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IUD Insertions – Mirena or Hormonal

At King’s, our Gynaecology physicians have vast experience in IUD Insertions and are highly skilled in performing these procedures.

Overview and what is it

Mirena is a form of hormonal IUD (intrauterine device) that is used to prevent pregnancy for a period of up to 5 years. Mirena releases about 20 mcg of a hormone called levonorgestrel per day to prevent conception.

Liletta, Skyla, and Kyleena are some other hormonal IUDs that release levonorgestrel.

Why is IUD insertion done?

The insertion of IUDs like Mirena is performed to help decrease severe menstrual pain and pain related to the abnormal growth of uterine-lining tissue outside the uterus (endometriosis), as well as avoiding pregnancy by creating a suitable balance of hormones. It is considered a suitable form of contraception for women who do not wish to conceive for at least 3 to 5 years.

What are the risks in IUD insertions?

  • Changes in the menstrual bleeding pattern, such as heavier periods, bleeding between periods, and missed periods
  • Breast tenderness
  • Increased cramps and pain during periods
  • Acne
  • Nausea
  • Enlarged ovaries
  • Inflammation of the vagina

How you prepare

Your physician will assess your overall health and perform a pelvic examination before inserting Mirena. You may also be screened for sexually transmitted infections.

You may take a dose of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications about 1 or 2 hours prior to the procedure to reduce pain and cramping.

Mirena can be inserted:

  • Anytime during your menstrual cycles.
  • If you are not pregnant
  • Immediately after the termination of pregnancy
  • Immediately after delivering a baby

What you can expect?

Mirena is usually inserted in a physician’s clinic.

During the procedure

  1. Your physician will insert a speculum into the vagina and clean the vagina and cervix using an antiseptic solution.
  2. Special instruments may be used to align the uterine cavity and cervical canal and measure the depth of the uterine cavity.
  3. Your physician will fold the horizontal arms of Mirena and place them inside the applicator tube.
  4. The tube will be inserted into the cervical canal, such that Mirena is carefully placed in the uterus.
  5. The applicator tube is removed.
  6. Your physician might trim the strings of Mirena so that they do not protrude into the vagina or cause irritation.

After the procedure

Check whether the strings of Merina are protruding from the cervix once a month.

After about a month of the insertion of Mirena, your doctor may re-examine you to ensure the IUD is in place and check for the signs of infection.

Contact your doctors immediately if you:

  • Have severe abdominal pain
  • Think you are pregnant
  • Have unusually heavy and persistent vaginal bleeding
  • Have unexplained fever
  • Have foul-smelling discharge and sores on the vagina
  • No longer feel the strings of IUD

Results

Hormonal IUDs like Mirena remain in place for up to 5 years. It will help in decreasing severe menstrual pain and pain related to the abnormal growth of uterine-lining tissue outside the uterus (endometriosis), as well as avoiding pregnancy by creating a suitable balance of hormones. The IUD has to be removed after 5 years and be replaced with another IUD if you wish to avoid pregnancy.

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