seemed to me that this could not happen, it was like a miraculous transformation! Monsters become beautiful! On the very first evening, I was surprised to discover that you can put your baby to bed for 40 minutes and not get nervous or yell! And not just by holding back by willpower. And to truly be a calm and loving mother! It seems that my daughter was also terribly surprised by the change that happened to me, because she behaved quietly and calmly fell asleep. Days passed, I didn’t recognize myself. The age-old fatigue began to slowly go away, I began to wake up fresh and rested in the morning, I stopped yelling and throwing tantrums, I rediscovered the joy of motherhood. What about motherhood, I felt a taste for life! I started smiling! And all the relatives immediately noticed this. And my little daughter suddenly began to reach out to me much more strongly and learned to hug and kiss. And I felt so sorry for those missed and irretrievably lost days when the first years of motherhood were poisoned due to the fault of some stupid doctor! I looked at my house in horror. My God, how I let it go! Dust, dirt, cobwebs on the walls, the floor in the kitchen can no longer be cleaned... After working out another July contract and earning a decent amount, I decided to replace the dirty linoleum in the kitchen with clean tiles. But first, rest!

And my husband and I, leaving our daughter with his mother, went to Las Vegas for three days. Still, 3 years without vacation. And Las Vegas is close, only three and a half hours away by car, you hardly spend time or money on the road. And there, if you don’t rest physically, then at least you can rest mentally. And you don’t have to sit in a casino at all. We hardly played. There is so much to do in Las Vegas!!! And shows, and museums, and the hotels themselves (which in themselves are much more interesting than museums). And this amazing feeling of celebration every minute. Amazing city! We returned very happy.

And now we are doing cosmetic repairs to the house.

We renewed the paint on the walls, where there were stains and children’s picturesque “paintings” with felt-tip pens and pencils (we don’t have wallpaper on the walls, just paint). They laid tiles in the kitchen, bought a new stove and microwave, washed and rearranged the huge collection of Gzhel in the slides in a new way. We also plan to throw out the dirty, half-broken chairs in the kitchen and buy new ones. Or better yet, together with the table. The soul asks for change, cleanliness and comfort! I began to enjoy shopping again; to celebrate, I bought a bunch of toys, DVDs and clothes for my daughter. And I feel so happy! I began to enjoy life again. We decided to get a kitten, and have already chosen one terribly cute one. In a week we will pick him up from the cat hospital with all his vaccinations.

My normal periods are back! And after three years I began to forget what it was. And like an idiot, I was terribly happy when my normal PMS returned to me - when I have an uncontrollable craving for sweets and a slight tug in my lower abdomen. And that's it!!! I haven’t installed a new IUD yet, it’s kind of scary, although the doctor said that an ordinary IUD is not capable of such nasty things. I had to buy condoms again! But at the end of September, during my next period, I will definitely make an appointment with a doctor and get myself a regular IUD.

That's probably all. Perhaps my story will help someone, or maybe not, I fully admit that this was just my individual reaction to Mirena, and for other women everything is going fine. And my case is just an exception that only confirms the rule. I don’t know, I only described my own experiences. And since I’m also a skeptic, I believe more in the bad than in the good, and I don’t have any self-hypnosis at all, it’s unlikely that I simply convinced myself that after the spiral everything would be fine. I feel really good ! I wish the same for all of you!

Catherine,

How it affects the body

An intrauterine device is a T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus as a means of contraception to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

The Mirena IUD contains the hormone levonorgestrel, which is released into the uterus. It blocks the growth and rejection of the endometrium and works only inside the uterine cavity, which reduces the risk of hormonal side effects.

As a result of the reaction to the drug, the secretion of cervical mucus increases, which creates an obstacle to the movement of sperm into the uterine cavity. The spiral helps suppress sperm motility inside the uterus and fallopian tubes. Sometimes a contraceptive blocks ovulation, which creates the maximum contraceptive effect.

Only a doctor can install Mirena after a thorough examination:

It is necessary to take a smear for flora in order to exclude, and in another case, to treat existing inflammations.
Blood test for hCG.
Cytological studies are necessary to exclude precancerous and cancerous formations.
An ultrasound is prescribed to ensure the normal structure of the uterus and ovaries.

Prolonged spotting may be present for six months after installation of the IUD. This is a normal reaction of the reproductive system to the installation of foreign material. If the discharge does not stop after six months, you should voice the problem to your doctor.

Installation of an intrauterine device can sometimes be accompanied by unwanted side effects, the most common of which are:

migraine;
acne;
irregular menstrual flow;
depressive states;
heart pain;
surges in blood pressure.

Introduction of the spiral

The insertion of the IUD should be carried out by a well-trained specialist.

Necessary research before installing the system:

general blood and urine tests;
determining the level of human chorionic gonadotropin to exclude pregnancy;
gynecological examination, two-hand examination;
examination and examination of the mammary glands;
analysis of a smear from the surface of the cervix;
tests for infections transmitted through sexual contact;
ultrasound examination of the uterus and its appendages;
extended colposcopy.

The contraceptive is administered in the absence of inflammation of the genitourinary organs, satisfactory general condition, normal body temperature.

Technique for inserting the Mirena spiral

A vaginal speculum is inserted, and the cervix is treated with an antiseptic using a tampon. A conductor - a thin plastic tube - is placed into the uterine cavity through the cervical canal, and the spiral itself is passed inside it. You should carefully monitor the correct location of the “arms” of the drug in the uterus to prevent spontaneous release - expulsion of the spiral.

Is it painful to install the Mirena system?

The insertion of the IUD may be sensitive, but there is no severe pain. With increased pain sensitivity, local anesthesia of the cervix is not excluded. If the cervical canal is narrowed or there are other obstacles, it is better not to install the contraceptive “forcibly”. In this case, it is better to dilate the cervical canal under local anesthesia. The Mirena coil is thicker than usual because it contains a reservoir of hormonal agents.

After administering the product, the woman rests for half an hour. At this time, she may experience dizziness, weakness, sweating, and decreased blood pressure. If these signs persist after 30 minutes, an ultrasound examination is performed to ensure that the device is correctly positioned in the uterus. If it is not located as needed, it is removed.

During the first days after administration of the product, skin itching, urticaria and other allergic manifestations may appear. In this case, the woman should consult a doctor. Sometimes allergies can be treated with medication. In more severe cases, the coil may need to be removed.

A woman should come for a follow-up examination in a month, then in six months, and then annually.

If the instructions for use are strictly followed, no complications are observed after the introduction of the Mirena system.

After each menstruation, the patient must be taught to check the presence of IUD threads in the vagina so as not to miss the expulsion (“loss”) of the contraceptive. If such a condition is suspected, an ultrasound examination should be performed.

Indications for use

The main indication for the use of an intrauterine device is considered to be the prevention of pregnancy. However, it should be borne in mind that during sexual intercourse it does not protect against STDs, so this type of contraception is not suitable for women who are prone to casual sexual intercourse and chronic infectious pathologies.

Often, an intrauterine device is used for intense menstrual flow for unknown reasons, having previously ruled out possible malignant formations in the organs of the reproductive system. Due to its action, Mirena is prescribed as a prophylaxis against endometrial hyperplasia, fibroids, and during severe menopause.

Disadvantages of Mirena

Like any medication, the hormonal IUD has its side effects. These include:

swelling;
pain in the lower abdomen;
increased blood pressure;
the appearance of acne;
weight gain;
Bad mood;
irritability;
headache;
leucorrhoea;
hair loss;
painful tension in the mammary glands;
decreased libido;
hives;
eczema.

In addition to side effects, the disadvantages of the hormonal IUD include:

Price. The cost is about 12 thousand rubles.

However, it must be taken into account that by installing this IUD, you can forget about contraception for five years. Consequently, only 200 rubles are spent monthly on protection against unwanted pregnancy.

To install an IUD, you must visit a gynecologist .
Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
The likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy.
May affect menstruation: irregular cycles, prolonged spotting or spotting in the first months after installation; development of amenorrhea - complete absence of menstrual periods.

The nature of menstruation when using an IUD

After installing the Mirena contraceptive, ideally your period should begin at the scheduled time. But it should be taken into account that the body has been subjected to a certain stress, so at first a slight delay is allowed, which should not exceed three weeks. If you don’t have your period after three weeks, you need to go to the hospital immediately. This may be a signal that, despite the installation of the IUD, conception still occurred.

Short delays can last for six months after installation, and they are dangerous for the body.

The first menstruation after installation of the IUD is usually characterized by increased intensity. Why is this happening? Firstly, stress after installation is accompanied by hormonal imbalance, and secondly, the contraceptive changes the composition of cervical mucus and the nature of the endometrium, which directly affects the amount of menstrual fluid. During this period, a woman can use more than one pad every 3 hours and painkillers to eliminate menstrual cramps.

After a few cycles, menstrual flow returns to its normal appearance. Over the course of six months, bleeding may turn into spotting, which is harmless. They indicate that the body is becoming accustomed to a foreign device. There should be no associated pain.

If after several cycles your periods remain as heavy as the first time after installing the contraceptive, you should consult a doctor. A similar phenomenon may indicate side effects of Mirena, which indicates that the body does not accept this contraceptive.

Often women complain about the cessation of menstruation six months after installing a contraceptive. If the delay lasts for more than two weeks, the first step is to do a pregnancy test or a blood test for hCG. The intrauterine device reliably prevents unwanted pregnancy, but all possible options should be taken into account, in addition, there have been cases when the device has fallen out unnoticed. If the reason for the lack of menstruation is not pregnancy, then there is no reason to worry. Mirena hormones block the growth of the endometrium, which is why there is nothing to come out during the expected period. This is not dangerous for a woman’s body. After removing the IUD, menstruation will return within a couple of months.

Pregnancy with an IUD: are there any chances?

The intrauterine device is not a 100% guarantee of preventing unwanted pregnancy. Sometimes cases of attachment of the fertilized egg in the uterus and its further development are recorded. A woman can suspect this condition by nagging, paroxysmal pain in the abdomen that radiates to the sacrum, a change in the menstrual cycle in the form of a delay or the appearance of acyclic discharge. You should immediately consult a doctor and clarify the presence or absence of pregnancy. After the examinations, the doctor establishes a diagnosis (ectopic or uterine pregnancy, term) and makes a joint decision with the patient regarding prolongation or termination of pregnancy.

Contraindications

There are a number of contraindications that do not favor the use of an intrauterine contraceptive:

pregnancy;
inflammatory diseases of the genital organs;
infectious pathologies of the internal genital organs;
precancerous and cancerous formations in the cervix;
malignant tumor in the breast;
do not use a contraceptive immediately after childbirth or abortion;
abnormalities of the reproductive system;
jaundice, liver cirrhosis.

Severe diabetes mellitus, thrombophlebitis, arterial hypertension, stroke, as a rule, may be a contraindication. Only after additional examination can the doctor approve the use of Mirena.

A history of ectopic pregnancy is not considered a contraindication to the use of the IUD, but you should be aware that ectopic pregnancy is a very rare undesirable consequence of installing a contraceptive. This complication is characterized by nausea, vomiting, lack of discharge, severe pain in the abdominal area, weakness, and dizziness.

When should you not install Mirena?

The Mirena hormonal device should not be used if:

There is a possibility of pregnancy.
There are inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs or in the urinary system.
Chronic sexually transmitted infections appear.
Oncological, precancerous conditions of the uterus or mammary glands are noted.
There is a history of thrombosis.
There are serious liver diseases.
There is an allergic reaction to the components of the spiral.

Doctors' opinion

In addition to the contraceptive effect, doctors highlight the positive effect of the intrauterine device on the condition of the endometrium. Often, a contraceptive is prescribed for medicinal purposes during severe menopause, for the prevention of fibroids and endometriosis of the uterus. The spiral stops the growth of myomatous nodes, prevents cancer and endometrial hyperplasia, increases hemoglobin, and has a general strengthening effect. After removing Mirena, if you wish, you can become pregnant in the first year. Thanks to the action of hormones, it increases the level of fertility of a woman.

The Mirena intrauterine device is indeed a very convenient and practical means of contraception, however, given the considerable list of contraindications, special attention should be paid to examinations before installing a contraceptive. If you act according to the recommendations of specialists, there should be no health problems during contraception with the intrauterine system.

Analogues of the Mirena spiral

As an alternative to the hormonal intrauterine device Mirena, the following IUD options can be used for contraceptive purposes:

Juno containing copper and silver components.
Multiload.
Nova-T with copper and silver.
Gravity guard with copper component.

The listed analogs have a predominantly contraceptive effect, but do not have a therapeutic effect and do not affect the nature of the menstrual cycle.

Depending on the type of active ingredient contained, the service life of Mirena spiral analogues ranges from 5 to 7 years . For personal safety reasons, the issue of selecting an IUD should be resolved together with the attending gynecologist.