Mirena spiral – how does an IUD work?

The Mirena spiral is a new generation IUD that releases hormones. It is used not only to prevent pregnancy, but also when a woman is struggling with excessive menstrual bleeding. The Mirena spiral is equipped with a special, small container containing the hormone – levonorgestrel. Such a constructed insert allows for the gradual release of the active substance for up to several dozen months. What are the advantages of the Mirena spiral? What are the side effects of using it?

Manufacturer: Bayer Pharma AG

Form, dose, packaging: intrauterine system; 52 mg (0,02 mg / 24 h); 1 piece.

Availability category: Rp – prescription drug

Active substance: levonorgestrel

The Mirena spiral is an insert that your doctor places in your womb. It is made of plastic to which copper is added. In addition, it very often contains barium salts, thanks to which it is visible on X-rays. The Mirena spiral, paradoxically, does not have a spiral shape – as a modern product, its appearance resembles the letter T. Special threads are attached to this type of contraceptive, which after application are properly trimmed so that they do not protrude excessively. Thanks to their presence, it is possible to control the correct alignment of the Mirena spiral. Gynecologists very often recommend placing the Mirena spiral during menstrual bleeding, which is justified, because then the doctor is sure that the woman is not expecting a child. Moreover, it is also of practical importance as during menstruation the cervical canal is much more open than in other phases of the cycle.

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Mirena spiral – action

The Mirena spiral placed in the uterus is treated as a foreign body, and therefore often leads to the development of inflammation. The ongoing inflammatory process increases the number of leukocytes, i.e. blood cells, whose task is to protect the immune system and participate in the processes of destroying pathogens. Leukocytes present as a result of the application of the Mirena spiral lead to the destruction of the sperm, which makes fertilization of the egg impossible. They also cause changes in the uterine mucosa, making it impossible for the embryo to implant in it. The active substance contained in the Mirena spiral thickens the mucus, which significantly reduces sperm mobility. All these changes make the Mirena coil a contraceptive that is almost 100% effective when it comes to preventing pregnancy.

Check if inserting the contraceptive device can delay your period

Mirena spiral – indications for use

The Mirena spiral is indicated for women who want to prevent pregnancy and when they experience the so-called idiopathic (unknown origin) excessively heavy menstrual bleeding.

Spiral Mirena – dosage

The Mirena spiral contains 52 mg of levonorgestrel, however the dose that is released initially is 0,02 mg per day. About 5 years after application, the release of the active substance is reduced to 0,01 mg. In turn, the average dose of the released hormone over 5 years is 0,014 mg per day.

As for the application of the Mirena spiral, the manufacturer recommends that the endocrine system be placed in the uterine cavity no later than 7 days after the first day of menstruation. The IUD should not be inserted earlier than 6 weeks after the due date. In turn, removal of the Mirena spiral should take place during menstrual bleeding. It is also permissible to replace the old therapeutic system with a new one.

Mirena spiral – contraindications to use

The placement of the Mirena coil is absolutely contraindicated when the woman suspects pregnancy or has previously had an ectopic pregnancy. Hormonal IUD should not be used in women who:

1. have changes in the uterus, e.g. fibroids or birth defects;
2. suffer from vaginal bleeding for unknown reasons;
3. have inflammation of the appendages;
4. have decreased immunity caused by metabolic diseases, e.g. diabetes;
5. a history of heart disease or bacterial myocarditis;
6. struggle with endometrial hyperplasia;
7. suffer from liver disease or liver cancer.

In addition, the IUD is also not recommended for people over 65 years of age.

Mirena spiral – warnings

Mirena spiral should be inserted into the uterine cavity by a qualified physician. However, if bleeding occurs during application of the system, the specialist should perform appropriate medical examinations, including an ultrasound scan, to check for perforation of the uterine wall.

Mirena spiral – interactions

During this type of hormone therapy, interactions with antiepileptic drugs such as carbamazepine, phenytoin or phenobarbital, as well as antiviral drugs such as rifampicin and nevirapine, may occur. The interaction is an over-induction of liver enzymes.

Mirena spiral – side effects

The most common side effects include the appearance of ovarian cysts, spotting or vaginal bleeding, and amenorrhea. Mood disturbances, nausea, back pain, breast pain and tenderness may occur less frequently.