SUMMARY :
- How does the Mirena hormonal IUD work?
- How long can we keep it?
- Side effects: weight, acne, libido, bleeding…
- Hormonal IUD: how effective?
- Mirena IUD: does it always suppress menstruation?
- What are the contraindications?
- How is the insertion (and removal) of the hormonal IUD carried out?
- Can the IUD move?
- How long does this hormonal contraception last?
- What is its price and is it reimbursed?
How does the Mirena hormonal IUD work?
There are two types of IUDs: one with copper without hormones and the other hormonal to progesterone. They are shaped like a T or a ball (for a brand new IUD) and measure approximately 3 cm.
How it works ? “The Mirena® hormonal IUD is an intrauterine device therefore a contraceptive means to which we have added a reserve of progesterone 20 times lower than a pill tablet. This hormone diffuses locally at the level of the endometrium and this improves contraceptive security: the mucus becomes very thick, the spermatozoa cannot progress and this atrophies the endometrium so that the egg cannot implant itself, informs Dr. Yamgnane.
How long can we keep it?
The IUD Mirena® has two smaller cousins, narrower and shorter, intended for women who have never given birth (it is posed for 5 years); Jaydess® poses for a 3 year term and Kyleena® for a 5 year term“, says the gynecologist.
Side effects: weight, acne, libido, bleeding…
The most common side effect are menstrual disorders: small bleeding may occur during the first months; then, the periods decrease, or even disappear in one out of three women. Other side effects are possible (pain, breast swelling, nausea, headache, low libido).
“In about 3% of women, there is more than local absorption at the endometrium. Progesterone passes into the bloodstream which can cause acne breakout, oily hair. These effects occur mainly during the first 6 months after installation and then disappear”, informs Dr. Yamgnane, who specifies that, on the other hand, this IUD does not cause no weight gain.
In 2017, the Medicines Agency published the conclusions of an expert report on intrauterine devices (IUDs) highlighting an increase in reports of adverse effects from May 2017. In its rcontribution of expertise, the Agency points out that Facebook groups and forums have been created by women users of the Mirena intrauterine device to share their experience using Mirena. “The activity of these groups increased at the beginning of 2017”, it is specified, at a time which coincides with the launch of the portal for reporting adverse effects. “This particular chronology (activity of virtual patient communities from early 2017, opening of the reporting portal from March 2017, and media coverage of the action of patient groups from May 2017) must be taken into account. during the analysis of spontaneous notification data”, explained the ANSM.
However, any side effects can be discussed by women during the gynecological consultation.
Read also: is your pill harming your libido?
Hormonal IUD: how effective?
“The Mirena IUD has a excellent contraceptive efficacy“, informs the gynecologist. Its effectiveness is 99.8%, which is comparable to that of the pill (99.7%).
Mirena IUD: does it always suppress menstruation?
The advantage of the Mirena® IUD is that it “provides an absence of menstruation in 80% of women because the endometrium is so atrophic (thin)”, indicates Dr. Yamgnane. Thus, it is a contraceptive indicated for women who do not like to have periods. For this reason, “It is also a contraceptive method that is well suited women who are in peri-menopausewith short cycles and long and heavy periods”, points out the gynecologist.
What are the contraindications?
The contraindications of the Mirena® IUD are identical with copper IUDs : current sexually transmitted diseases, uterine malformations, history of ectopic pregnancy “even if its biochemical action almost prevents an ectopic pregnancy”, specifies Dr. Yamgnane.
How is the insertion (and removal) of the hormonal IUD carried out?
The placement of the Mirena® IUD is done in gynecologist consultation, under a speculum, during menstruation for more comfort. “I prescribe painkillers to be taken two hours before the pose because it can be painful”, says Dr. Amina Yamgnane.
Device removal is done by gently pulling on the wires using pliers.
Can the IUD move?
The IUD cannot move. “It’s an extremely rare complication”, inform the specialist. The IUD is also not felt during intercourse.
How long does this hormonal contraception last?
The Mirena® IUD is effective for a period of 5 years then it must be changed. “The Jaydess IUD can be applied for 3 years and the Kyleena IUD also has a contraceptive efficacy of 5 years”says Dr. Yamgnane.
What is its price and is it reimbursed?
The Mirena® IUD costs 105.77 euros and is reimbursed at 65% by Social Security with a possible mutual share.
Source : interview Amina Yamgnane, obstetrician-gynecologist, Head of Maternity Service at the American Hospital (Neuilly, 92).
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