Mirena: If you’re sick of your period.
The Mirena device prevents pregnancy for up to 7 years, and is approved for the treatment of heavy menstruation. It is designed for women before or after childbirth and safe to use during breastfeeding as well.
Tired of menstruation? Would you like it to weaken significantly or even disappear, all this while you are 99.9% effectively protected against pregnancy?
Meet Mirena – the best-selling intrauterine device in Israel and the United States.
Mirena is a small T-shaped device, made of soft and flexible plastic. It is the first and only hormonal device approved as a medical intervention for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding. The device is suitable for all women – whether they have given birth or not. It is safe to use even for women who are breastfeeding, and does not affect the milk supply.
How does the Mirena device work?
A hormone-based intrauterine device is similar in shape to a copper device, but works differently. The device releases the hormone progesterone, which causes the mucus in the cervix to thicken, making it difficult for sperm to move and reach the egg. The same hormone also causes the lining of the uterus to be thinner than usual, which reduces the chances of rooting a fertilized egg.
Mirena contains 52 mg of a single hormone called levonorgestrel, which is often used in birth control pills. Because Mirena slowly releases a continuous low dose of levonorgestrel into your uterus, only tiny amounts of the hormone enter your bloodstream.
Advantages of the Mirena device
A hormonal intrauterine device is a very effective long-term contraceptive. There is no need to remember to take it if you want to have sex.
One of the great benefits of the Mirena device is its high effectiveness in treating heavy bleeding, and even menstrual cramps. Nearly a quarter of women age 35 and older suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding. The Mirena device has been shown to be effective in treating this problem, and significantly reduces the amount of bleeding and menstrual pain.
Mirena makes menstruation easier and shorter, and in some cases, even causes the bleeding to stop completely. Between 30% and 50% of women who use Mirena get one cycle every few months. This process is completely reversible – as soon as the Mirena device is removed – you return to regular menstruation immediately.
How to install Mirena
The device can be inserted at any time during the month, as long as the woman is not pregnant. The installation process takes 15-20 minutes. After disinfecting the cervix, the doctor will measure the depth and the position of the uterus and insert the device. When the device is in place, the doctor will shorten the pull wires of the device, which remain in the vagina and will be used in the future, to remove the device.
Some women experience mild pain and discomfort, lasting a few seconds, while inserting the device. Painkillers can be taken prior to installation. About six months after the device is installed, an inspection will take place, during which the doctor will check that the device is properly adjusted.
The device can be removed at any time, and once removed the fertility returns immediately.
When should Mirena not be used?
- If you may be pregnant
- If you have a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or had PID in the past
- You have an untreated genital infection
- Suffered from severe pelvic infection in the last 3 months after pregnancy
- You have cancer of the uterus or cervix
- You have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- There is liver disease or a tumor in the liver
- There is breast cancer or any other cancer sensitive to progestin
- There are disorders in the uterine cavity, such as large fibroids
Disadvantages of Myrna
First of all, keep in mind that although an intrauterine device is one of the most effective and convenient ways to prevent pregnancy, it does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections. In addition, each device requires an adjustment period of between 3 and 6 months, accompanied by bleeding and sometimes mild menstrual cramps. However, it improves once the body gets used to the device.
Did you know?
Mirena was approved for use in Israel as early as 1998, and in March 2001 it was added to the health basket.
